“It’s Spencer,” he said.

“Avery told me,” she said. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have opened the door. But audio cues are much appreciated.”

“Consider it standard protocol going forward.”

“I’ll take the help wherever I can get it right now.”

“Where’s Avery?”

“Making coffee.” She stepped aside, hesitantly, as if feeling her way. “Figured we both could use a cup.”

“I never say no.” As he removed his hat, he noted her gaze did not quite reach his eyes, the only visible sign that she could not see him clearly.

“Follow me. But if you see a coffee table or a chair in my path, say something. Avery’s moved back home, which is great, but I’ve already earned a couple of bruises on my toes and the sides of my legs because of it.”

“How’s it going?” he asked.

“Nice to have Avery back. But the other stuff ain’t so great.”

“If it were me, I’d be pounding my fist on the wall and flipping furniture.”

“Flipping furniture could be on my afternoon agenda.”

The dry sarcasm was a good sign. “And the vision?”

“No improvement. The doctor said it could be weeks, maybe months.”

Or never. “If I ever ask a question that bothers you, just tell me. My questions can be blunt.”

“A hazard of the job.”

“Exactly.”

“I appreciate the directness. Walking on eggshells never works well. And if you cross a line, I’ll let you know.”

“Understood.” In the kitchen, Avery stood behind the counter, setting out cream and sugar. She was dressed in athletic shorts, a shirt, and shoes. Hints of tension strained her features. “Avery.”

“Ranger Spencer. Glad you could join us. We’re having quite the morning.”

“Your sister told me.” Jordan did not appear rattled, but Avery was a different story. She was not used to this kind of stress.

“The coffee is ready, Jordan,” Avery said.

“Why don’t you go for a run?” Jordan asked. “It’ll give the ranger and me time to discuss the case. And you really don’t need to hear this.”

“Are you sure?” Avery asked.

“He’s capable of pouring coffee, and I don’t think we’ll be getting into a case turf war today. Right, Spencer?”

“If we do, we’ll keep it bloodless,” he said.

Avery studied him, trying to judge whether this was a brand of humor or he was serious.

“He’s kidding,” Jordan said.

“How do you know?” Avery asked.

“His tone of voice. Spencer, you’re going to play nice, right?”

“Yes. Cop humor sometimes falls flat,” he said.

“I can handle whatever you two are going to discuss,” Avery challenged.

“I know. But I don’t want you to,” Jordan said. “Remember, I’m still in charge in this house.”

“Debatable.” Avery clunked down two empty coffee cups on the counter. “Spencer, I leave it to you.”

“Ten-four,” he said.