“And that,” Quinn said, very quietly, “is why you have potential, Adam. A weaker man might have taken that out.”

“Weaker?” He gave a wry laugh. “I always thought I just wasn’t strong enough to do it.”

“And that’s the deadly trap, the mind game that lures some people into doing it, heedless of the devastation left behind. If you’re at a natural, unavoidable end anyway, that’s one thing, but to throw away so many years with potential...that’s the biggest waste I can think of.”

Adam stared at this man who had taken a childhood tragedy and turned it into a calling. And couldn’t think of any words at the moment that were enough to express his admiration.

“Now,” Quinn said briskly, “about you heading home.”

Adam shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

He met Quinn’s gaze then. “She could be in real danger. I’m staying.”

“Why?” Quinn repeated.

“I know I’m not much use, but—”

“That’s not what I meant. And I think you know it.”

He drew in a deep breath. This was a man who required the truth. And so he gave it to him. “I may have failed her father, but I’m not going to add not protecting her when I could have to my list of sins.”

“I’d argue that first part with you, but now’s not the time. We’ve got plans to make.”

“I don’t think she believes it.”

“Agreed. It’s only natural. Anybody not used to threats hangs on to their normalcy bias as long as they can.”

He heard a faint sound and turned to see Cutter coming out through his own door. The dog crossed over to them, paused to nuzzle Quinn’s hand, then went to Adam and sat at his feet. He looked down into amber-flecked dark eyes that were fixed on him intently.

“Got an answer for me, dog?” he asked softly, not even certain what the question was.

“He’s got more than you might think,” Quinn said. “And interesting ways to get you to see them.”

“We’ve got ranch dogs, always have,” Adam said. “Smart ones, too, who can read a herd like a book, and stand watch over them like the Praetorian Guard. But I’ve never seen anything like him.”

“I’m halfway to being convinced he’s an alien in a dog suit, like Liam says,” Quinn said, sounding only half joking. “And...he agrees with you. Staying, I mean.”

Adam blinked. “How do you know that?” He looked at the dog again. “How does he know that I even am?”

Quinn smiled wryly. “If you weren’t doing what he wanted, he’d be herding you.”

“And just what is it he expects me to do?”

“What we’re all going to do. Keep Amanda safe.”

Chapter 14

It had to be Malachi.