“I’ve heard about you,” the young woman said. “I’m Avery Poe. If you’re looking for my sister, she left early this morning. I don’t know where she is.”

“Your sister was injured last night,” he said carefully. “She’s at Dell Seton.”

Her curious expression shifted to alarm. “Was she shot?”

“No. She was struck on the back of the head by an unknown assailant. She was still unconscious the last time I saw her.”

“Jesus,” she said, running trembling fingers through her hair. “How? Where did this happen?”

“She’s been chasing a killer we believe is a serial offender.”

“I know about the case. I thought you took it over.”

“I did. But your sister kept working the case.”

She shook her head. “That would be Jordan.”

“I can drive you to the hospital.”

“No, I’ll drive myself.”

Avery shared her sister’s fearless, independent vein. “There are too many unknowns at this point. Your sister received a call from a missing woman, who we haven’t found yet. I don’t know if the killer set your sister up or she surprised him. It would be safer if I drive you.”

The first reactions at times like this were shock and fear. And then the brain kicked into gear. Schedules were hurriedly rearranged. Priorities shifted, and most of what had been important turned trivial.

“Okay, you can drive me. Let me grab my purse.” She grabbed a leather satchel purse from a small table in the foyer and shoved her feet into worn Birkenstock sandals. She locked the door behind her, and he followed her toward his car. Avery paused when she saw the empty spot in the driveway where Jordan must park.

He handed her Jordan’s keys. “Her car is with the forensic team. We’ll return it as soon as it’s processed.”

“God,” she muttered as she twisted her fingers around the keys.

Soon, they were both in the front seat, and he was driving toward the hospital.

“How could this guy target Jordan?” Avery asked. “She’s not reckless or stupid.”

“We know the victim was able to contact Jordan and asked for help. I don’t think the woman was working for the killer, but time will tell.”

“I heard her leave the house after two a.m. But that’s the way it’s always been with her job.” Avery gripped the keys tighter. “Where the hell was backup?”

“The deputies and I were minutes behind her. We think when she arrived on the scene, she decided to investigate.”

Avery shook her head. “I’ve told her a million times not to be a hero.”

He tightened his hands on the wheel. “I’ve been in situations like that before. It’s hard not to act.”