“Yeah. I’m in.” He pulled his key out of the ignition. “I also have another piece of news for you. During your program I got word the story’s about to break on Jackson. His attorney tried to contain it as long as he could, but the news hounds sniffed it out. Headquarters got a call this morning from two media outlets to confirm. A brief written statement will be released within the hour.”

“There’s no downside to that, is there?”

“Not from your standpoint. In fact, there may be an upside. This may deter your latest harasser. If he was coasting on Jackson’s coattails, trying to get a vicarious thrill, that gig is up. He knows if he strikes again we’ll be searching for another suspect.”

“I’ll take that as a very positive way to end the week. And it would also suggest there’s less justification than ever for you to spend your Saturday afternoon listening to a boring speech. The danger may be past.” She released her seat belt.

“May be isn’t good enough. I’m not letting my guard down until I have definitive proof this is over. Sit tight while I get your door.”

He slid out of the car without waiting for her to respond. After giving the neighborhood a practiced sweep while he circled the Taurus, he pulled her door open.

Eve joined him on the pavement. “I could get used to this curb service.”

“Anytime.” He hitched up one corner of his mouth and took her arm as they walked to her door. “What’s on your calendar for the rest of the day?”

“Catch up on my blog, practice my speech, do a load of laundry.” She felt around in her purse for her keys.

“So you’re not venturing out anywhere?”

“No.”

He waited while she opened her door. “I’ll call you tonight.”

“I’d like that.” She dropped her key back in her purse but didn’t enter. Now that her case appeared to be waning, why postpone her dinner-for-two invitation? “I’m planning to make moussaka next weekend. Assuming all remains quiet, will you join me? It’s my mom’s recipe, and she was a fantastic cook.”

Despite the obvious conflict in his eyes, his tone was definitive. “We’ve already had this discussion. I’m not the best guy for you, Eve. For any woman.”

“I disagree. You may believe that’s true, but—”

He reached past her, twisted the knob, and pushed the door open.

Her alarm began beeping.

“If you don’t shut that off fast, you’ll have a patrol car barreling down your street.”

She expelled a breath. “I can’t believe you did that. This conversation isn’t over, you know.”

“It is for today.”

“Chicken.”

“Sticks and stones . . .” He gave her a gentle push toward the house. “I’ll talk to you later.”