Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

her. “So what do you think?”
    â€œI don’t like the fact this guy’s been on your property.” Twin creases appeared on Cole’s brow.
    â€œI don’t like the dead funeral flowers. Or the bingo card.” Jake propped a hip against her counter and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Or the implied threat.”
    â€œThat’s what Mitch said.”
    â€œI’ll get the patrols beefed up within the hour.” A scratching noise sounded on the back door, and Cole opened it to admit Bert, who bounded past his legs. “You still taking your evening walks with Bert?”
    â€œMitch suggested I put those on hold for a while.”
    â€œI agree.” Jake directed his next question to Cole. “You okay with the security at the house?”
    â€œYeah. I checked the place out before she moved in and added some enhancements.” He took a step toward her. “I’m going to ask the patrol officers to go by the quick shop and the gas station more often too. Next time this guy calls, I’m hoping one of them will be close by and we’ll get him. Call me—or Mitch—the instant you know the guy’s on the line. Okay?”
    â€œOkay. Trust me, I want him caught as much as you do. And one other thing.” She included Jake in her next comment. “I don’t want Mom told about this. There’s no point worrying her. Promise you won’t say anything.”
    â€œI’ve been through this drill before.” Cole’s lips settled into a flat line. “And I didn’t like it then.”
    â€œFrom someone on the receiving end of your good intentions, I second that.” Jake folded his arms across his chest.
    â€œYou know why I made Cole and Mom promise not to tell you about my accident, Jake. You were in Iraq. On a Special Operations Group assignment. People were shooting at you every day. My problems could have distracted you. If you’d gotten hurt—or killed—I would have had to deal with guilt for the rest of my life, wondering if that’s why a bullet got you. Besides, there was nothing you could have done to help me.”
    â€œI could have offered moral support.”
    â€œI had Cole and Mom for that. And I have you and Cole this time. So promise you won’t tell Mom.”
    Her two brothers did another one of those silent communication things. At last, Jake nodded. “All right. We’ll do this your way. But if she ever finds out about this, we’ll be toast.”
    â€œThere’s no reason she ever will. I have a feeling the problem will be cleared up within the week.”
    â€œI hope you’re right.” Cole started toward the door, stifling a yawn. “Let’s go, Jake. I still need to catch up on the sleep I lost Friday night.”
    â€œOkay. I promised to stop by and see Liz, anyway.”
    Alison followed them to the door, where Jake gave her a hearty bear hug. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    â€œMe too.” Cole leaned over and kissed her cheek as Jake exited. “So what are your plans for the rest of the evening, what little is left of it?”
    â€œI have a case file I need to review for a custody hearing tomorrow.”
    He made a face. “Sounds like fun.”
    â€œIt’s better than spending the wee hours of a Saturday morning dealing with a dead body.”
    â€œDifferent strokes . . .” He shrugged, then wiggled his eyebrows. “Maybe you’ll hear from Mitch. Ted Drewes would be a lot more exciting than a case file.”
    She pushed him out the door. “Good night, Cole.”
    The sound of his laughter carried through the heavy wooden door as she closed it.
    Bert claimed her attention with a yip, and she bent down to pick him up. “I have impossible brothers, you know that, my friend? Even if they mean well.”
    He snuggled close, and she stroked his fur as she wandered toward the