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No tracks returned up the bank.

I searched the opposite shoreline. It was at least forty feet away and covered in thick brush.

“You think he had a boat waiting?”

“Or another person.”

“We’ve never had evidence of a partner.”

“You didn’t have evidence he knew Eagle River until yesterday.”

I hated that he was right.

A sound came from behind us.

Leaves moved.

Mace caught my arm and pulled me against him as something crashed through the brush.

I drew my weapon.

Mace stepped in front of me.

A deer burst from between the trees and ran along the riverbank.

Neither of us moved.

My back was against Mace’s chest. One of his arms remained wrapped around my waist. His other hand held his weapon pointed toward the ground.

“You can let go now,” I whispered.

“I know.”

He didn’t.

His body was warm against mine. Solid. Familiar in a way it had no right to be after all these years.

For one impossible second, I wished he hadn't.

Then his arm loosened.

I stepped away.

“That was a deer.”

“I noticed.”

“You nearly broke my ribs over a deer.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I didn’t thank you.”

“You were thinking it.”

“I was thinking you need glasses.”

He smiled with one side of his mouth.