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“Maybe we can come up with some other ideas,” Lainey said, still calm. Even-voiced. “We can’t leave you out here by yourself.”
“Why not?” the girl asked. “I’m fine here.”
“You don’t have any food besides apples,” Brody pointed out. “And there are predators out here. Both the two-legged and four-legged variety.”
The girl held up a wicked-looking knife with a serrated blade. “I can protect myself.”
“That’s quite the knife,” Brody said calmly. “Looks like it could hurt someone.”
“Duh,” the girl said. Brody couldn’t see her rolling her eyes, but he was sure she had. “That’s the point.”
“You bring that with you?” he asked, wondering if Sheriff Jacobs had ever found the knife that killed Ron Madsen.
“Found it. In the weeds near the fence. One of the commandos must have left it behind.”
Brody doubted that. He tightened his arm around Lainey. “I don’t think it’s safe to have that knife,” he said.
The girl made a rude sound. “I know how to handle a knife,” she said scornfully, as if Brody was an idiot for thinking she couldn’t.
“It’s not your skill I’m worried about,” Brody said mildly. “There’s a possibility that knife was used in a murder. And the murderer might want it back.”
The girl froze. Not even a leaf fluttered around her. Finally she said, “That’s bullshit. You just want to take it away from me.”
“And leave you completely helpless? Why would I do that?”
“Then you’re just trying to scare me,” she said, her voice sullen. Angry.
“I’d try that, if I thought it would do any good,” he retorted. “But you don’t seem very open to suggestions.”
“I’m open to taking care of myself. Relying on myself and no one else,” she said, her voice rising. “That’s what I’m open to.”
Brody was sure her words were supposed to sound defiant. Instead, the young woman sounded lost and lonely.
Lainey’s fingers pressed into his side. A signal to let her talk? Moments later, she asked softly, “What’s your name?”
“Why should I tell you?” the girl retorted.
“So I have something to call you,” Lainey said. There was no stress in her voice. No nerves. “It’s easier to talk when you know someone’s name. I’m Lainey. This is Brody.”
“You two married?” the young woman asked.
Lainey shook her head. “Not even dating.”
Yet, Brody thought.
“We’re just friends,” Lainey continued. “I’m staying at his ranch because someone broke into my house. Long story.”
“Tell me,” the girl demanded.
“Maybe later,” Lainey said. Her voice sounded carefree. Breezy. But Brody heard the pain beneath her words. “When you’ve told us about yourself. I’m not interested in one-way relationships.”
Brody’s arm tightened around Lainey’s shoulders. Neither was he.
“Guess I’ll be waiting for a while, then,” the girl said.
“Guess you will be,” Lainey shot back.
