Page 26 of Auctioned to the Devil

The frame’s splintered beside the lock.

“Get back in the Jeep.”

“No.”

“Not asking.”

“Good, because I’m not listening.”

I look down at her.

She lifts her chin. “Somebody broke into my house.”

“And they could still be inside.”

That gets her.

She glances toward the open doorway.

“Car. Now.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No.”

“Caleb.”

I step closer until there’s barely any space between us.

“Listen carefully. I don’t know who’s inside. I don’t know if they’re armed. I don’t know if they left five minutes ago or they’re standing behind that door listening to us argue. So for once in your life, do what I tell you.”

Her lips press together.

I wait.

Finally she walks backward toward the Jeep.

“Happy?”

“Thrilled.”

“Asshole.”

“Lock the doors.”

I pull the pistol from the holster beneath my jacket and approach the house.

The place is empty.

But whoever came through here wasn’t looking for a television.

Drawers pulled out.

Cabinets opened.

Desk emptied.

Papers scattered.