But it had been a long time since anyone had been this sweet and supportive. Steve had grown angry and resentful of her job. Jordan had done this without her even asking. And while he might have an ulterior motive related to her working on his sister’s case, she didn’t think that was the only reason he’d stayed.
She also didn’t think the awareness that shimmered between them was one-sided. But it was dangerous. She needed to stay focused on the task at hand.
Jordan Clarke was a distraction she couldn’t afford.
* * *
Cutie awoke from her nap, thrilled to see Bear again. The bloodhound let out one of his heavy sighs before reluctantly batting playfully at puppy.
“How did it go?” Jordan asked in what he hoped was a nonchalant tone as he replaced the sofa cushions. He’d already hauled the broken TV outside and cleaned up the glass fragments.
“Good.” Autumn came over to help with the mess. “You should know Sasha tried to convince Jenny to move in with you.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “That makes me feel a little better, knowing we both tried to support her.”
“I’m glad. Because none of this is your fault, or Sasha’s either.” She sighed as she looked around. “I appreciate your help, Jordan, but this is my problem, not yours.”
“I don’t mind.” He frowned. “But I really don’t think you should stay here, Autumn. I’m no expert, but this guy is escalating. What if he comes back and decides to start the place on fire or something equally drastic?”
“Yeah, you’re right. I refuse to place Bear in harm’s way.” She smiled at her K-9. “I’ll stay one more night at the ranch, but I’m hoping to have a new security system installed very soon. Once that’s in, we’ll be fine here.”
He was relieved she’d agreed to stay with him. And he wouldn’t worry as much, knowing she was getting a security system, although it was disappointing to know their time together would be limited. “Great. Let’s finish up here, then head back. I’ll throw something together for lunch, if you haven’t eaten.” He arched a brow. “Are hamburgers okay?”
She chuckled. “I guess you have plenty of beef on hand, huh? Sure, hamburgers would be great. I’m hungry, so thanks for the offer.”
Working together, they quickly finished cleaning up the mess the intruder had left behind. The dogs were worn out from their playing, especially Cutie, which he considered a bonus.
“Good thing I had my work computer and my files in my car,” Autumn said as they headed outside with the dogs. “I need to write up a report on this break-in, then dig into my top two suspects in the case.”
“I’m surprised they’re letting you work your own case,” Jordan said.
She flushed. “Well, technically it’s been assigned to Detective Peters. But my boss, Captain Redding, agreed I could look through my previous arrests to see if anyone pops up for me.”
He nodded thoughtfully. He didn’t hold a high opinion of Peters, and wondered if that was something her boss had considered in making the concession. “If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”
She stopped near her SUV and opened the back hatch for Bear. “I may have you help go through Jenny’s phone records to identify some of the numbers for me. That will help narrow the list.”
“Of course.” He scooped Cutie into his arms, glad Autumn was willing to include him. “I’d be happy to look them over.”
“Great.” She helped get Bear settled in the back crate. “Let’s go.”
Jordan set Cutie in the passenger seat and quickly backed out of the driveway. He led the way back to his place, filled with anticipation for the day to come.
A feeling he hadn’t experienced since Jenny went missing.
That thought gave him a twinge of guilt. He shouldn’t be happy when Jenny was dead and her baby daughter was missing. Yet, he knew there was nothing he could do to change the past.
His job now was to help find her killer.
He parked in the garage as Autumn pulled off to the side of the driveway. He would need to clear out the other side of his garage for her to park inside, too, but sensed she wouldn’t want to.
This wasn’t a long-term arrangement, after all.
They let the dogs out to get busy before heading inside. Jordan was glad he’d pulled the ground beef from the freezer the day before.
As he prepared the burgers, he noticed Autumm set up a mini office area on the end of the table. He liked how she quickly made herself at home. When she asked for the internet password, he provided it to her.
“Thanks.” She didn’t hesitate to get to work.
