Whoever had followed her wasn’t going to knock on the front door. She gathered her composure, along with her weapon, and slipped quietly down the hall toward the door, where she hesitated.

She should look through the peephole. But what if—

“Come on, Terra,” Jack said. “I know you’re here. Please open up.”

Relief swelled inside. Terra turned off the alarm and opened the door. Jack’s outstretched arm held him up against the doorframe, and he was soaking wet.

“Hurry, get in here.” She practically yanked him inside, then armed the security system.

Terra glanced at the floor. “You’re dripping.”

“Sorry. It started raining again as I got out of the truck.”

“And you got out of the truck anyway? I’m impressed.” And so relieved to see you.

“I heard you had some trouble tonight. I was already on my way.”

“You were?” Her cheeks warmed. “Why?” He’d been on his way to see her about the investigation, of course. Why did she even have to ask?

“Well, one, you didn’t answer my earlier calls.”

“I was on my way home, and my cell was out of reach. I did call you back though.”

She headed for the kitchen. He followed, dripping all the way. In the kitchen, she turned to face him. He filled her vision, all strength and determination. Her breath suddenly caught in her throat. Terra ignored her reaction. “Let’s get you out of that jacket. I’ll get you a towel to dry off and a blanket to warm up.”

He snatched her wrist and pulled her back. “Tell me what happened.”

Terra didn’t want to reveal how scared she’d been, and that she felt like such an idiot on top of that. She didn’t want to show any weakness in front of Jack.

“I’m getting a towel and a blanket, and when I get back, you can tell me why you were on your way to see me. It must be important.” She shrugged free and headed for the bathroom, where she grabbed a towel and a wool blanket from a closet. Terra needed time to think through what had happened tonight and how to explain it. Repeating the words in her head—someone followed me and I hid and let them get away—almost made her wonder if any of it had really happened.

Mom would be so proud.

She forced an exhale. Dispatch had already recorded her message, and it was out there. No going back.

Terra returned and handed Jack the towel first. He’d hung his jacket over a chair.

“Thanks.” He took it and dried his hair. “I don’t need a blanket. I’m not cold.”