“Tell him yourself. Give him that line about ‘freedom of the press’— that one really impressed me.”

Decker reached up for the little dog—but when he did he felt his throat tighten. He dropped his arm to his side again; he had no choice but to lay there until the dog had finished his business at his leisure.

“That’s quite a bladder for a little dog,” Gunner said. “I’m jealous.”

“I know what you mean,” Nick said. “That’s a performance any man would admire.”

“Are you going to let me up or not?” Decker growled.

Nick squatted down beside him. “Let’s get a couple of things straight first: Number one, as of tonight Alena is assisting the FBI in an investigation— that means she’ll be subject to the same interview restrictions the rest of us are. If you want to talk to Alena, talk to the public liaison officer at the Patriot Center first. Got it?”

“Whatever.”

“And number two, when you climbed that fence you became guilty of trespassing, and the First Amendment won’t protect you there. If I ever see you up here again, I’ll make sure charges are filed and your credentials are pulled—and if Alena catches you up here again, you’ll get worse than that. And you know what, Decker? These are trained security dogs and this is posted private property—I don’t think a jury in the world would convict her.”

“I’m still going to do this story.”

“Go ahead, scuzzball—the damage has already been done. Just don’t come back here unless you’re invited. Do we understand each other?”

Decker blinked his assent.

Nick looked up at Alena and nodded; she snapped her fingers, then closed her fist and opened it again. The dogs immediately released their grip and took sitting positions beside her.

Decker stood up and wiped himself off. “All I wanted to ask you is—”

“My dogs will escort you back to the fence,” Alena said. “And if you feel like kicking one of these dogs, please—go right ahead.”

The three of them watched in silence until Decker was well into the woods. Alena scooped up Ruckus and cradled him in her arms.

“Is he all right?” Gunner asked.

“Nothing seems to be broken.”

“He’s a tough little guy,” Nick said.

“I told you—it’s his gift.”

“It could have been worse, Alena. It could have been you.”

“He was just a reporter.”

“This time.”

“I told you before, I can take care of myself.”

“Is this the way you want to spend your life—listening for sounds in the woods every night? Wondering if somebody else has climbed your fence? Wondering if they’re coming for you?”

She shrugged. “That’s what I do anyway.”