“In case anything comes up about past work,” Dan assured her. “Just leave them. And if anyone comes in...”

“I know. You’re on a consultation case right now.”

“Right. And thank you.”

“Bye, boss. Get this guy, huh?”

“We’ve a good team working, Marleah, so I’m hoping. As far as Wendy Lawrence goes, I’ll call her now, and hopefully she won’t harass you anymore.” He bid her goodbye and ended the call, deciding he didn’t need to add that, while he was still at a distance from knowing the killer’s identity, the killer had certainly come close enough to him.

He hung up and quickly went through his phone’s contacts. Finding Wendy’s number, he gritted his teeth, swallowed hard and called it.

No answer. He spoke to her voice mail. “Wendy, I am sorry. We didn’t cash your check, and I’m afraid I can’t continue searching for dirt on your husband. I don’t believe there is any, but you should feel free to hire another private investigator. At this time, I can’t continue with your case.”

Dan ended the call and headed out of the house. Katie was waiting for him on the porch ready to lock up.

“You have someone installing cameras for me today?” she asked.

He nodded. “They’ll cover the entire outside of the house, Katie. And they’ll go directly to a guard station at the local office. This guy knows old houses and how to remove panels or find basement windows. We’ll have it all covered.”

She nodded. “I guess it’s good to know you.”

“I wish. Special Agent Axel Tiger and Assistant Director Adam Harrison are the ones with the power. Well, Ryder, too, but the FBI was made lead on this, so... Anyway, you’re the connection they have. They need to look after you.”

She cast a dry smile and an inquiring look in his direction, and he was struck by something about her. She was very attractive, but it was more than that. There was something about the energy and life within, maybe even something that spoke about the passion and care in her personality. He wasn’t sure.

And now...

Now she meant so much. They were almost friends.

Well, at least she didn’t seem to hate, loathe and despise him anymore.

“Do you really think we can do anything by driving the carriage around?” she asked him.

He smiled. “You never know.”

They headed over to Monty’s. The boys were out, greeting them eagerly with swishing tails and happy barks.

Monty and Lorna had rigged the carriages.

“Hey, wow, thanks. You all didn’t have to do that,” Katie told them. “But thank you.”

“Hey, get out there and bring home the mule and dog food,” Monty said.

“Will do,” Katie promised.