Once inside the kitchen, he could see the shattered windows and bullet-riddled walls. The attacker had gone to town on redecorating the place.

If she’d been anywhere except near the back door, with the car keys within easy reach, she’d have been shot or taken. Shane had no doubt this fucker would want to play some of his sick games with her if he had the chance.

Shane’s fingers tightened on hers and she sent him a worried look and he forced himself to relax. He was freaking her out.

Alex moved to the sliding doors where the ragged drapes fluttered in the frigid wind.

Shane spotted Yael’s cell on the kitchen counter. She went to grab it but he gently caught her fingers.

“Let the crime scene people check it first.”

She looked as if she was going to burst into tears.

Alex came back toward them. “I’ll deal with it and, if need be, I’ll find you a replacement by morning. Where did you leave your computer?”

“Upstairs.”

“Okay, let’s see if is still there and then we’ll pack you an overnight bag. From the timing on the cameras, I don’t think he had time to search your house.”

She nodded and they followed Alex up the stairs that Shane was now so familiar with. They were all careful not to touch anything, not even the handrail.

No bullets here. No sign anyone else had been up on the second floor.

Shane glanced at the bed where last night he’d made love to Yael for hours, promising her he’d keep her safe. This fucker had destroyed all that. Made a mockery out of the FBI and their safety precautions. Made a mockery of Shane’s words.

“Is this a copycat or is Eric Pierce innocent?” Shane voiced the words he was sure they were all thinking.

Alex pressed his lips together and shrugged. “EG might have had a partner or us arresting Pierce might have pissed someone off.” He paused. “Or EG is still out there.”

“Why’d Pierce pull a weapon when the agents tried to arrest him?”

Alex shook his head. He didn’t know either. He took out his cell and called someone from work and told them to check in on everyone and make sure they were all safe. Then he called Mal, his wife, and spoke to her in a low urgent tone.

Yael went into her bedroom and stared longingly at her laptop which was on a chair near the window, half covered by some silky material. Shane could see she wanted to pick it up but forced herself not to.

She looked over her shoulder. “I’m certain he didn’t touch it.”