Eban’s cell went off. Darby. “Excuse me a moment.”

“Eban, you need to get out here.” Fear laced her words and Eban took off at a run, hand on his weapon. Down the corridor and out of the front door, he immediately saw the problem. Four men stood next to his SUV yelling at Darby inside.

One punched the passenger window.

Eban put away his cell.

“Federal Agent,” he yelled. He drew his weapon and pointed it at the ground, finger off the trigger.

As the men glanced around in surprise, he held up his gold shield with his free hand for them to see. “FBI. Step away from the vehicle. Hands in the air.”

His voice bounced off the nearby buildings.

The men looked at one another in confusion.

“She’s the girl who killed those people!” One man raised his voice and pointed at Darby. “You’re supposed to have her in custody.”

Eban slipped his creds back into his pocket as he advanced and headed around the hood of the rental. “She was in my custody when the second murder happened, Einstein. She didn’t kill anyone. Step aside from my vehicle, preferably without getting run down by traffic.” Thankfully, it wasn’t a busy street because he did not need the paperwork. “Get down on the ground while I call the local PD to arrest your asses for attempted assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage of my rental.”

The four men fidgeted nervously. Eban had dealt with this type before. Belligerent and bullish until confronted by something more dangerous than they were.

“What’s your name?” Eban started dialing on his phone and they seemed to realize he wasn’t kidding. The ringleader threw up his hands, but suddenly they all bolted in different directions.

Eban debated going after them but didn’t want to leave Darby alone again. He swore and climbed into the driver’s seat, placing his weapon back in his holster, locking the doors and putting the car in drive. He was pulling away when something hit the back window with a loud bang. Eban slammed on the brakes, ready to arrest the fucker.

A hand squeezed his wrist. “Please, leave them. Let’s just go.” Tears gathered in Darby’s eyes even though she didn’t let them fall. Eban checked the rearview. The men had scattered and run when he’d stopped the SUV.

He swallowed the knot of fear that had wedged in his throat when he’d heard her cry for help. The last thing he’d wanted was to put her in danger or increase her anxiety.

“Let’s head back to the cabin.”

“No.” She firmed her tone and let go of his arm. “This isn’t going to stop until we identify the real killer. Dr. Gleeson might be able to tell us if he saw anything suspicious at the meeting last night. I know you want to talk to him.”

He did. “You’re sure?”

Her eyes were still wide and her pupils dilated, but she nodded.

He wanted this over. He wanted her safe. “Let’s go see what he has to say.”