“That was your first mistake,” Nicole said. “I used to lock her in the garage when I wanted to go for a walk without her. Then she learned to climb up on the workbench and push the little sliding window open with her nose.”

“Well, she about did me in. That was a little too close.”

“How did you get in here?” And then her face colored slightly. “And how long have you been behind the couch?”

“About two minutes is all,” he answered quickly. “I had just started up the front porch when I saw the headlights coming.” He grinned. “Believe it or not, I was going to call on you in a normal fashion for once. When I saw it was Travis, I dove into the bushes around the side of the house. I was going to wait until he left. Then Cricket started scratching on the front door. When you two came out the front, I scurried around the back and came in here.”

When she nodded, obviously relieved, he grew serious. “However, I must tell you, I was hiding directly under these windows.” His thumb jerked over his shoulder.

“So you did hear?”

“Yes. I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but I was afraid to move for fear Travis would hear me. I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “I appreciate your telling me.”

“I felt I owed you that.”

“How’s your leg?”

“Coming. How about your foot?”

“Fine. The doctors in Central Control opened it up again the morning I got back and cleaned it all out. I had the stitches out yesterday. If I’m careful, I hardly know it’s there.”

“Good. I saw you on crutches at the stadium.”

“Were you there?”

“No, we didn’t get down until almost dusk. But I watched the news broadcast that night.”

“I see.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“Where is he, Nicky?”

“What?” she blurted. “No ‘didn’t I tell you so, Nicky’? You told me that if I returned, I’d be forced to face unpleasant alternatives. It took less than eight hours to prove your seeric gift. Why don’t you call that to my attention before you ask me to betray my employer?”

“Nicky, I—”

“Don’t call me Nicky!” she cried. “Please, don’t call me Nicky.”

He was watching her steadily. “It was Nicky who dragged me away from the claws of the bear. You’ll always be Nicky to me.”

“And Nicole works for the Major, right?”

“Nicole,” he corrected slowly, “is a woman of remarkable grace, courage, and integrity. She has more of my respect and admiration than any woman I’ve ever known. And to call her Nicky in no way lessens what I think of Nicole.”

For a long moment she stared at him. Then finally she murmured, “Please don’t.”

Eric looked surprised. “Please don’t what?”