However . . . Eve was already spooked. He’d have to ease into the theory he’d been formulating since the hospital confirmed Steve’s presence—one that had solidified after he read the note resting on the table between them.

“It leaves us with a new possibility.”

She squinted at him. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

“No—and neither do I. But we have to consider the facts and follow them to their logical conclusion.”

“Which is?”

“Let’s back up first. Based on the window between straightening up your deck and finding the note, Steve couldn’t have left it. It’s possible he has an accomplice—but my take on his personality is that he operates solo. That means this note is from someone unconnected to him.”

He waited, giving her a chance to reach the same conclusion he had.

After a few beats, her eyes widened. “That must mean . . . could two people be targeting me?”

“I’d say that’s a credible theory—more so in light of the written communication you’ve received. The two notes we think Steve left are short. One had a misspelling. This is much longer and the spelling is correct. Also—the one left the night of the tire slashing said it was the final warning. Why leave any more messages?”

Eve lost a few more shades of color. “So Steve may not be behind all the incidents that happened before today.”

“Or he could have been—and someone with another objective is seizing the opportunity to coast in under the radar, wreak havoc . . . and let him take the fall.”

“Wonderful.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, inhaled, and linked her fingers on the table. “Let’s switch gears for a minute and talk about the threat to my sisters. That’s never come up before. And why did this person mention you?”

“I’m assuming he’s been monitoring your activities. Watching your house. He’s seen me coming and going, and you said your sisters visit on a regular basis.”

Dismay tightened her features. “It was hard enough dealing with the idea that someone was after me, but if I’m also endangering my sisters . . .” Her voice trailed off.

“Let them know about the note. From what I’ve seen and heard of Cate, she can take care of herself—and your other sister isn’t in town.”

“She also carries a gun.”

“Two points in her favor. She won’t be the most convenient target—if this person even follows through on the threat.”

Eve lifted one hand and massaged her temples. “Can this get any more complicated?”

Yeah, it could. But why bring that up unless—

His phone began to vibrate, and he pulled it off his belt. Frowned at the screen.

Sarge wouldn’t be calling him on a Sunday evening unless they were short of personnel at a major crime scene.