The federal government didn’t have the same interest in Rick Jackson and David Allmand as I did. The flip side of that was, no one was going to bother me about what had happened in Afghanistan. Aside from the military being a little bit pissed off, and DP being annoyed, it looked like I’d skate on any other potential charges.

I’d admit to feeling anxious as I sat with my dog, then Bart’s ears popped up. He lifted his head from my lap. I checked the app on my phone that controlled my surveillance cameras in the back and by the front door. The cameras had been a real bargain at Costco. A quick scan showed nothing out of the ordinary.

Then Bart Simpson let out a low growl. I rubbed the dog’s back and said, “It’s okay, boy. I’d know if someone was trying to get inside.”

That’s when I heard a male voice say, “I don’t think you would.”

No matter what my state of mind, that surprised me. Maybe “startled” is a better word. My head jerked up and I stared toward the entryway. The house was pretty dark except for the TV. The man had to step forward before I could clearly see him.

David Allmand stepped into the living room where the light caught his face. He had a decent-size flesh-colored bandage on his forehead and his neck.

He also had a grin on his face that wasn’t good news for me.

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Allmand stood tall with his hands in the pockets of a dark-blue windbreaker. He wore a Wayne State baseball cap low on his head. He didn’t look nervous or concerned in any way. I’m sure it was just another way to unnerve me. And it worked.

No matter what I was expecting, seeing Allmand relatively unharmed in my entryway was a shock. And I suddenly felt a wave of fear, maybe it was a flashback or maybe it was genuine, in-the-moment fear. It didn’t matter.

I took a shot at some unnerving myself. I swallowed my fear and gave him a big smile. After I was sure he was confused, I even let out a little laugh. Somehow it gave me some confidence.

Allmand frowned and said, “You don’t seem to be that surprised to see me.”

I kept stroking Bart Simpson calmly. I wanted him to stop growling. Then I said, “Frankly, I didn’t expect you to show up so quickly.” I kept my smile in place. Even though that was Jackson’s line when I first saw him in Afghanistan, I thought I’d reuse it now.

Allmand kept his cool. “Really? You were expecting me? How is that?”

I slowly stood up from the couch. I carefully set Bart Simpson on the hardwood floor. He turned and scampered toward his bed in the corner of the room. At least he was good company.