He ushered her out of the house and locked the door behind them. “You’re wasting your time.”

“It’s my time to waste.”

“It’s almost midnight.”

“I know what time it is. If you’d rather stay here, I can go by myself.”

“You’re not going anywhere by yourself as long as your ex-husband is out there waiting for another chance to kill you.”

“I don’t need you to protect me, Nick. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.”

Silently, he ushered her into the car and a few minutes later took the exit for the George Washington Parkway, heading toward Alexandria. “You really think I could go home and go to bed and actually sleep, knowing you’re out here by yourself confronting a potential killer while your ex waits for his next opportunity?”

“I’ve been in tighter spots.”

“That was before.”

“Before what?”

“Before me.”

“I’m not one of those women who finds this whole alpha-male act sexy. In fact, it’s a major turn off.”

“Whatever.”

They rode to Belle Haven in stony silence. Sam didn’t speak until she had to direct him to the dark house. She retrieved her gun and badge from her purse and tucked them into her coat pockets. “Wait here.”

As if she hadn’t spoken, Nick emerged from the car and followed her up the walk.

“I told you to wait!”

“You’re not going in there alone, Sam. It’s either me, or I call 911.” He held up his cell phone defiantly. “What’s it going to be?”

They engaged in a silent battle of wills until Sam finally said, “Don’t say a word. Do you hear me? Not one freaking word.” She spun around and marched up the front stairs to ring the bell. It echoed in the big house. They waited a couple of minutes before a light went on upstairs. Through the beveled windows next to the door, Sam watched Noel come down the stairs.

He peeked through the window before he opened the door. “Sergeant Holland?” Blinking, he glanced at Nick.

“Yes,” Sam said. “I’m sorry to call on you so late.” Begrudgingly, she added, “I believe you know Nick Cappuano.”

“Of course. Come in.” Noel’s blond hair stood on end. He wore a T-shirt from a road race with flannel pajama pants and hardly resembled the second-ranking attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice she had met the other day.

Nick and Noel shook hands as he ushered them into the house.

“What can I do for you?”

“Is Natalie here?” Sam asked, feeling him out.

Noel’s genial expression faded. “She flew out of here in a rage after we had a fight earlier. She must be at her parents’ house.”

“Is that something that happens often?” Sam asked. “The rages?”