“Other things?” Mandy asked, feeling compelled by that almost smile.

“He’s...quite the matchmaker.”

She blinked. Glanced at Adam, who was suddenly studying the dog as if he’d never seen him before.

“You’re serious,” Mandy said to Quinn.

“Afraid so,” Quinn said, sounding a bit rueful.

Mandy laughed. “I know Hayley said he got you and her together.”

“For which he earned carrots for life. But that was just the beginning.”

“Get Hayley’s brother together with her best friend?” Adam said, his tone clearly joking.

“Yes.” There wasn’t a trace of laughter in Quinn’s tone. “And a string of others, including Liam and his lady.”

As if he’d heard, Liam stepped into the house. He didn’t look as if he were missing anything crucial, or even particularly downcast, so Mandy guessed Quinn had meant what he’d said about not chewing on him. She had the feeling he usually meant exactly what he said.

“What have you got on our latest visitor?” Quinn asked.

“For hire,” Liam said. “Dunbar says he’s been held on suspicion at least three times on the other side, but they’ve never been able to get proof that would hold up in court.”

“And not talking, I assume,” Adam said sourly.

“Not a word. He lawyered up—some creepy lowlife from the city—instantly. So he knows the drill.”

“Weapon of choice?” Quinn asked.

“What he used. He didn’t have a knife on him,” Liam said, and Mandy realized Quinn had been wondering if he’d been the same man as the other night, just using a different weapon this time.

This time.

And belatedly it swept over her again, that knowledge that someone was seriously trying to kill her. A shudder went through her. Instantly, Adam’s arm was around her.

“Wish Rafe was here,” Liam muttered.

“But he’s not,” Quinn said levelly. “So we deal.”

Mandy wondered about this Rafe she’d heard about, and why his presence would make such a difference. But before she could ask, Quinn went on briskly.

“Way I see it, we’re down to two options. First, and preferable, a safe house. Far enough away they won’t find you. And, hopefully, out of their zone of influence, where they won’t know any...hired help like your recent visitors.”

“You mean run,” Mandy said, calmly enough considering everything in her was rebelling against the idea.

“I prefer to think of it as living to fight another day,” Quinn said mildly.

“And living to find out who’s really behind it all,” Adam added.

“That, too,” Quinn agreed.

She considered this. Held Quinn’s gaze. “Is this a protect the helpless female thing, or would you tell a man the same thing?”

“In your position, yes I would tell a man the same,” Quinn said, so levelly she couldn’t doubt him. “And I have. First choice is always keep the client safe.”