Dropping her body on the bed, he took the gun and her keys from her pocket, then covered her up. Made it look like she was sleeping. Someone would find her in the morning, but he’d be long gone by then.

Hiding her gun in the bag with his laptop, he grabbed his suitcase, left her house, and drove away in her car, wondering where he’d now spend the night.

GRANITE BAY, CALIFORNIA

SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 8:25 P.M.

Mercy couldn’t take her eyes off her brother, even as a quiet oof came from behind him as Daisy slammed into his back. A sharp bark followed the oof, which meant that she had brought her service dog, Brutus.

Of course Daisy had brought Brutus. The dog went everywhere that Daisy went.

And Daisy went where Gideon went. As it should be.

Mercy wanted to say hello. Wanted to say something. But even though she opened her mouth, no words came out. She stood there, staring stupidly, as if she hadn’t a brain in her head.

And maybe she didn’t. She’d walked away, after all. From Gideon. From Rafe. From this family that her brother had made for himself when she’d sent him away with no explanation all those years ago.

Tell him that you missed him. Tell him that you’re sorry. But the words would not come. Then just say hello, dammit. That’s all you need to say.

“Yes. I came back.” It wasn’t what she wanted to say. Not even close.

Gideon took a hesitant step toward her, and Mercy tightened her grip on Rafe’s hand. She was holding Rafe’s hand. She hadn’t even realized that he’d offered or that she’d taken him up on it.

Next to her, Farrah rose and gently gripped her shoulders, pointing her toward Gideon. “Let go of Rafe, honey,” she whispered. “You’re about to break his poor hand.”

Mercy immediately drew her hand away. “I’m sorry. So sorry, Rafe.”

“You’re fine, Mercy,” Rafe said in a low voice that soothed her frayed nerves. “Maybe you and Gideon want to take this into Dad’s office, where you’ll have some privacy?”

Mercy nodded numbly. She’d come all this way to talk to her brother, but her feet suddenly felt like lead. Part of her wanted to stay with Farrah and Rafe, because they were safe. But she owed Gideon the courtesy of a private explanation. “Privacy would be good.” She drew a breath, straightening her spine. “Gideon? Would you show me to the office? I don’t know where it is.”

Gideon looked around the kitchen, seeming surprised to see the others. “Of course.” He smiled, but it was clearly forced. “But first, I’d like to meet your friend. I’m Gideon Reynolds.”

Embarrassed, Mercy’s cheeks heated. “This is my best friend, Farrah Romero. She came with me from New Orleans.”

Farrah’s smile was gentle as she shook Gideon’s hand. “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

Gideon swallowed hard. “Do you work with Mercy?”