No one could follow a helicopter from here in a vehicle, not in this terrain. Since the helicopter hadn’t been at the house because of the weather yesterday morning, no one who might be watching the ranch would know it was even being used. No shooter would know where to sit and wait.

With the noise of the rotors, we didn’t talk. East gave me a fierce hug, then pushed me toward Jed and the helicopter.

It took less than an hour and we were back at the ranch. I was safe inside and away from windows.

South and West were waiting. Before I went upstairs to change, I called Julian. My brothers and Jed were standing before me, listening. Hovering, as if Julian could cause me harm through the phone.

As usual, he answered on the first ring.

“I’ve been so worried. Everyone in the building’s been talking about what happened,” he said.

“I’m fine,” I replied, glancing up at Jed. We were in the kitchen and he gripped the edge of the granite. I wouldn’t mention to Julian how I’d been scared. I never shared anything but business with my assistant. “Look, obviously I’m not coming into the office.”

“Right.”

“I need Macon’s files you pulled for me. They’re on my desk. Plus anything else that’s come in, which I’m sure is plenty.” Besides the few days after Macon died, I never took a day off. I was behind.

“It’s all waiting for you. I rearranged your schedule.” Just as I expected. He anticipated what I needed which was why he was a great assistant.

“In-person meetings will have to be video,” I said. “For the next few days until the police investigate.”

I had no idea what was going on with the police. I hadn’t been questioned. I was sure South had given them a full accounting and they were working on it. But if Julian really was involved—

“Done,” he said, efficient as usual.

“I can’t review paperwork over video though,” I added. “Bring them here, please.”

While I wasn’t belligerent to my employees, I would never ask Julian to come to the ranch. I told him what to do, with manners, and he did it.

“Be there in two hours.”

“Thanks, Julian. I don’t know what I would do without you.” I didn’t, actually. He was very good at his job. I didn’t know if that meant he’d hid his misdeeds from me or if he was just going about his day as usual.

I hung up and I walked right to Jed, wrapped my arms around him. I loved that I could now seek comfort from him.

“If he’s guilty, we’ll know,” Jed said, kissing the top of my head.

I looked to South and West, who nodded, crossed their arms over their broad chests.