Evan’s smile faded as soon as his gaze traveled from Connor to Maddie and back again. “Well, shit.”

Connor didn’t hide his annoyance. “Yep.”

“Sorry to come over without warning.” Evan’s expression suggested he was telling the truth.

“This is new.” Connor’s comment earned him a look from Maddie that said to be careful, which he promptly ignored. “The apology thing.”

Evan laughed. “Well, yeah, I think we’re all a little calmer now that Daria has been caught.”

Connor wasn’t ready to admit that or to trust the guy. He held on to his dislike, ready to whip it out if needed. “Technically, she walked up and introduced herself.”

“It’s only a matter of time. There are limits on where someone can hide on an island.”

Maddie laughed. “You’d think that, but no.”

“You had a good teacher,” Evan said before immediately jumping back into the previous topic. “The threatening note in Owen’s file gives us the connection we need. That settles this and lets us wrap it up for good.”

Maddie gestured for Evan to come further into the living room. She shut the door behind him but didn’t throw the locks. That was new, too. Connor didn’t know if it was relief over finding Daria or over finally telling someone about the guilt she’d been harboring for years. Either way he saw it as a step into the future.

“But that would mean the PI was involved in the threats. Was he the one who left the notes?” she asked.

“People will do anything for money, as you know.” Evan’s gaze switched from her back to Connor. “That’s actually how all of this started. Maddie’s then-boss and his brother.”

He didn’t need the explanation since he likely knew more about what happened that night than Evan. But Connor settled for agreeing rather than winning the argument. No need to stomp around and prove he was closer to Maddie. He knew and so did she, and that’s all that mattered. “True.”

Maddie leaned against the barstool. “What do the people in your office think?”

Evan’s expression went blank. “About what?”

Connor understood the question even if Evan didn’t. “With the threat gone, I’m guessing all talk of Maddie going back into the program can end.”

Evan made an odd sound. “Not necessarily.”

Maddie’s groan outdid Evan’s. “It’s over. Give it up.”

For the second time in a few minutes, Evan laughed. “Fine. I concede.”

The surprises kept coming. Between the lighter tone and willingness to back off Maddie, it sounded as if Evan was a new man. That was probably good since Connor couldn’t stand the old one. “Never thought that would happen.”

Evan shrugged. “Me either. Look, the protective streak is ingrained. My job is to overreact and overprepare. I know it can come off as too much.”