And she couldn’t seem to distract herself from his chest. He was very tightly muscled. He was bronze, and in the soft light, his muscles seemed to ripple and gleam.

She inhaled and exhaled. “You’re sure...you’re sure there was someone there?” she asked. “Monty might have let the dogs back out. They always like to check and see if I have a bit of a treat for them or something.”

“It wasn’t the dogs.”

“Maybe an ordinary intruder?”

He shook his head.

“How do you know?”

“He left a calling card. There’s an axe by the back steps.” He was quiet for a moment. “This wasn’t his only stop. There’s blood on the axe.”

The forensic teams went everywhere. Through the house, around the house, through and around the yard, and on to Monty’s place.

Luckily, it had been close to dawn by the time Katie woke and came down, and now it was getting light. Dan had already called in what had happened, and the teams quickly arrived.

Monty, up and over when he saw the commotion, was worried.

“It’s my fault! I let the boys stay in the house when I was out last night. I should have had them in the yard. It’s a mistake I won’t make again. And let the cops tear my place apart. If there’s anything to be found, I will be relieved and grateful to help in any way.”

He had an arm around Katie as if he were her father. Katie was trying to be appreciative and extract herself at the same time.

Lorna arrived for her carriage and mule, but once she heard what had happened, she joined Monty in the kitchen, comforting and keeping Katie company.

Dan stood outside with Axel and Ryder.

“We already got the axe into the lab,” Ryder told Dan. “We’re calling precedent on this with everything. The wig is already being tested, and I believe we will get DNA, but if it’s not in the system...”

“I know,” Dan told him. “And even if it is...we have to find this woman and prove she’s involved.”