“Why?” He glanced down. “Do I smell? Look bad?”

“You’re not sweaty but I believe she’s seen enough of our officers today. You should dress casually so you’re just a male to her. She appeared a little overwhelmed. Give her some time alone first.”

“She’s frightened?” His gut twisted. “She needs me.”

“You’re not listening.” Jericho sounded annoyed.

“She is here alone. I’m the first Species she ever met. She was held against her will and had a traumatic day between escaping them and coming to Homeland. I need to let her know she’s safe.”

“You’re being irrational.” Jericho’s voice had deepened when he continued, “I’m your friend and you need to trust my judgment.”

Smiley didn’t enjoy hearing the advice.

“The last thing that female needs is to have you arrive with your emotions on a short leash. Shower, relax and then go see her when you aren’t in protective mode.”

“I didn’t frighten her before.”

“I listened in on everything that took place in Justice’s office. She sounded nervous about seeing you again.”

“You listened in?”

Jericho shrugged, cradling the rifle. “My hearing is good and I wanted to know if she was really as blameless as you believed. She doesn’t hide her emotions well when she speaks. She hides them even less effectively with her expressions. I see why you were convinced she didn’t drug you.”

“You spoke to her?”

“Not much. I could detect her emotions while she answered questions and then I saw her expression when I walked into Justice’s office. She wasn’t able to conceal her fear of me. She reads easily.”

“You frightened her?” Smiley tensed.

“It was my size and she seemed confused about my eyes. I get it a lot but humans attempt to hide their reactions after a second. She wasn’t able to. Follow my advice and be calm when you see her. Take it slow, Smiley. She isn’t one of our females. Don’t forget that. She reminded me of a spooked kitten. I didn’t spend time with her because I was aware of her fear of me. Wager puts humans at ease with his friendly personality so I passed her into his care. I tend to frighten humans when I do this.” Jericho grinned, showing teeth.

“You look menacing.”

“I know.”

Smiley took a deep breath. “I’ll go home and shower. Should I wear jeans and a tank top? Or slacks and a nice dress shirt?”

“Wear workout gear. She’ll appreciate your show of arm muscles. Humans seem to like those.”

He remembered her reaction in the bar when he’d removed his jacket and grinned. “You’re right.”

“Take it slow, Smiley. I know you want the female but she’s skittish.”

“Understood.”

He stepped around Jericho and leapt, landing on a thick tree branch and swiftly climbed down. He looked up and pointed to the Jeep.

“Take it,” Jericho called out. “I left the keys in the ignition. Your replacement will have a vehicle so I won’t have to jog home.”

Smiley slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine. His first instinct was to drive to human housing but he pushed back the urge. He’d follow Jericho’s advice. He admitted to being a little irrational where Vanni was concerned. He couldn’t wait to see her again but a shower and change of clothes seemed like a good idea.

Chapter Twelve

Vanni reflected on her conversation with Wager. He’d sworn she wasn’t a prisoner at Homeland. He’d given her a tour of the two-bedroom house, telling her it was stocked with food and there were clothes in the dresser, before leaving her to her own devices. A few minutes later he’d knocked on her door, delivering lunch. She’d consumed the sandwich and chips with gusto.

The phone on the counter had a dial tone when she tested it. She dialed Elvis’ number after getting it from information and was relieved when Beth answered on the first ring.

“It’s me.” Vanni was glad to hear her voice. “You’re safe. I was so worried.”

“Well, I’m still worried. Where are you?”

“At Homeland. I took your advice.”

“Should I come there? Mickey could drive me.”

“No. I’m okay.” She glanced around the spacious home. “They are treating me really good and have put me up in a house. It’s nicer than a hotel.”

“They didn’t blame you for drugging that Smiley guy?”

“No.”

“Is he there with you?”

“I haven’t seen him yet but I will tomorrow. I don’t have any clothes so he’s going to take me shopping.”

Beth’s voice lowered. “Are you okay? Seriously?”

“I’m fine. Seriously. They were really nice and picked me up in a helicopter.”

“Wow. You got to ride in one of those?”

“It wasn’t that much fun. Trust me. I felt a little motion sick. They fly faster than I thought they would. I did get to meet Fury North.”

“Seriously? Is he as cool as he seems? Was Ellie with him?”

“I didn’t get to meet her but he was really nice.”

“I should come to you,” Beth stated. “You’re alone. I’d be terrified in your shoes.”

“Everyone is being super nice. They even brought me lunch. I’m really okay. I just called to make sure you made it to Elvis’ okay and that Gregory’s guy didn’t get you.”