Chapter 45

Dana's jaw tightened,but she remained silent as she drove the rest of the way to her house. Jake hadn't spoken to her like that since their first case together. She'd thought their relationship had evolved to mutual respect, maybe even more, but here he was, back to barking orders like she was one of his soldiers.

As a renowned historian with multiple PhDs, she wasn't used to being verbally belittled. She understood the gravity of the situation Jake was facing, but the disrespect was still unacceptable. Though she wanted to address the issue, it was a battle for another time.

When Dana turned down her street, all thoughts narrowed to the problem ahead.

More than a dozen news vehicles were parked in front of her house, reporters milling about on her sidewalk. "Are you seeing this?" she asked, slowing down.

Jake swore, loudly.

"What do I do?" Dana asked.

"Keep driving," Jake ordered.

Dana turned to look at him. "Past my house?"

"Yes."

"To where?" she asked, trying to remain calm as she approached the chaotic scene.

"Give me a minute to think," Jake muttered.

Claire's voice was strained as she leaned toward the front seats. "What's going on?"

"Duck down." Jake commanded, doing the same as Dana drove past the news crews covering her home.

"Should we go to a hotel?" she asked when they were clear.

"No," Jake answered. "We don't want it to look like we're hiding. I'm sure reporters aren't the only ones with eyes on us. People who hole up in hotels have something to hide. I don't want to give this story any more traction."

"So, what's the play here?" Dana asked.

"Drive around the block and park down the street so they don't get a make on your vehicle. We'll cut through your neighbors and use your back door."

"I'm sure that's being staked out, too," she warned.

"I'm counting on it," Jake said. "Whoever orchestrated this needs to see we're not that easy to intimidate."

"Except we are," Claire replied, her voice nearly trembling.

Jake turned to face her. "You didn't do anything wrong. Remember that."

She nodded.

Dana parked down the street from her house, and Jake faced her and Claire. "Heads high, mouths shut," he ordered.

Nodding, they followed him, rushing through the gauntlet of reporters who'd anticipated their move.