“What do we do now?” Katie asked.

“We wait. I believe our Axeman is cleaning house,” Dan said, looking at Axel.

“And we’re ready,” Axel said.

Katie frowned.

Dan explained. “The Axeman’s Protégé is trying to tie up loose ends. It’s harder to reach Sonny Hartfield when he’s being held, but we think he’ll make a try at it. And when he does, Sonny might realize that he lived by the axe...and will die by it if he doesn’t speak up and get assistance.”

Axel, Ryder and Andre nodded at her.

“Time,” Dan said. “It’s just a matter of time.”

“And with that, I’m hitting the hay,” Axel said. “I suggest you all do the same. My phone will ring the second anyone has anything. And you’re all on speed dial.”

“Katie?” Dan asked.

She smiled at him. “Yep. I could go to bed,” she agreed, and then she lowered her head. That could mean two things.

And it did.

The team parted ways. Dan drove back to Katie’s house.

In the yard, the dogs greeted them happily.

Dan pet the dogs, but he did so absently, looking at the house.

He knew Katie was watching him. “Well, here’s the good. No one has come near your place. The cameras are still recording, and their input is seen back at headquarters.”

“That must be very boring for someone,” Katie said. She also bent to greet the dogs.

“I imagine.”

He smiled, looking at her. “Sex first—or food first?” he asked.

“Uh...”

“I’d usually opt for sex. But I’m tired. We’re both tired. And we haven’t eaten much today, but...last night you were so sound asleep...”

“I didn’t mean to be.”

“Katie, I’m teasing. You needed the sleep, and I’m glad you were able to. But the days aren’t going to get any better. So, how about we go with food, sex and sleep. In that order.” He cast his head at an angle, grinning. “I have no real commitment to food. Any old food will do.”

She flushed. “I just meant—”

“I know what you meant,” he said softly.

“I still mean it. You don’t owe me anything, not even a morning-after phone call.”

“You know, I don’t think either of us has fared well in the relationship department. Busy lives, memories of the past...being haunted. You know. In many ways.”

She grinned. “It’s good that you met Mabel. She’s been great.”

“She is great, though she rather turned my world upside down.”

“But in a good way, I hope.”

“Yeah, I guess. Axel has suggested I join the Krewe. I have the background...”

“You’d be perfect,” she said. “You should. I know you weren’t happy chasing after errant husbands.”

“That would mean I’d have to go to Quantico.”

“Yes, I guess so.”