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“I believe that’s Detective Jonah Campbell.” Hunter let go of Shelby’s wrist.

She could swear that she still felt the warmth of his touch.

“Probably coming to grill you about Tiffany,” Hunter added helpfully. “Ask you what sort of relationship you had with your student…”

Gabriel and Hunter were both watching Jonah approach. But Shelby had her eyes on Gabriel, and she caught his swift inhale. Uh, oh. “Were you sleeping with her?” she blurted.

He glanced back at her. “Do I look like the kind of man who would have an affair with a student?”

“That is a not a yes or a no.” How hard was it for the man to give a one-word response?

“I refuse to answer that question. It’s insulting.”

“Again,” Hunter sighed, “not a yes or a no.”

The Honda braked near the porch. Jonah jumped out of the car, ran through the rain, and bounded up the steps. “What in the hell are you two doing here?” Raindrops had slickened the top of his head.

“Asking questions. Making friends.” Hunter’s response. “I believe we told you to come see the professor. Wasn’t sure how long it would take you to make the visit, so we decided to drop by and help you out. You are welcome.”

“I don’t need help,” Jonah huffed. “You two need to get the hell out of here. You are not involved in my official investigation.”

No, they were not. Unofficially, though, she and Hunter were definitely involved. Getting more involved by the moment.

“You’re sending us out into a rainstorm?” Hunter asked as he shook his head. “Harsh. So harsh. Very ungentlemanly, too. I expected more of you, detective.”

“I have an umbrella,” Gabriel offered. “I’ll walk Shelby to the SUV.” He opened the door once again and ducked back inside the house.

“Not necessary,” she called after him. She didn’t mind a little rain. Not like she’d melt. And the idea of being that close to Gabriel…no, she was fine, really. She’d take the rain because he gave her the creeps.

“Shelby, what game are you playing?” Jonah demanded. A drop of rain slid down his cheek.

She thought of Tiffany’s body. The way the water had poured from her when Hunter lifted her from the fountain. “I’m not playing any game.”

“I’m investigating this case. Do not get in my way.” Jonah’s eyes glinted. “This is dangerous. We are talking about a killer.” His gaze cut to Hunter. “Do your job, bodyguard. Protect her.”

“Oh, I am doing my job. One hundred percent.” Hunter waved toward the door of the house. “FYI, the good professor had his students sending notes to prisoners. Tiffany Blake was busy writing to Nate Shiloh.”

“What?” Shock flashed on Jonah’s face. “Why?”

“If you search his place, I’m thinking you might even find some of those notes. Nate’s responses to Tiffany, anyway. I’m assuming Nate has the letters she sent to him, but something had to happen to the ones he sent her, right? Either you found them at her place⁠—”

“I did not.”

“Or maybe the professor has them. Could be why he’s so intent on us all staying out of his place. But, hey, what do I know? Just a hunch.” Hunter rocked back on his heels.

His hunch seemed dead-on to her.

“Here.” Gabriel had returned. He gripped a black umbrella in his right hand. “I’ll take you to the vehicle, Shelby.” He stepped forward.

“So kind of you, this will come in handy.” Hunter swiped the umbrella from Gabriel’s fingers. “I’ll take her to the car and bring it right back to you.”

“But—”

“Bodyguard, remember? That means I should keep her safe from all threats. Even the threat of rain. Don’t worry. I’ll bring the umbrella back.” Hunter took Shelby’s hand again and pulled her to the edge of the porch even as he opened the umbrella. “Let’s go, baby.”

Baby. Loud enough for everyone to hear.

She and Hunter climbed down the steps and headed for his SUV. “What was that about?” she asked quietly as soon as they were far enough away from the others.