When Mia said nothing, Ripley leaned back on the counter, nibbled. “Look, I like her, and my brother’s gone over her. I’m not looking to hassle her, but maybe to help if she needs it.”

“With or without your badge?”

“Either or both. It seems to me she’s putting down stakes here, not just working for you, but starting this catering deal. She’s starting a life on Three Sisters. That makes her one of mine.”

“Give me one of those.” Mia held out her hand, waited until Ripley gave her a cookie. “What are you asking me, Ripley?”

“If Zack’s right, and if he is, if someone’s going to come after her.”

“Whatever Nell’s told me in confidence has to be respected.”

Loyalty, Ripley was forced to admit, was never a question with Mia. It was more a religion. “I’m not asking you to break a confidence.”

Mia nipped into the cookie. “You just can’t say it, can you?”

“Oh, kiss ass.” Ripley slapped the lid back on the tray, started to storm out. But there was something about the way Nell had been, flushed and happy, as she worked in the miraculously ordered kitchen, that pulled at her.

She spun back. “Tell me what you’ve seen. I want to help her.”

“Yes, I know.” Mia finished the cookie, dusted the crumbs from her fingers. “There’s a man. He hunts and he haunts her. He’s the physical reality of her every fear, doubt, worry. If he comes here, if he finds her, she’ll need both of us. And she’ll need the courage to take her own power and use it.”

“What’s his name?”

“I can’t tell you that. It wasn’t shown to me.”

“But you know it.”

“What she gave to me I can’t pass on to you. I can’t break her trust.” The worry in Mia’s eyes crawled into Ripley’s belly. “If I could, and did, his name would make no difference. This is her path, Ripley. We can guide and support, instruct and assist. But in the end, it’ll be her choice. You know the legend as well as I.”

“I’m not getting into that.” Ripley pushed the subject away with a sharp gesture. “I’m talking about someone’s safety. A friend’s safety.”

“So am I. But I’m also talking about a friend’s destiny. If you really want to help her, you could start by taking responsibility for your own.” With that, Mia walked out.

“Responsibility, my butt.” Ripley was annoyed enough to pry up the lid for one more cookie.

She knew what her responsibilities were. She was obliged to see to the safety of the residents and visitors of Three Sisters Island. To keep order and uphold the law.