“Grams, I can’t talk about what I do.”

“I worry about you.”

“I know you do. I’m good at my job.”

I need my job. I am my job.

Fortunately, the doorbell rang, saving Kara from any further explanations—which she couldn’t give, and would end up hurting Em’s feelings. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her grandmother.

“I’ll get that,” she said, motioning to her grandmother to sit. She walked through the cluttered house to the front door—surprised and pleased that Matt Costa was on the stoop. She smiled and said, “You could have called.”

“Andy told me you were taking the day off. After yesterday, I don’t blame you, but I had hoped you’d be at the briefing.”

“I had some work to take care of, and it was easier to do it here. Related to my last case in LA.”

“Oh. Right. Sometimes I forget you’re out of your jurisdiction. You’ve really been a great help to my team. I mean that. Ryder and Michael sing your praises.”

“They’re smart,” she said with a grin. “Come in.” She closed the door behind him. It was cold—and she wondered if snow would be hitting in the next day or two. She knew a storm was coming in, just didn’t know how fierce it would be.

Costa took off his coat and frowned, glancing around.

“Not me,” she said, knowing exactly what he was smelling. “My grandmother. I run the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ program when I visit.”

“I guess that was the last thing I expected to hear.” But he smiled. Definitely not a by-the-book fed.

She walked through the kitchen, where Em was washing vegetables she’d pulled earlier from her small greenhouse. “Grams, this is Matt Costa with the FBI. Matt, my grandmother, Emily Dorsey.”

Matt extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. Your granddaughter has been a great help to us this last week.”

“Of course she has. She doesn’t know the meaning of the word relax or vacation.”

Grams was testy today.

“I took today off, didn’t I?”

“Working from home is still working.” She waved her hand. “Go on, offer your guest a beer and take it outside. I don’t want to hear about any of this stuff. It upsets me.”

She kissed her grandmother on the cheek. “Love you, Em.” Then she grabbed two beers from the refrigerator and went outside. Matt followed. She turned on the fire pit and it roared to life. The heat felt good.

“I know you’re busy, Matt, so spill it. You must have a reason for stopping by.”

“Andy is struggling with this case.”

“I know. I told you that yesterday. I talked to him this morning. I didn’t exaggerate or downplay it. He’s not used to this level of investigation.”

“I had Michael Harris stick with him most of today.”

Kara realized why Matt must be upset. “Shit, I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“I’d been partnering with Andy and I bailed on you today. If you needed me, I would have been there. All you had to do is ask.”