Travis stepped out onto the porch and peered into the night. “That’s what I want to know too. Where did she come from? You said Eric had her when you escaped from him. Do you have a flashlight?”

“Do you think Eric is here?” she asked incredulously.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. Do you have a light?”

“No. Surely, Travis, he wouldn’t be here. He had no reason to try and keep Cricket with him. She probably just came down on her own. I’ve been gone—she could have been back for days.”

“Maybe, maybe not. But he did come here for you once, so let’s be sure he hasn’t come again.” He stepped off the porch and began a methodical search of the yard.

For a moment or two Nicole watched, a little angry at the sudden clutch of anxiety for Eric’s safety. She had spent the last week telling herself she was through with Eric Lloyd and his futile little rebellion. Then she shook it off as Travis moved around the back. “Come on, Cricket, let’s get you something to eat.”

She had just opened a can of dog food when Travis knocked at the back door. “It’s open, come in.”

“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “But I’d better get back to Central Control and alert them just in case. Lock your doors and shut all the windows. If you see or hear anything, call me.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and was gone.

Nicole moved out onto the front porch and watched him drive away, amused, half sad. “Well, so much for all those regrets over broken engagements,” she murmured. “Half time is over, the ball game resumes. Only this time, they’ll have to find another ball to play with.”

She sighed and went back inside, shutting the door. As she turned back into the living room, she gave a startled cry. Eric was kneeling behind the couch, elbows on the back of it, his head resting in cupped hands.

“Hi,” he said with a smile.

“Eric! What are you doing here?”

“If I promise to stay across the room, would you mind if we talked with the lights out?”

Nicole’s eyes flicked to the front window, but Travis had gone. Curiously, she was glad. “I—why are you here?”

He held up his hands quickly. “No abductions, no shattered doors this time. I promise.”

“Good. I couldn’t help but wonder.” She walked over and clicked off the lights, leaving only the light from the kitchen doorway.

Limping noticeably, Eric stepped over to Cricket and reached down to rub her neck. “You rascal. How did you get out of the garage? I locked you in there.”