Fatal Evidence

By Kari Lemor

Some secrets weren’t meant to be revealed…

Scott Holland’s mill renovation project can’t succeed without Heather Silva’s backing. But the memory of his one-night stand with the business heiress won’t leave him alone, no matter how much trouble it causes. And, just as predicted, that trouble starts the minute they ink the deal.

Heather’s determination to succeed without the help of her wealthy parents pushes her to work with Scott. This project is about her financial independence, not the smoldering way he makes her feel. With their history, it’s no surprise they clash on every detail, but a grisly discovery changes everything. The mill has secrets, and someone wants Heather and Scott silenced. They must work together to find answers because what you don’t know can get you killed...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Mar 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094453804

Kari Lemor

Kari Lemor has always been a voracious reader. One of those kids who had the book under the covers or under the desk at school. Even now she has been known to stay up until the wee hours finishing a good book. Romance has always been her favorite, stories of people fighting through conflict to reach their happily ever after. Writing wasn't something she enjoyed when young and only in the last few years began putting the stories that ran rampant in her head, down on paper. Now that her kids are all grown and have moved out, she uses her spare time to create character driven stories of love and hope. She spends her time with her husband divided between a small town in New England and beautiful St. Augustine.

Book preview

1

W hat the hell is she doing here? Scott Holland muttered as his gaze took in the stunning blonde sauntering across the Connecticut Auction House like she owned the place. Considering her daddy’s money, maybe she did.

Hey, isn’t that the heiress to that fancy clothes fortune? Pete, another contractor here for the auction, was looking for cheap houses to flip. Not him. Scott had his eye on a nice mill building he could renovate into condos and sell for big money.

Her name’s Heather Silva. Her father owns Silvaggio’s.

Yeah, that’s it. I’ve seen her picture in the paper. She looks damn good in those fancy clothes.

Eyeing her slim skirt and fashionable blouse, Scott agreed, but in his opinion, she looked even better without them. Not that he’d share that information with Pete. It had been one night, but the memory played through his mind of her long, slender limbs tangled with his as he explored all her lush curves and secrets. Why was she here? She sold real estate. She didn’t buy it. Representing a client, maybe.

Pushing back a strand of wheat-colored hair that had escaped from the twisted bun at her nape, she scanned the room, freezing when she saw him. He lifted an eyebrow, then grinned before she could turn away. Nope. Not today, princess. Your snub isn’t going to work this time.

Think I’ll go say hi, he told Pete and pushed away from the wall he’d been holding up.

How do you know her? Pete’s eyes widened. She doesn’t exactly run in your circles.

No, but her best friend is married to my cousin, Jack. We’ve known each other for years.

Years that they’d pretended to be together, so he could keep an eye on Callie and her son, Jonathan, while Jack was on the run. But Victor Cabrini, the mob boss who’d put a hit out on Jack, was now dead. He couldn’t hurt them anymore, and there was no reason for Scott and Heather to pretend any longer. They still saw each other because of Jack and Callie, yet she’d been avoiding him lately. She must have been slumming it the night they’d been together.

But, hey, sex was sex, and he sure wouldn’t complain about having that time with her. As he strolled up behind, her floral perfume caused more memories to stir, and he had to tamp down his desires. Yeah, keep convincing yourself it was only sex. It didn’t affect you in any way.

Princess, this is a little far from the castle, isn’t it?

Her lips twisted at his gibe, but then the two of them had always been a little heavy on the sarcasm. It was part of their pretense for several years.

Scott. Her prim tone wafted toward him, and a hint of a smile found its way to her pretty face. I didn’t expect to see you here.

It’s not like we chat on a regular basis anymore, so no, you wouldn’t.

Are you in the market to buy? Don’t people usually hire Holland Construction to work for them?

Typically, but I know a good deal when I see one. There’s an old mill I want to purchase and renovate.

A mill? Her eyes narrowed. Please, tell me it’s not the one on Prescott Street in Menatuck by the river?

Shit. What was her interest?

She trailed a finger down the list of buildings for auction, and her tight smile disappeared. There’s only one mill building on the block today.

And I plan to get it, Scott said, pissed at the thought she might also be bidding. Heather was tenacious when she wanted something. Of course, she’d grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth.

Crossing her arms over her nicely endowed chest, she raised one eyebrow at him. Can you really afford it?

He focused his eyes on her face to avoid the memories of her body and what he’d done to it. Don’t think you can scare me off. I want that building.

So do I. And I’m guessing I might have more funding than you.

She might be right, but no way in hell would he admit it to her. He’d fight her tooth and nail until the end.

What could you possibly want with an old run-down mill building?

She cocked her head. Maybe the same thing you do. To renovate it into something better. That neighborhood hasn’t been great in the past, but a few blocks over, they totally rejuvenated some of the old buildings. This one has perfect placement.

Isn’t your office in Waterbury?

Yes, and it’s only a half hour from the building. Not a long drive.

You’re a real estate agent, not a contractor. What do you know about renovating buildings?

A tinge of doubt entered Heather’s eyes, and Scott pounced on it. This woman was too freaking confident in most areas.

You have no experience with structures like this and what they need. Take my word, this won’t be the cakewalk you think it is. I’ve been inside, and the work is extensive. Leave this to the people who know what they’re doing. If you’re real nice to me, maybe I’ll list the property with you when I finish with it.

What are your plans? You’ve been redoing mostly college dorms and office buildings lately.

Scott slid his hands into his front pockets, trying to move away from her tantalizing scent. It was playing havoc with his thought process. Which still makes me more qualified than you to take on the renovation. I plan to make it into high-end condos.

That’s great, but not the most feasible plan for the area. Shuffling the file in her hands, she peeked inside, then shut it again. "Be nice to me, and maybe I’ll contract your company to do the renovations into upscale shops and offices."

Conversation halted in the room as several people stepped up on the podium to begin the auction. When Heather moved to sit in a row near the back, he followed, dropping into a chair next to her. Not the smartest thing if he wanted to focus on the proceedings. His common sense always took a hit when she was near.

It’s not exactly the typical location for Silvaggio’s.

Narrowing her eyes, she frowned, then faced front. I don’t plan to put a Silvaggio’s in there, she whispered. That’s my father’s company, not mine.

The buzzing up front grew louder, and Scott paid attention. There were several buildings on the auction block today, and he didn’t want to lose out on his chosen one because he wasn’t paying attention.

Heather pushed her shoulders back and ignored him as the first property was described. He took the opportunity to glance at her peripherally. The updo left her long, slender neck exposed. Imagining his lips skimming along the soft skin was not helping his case. The fact he knew exactly how sweet she tasted and remembered that long hair, loose and tickling his chest, almost made him walk away and let her have the building.

But he wouldn’t give in to some spoiled, pampered princess, no matter how hot the sex had been. Besides, that night with Heather had been three months ago. He’d put himself out there, and she hadn’t wanted what was on offer. He’d called several times, they’d seen each other at Jack and Callie’s wedding, along with a few other occasions, and she’d always brushed him off. Was his blue-collar status that much of a turn off? Not the first time it had happened to him.

Is Daddy giving you the money to buy this?

She glared at him, but remained silent. He couldn’t help but throw that at her. Being the daughter of the man who owned the Silvaggio’s empire, Heather probably had some big cash behind her. Must be nice having easy access to that kind of money.

Even though his business was debt-free, it had been a lot of work to convince the bank to loan him the money for his new project. They were taking a risk on him. He’d never tried something like this before. Every project he’d done in the past had been paid for as he went along by whomever he was renovating for. It would take some work as the building hadn’t been updated in ages, but he was willing to put in the time and effort. Once it was done, he could turn a very tidy profit selling each unit for a hefty fee.

Heather straightened in her chair, and Scott snapped to attention. They were starting bids on the mill building. The auctioneer called out an opening bid, and it climbed higher much faster than Scott had wanted. Several hands flew up and down. Shit. He’d hoped there weren’t too many bidders.

Sitting up straighter, Heather flipped through the papers she had in her lap. More bids were called out, and Scott waited. He didn’t want to tip off that he wanted the property. He’d slip in when they got to final bids.

Damn, this is higher than I thought. She shifted in her seat and glanced at him. Why aren’t you bidding? I thought you wanted this building.

He clenched his teeth. I do. I thought it would go for lower than this, too. You aren’t bidding yet either.

Her mouth turned down at the corners as another bid shot the price up again. Her fingers tapped nervously against the file she held.

What’s the matter? Daddy give you a limit on this? His pockets aren’t deep enough for his little girl’s whims?

"Shut up. My father isn’t giving me any money for this. He doesn’t even know my plans. It’s my project and my financing."

You got some banker on a string then? What do you have to do for him?

The look she threw at him should have left him in ashes. Yeah, he was being a jerk, but he loved to get a reaction out of her. He should play nice.

Heather, I—

Screw you.

His mouth turned into an automatic smirk. You already did. Must have been pretty unsatisfying since it wasn’t repeated.

HEATHER’S HEAD SNAPPED up at Scott’s words. Unsatisfying? Hardly what she would have called their one-night stand. Too satisfying, if she was being honest. So much so that she’d avoided the man if she could. The emotions that had filled her when they’d had sex had been too intense, too needy. She didn’t ever want to need someone that badly. Her independence was the most important thing she had.

She ignored what he’d said and focused on the bidding going on in the front of the room. This project would make her father finally see that she could make it on her own and didn’t need the family money. Okay, most of the money for the building was from the trust fund her maternal grandmother had set up for her, but she would be the one to arrange for renovations and turn the old mill into something amazing.

Shit, Scott swore under his breath, and his face tightened even more. Anxiety was wracking her, too. This was the only building that was situated in that urban renewal neighborhood. It was almost out of her range. Sounded like it was out of Scott’s, too.

The price rose again, and disappointment flooded her. She couldn’t go any higher. Not without some other funding. Where was Scott getting his money? His construction company did well, but she knew he wasn’t pulling in millions. Too bad they couldn’t pool their money.

Pool their money? What the hell. No, that would be crazy. He purposefully egged her on. Taunted her every chance he had. She’d strangle him before they got any of the renovations done. As he shifted, she got a whiff of that manly scent he always exuded. When did the smell of sawdust become an aphrodisiac? Maybe when you let the man go down on you, and he sent you into the stratosphere? She had to stop her mind from going back there.

His shoulders rose and fell, and he clenched his jaw. Was he getting ready to leave? Give up? There had to be a way for them to get this building. She must be crazy to consider working with him.

They had managed to get along the last few years when they’d been helping Callie and Jack. But the excuse for them to be together was married and living in suburbia. Could they work with each other? It would be business, plain and simple.

The price went up, and the auctioneer started toward the final countdown. Damn and double damn. She needed this building and this project. When Scott made to stand, she grabbed his arm and pushed him back down.

What if we went in together? We pool our money and outbid the others?

His eyebrows went up, and he scowled. You and I work together?

We did it for two years. We can do it if we really want this.

I do want this, but a whole building of offices and stores won’t make us as much profit.

If they rented them, in the long run they might. But she needed the stores there. It was part of her plan.

Going once. The voice of the auctioneer rang out like a death knell in her head.

Compromise. You’ll both lose if you don’t. Stores on the ground floor, offices on the second, and condos on the third and fourth. Deal?

Scott paused, and Heather wanted to slug him. Now wasn’t the time to debate. Opening her file, she showed him her bottom line.

"Going twice."

His eyes flicked back and forth between her and the auctioneer.

She shook his arm. We can do this. It’s the only way we both get what we want.

Throwing his left arm over her shoulder, he raised his right and called out a price above what the others had bid. The auctioneer looked at the men who had been bidding, and they both shook their heads.

Sold to Holland Construction. Please see the clerk outside for details.

We did it! Her excitement bubbled over, and she jumped up, dragging him along behind her to exit the room.

Her heart raced as she thought about the project. Once they were in the hallway, Scott turned, and she slipped right into his arms. He’d done this with her.

Leaning into him, she pressed her lips to his. He stiffened for a second, then his hands slid up her back. Pulled close to his chest, she could feel his heart beating. Fast like hers. The kiss deepened, and the memories of touching him this way surfaced and swarmed over her like cicadas. Too intense.

Easing away, she looked up. His eyes devoured her like the night they’d had sex. Shit. Had she just made the biggest mistake of her life?

2

T hank you, she said as she eased from his grasp.

The crooked smile that always made her stomach twist appeared on his face.

For the kiss? No problem. Any time. Day or night.

His voice deepened with the word night. No, she couldn’t go there. Independent. Her goal was to be totally independent. No construction site Romeo could sway her from her mission.

I mean for the bid and agreeing to work with me.

Yeah, about that...It would have been nice if we’d had time to discuss it first.

Did you want me to tell the auctioneer to sit back and wait while we formed a committee, outlined a plan, then got things notarized?

His chest went in and out with a deep breath. The snug cotton of his shirt clung to it, mesmerizing her.

You’re a Silva. He might have done it for you.

Like a splash of cold water, reality returned. Scott had a stick up his ass about rich people and hated that she came from a wealthy family. He never missed an opportunity to remind her.

A few more people exited the auction room, and they stepped aside to let them pass.

They might do it for my dad, but not for me.

His expression showed his doubt. He reached into his suit coat pocket and extracted an envelope with a local bank name on it.

How did you want to go about paying for this? I’ve got a letter from the bank with the amount I’m pre-approved for. But it’s less than what we bid.

I planned to pay cash.

His eyes rolled up. Of course, you did.

God, he drove her crazy. Suck it up, sweetheart. You just made a deal with the devil. Too bad she remembered the heaven it was to be in his arms.

It’s trust fund money I got when I turned twenty-five from my mom’s mother. It’s been sitting in a bank for two years earning interest. She had faith that I could use it to help my career. That’s what I plan to do. With this building renovation.

What were your thoughts regarding money when you had this collaboration idea?

She wanted the building and hadn’t thought beyond that. Okay, perhaps she’d thought about his lips, how they’d felt skimming along her stomach and lower. Lower. God, she needed to stop with the memory lane trip. Business. They were here for business.

It was a split-second decision. I didn’t have time to calculate percentages and margins.

He raised one eyebrow. Then, may I make a suggestion?

By all means. It had better not be a sexual one. She might throw away her pride and goals and jump him right here.

I suggest we use my loan plus your extra to pay for the building. Then, we can use the rest of yours for supplies. They won’t be cheap. It’ll be easier and quicker to pay cash for them than to go through the bank for the funding.

It sounded reasonable. Or was this something that might benefit him more? Nothing jumped out at her, so she nodded her agreement.

They moved to the payment desk and sifted through the pages of documents they needed to finalize the purchase. After the last ‘I’ was dotted and ‘T’ was crossed, and both their signatures graced the papers, she let out a sigh. The building was hers. Well, hers and Scott’s. Not exactly what she’d planned, but he was an easygoing guy, when he wasn’t ragging on her for being rich. They could do this. She hoped.

Throwing his arm around her shoulder, he whispered, I think this calls for a celebration drink. My treat.

WHAT THE HELL WAS HE thinking suggesting a drink with Xena, Warrior Princess? It was bad enough she’d talked him into a partnership of sorts. She’d want to take over and run the whole show. They probably should bang out a few details regarding their deal. He’d have to call his Army buddy, Drew, to draw up a legal document. Andrew Thayer worked for the Connecticut State Attorney’s office, but he helped out his friends with legal stuff when it was needed.

Heather glanced at her gold, diamond-studded watch. It’s only three o’clock and you want a drink?

It’s five o’clock somewhere, and we should talk about this partnership before we go any further with the project.

I guess. There’s a little bistro a few blocks from here that I go to often. We can take my car.

Here she was, taking charge again. He’d need to watch that if he didn’t want to get screwed by her. Well, financially. He sure hadn’t minded the other screwing. It had been the highlight of the year. Although, technically, it had been the previous year. December. Sadly, it had been the best part of last year, too.

How about I follow you? Can’t totally give in.

Fine, she huffed and turned on her fancy heels. Her hips swayed as she walked away, the slim skirt hugging her form. Hurrying to catch up, he settled in his truck as she revved the engine of her black sports car. The one her daddy had bought her.

At the restaurant, she’d already spoken to the hostess and gotten them a large private booth. Her well-manicured fingers waved at him as he walked in. He slipped in and slid all the way around, so he was sitting next to her.

Are we expecting anyone else?

She shook her head, sending a few wisps of hair floating around her neck as she scooted a couple inches away.

Then, why do we have a table that seats eight?

She stared at him with an expression that said, Don’t question me. He’d seen that look before on pampered women. It’s a slow time. No one’s using it, and I wanted some space to spread out.

She reached into her briefcase, pulled out a slim laptop, and turned it on. You’re absolutely right that we need to set some ground rules for this project. We should get them written down.

Ground rules sounds like we’re playing a game. This isn’t a game for me, princess. If you think it is, I should find the money to pay off your portion of the building.

Her eyes glared daggers at him. Oh, no, you don’t. I want this project as much as you do. Maybe even more.

She started typing, and he shifted closer to see what was on the screen.

What? You don’t trust me?

I just want to check your spelling.

You’re going to check my spelling? Her eyes held disbelief.

I do have a college degree.

Her perfectly arched eyebrow rose. In surprise? Snob.

I do, too, and my spelling is fine. Besides, I have spell-check.

When the waiter appeared, he ordered an appetizer and iced tea for both of them. Another surprised look floated his way.

What? I didn’t say it had to be an alcoholic drink. I need to keep my wits when I’m around you. This was true, but for a different reason than not trusting her. He didn’t trust himself. A soft floral scent wafted off her hair as he bent closer, sending desire through him and straight to his groin.

We need to make sure it’s a fifty-fifty split for both money spent and profit. Her fingers flew over the keys.

Agreed. My buddy, Drew, is a lawyer. I’ll get him to draw up a document for us.

The one I met at Jack and Callie’s wedding? I’d prefer to have my lawyer do it.

You don’t trust my friends? I’ll have you know Drew works for the State Attorney’s office.

She glanced up from what she was typing, then lowered her eyes again. Then, he’s probably too busy to help us. I pay my lawyer good money to focus on my needs exclusively.

What needs would those be?

Get your mind out of the gutter, Holland. Are there any suggestions you have to add to this agreement?

Well, if you go by how much we both currently put into it, I guess you could say I own a larger portion of the building.

Her face hardened, and he ran his hand down the soft skin of her arm to calm her.

How about we put your funds into a joint account that we both have access to?

You want me to give you access to all my money? Right. Not happening.

Let me tell you how construction works. When I need supplies, I either have to fill out copious amounts of paperwork, then wait for the bank to approve the request, or I pay for it myself and get reimbursed whenever they get around to looking through the forms.

That won’t happen if we use my money to pay for the supplies.

Why had he agreed to this partnership? Stupid mistake. Rich people didn’t know how to compromise. Sure, but I don’t want to wait around until after you’ve gotten your hair and nails done. Delays cost time and money. I have to pay the subcontractors whether they have the needed materials or not.

Oh, yeah. She had a retort on her lips all ready to zip by him. Taking a deep breath, she started typing again.

Fine, but we use my bank for the account, and you have to run every purchase by me.

His jaw hardened. Before I make them?

Simply send me a list of what you’re buying as soon as you know you need it. Is that more palatable?

Sure. Once I get in and take a good look around, I’ll know most of what I need. But sometimes things crop up that you aren’t expecting.

The waiter appeared with their appetizer, but Heather kept her eyes on the computer screen. She tapped a few more times with a flourish, then closed the laptop.

There. I sent you the details of the agreement. Look it over and let me know if there’s anything that needs to be adjusted. I’ll have my lawyer draw it up, then we can sign it.

Once she stored her computer back in her bag, she pulled the plate of nachos toward her and grabbed one oozing with cheese.

What kind of shops were you planning on putting in there? Something that sells fancy women’s shoes?

What do you know about fancy shoes? Cheese dripped from her finger and Scott had the desire to suck the digit in his mouth and lick it off.

I know enough.

Says the man who wears work boots twenty-four seven.

Hey, I wore dress shoes for Jack and Callie’s wedding. And I know what I like in a woman’s fancy shoe. The ones you have on right now make your legs look amazing.

Her cheeks turned pink as she shoved another nacho into her mouth. Let’s get back to business.

Opening the file folder she’d had earlier, she showed him the plans she’d made.

I was thinking one large store for the central space, then half a dozen smaller ones surrounding it. I’d love to get a nice coffee or sandwich shop in there. Doing so could lure people over to the building, plus anyone working or living there would have a convenient place to eat.

Her ideas were sound and sensible, though he hated to admit it.

What were you thinking for condos?

Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through to the preliminary drawings.

Did you do these? Her eyebrow rose as she glanced at the pictures.

Yes, I took a few drafting classes in college. What’s wrong with them?

Nothing. They’re quite good.

Surprising, huh? Holland Construction was started by my dad and Jack’s. My uncle ran it after my dad died. We both inherited the company, but Jack went straight to Quantico when he got his discharge, so it fell to me to take over.

Sympathy lit her face, softening her features. How old were you when your parents died? I know you were raised by Jack’s mom and dad.

I was five. Jack was seven.

What happened? Her