She could smell the smoke, but the fire was far from Stone Wolf Mountain and the ranch, and she prayed it would be contained soon.

The day had been long and exhausting, and she was relieved when she didn’t run into Gramps or Owen, each of them caught up in doing their own thing, which was just as well. Terra grabbed leftover tuna from the fridge, along with a fork, and headed to her room to finish it off. After showering and changing into comfy clothes, Terra carefully set the artifact on a ziplock bag and took a better picture in brighter light.

She pursed her lips. She needed answers from someone she could trust, so she sent a quick text.

Dr. Brand, we need to talk.

While she waited for his response, she rested on her bed and closed her eyes. Images of the raging fire filled her mind. Terra jolted awake. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep.

She eyed her phone. Still no text.

She tried again.

Jeremy, I need your help.

Terra chewed on her lip, then sent the photo. She explained briefly where it was found and that it was linked to a murder investigation. Then she sent another text.

What is this?

While she waited for his response, she knew she would fall asleep unless she kept busy. So she checked her email and wrote a report of the events of the day. Her cell buzzed with a text.

Not Native American.

The text became a call. Terra frowned. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear his voice. “Hey.”

“All right. My interest is sufficiently piqued.”

“If it’s not Native American, then what is it?”

“I can’t tell you much from a picture.”

“Of course you can. You have all you need.”

“I’m going to have to get a close look at it. That is, if you want my help.”

Did she want his help that much?

“I could have the local forest service archaeologist assess it.”

“But you contacted me. Why?” His brusque tone didn’t give her the warm fuzzies.

Something’s going on, that’s why. But how did she tell him she was getting some weird vibes? “Listen, two people have been murdered, and I think their deaths could be related to this. I can’t be sure, but I just didn’t want to turn this over to the wrong person.”

“I’m surprised to hear you think I’m not the wrong person.”

Touché.

“Wait, you’re not turning it over to me either.” He huffed a laugh.

How long could a person hold a grudge? But Terra was one to talk. She weaved her fingers through her damp hair.

“Does the word Janus mean anything to you?”

Silence filled the connection. Before she could ask if he was still there, he spoke.

“In what context, Terra?”