“The circumstances were extraordinary. Regardless of the letter of the law, your brother is a soldier with post-traumatic stress. Considering his exemplary military service, I have trouble believing any jury would hold his actions against him. The scumbag he beat up murdered his brother and sister-in-law and tried to kill the rest of his family. Grant was protecting them, and he lost control. If the assault wasn’t tied to a high-profile murder case, it wouldn’t be an issue.”

The criminal defense attorney she’d consulted agreed, but she’d put him on retainer in the event the case against Grant went to trial.

Hannah nodded. “Opposing counsel is simply doing his job. He’s pulling every thread he can find in hopes that he can unravel the case. That’s how the system is supposed to work.” Even though, at the moment, she hated every legal right given to Lee and Kate’s killer.

“Isn’t that what you would do if it was your case?” Disapproval hardened his eyes.

“I don’t think I could be a defense attorney, not after Lee’s murder,” she said.

“I guess not. But none of this tells me why you’re sleeping with your gun handy.” And there it was. Patient as always, he’d cleverly circled around to the question he’d undoubtedly wanted to ask since he’d seen her weapon on the table.

Hannah bristled. The cop hadn’t liked her handgun back in March. Obviously his opinion hadn’t changed since then. “I have a permit, and if I’d had my gun in Vegas, the situation would have had an entirely different outcome.”

“I wasn’t commenting on the legality of your weapon.” Brody’s gaze bore into hers. “I want to know why you think you need it in Scarlet Falls.”

Hannah flushed and blinked away. “The dog wouldn’t stop barking last night. Turned out to be a deer in the yard.”

Brody’s head tilted, as if her statement didn’t compute. “It’s not like you to be easily spooked.”

“I wasn’t spooked. I was being careful. There’s a difference.”

“So the dog barked, and you armed yourself and went out to investigate?” His voice rose.

Irritation warmed her. “What are you talking about? Why on earth would I go outside if I thought there was a possible threat out there? I would never leave a secure location to chase an unknown danger in the dark. That would be stupid. Do you think I’m an idiot?”

“Um. No.” He leaned back, confusion creasing his features. “I’m sorry. I misunderstood.”

“No, you assumed,” Hannah shot back.

“You’re right. I did. But I learned from experience that you Barretts have a habit of taking matters into your own hands. Like that night in Vegas.”