Page 19 of Fatal Deception

“My other hobby is shooting things,” she said coolly.

He tried to picture her shootinganything. Couldn’t. “I know word on the street is you can handle your own, but I cannot even begin to visualize it.”

“I’ll give you a demonstration.”

He grinned in spite of himself. “Sounds hot.”

She snorted, clearly in spite ofherself. Then shook her head. She ate a few bites, sipped her coffee and kept her eyes on the unbroken window on the other side of the table that looked out over her ranch.

He didn’tknowher, but it didn’t take a psychic to watch her gaze and know she was making a mental list of everything she had to do today. When sheneededsleep. He didn’t exactly know his way around a cattle ranch, and it was certainly none of his business if she got rest or not, but… It was just the sensible thing to do to offer a hand.

In fact, itwassensible. Someone was targeting her, and if he stuck close, maybe he’d catch whoever was trying to scare her. She wouldn’t acceptthat, so he’d offer to help. Not that she’d accept that, either, but he’d push until she did.

“Since I’m going to be staying here, you should put me to work.”

Her gaze whipped to his, sharp and irritated. “You arenotstaying here.”

“Good. You’ve come to your senses. I’ll help you pack so you can go stay with Hart.”

“I’m—” But her furious retort was cut off by a loud knock on the door. She pushed back from the table, muttering as she went to answer it.

He doubted the shooter wasknocking on the door, but he followed her anyway, casually resting his hand on the butt of his weapon.

She opened the door to an older woman he recognized because he’d worked on the murder at the Kirk Ranch last year.

“Natalie,” Audra greeted, surprise tinging her tone. And maybe embarrassment. “Uh. Good morning.”

“I came as soon as I heard. Why didn’t you call?” She engulfed Audra in a tight hug. “Oh. I see,” the woman said, her eyes meeting his across the room.

Copeland stood in the doorway between kitchen and living room, pinned by the older woman’s steady gaze.

It was obvious what Mrs. Kirk was thinking—which washilariousconsidering why he was here. Considering what Audra thought of him.

And what you think of her, right?

“Morning, Mrs. Kirk,” he offered, as Audra turned to look at him. Embarrassment was etched into her gaze.

“Morning, Detective.”

“Copeland is investigating everything,” Audra said. And he didn’t miss the way she used his first name, the way she imbued it with a kind of familiarity they didn’treallyhave. Because she didn’t sound irritated and like she wanted to prove she could shoot things with him as a target.

Quite the opposite.

“He’s sticking around during the investigation. You don’t need to worry about me, Natalie.”

Mrs. Kirk’s gaze moved from Audra to Copeland. “I’m glad you’re here watching over our Audra.” She gave Audra another squeeze. “You can ask us for anything. And if Copeland can’t be around, you know we’ve got room and all those safety measures Duncan put in place last year. You can depend on us.”

“I know. I do. But it’ll be easier if I stay put, and Copeland will…be here.”

“Good,” Mrs. Kirk said firmly. She glanced at the boarded-up windows, her expression one of concern.

Why Audra couldn’t suck it up and take her friend’s concernbaffledhim.

“Natalie… If Duncan and Rosalie call, please don’t mention this. Let them enjoy their honeymoon. They deserve it.”

Mrs. Kirk’s mouth firmed. She clearly didn’tlikethe request, but eventually she nodded. “As long as it’s cleared up in a few days. If it’s not, no promises. Your family deserves to know when you’re in danger, when you need help.”

Audra nodded along, but he knew she didn’t agree. It was written all over her stiff posture. “Sure, but I’ve got Copeland,” she said.