Simon Says Die

out the window for several minutes, trying to make sense of everything, to clear his thoughts.
    When Pierce finally returned to the family room for round two, Hamilton was sitting on the couch, but there was no one else in the room. A feeling of dread shot through him. “Where are the police officers who were in here earlier?”
    â€œDrayton is standing guard out front, to ensure no one leaves with any of the evidence—namely Mrs. McKinley’s computer and printer.”
    Pierce shook his head at that nonsense. “And the other officer?”
    â€œI told him to keep an eye on Mrs. McKinley.”
    â€œWhat are you doing? Are you trying to bait her?” He whirled around and headed toward the kitchen. He wouldn’t put it past Hamilton to purposely try to goad Madison, to see what she might reveal if she lost her temper.
    M ADISON GLANCED UP from the automatic coffeemaker when the pocket door between the family room and kitchen opened. A police officer stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
    â€œMa’am,” he said. “The lieutenant wanted me to check on you, see if you needed any help in here.”
    Right. Suddenly Hamilton was concerned about her. She didn’t believe that for a second.
    She pressed the coffeemaker’s ON button. “I think I can handle the incredibly difficult task of making coffee all by myself. Thanks anyway.”
    When he made no move to leave, she leaned back against the counter. “Was there something else?”
    He leaned back against the counter across from her, on the opposite side of the galley-style kitchen. “Just following orders, ma’am. I’m supposed to stay with you, until the lieutenant says otherwise.”
    She straightened and tapped her fingernails on the countertop. “Is that so?”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    â€œHow old are you?”
    â€œPardon?”
    â€œYou seem a bit young to be hard of hearing. I asked . . . How old are you?”
    His brows drew down. “Thirty-two.”
    â€œThen I suggest you stop calling me ma’am. I’m several years younger than you, sir .”
    She turned and yanked open a cabinet to get some coffee cups.
    â€œLet me help you with that, ma’am .” The police officer stepped forward.
    Madison stepped in his way. “What did you just call me?”
    â€œDo we have a problem, here?” He took another step closer, crowding her.
    She poked him in the chest. “The only problem I have is some policeman standing in my kitchen, watching my every move as if I were a criminal. Back. Off.”
    â€œI don’t think you want to do that, ma’am,” the officer said, grabbing her hand.
    â€œLet me go,” she gritted out between clenched teeth, “or I promise you’ll regret it.”
    â€œIs that a threat?” he reached behind his back.
    She tugged her hand out of his grasp, ready to give him hell.
    The pocket door slid open and Pierce stepped inside. His eyes widened, then narrowed when he saw the two of them. “Get your hands off your weapon, officer.” He stepped between the policeman and Madison, using his bigger bulk and height as a shield. “Now.” His voice was low and deadly.
    â€œMrs. McKinley just threatened an officer of the law, sir.”
    â€œOh, now he calls me Mrs. McKinley,” Madison grumbled.
    â€œMadison?”
    â€œYes, Pierce?”
    â€œShut up.”
    Her anger left her in a rush. She couldn’t help but grin. Prim and proper Pierce Buchanan had probably never told anyone to shut up in his entire life.
    Hamilton stepped into the room, his brows climbing as he took in the stand-off between Pierce and the police officer. “What’s going on here?” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder and glared at his officer. “Go stay with Williams.”
    â€œYes, sir.” The officer left the room, looking relieved.
    â€œYou’d better keep a tighter rein on your men,” Pierce warned. Without waiting for Hamilton’s response, he grabbed Madison’s hand. “Come, on. Let’s wait in the family room.”
    She half-ran behind him to keep up. “Wait for what? I’ve already answered Hamilton’s questions. He has the note. He should leave now.”
    Pierce glanced at his watch. “In about another hour, he’s going to make a call, to a judge.”
    She plopped down on one of the couches, starting