“Now the whole thing seems ridiculous. Maybe I got it all wrong. They turned when I turned and accelerated when I accelerated, and it was all a coincidence.”

“Where’s Owen and Robert?”

She shrugged. “They’re in Idaho meeting with horse people. Gramps is helping Owen get going with equestrian therapy for veterans.”

Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t like that you’re here alone tonight.”

“My grandfather has a state-of-the-art alarm system. I’ll be fine. I have a weapon too, and I know how to use it.” She fisted her hands, wishing she could have gotten them on the person who had trailed her tonight.

“Why do you think someone would follow you?”

“That’s the billion-dollar question, isn’t it? If I was even actually followed.”

“You’re trained, Terra. If you thought you were being followed, then you were. I suggest you stay at your apartment in town tonight.”

“Thanks for your suggestion. If they know about the ranch, they know about my apartment.”

“Maybe you’re being followed because of one of the cases you’re working on.”

She shook her head. “Timber theft. A meth lab. That kind of stuff. I’m not close enough to any of it for someone to trail me.”

“Past cases?”

Terra considered his question and shook her head.

“Why’d you come back?” Jack asked. “Did something happen in your previous job?”

“No. Nothing from my past job could be related to someone following me. What’s with the interrogation?”

He chuckled. “Just doing my job, ma’am.” That smile again. “But even if I weren’t, I’m just trying to make sure an old friend is okay and going to stay that way.”

Clutching her mug, she nodded, appreciating his concern. “Thanks for that. Now, let’s talk more about the murder investigation. I’d like to talk to the curator at the museum too, but let’s wait on any further communication with anyone there.”

“This is a murder investigation.”

“That’s linked to an artifact cache. The curator or his staff might not be connected to either crime, but then again, someone might be. But I want to know more before we question them. I wish you hadn’t gone to him about the knife without me. When I learn more about the things Jim kept, I can use that information while questioning the curator or those working for him. Working very closely on this is the best way to get what we want. To find Jim’s killer.”

Jack nodded. “The man’s been informed he shouldn’t leave town in case we have more questions.”

“What about the interns and volunteers, other employees?”

“I have deputies working on questioning them in the morning. Relax, Terra. You can use the information we gather when you follow up. You can’t be everywhere.”