Swearing, Brody shrugged into his jacket. On his way out the door, he secured his weapon in the holster at his hip. The drive out to the Barrett place seemed longer than usual, even as he pushed the car over the speed limit. Parking in the driveway, he grabbed a flashlight from the glove compartment and jogged around the house. Where is she? Spotlights illuminated the rear yard. The wind blew light rain into his face, and silvery shadows played under the big oak tree. Beyond the creek at the rear of the property, the trees loomed black as tar. Brody headed for the woods.

He cupped a hand around his mouth. “Hannah.”

“I’m here.” She emerged from the darkness. Her pale face shone in the light. Rain darkened her blond hair, and drops of water raced down her temples.

Relief flooded his system with adrenaline. His boots clomped on the bridge as he closed the gap between them.

“She went this way.” Hannah turned and walked into the forest.

Brody fell into step behind her. “You shouldn’t be out here.”

“I have to find Carson’s dog. I can’t let him lose anything else.”

“It’s dangerous.”

Hannah stopped and called for the dog. They listened for an answering bark. Nothing. Wind rustled in the trees and knocked droplets of water from the foliage overhead. Brody wiped a rivulet of rain from his forehead.

“I waited for you,” she said, continuing her path on the trail.

“I appreciate that.” Brody’s voice went dry.

“Brody, I’ve been running in the wilderness since I was born. My father was big on survival training. I can build a shelter, rig a snare for small game, find clean water, and start a fire without matches. Plus, I’m armed.” She patted her hip.

“I know all that, but I was worried about you,” he admitted.

Her sure steps faltered. She halted, her face turning toward him. “You were?”

“I was.” He couldn’t read her expression in the dark, but her body language was unsure.

The rustle of wet leaves punctuated a few seconds of silence before Hannah resumed her stride. “I’m sorry.”

“I know you’re concerned about the dog, but Carson would be much more upset if anything happened to you.” And so would I.

“I hadn’t thought of that.”

How could that be? “Well, you should have. Do you really think Carson loves his dog more than you?”

“No,” she said. “I just never thought about it at all.”

“You are important to your family. You have a responsibility to them.” He reached across the darkness and took her hand. “No more impulsive risks, all right?”

“I’ll try.” The sadness in her voice broke his heart.

“Try not. Do,” Brody said in his best Yoda voice.

With a short burst of laughter, she gave his fingers a quick squeeze. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being here, and for giving me perspective.”