“Didn’t anyone ever tell you that ultraviolet radiation is harmful to your skin?” Eve took a seat at the table.

“I need the warmth and light right now, okay?”

Eve looked at Grace, who arched an eyebrow.

“Does that mean the undercover gig was tough?” Eve kept her tone conversational.

“It wasn’t easy—and it definitely isn’t my thing. Straight detective duty for me from now on.”

“Want to tell us about it?” Grace plunked a chair halfway between her sisters.

“Nope.”

“I guess that ends that discussion, huh?” Grace prodded their big sister’s leg with her toe.

Cate didn’t respond.

Eve knew better than to push. Once Cate clammed up on a subject, she was as hard to pry open as the humidity-laden windows in this fixer-upper of a house.

“So . . .” Eve ate a spoonful of the gumbo, savoring the spicy flavor. “What brings you two to my doorstep unannounced. Again.”

“Do we have to have an invitation?” Grace’s eyebrow peaked.

“No—but you usually call first.”

“This was a spur-of-the-moment decision. After Cate and I compared notes by phone, we decided we wanted an in-person update on your situation.”

“I’ve been texting you.”

“We want details, girl.” Grace took a sip of her iced tea. “‘Suspect identified and being checked out’ doesn’t cut it. Who is this guy and what’s his beef?”

“I bet Cate’s already reviewed a full dossier on the case.” Eve spoke around a mouthful of food, mangling her pronunciation. But her sisters had been through this drill often enough to interpret her gibberish.

“Not this go-round.” Cate angled toward them. “I just wrapped up my case two hours ago. I barely had time to go home and change before Grace swung by to pick me up. Spill.”

“Fine.” Eve washed down a mouthful of gumbo and gave them a topline.

“In other words, this guy is mad about his wife working, so he decided to launch a terror attack and destroy your career?” Grace stared at her.

“That’s the theory in a nutshell. Problem is, there’s no solid evidence yet to back it up.”

“You mean he’s still on the loose?” Grace began to bristle.

“Calm down. Brent says they’ll make sure he knows he’s being watched, and there isn’t much chance he’ll try anything else once he realizes he’s on their radar.”

“Brent says that, huh?” Grace’s forehead smoothed out and one corner of her mouth twitched.

It was all Eve could do not to roll her eyes.

“Surveillance won’t last long—and it will be spotty. We don’t have the budget for that.” Cate frowned, tapping a finger on the arm of her chair.

“We’re hoping this will be over soon.”

“It won’t be unless more evidence surfaces.”

“Aren’t you the optimist.” Eve made a face at Cate.