“You can’t keep driving yourself to the end of your strength. Call the state police; they’ll help.”

“It’s my job, Oliver, not the state police’s. If you can’t understand that I need to do my job . . .”

“Then what? I can’t watch you kill yourself.”

“I’m not asking you to.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Tess regretted them. She saw hurt flash across Oliver’s face and she felt her own pain deep in her heart.

“I’d better be getting to Faith’s Place then.”

He opened the door and climbed out. Tess watched him walk to his car and get in. She wanted to call out, wanted to stop him and say that she didn’t mean it, but she didn’t. She simply watched him drive away.

40

Oliver drove away from the Coopers’ mobile home feeling as if he’d left half of himself behind. Had he pushed Tess too far? She had to see how thin she was stretching herself, and he couldn’t stop himself from pointing that out. He prayed as he drove. They had to find a happy medium. He realized that he loved Tess, but he couldn’t dictate to her how to do her job. He needed to give this all over to the Lord and pray for direction. But he knew in his heart that he didn’t want to lose her, to her job or because of her job.

He arrived at Faith’s Place feeling tired and old and realizing that he should probably follow the same advice he’d given Tess. Taking a deep breath, he climbed out of his car and up the steps to the house. Inside, everyone was in the kitchen. He noticed that Chevy’s small bag was next to her. So she was planning to go. He hoped that it was with Harp and not out on her own.

“Hi, all, what’s up?”

Bronwyn looked worried, Nye noncommittal, and Chevy was chewing on a thumbnail. Livie Harp brought him a cup of coffee. The brew was welcome, and Oliver took a sip.

“Chevy is coming home with me,” Harp said. “I know I can keep her safe.”

Oliver waited a beat before responding, realizing that he considered that good news. “Bass is sending another agent. They’re looking for a place to move Chevy. Why don’t you wait until we hear what he has to say?”

“Why? That other gunman is still out there.”

“Chief O’Rourke is doing—”

“I’m not blaming her; she is doing her best. And she’s a good cop. But she’ll play fair and I won’t.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Just that I’m not constrained by a badge.”

Oliver turned to Chevy. “You sure this is what you want?”