"But they're off any established trail and moving with purpose," I finish for him. "How fresh?"
"Within the last twelve hours. Morning dew hadn't settled in the tracks yet."
Nova has gone very still, the coffee pot forgotten in her hand. "Someone's out there?"
"We don't know that," I say, trying to keep my voice calm and reassuring. "It could be anything."
"But you don't think it is." Her perception is unsettling. "You think it's him."
"It's unlikely," Cade says, taking over while I check the security feeds again. "The chances of your stalker tracking you from LA to this specific mountain in Montana are astronomically small. More likely it's a hunter or hiker who strayed from the trails."
"But you're not taking chances," she observes.
"No, ma'am, we're not." Cade moves to the window, scanning the tree line with practiced eyes. "McKennas tend toward the paranoid side of cautious."
"Better paranoid than dead," I mutter, finding nothing on the security feeds but not feeling reassured.
Nova sets down the coffee pot and moves to stand beside me, close enough that our shoulders touch. A silent statement of trust that affects me more than it should.
"What's the plan?" she asks quietly.
"We maintain security protocols. No one goes out alone. Regular perimeter checks. And I contact Frank to see if there are any updates on the FBI investigation."
She nods, accepting my assessment without question. "I trust you."
Three simple words that land like a physical weight on my shoulders. She trusts me. With her safety. With her life.
I can't afford to betray that trust by allowing my personal feelings to cloud my judgment.
"Cade," I say, turning to my brother, "can you stay for a while? Extra eyes would help."
"Already planned on it." He moves to the coffee pot, pouring himself a fresh cup. "Called Harper from the east ridge. Told her I'm helping you with a project for a few days."
"She buy it?"
"Probably not, but she knows better than to push." He gives me a knowing look over his mug. "Unlike some people."
Nova has the grace to look slightly embarrassed, clearly understanding he's referring to her. "I'll give you two some privacy to discuss security measures. I'll be upstairs if you need me."
She slips away, leaving me alone with my too-perceptive brother and his knowing eyes.
"So," Cade says the moment she's out of earshot. "Just a client, huh?"
"Don't start."
"Wouldn't dream of it." He sips his coffee, the picture of innocence. "Just observing that I've never seen you look at a client the way you look at her."
"And how's that?"
"Like you'd burn down the world to keep her safe." He sets down his mug. "And like it terrifies you."
I don't respond, not trusting myself to deny what we both know is true. Instead, I focus on pulling up the property's security schematics, highlighting areas that need additional monitoring.
"I'm not judging," Cade continues after a moment. "God knows I was a mess when I met Harper. Fighting it every step of the way."
"This is different," I lie.
"Is it?"
