License to Thrill

Tenner. "Yes, I have a coat like that, and lots of hats, but so does nearly every woman in this city."
    "And," James noted, "if someone stole Ms. McKray's badge, it would have been quite simple to steal a few articles of her clothing as well."
    Tenner looked unconvinced. "And grow hair, too, I suppose?"
    "They could have worn a wig," James pointed out.
    The detective sighed dramatically. "Ms. McKray, give me one good reason why I shouldn't place you under arrest right now."
    "Because," she said, crossing her arms, "I didn't do it."
    Tenner pursed his lips and nodded. "Okay, let's see if I've got this straight: We need to be on the lookout for someone who looks like you, dresses like you, has knowledge of this letter, and has the same access to the museum." He popped his gum. "Do I look like a fool, Ms. McKray?"
    James bit his tongue to keep from answering for her.
    Kat rolled her eyes. "Do I look like a thief, Mr. Tenner?"
    "I just call it like I see it, ma'am." He nodded to one of the policemen. "Read her her rights."
    Kat looked at James, fear brimming in her blue eyes.
    James gave her a reassuring smile and murmured, "Don't worry, Pussy-Kat, everything will be all right."
    But worry boiled in his stomach. Either Kat McKray was a very good actress, or someone was out to frame her. Regardless, the fetching woman was in a great deal of trouble.

Chapter Four

    JAMES FISTED HIS HANDS at his sides as the younger policeman, Officer Raines, withdrew handcuffs. The man's partner and senior by at least two decades, Officer Campbell, began reciting the Miranda warnings in a practiced tone. Kat's blue eyes widened as she heard the charges of unlawful entry and burglary. She backed up a step, touching her hand to her temple, slowly shaking her head in denial.
    "Detective Tenner," James said, trying to keep his voice calm for her sake, "is it really necessary to subdue the lady?" He smirked. "I'm sure your two able officers can tackle her if she attempts to escape."
    "Just following procedure, Mr. Donovan," the detective assured him. "She's under arrest."
    A din erupted in the room. Guy and Andy stepped back to the perimeter, as if Kat were suddenly a dangerous quantity. The security guards talked quietly among themselves.
    "Wait!" Kat said, holding up her hands.
    Everyone stilled. James had the horrible feeling she was about to admit her wrongdoing. Her mouth trembled. "Detective Tanner, g-give me a minute with Mr. Donovan… please."
    Surprise barbed through James’s chest.
    Tenner squinted at her, then nodded curtly. James moved to her side and she grasped his arm as if he were a lifeline, then pulled him out of earshot of the others. "James, here is a key to my apartment." He felt the metal pressing into his forearm beneath her splayed hand. "Please remove my father's humidor. The police will confiscate it for sure if they find his cigars." She choked on the last word, her eyes brimming with tears.
    Incredulity washed over him. She was about to be hauled off to jail for a serious crime, and she was worried about her father's cigars. He searched the depths of her watery blue eyes and didn't like what he saw: guilt, sadness, desperation. "No confession, Pussy-Kat?" he murmured.
    Her throat constricted, but her gaze never left his. Footsteps approached them from behind. "Promise me you'll get the cigars," she whispered fiercely, a single tear spilling down her pale cheek.
    And without warning, something strange and a bit frightening wrapped itself around his heart and cinched tight. He admired loyalty above all things. He studied the contours of her lovely, troubled face. Although he'd always harbored a soft spot for curvy, smoldering brunettes, he'd never been so compelled to invest himself in a woman's cause, and certainly not after extracting a solitary, reluctant kiss.
    "James?" she murmured.
    He jerked his chin down in acquiescence and captured the key beneath his own hand just as the police officer swinging the cuffs walked up.
    "It's time, Ms. McKray," Detective Tenner said loudly from across the room.
    Kat swung her head around and stared blankly at Tenner and Officer Raines, offering no resistance as the young man clasped her hands behind her. She did, however, blink as the handcuffs clinked into place.
    "Kat," Andy said, as she was led past him, "is there someone I can call?" His words were kind enough, but he sent worried glances toward his glaring boss.
    Her eyes darted in scattered thought, then she nodded and