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I check the camera before opening the door.

Smoke stands on the porch. Alone.

I unlock it.

He looks at me. “You always take this long to answer a door?”

“Yes.”

He considers that. “Fair.”

I step aside.

Smoke walks in, then stops. His eyes immediately go to the couch.

Callie waves. “Hi.”

Something in his expression changes.

He crosses the room. “How you feeling?”

“Like I got kidnapped, crashed an SUV, ran through the woods, got thrown into a tree, and beat a man with a rock.”

Smoke nods. “You did.”

“I know,” Callie says.

Smoke crouches in front of her.

For a second, neither of them says anything.

Then he reaches out and gently touches the top of her head. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“I know.”

“Don't do it again.”

“I wasn't really planning on doing it the first time.”

“Callie.”

“Sorry.”

Smoke shakes his head.

Alibi stretches his neck and sniffs him. Smoke scratches beneath his chin.

Then his gaze drops to the bruises around Callie's wrists. His jaw tightens.

I know that look. I've seen it in the mirror.

“He's dead,” I say.

Smoke's eyes meet mine. “I know.”

Callie sighs. “Are all the men in my life going to stare at my bruises and contemplate murder?”

“Yes,” Smoke and I say at the same time.