Silent Praise Page 4

  Judd entered the driver’s side.

  Chase continued the conversation. “Melanie Benson doesn’t have a single blot on her license. She’s a model citizen.”

  “How would you know that?”

  Chase lifted his chin. “I …”

  “You searched her background?”

  Chase hemmed and hawed.

  “Remind me to tease you about that later,” Judd said, before continuing. “Melanie’s license may be clean but it doesn’t mean she didn’t have an affair. You’ve been in this job long enough to know nothing is ever as it seems,” Judd said. “You can’t swear for anyone’s innocence. You need cold, hard facts.”

  When they stopped at a light, Judd pulled a pack of gum out of his shirt pocket. He offered one to Chase before taking one for himself.

  “Thanks.” Chase undid the wrapper and popped the gum in his mouth. “I’m willing to bet on Francis Ashton’s guilt. He’s behind Steven’s disappearance.”

  Judd pressed the accelerator. “On that we agree. Francis is wasting taxpayer’s money and time with this search.” He swung a glance Chase’s way. “You know what I was thinking though. How coincidental that a deaf child disappears and his mother implicates a deaf investment banker.”

  “That’s the only thing that has me …” No. Melanie would not do this. Chase looked out the window. He did not understand how he could be sure of someone he just met. But in his line of work, there was no such thing as coincidence.

  Judd patted his arm. “I can interview Melanie if you’d like.”

  Chase shook his head. “No, I have to. I have to see her face …”

  For once Judd kept his smart comeback to himself. “I understand. I know I’ve been at you to start dating again after Simone but I didn’t think you’d jump right into love.”

  “Let’s not talk about Simone. She was a two-timing…” Chase stopped before he called Simone Norris a derogatory name.

  He and Simone had been college sweethearts. Chase was all set to marry her when he finished the police academy. However, Simone was pregnant with another man’s child by that time. Never mind that man had been one of his best friends. “I admit I felt an instant connection when I met Melanie, but I’m not in love. I don’t know her.”

  Chase did not add that he had spent the entire weekend with Melanie on his mind. He had even prayed asking God for a chance to see her again. Well, God has a way of answering prayers.

  Judd put on the flashing lights and increased his speed. “Okay, love is a strong word but remember when you meet with her, you’re there on police business. Keep it professional.”

  Chase nodded, knowing Judd’s advice was on point. Still, his heart rate increased and his stomach rumbled with nervous anticipation at the prospect of seeing Melanie. Pity it was because she was a potential suspect in a missing child’s case.

  “Are you going to bring your dad in on this case?” Judd asked, just before they parted ways.

  Chase nodded. His father, the legendary Lieutenant Ted Lawson, had retired from the police force after thirty years on the job. Chase sometimes sought his expertise.

  “Give him my regards.” Judd headed into the precinct to pull the sex offender files.

  Chase sent his father a text. UP TO A VISIT LATER?

  Ted was retired but would be a cop until the day he died. He had probably seen this case on the news. Sure enough Chase’s phone vibrated.

  COME ON. CAUGHT SOME FISH THIS MORNING.

  I’LL BE LATE, Chase texted back.

  I’LL BE UP.

  Chase placed his cell phone into his pants pocket. Thinking about Ted, Chase shook his head. Three years ago, on August 12, Chase lost his mother and brother in a car accident. He and Ted’s relationship had been … strained since Ted had been the driver of the car. He had been driving drunk. Losing his wife and child must have been Ted’s rock-bottom moment. He gave his life to God. It took months before Chase believed his father’s transformation. Ted’s conversion was proof God did exist. Things changed after that. Slowly, Chase and his father rebuilt their relationship. The following year, Chase gave his life to God.

  Two years and counting and he never regretted his decision to put his life in God’s hands. Talk about God turning things for His good.

  Ten minutes later, Chase pulled into the mini mall and parked in front of the Wells Fargo bank. He glanced at his watch. It was close to 4:00 p.m.

  Chase entered the bank. A young, blond-haired woman approached. “Can I help you?”

  His tongue refused to cooperate. He was nervous to see her though he had a valid reason. Chase reminded himself he was on duty, not a date. “I’m here to see Melanie Benson.”

  “Melanie took a personal day. I’m Rachel Morrison, her best friend.” The woman held out her hand. She studied him with obvious interest.

  Chase returned the handshake and gave Rachel the once over. In her form-fitting red dress and black pumps, Rachel was stunning. But, his interest speedometer remained idle. “Do you have any idea where Melanie might be?” She could be at home babysitting a 5-year-old. Chase rebuked that thought.

  “Knowing Melanie, she’s probably at the Guys and Dolls dance studio in North Port, off 41,” Rachel said. “It’s right before you get to the Wal-Mart.”

  Chase’s brows furrowed. “Dance studio?”

  “Yes, Melanie went to her father’s doctor’s appointment today. Mr. Benson had a major heart attack six years ago. Dancing is her stress reliever. She almost always heads there after her father’s checkup.” Rachel rattled on. “Melanie auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance. She wowed the judges. She could have gone to Juilliard but then her father …” She stopped as if realizing she was talking to a cop. Rachel twisted her hands. “Is Melanie in some trouble?”

  He shook his head. “I have to ask her some questions about a case.”

  Rachel’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, I thought you were the police officer Melanie met on Friday …” She stopped. “I’m rambling. I need to shut up.”

  Chase puffed his chest. Had Melanie talked about him? If so, that was promising.

  He kept his tone neutral. “Thank you for your time. I’ll head to the studio first.” Within minutes he was on his way to the dance studio. A deaf person who danced. This he had to see.

  The more he learned about her, the more intriguing Melanie became. Chase drove the short distance wondering how he would feel once he saw her. Maybe he had imagined the spark on their first meeting. He parked next to the grey Infiniti. There was only one way to find out.

  Chase entered the studio. To his surprise, no one was there. He crooked his head and listened. There was music playing in the back room. Chase followed the sound until he stood by the door of one of the rooms. He scanned the polished wooden floors and the long iron bar. But Chase was mesmerized by the vision in the corner of the room.

  Melanie wore a white leotard that framed her skin like a second glove. She had on white open-footed tights and a white airy skirt that stopped above her knees. To Chase, she looked like a nymph. Melanie was in the far corner. Her back was turned to him so she had not spotted him. Chase was glad to feast on her.

  Melanie bent over to press the play button on her MacBook Pro. She turned up the speakers attached to her laptop. Chase heard Chris Brown’s and Jordin Sparks’ No Air begin to play. Melanie stood with her arms above her head with her face lifted to the ceiling.

  He wondered if she intended to move. Then Melanie swung into motion. She pointed a leg high into the air. Then she arched her body backwards. Chase saw her eyes were closed. She swooped her arms and contorted her body in different poses.

  Though he was no expert, Chase could understand all she was saying through dance. With her hair pinned up, Chase could see the myriad of emotions outlined across Melanie’s face in painstaking detail. Her quick, fluid movements showed fear, hope, and a yearning for… something.

  Was she searching for me? Chase’s heart tripped at the question.

&n
bsp; Chase kept his eyes pinned on Melanie as she floated across the room. He felt every nuance, and every synchronized action she made elicited a stark response. Chase felt a tear brim his eye.

  Near the end of the song, Melanie leapt into the air, landed on her feet, and spun around. She reminded him of the ballerina on a music box. Chase pulled out his cell phone to snap a picture. Melanie curled her body to the floor into a fetal position.

  Chase clapped. He knew she could not hear, but he could not help his response. It was evident Melanie was meant to dance.

  Chase’s feet took him to where she lay. His shadow fell across the floor and Melanie’s head popped up. Her eyes widened. Her body heaved but she kept her gaze on his, challenging him, weaving her magic, drawing him in. Chase slid closer. When he was in her personal space, he held out his hand.

  Melanie clasped her smaller hand in his. Chase tugged her to her feet. She let out a gasp. Seeing her plush lips formed in a perfect ‘O’ Chase pulled her to him and crushed his lips to hers.

  6

  Melanie’s arm circled Chase’s waist as he deepened the kiss. When she had been dancing, Chase filled her mind. She had thought about him all weekend long. Then when she opened her eyes and saw him standing there with those compelling green eyes, Melanie had not been able to stop staring. She had never felt such a strong attraction to someone she just met. It was scary. But thrilling.

  Chase slid his hand up her spine to caress the curls by her nape. She moaned as heat warmed her body. Instantly Chase broke the kiss. Melanie felt the loss and touched her lips.

  Melanie ducked her head to hide her embarrassment. She had no idea if her moan turned him off. How did she know how she sounded?

  Chase lifted her chin. “I had to stop before I lose control.”

  Melanie’s heart warmed. “I thought I sounded funny and turned you off or something.”

  He shook his head. “No. You sounded … sexy and your voice did things to my insides. I could barely breathe.”

  Melanie bit back a smile. “Oh.”

  “Yes. Oh.” Chase ran his hands through his buzz cut. “For the first time in my life, I am in trouble of keeping on the straight and narrow, so to speak. Since I gave my life to God three years ago, I’ve been … I’ve held up.”

  She batted her lashes. “I’m a Christian, too. I’ve been going to church since I was five years old.”

  “You don’t kiss like a good girl.”

  Melanie saw Chase’s grin and knew he was teasing her. She twirled her foot in perfect figure 8s. “I am a good girl. Good at everything I do.”

  Chase’s eyes darkened as her words sunk in. “Next time you dance, I want to dance with you,” he said. He reached out to cup her face with his hands. His eyes held promise.

  “It’s a date,” she breathed out.

  He gave a slight shake of the head. “I came here to ask you some questions—official business—not to jump on you.”

  She knew her cheeks were a warm pink. Then Chase’s words registered. “Official business?” Suddenly she felt cold. She rubbed her arms.

  “I have a case and your name came up.”

  “I thought you wanted to see me, but you only sought me out because of your job,” Melanie whispered. Could she be any less mortified? Wait a minute. What kind of official business would Chase have with her? She felt a light tap on her arm and bravely met Chase’s gaze.

  “Even if it weren’t for this case, I would have sought you out. I would’ve concocted a plan to see you again.”

  Melanie felt inordinately pleased at his words. She cleared her throat. “What did you need to see me about?”

  Chase slid his glance away. Then he looked her dead in the eyes. “Do you know Dr. Francis Ashton?”

  “Yes, he’s one of my clients. We know each other very well.” She scrunched her nose. Why was he asking her about Francis?

  “Well enough for his wife to accuse him of having an affair. With you.”

  Melanie’s eyes widened. “You think I’m having an affair with Francis?” She pictured the tall, dark-haired surgeon with his hawk-like nose. He was handsome if you like the patriarchal look. But, Francis was so not her type.

  Neither was Chase until a few days ago.

  “His wife thinks that.” Chase straightened. “Francis’ son went missing this morning and there’s a manhunt underway. It’s been all over the news. I need to ask you some questions.”

  She touched her heart. She felt the thumping against her hand. Melanie knew Francis had a deaf son, but what did his disappearance have to do with her? She supposed she would find out.

  “I didn’t catch the news today. Haven’t been home. Let me get out of these clothes and gather my things.” Melanie charged into the dressing room and changed into jeans and a black sweater. Then she fetched her bag, laptop, and speakers.

  Chase and Melanie departed the studio. She activated the alarm before locking up. Chase helped her into her car and commanded her to follow him. Melanie pulled out her cell phone to text her parents.

  She saw several text messages from Rachel and Tricia. They said Chase was looking for her and were worried.

  She sent them a group text: ON MY WAY WITH CHASE NOW. LET’S MEET UP LATER.

  Melanie followed Chase and was surprised when he pulled into the Perkin’s parking lot. They entered the restaurant and chose a booth in the back. Melanie ordered the chicken fried steak with potatoes and Chase ordered the turkey dinner. They both chose lemonades.

  Chase took out his notepad. “Tell me about your relationship with Francis Ashton.”

  Melanie scrunched her nose at his use of the word, ‘relationship.’

  “Francis has banked with Wells Fargo for over twelve years. I’ve been his chief financial adviser for three years. Francis accumulated a lot of cash through his 401Ks. Two years ago, he made an appointment to see me. He said he wanted to invest his money, secure his son’s future. At first he kept it safe. Against my advice, Francis put his money into some crazy ventures. He suffered a heavy financial loss. He can recoup his funds but it will take time.”

  Chase perked up. “What time did you see him Monday morning?”

  Melanie pulled up the calendar on her phone. “It was 8:15, to be exact. We met for an hour. When he left, he was crushed. To lose one hundred thousand dollars overnight is a huge blow for anyone. Francis confided he had taken out a loan without my knowledge. He purchased a condo somewhere here in town and made some more extravagant purchases. He put his business and home up for collateral. If he defaults …”

  Chase’s eyes widened. That was some serious money. And motive. Motive to fake your son’s kidnapping to get your wife’s money.

  “What about Nadine’s interests? Do you oversee hers as well?”

  Melanie shook her head. “Not anymore. Nadine comes from old money. Her parents hold the purse strings but she has done well with her own investments. No matter what happens to Francis, Nadine will be all right. Steven is her sole beneficiary. Francis resented that.”

  Chase rubbed his chin. Nadine mentioned her parents were putting up one hundred grand. But, from the look of things, Francis needed more.

  “Did you ever meet with Francis outside of work?”

  Melanie nodded. “All the time. Francis worked long hours. He would take me to dinner and we would discuss his investments.”

  “Does your boss approve of your late night meetings?” Chase hated the image of Melanie out to dinner with anybody but him. He was surprised at his possessiveness.

  She nodded. “Yes, it’s done. Business dinners are tax deductible and Francis made us serious money.”

  Chase leaned in closer. “If it’s all business, why does his wife think you’re having an affair?”

  Melanie squirmed. “I don’t know.”

  “Can I see you again?”

  Chase’s question caught her off guard. “You want to go out with me? Like on a date? Can you do that?” She tilted her head.

  “I admit
I’ve never dated a person that’s a part of my investigation but I have to see you. I don’t want to sound like a stalker, but now that I’ve met you, I can’t let you go. It’ll be complicated but I’m willing to try if you’ll give me a chance. We can keep our personal lives separate from the case.”

  Their food arrived. Melanie was glad for the reprieve. This conversation was intense. What frightened her was that she was considering Chase’s proposal. Melanie cut into her steak. “This smells heavenly.”

  Chase put another piece of turkey into his mouth. “Hmm, tastes just as good, too.”

  “I need to know something. I know you had to ask but do you think I slept with a married man?”

  He stared. “No, I don’t. But I admit I considered it briefly. The same day Steven, who’s deaf, goes missing, you take a personal day.”

  Melanie felt a chill. She understood Chase’s thought pattern. “I was with my father. He had to get his yearly physical.”

  “I know,” he said. “Your friend, Rachel, told me.” Chase waved his fork. “And, for the record, I don’t think you’re involved in Steven’s disappearance.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “But you think Francis is behind it, don’t you?”

  “I can’t answer that,” Chase said.

  Melanie sipped her lemonade. “I see. Does that fall under,” she formed quotes with her fingers, “official police business?”

  He nodded. Then Chase pushed his plate toward her and jumped into the booth next to her. Their legs touched. Melanie liked the warmth of Chase’s muscled legs against hers. He held her hand and touched her face. Melanie faced him.

  “This is not police business now, by the way,” Chase said.

  “I should hope not,” Melanie replied.

  The two chatted and laughed throughout their meal. The intensity between them grew. Melanie felt as if she had known Chase for years instead of days.

  Melanie fed Chase the last piece of her steak. She watched his mouth slide off her fork. Desire rippled through her being. Melanie sought to distract herself. “So what church do you attend?”

  “I attend New Life Seventh Day Church when I can. Pastor Woodson’s sermons always teach me something new. I hate to miss services, but sometimes duty calls.” Chase looked at his watch. “Speaking of which, I have to meet my partner, Judd. We’re questioning Francis.”