Page 108 of Fatal Vision

“Just tell me where your jacket is,” Theo said, putting the SUV into park. “I’ll grab it for you.”

“I can’t remember,” she lied, pulling the brain injury card. “I have to look for it.”

Nickelback leaned forward, eyeing the house. “Agent Ingram, you go in, look around, make sure there are no surprises. I’ll keep Shelby here until you give the all-clear.”

Daniel went around to open Shelby’s door as Theo also climbed out and headed to the porch.

Over the seat, Nickelback asked softly, “What are you up to, Agent Claiborne?”

Now she was agent. “Just keep your wits about you and be ready to use that weapon hidden under your coat.”

“We need backup.”

“This isn’t my first rodeo. Help is on the way.”

He snorted and shook his head. “Bells is going to kill me.”

“I’ll protect you.”

Another snort that made her smile.

“I need to get to the kitchen,” she told Nickelback. “We’re going around the far side of the house to the back door, got it? Once we’re inside, we head straight for the kitchen.”

Daniel stood waiting for her to emerge, her cane in hand as his gaze trailed across the street to the empty house.

“You’re the boss,” Nickelback said.

The phone Megadeth had given her buzzed in her back pocket and Shelby pulled it out to see Unknown Caller on her screen.

Beatrice. The woman had not called her back after Shelby had hung up on her in Colton’s room. Unfortunately, now wasn’t a good time to chat.

Theo appeared on the porch and waved.

All clear.

“Remember,” she told Nickelback as she swung her legs out. “Get me to the kitchen.”

“I’d rather haul your ass back to the hospital.”

“Fat chance.”

“Daniel,” she grabbed his hand with one of hers, the cane with the other. “You have to see my grandpa’s fields behind the house. They’re beautiful this time of night.”

He looked surprised but she didn’t give him a chance to argue, tugging him behind her.

Over the grass, along the unharmed side of the house, she passed by the porch.

“Where are you going?” Theo asked.

“Steps are hard for me,” she answered, nodding at the stairs. Nickelback was beside her, scanning the area and looking quite lethal in his all-black attire that blended with the shadows. “The back entrance only has one.”

Her phone buzzed again.Not now, Beatrice.

She pointed to the field, lying frosty and undisturbed under the moon. “See, Daniel? This would be a great place for the church fall festival, don’t you think? You could have hayrack rides and make a maze with pumpkins and cornstalks for the little kids.”

Daniel sounded confused but humored her. “Um, sure, Shelby. I think that’s a fine idea.”

Theo met them at the back door.That was quick.Or maybe she was moving slower than she thought.