Page 51 of Strangers She Knows

Max glanced at her. “We really do know all about Mara Philippi. We were instrumental in her capture the first time.”

“Scary, scary woman.” Juan looked toward the Coast Guard helicopter where Rae had hopped down, still talking to the pilot. “Is this Philippi person after the kid, too?”

“Mostly after my wife.” Kellen must have looked panicky, because Max reached back, wrapped his arm around her waist, and gave her his support. “But yes. Given the chance, she would kill us all.”

Kellen leaned against him and wished Juan would stop talking.

Max said, “When you landed that Coast Guard helicopter, I was really hoping—”

Kellen corrected him.“Wewere really hoping—”

Max nodded. “We were really hoping you were here to tell us she’d been caught.”

“I’m sorry.” Juan looked like he meant it. “I didn’t know anything about you being out here or that that female killer was in the area.”

“Possiblyin the area,” Max said.

“I assume Commander is aware, and everyone else is on a need-to-know basis.”

“That’s right.”

“I’ll talk to my pilot, tell her we never saw you.”

“That would be much appreciated.”

“You do have a way to defend yourselves?” Juan asked.

“We do,” Max said.

The guns in the gun safe.Remembering them made the constriction in Kellen’s throat ease.

“You do have a method of communication? In the R44? In case there’s trouble?” Juan indicated their helicopter on the other end of the lawn. “That radio works, right?”

“I check in with my law enforcement contacts once a week,” Max told him.

As Rae ran up, Juan said, “Here she is! Rae, did Carmen convince you to join the Coast Guard?”

“It’s a great job for a woman,” Rae said. “Being a Coast Guard pilot is one of the coolest jobs around.”

Juan laughed. “I knew she would sell you. Carmen would be fantastic in a recruiting office—but she won’t leave the pilot’s seat. Hey, next time we come, I hope we have better news for you all.”

“From your mouth to God’s ears,” Max looked around at Kellen and Rae, and at the island grasses waving in the salty breeze.

Kellen spoke up. “Yes, family is a blessing, and lately we have been very blessed.”

“I hear you.” Juan headed for the helicopter. “I grew up with five brothers. That’s how I learned to dance—waiting for the bathroom.”

19

Kellen started her half hour of piano practice. Her musical ability hadn’t improved, but the way her hands responded to her command was better, especially her right hand. Really, measurably better.

Yet Luna didn’t seem to notice any improvement. Ten minutes into the practice, the dog began to moan, and then to howl. She was obviously in pain with the awfulness of Kellen’s music, and she wanted the world to know.

Kellen paused. “I’m doing my best!”

Rae jumped up. “Mom! I’m going to ride my bike. I’ll take Luna.”

Luna hopped up, too, and wagged her tail.

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