But after ten minutes of fruitless searching, she threw in the towel. If Olivia did need help, every minute she wasted could compound whatever was wrong. She’d have to call the local police, explain the situation, and ask them to send an officer.

After one final knock went unanswered, she summoned help.

Less than five minutes later, a police cruiser swung onto the cul-de-sac sans sirens—as she’d requested. This neighborhood had had enough excitement over the past three weeks. Why wake everyone up on a Saturday morning?

The car stopped in front, and the same officer who’d escorted her to safety the day of the bomb scare emerged. He followed the walk to where she waited by the front door. “Morning, ma’am. I’m Officer Clark. You have concerns about your neighbor?”

“Yes.” She repeated what she’d told the dispatcher by phone. “There’s supposed to be a key hidden around the house somewhere. Olivia said she’d left that information with the local police.”

His brow puckered. “Not to my knowledge. Give me a minute.” He pulled out his cell and retreated a few yards, speaking in low tones.

He finished his call fast and returned to her. “We can’t find any record of a key location for this address, although we do have that information on file for a number of residents. You’ve tried the doors?”

“Yes. And the windows.” The task had kept her occupied while she waited for help to arrive.

He scanned the front door. “Let’s go around back.”

She led him to the rear, stepping aside as he examined the door and frame.

“This shouldn’t be difficult to open. The homes in this area don’t tend to have very secure doors. You may want to back up.”

As she complied, the officer angled sideways and kicked with his heel below the lock. With a splintering clatter, the door swung open and smashed against the wall.

“Wait here.” The officer entered the kitchen.

Eve clamped her hands on her hips as he disappeared into the hall.

Wait?

Not her forte.

Tamping down the urge to follow him in, she paced the small back porch.

One minute passed.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Why was a walk-through of the small house taking—

She halted as the faint wail of a siren keened through the quiet Saturday morning. It was coming their direction.

Had the officer summoned an ambulance?

Ignoring his orders to stay outside, Eve entered the house.

A male voice was speaking, but the volume was too low to distinguish the words.

She moved toward it.

“Try to stay calm, ma’am. The paramedics will be here within a few minutes.”

Her pulse stuttered. Olivia did have a medical emergency!

Eve picked up her pace, following the voice to the living room.