“Maggs called. We talked and she said it would be fun, so I thought I’d give it another go. Plus, when I called her just before to see what to bring, she told me Piper had fallen off her horse—”

“Is she okay?” Dylan’s heart started thumping inside his chest at the thought of Piper hurt.

“Sure, just bruised I think.”

“But she’s okay?”

“I just said she was, Dylan. What’s the deal with you two?”

He felt Charlie’s eyes on him, but kept his on the road.

“No deal. So, Ava. What do you think we should do for her?” he said before she could question him about his reaction.

“I’ll run with the change of subject, but don’t think I won’t ask again.”

“Whatever, and there’s nothing to say about it.”

Charlie snorted but didn’t add anything. “It’s hard seeing Ava like that, Dylan. For so long I didn’t care, and now suddenly I do.”

“I know, but the guilt is thicker because we feel partly to blame for abandoning her.”

“Yeah, that too.”

“I don’t see how this business with you could be connected to her though, do you?”

He’d told only Charlie his suspicions at this stage, because two pairs of eyes saw a great deal more than one.

“No, I don’t think that’s the case, but I can’t discount it completely. Remember what I told you, Charlie, if you see anything weird, get any emails or strange social media requests, you let me know.”

“I know what you said, Dylan, but it just seems too far-fetched that someone is getting at you through us.”

“I know it does, and it probably is, but I’ve dealt with some serious crazies in my time as a profiler. I’m sure we’re all good, but just in case, take care, okay?”

They drove up the driveway and he stopped outside the house. Jack and Luke Trainer were coming out the door.

“Okay, so see you later then?” Charlie said.

“Call me if you need picking up.”

She gave him a smile, and it was genuine.

“It’s weird hearing you say that, because no one ever has before.”

“No risks, and no time alone outside the house. You remember what I told you, Charlie?”

“Got it.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. She got out and greeted the brothers, who were heading toward him. Jack got in the passenger seat and Luke in the rear.

“Can I help you?” Dylan said.

“We need to pick up Joe, then head to the lodge. It’s pool night.”

“I’m not going.”

“Sure you are,” Luke said. “Don’t be intimidated, we won’t take all your money, and you’ll probably leave with your clothes.”

“No, I mean I’m not going.”