“What is wrong with people? I tried coming in the conventional way, actually through the front door, you know, like a normal person? But there are a million people with cameras and two TV vans, which, frankly, I don’t get because why are you news? You’re not the one who was trying to have sex in a moving vehicle. I’m all for multitasking, but it depends on the task, doesn’t it? Sex and driving—call me boring, but those two things do not go together.”

“Nessa, breathe—”

“So I’ve been thinking about this.” Nessa shrugged off her backpack and toed off her shoes. “I’ve ruined my shoes by the way. I was thinking maybe we can charge them to Cliff as this was all his fault. Do you have any antiseptic? I scratched myself coming through the woods. I don’t want to die of some vile disease because you need me right now.”

Joanna’s head was spinning. “You came through the woods at the back of the house?”

“Yes. I remembered you telling me the woods were one of your reasons for picking this place. They can’t get to you from the back, only the front. That’s what you said. You only have to watch one direction. So I thought, Right, I’ll get to her from the back, but it’s not pedestrian friendly. Do I have mud on my cheek? I bet I do.” She scrubbed randomly at her face and then adjusted her glasses, which had settled at a strange angle on her nose. “I am not cut out for wilderness adventures. Give me California sunshine and beaches and I’m there, but a dark forest full of insects, snakes, bears and coyotes? That’s me out. Can you check me for spiders?” She spun and showed her back to Joanna, who dutifully checked.

“You’re spider free. But even if you made it through the woods, how did you get over the wall?”

“I climbed. Don’t ask for details.” Nessa tugged at a twig that was tangled in her curls. “I grew up with three brothers. I have skills that would make your eyes pop. And don’t worry, no one followed me. No one is that stupid. Also, there were no humans in that woods. At least no live ones. Willing to bet there are a few dead ones, though. Bodies undiscovered.” She grinned. “Spooky.”

“Nessa...” Joanna brushed a leaf from Nessa’s shoulder. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m your assistant, and I figured you’d need assistance.”

“I—I’m not really thinking about work right now.”