Page 79 of Forever Dead

Connor went to the window and examined it. "That's your crying woman."

"Apparently."

He turned back toward her. "Come on. Let's get you home."

Selena nodded.

They started toward the hallway.

At the doorway, she paused and looked back.

The corner was empty.

Still, the sensation remained. Like someone was watching her. Selena turned away and followed Connor through the house.

Outside, the wind had eased.

Another sheriff's cruiser was coming up the driveway, headlights appearing between the trees.

Connor nodded toward it. “Arnold can deal with the door and get the scene secured again.”

“The damage is fresh,” Selena said. “Whoever did it came here after the original scene was processed.”

“I know. Arnold will photograph the lock, check the porch and yard for prints or tracks, and work out how whoever was inside got away. We treat this as a second break-in until we know otherwise.”

“You think they’re gone?”

“I checked every room and the rear exit. Nobody’s inside now. We’ll search the property before we leave.”

Selena stepped carefully down from the porch.

Connor stayed close without touching her.

By the time they reached her car, the pain in her knee had become a steady pulse.

Connor stopped beside the driver's door.

"Look," he said, "I'm getting the feeling I'm not going to be able to stop you getting in on this."

Selena rested both hands on the top of her cane. "Probably not."

Selena looked toward the farmhouse. “Going in there alone was stupid, though.”

“Yes, it was.”

“You don’t have to sound so pleased about it.”

“I’m taking the win,” Connor said.

"I figured.” Selena sensed there was a catch. “But?”

"But it can't be official, Selena. You're not an active agent until you're cleared for service."

"I understand."

Connor gave her a doubtful expression.

"I do."