The next afternoon I found Damien in the downstairs study room, head slumped against the side of the sofa, economics textbook in hand. He was completely asleep. Economics will do that to you.

"Damien," I said, shaking his shoulder.

His eyes jerked open and he blearily tried to focus them on me. He looked confused then recognized me and reddened a little.

"Huh?" he said, raking a hand through his rather unruly mass of hair.

"Have you talked to Micah?" I asked.

"Not since he…" Damien stopped and fumbled for words, "…he…since we…since the tires were fixed."

It was rather amusing to see the normally very arrogant, very collected Damien Holmes embarrassed and struggling for words. Men can be very cute when they're confused. Heck, Damien was gorgeous without being confused.

I explained Micah's theory. Damien just watched me, nodding occasionally.

"I thought of that already," he said finally, "which is why I've asked everyone in charge of the five remaining churched to monitor everyone who comes in this week. I think I've found a match."

"Someone who's been to all three?"

"Yeah," he said, "all three, and could easily show up at another and not be noticed."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because he's a preacher's son," Damien said.

"Evan," I stated more than asked. Damien nodded.

"He was at all three burned churches," Damien said, "but the only way anyone will make a charge stick is to catch him at it. I figure he has friends in on the deal, but I have no idea who they are."

"Hence, if you figure out which church he's going to this time, you'll know where to send the police to watch," I finished.

"Exactly," Damien said with a smile. He leaned his head back against the sofa and momentarily watched me through lowered lashes. I hovered between indecision as to whether to leave or attempt to address what had happened last night.

"Damien, I …" I wavered off. He was giving me an unreadable expression. Suddenly Damien reached around my shoulders and pulled me back to lean against him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and felt him kiss the top of my head as he pulled me as close as possible.

"I know," he said, "I'm a coward when it comes to anything sensitive."

"You're not now," I offered.

"Not for lack of trying."

I smiled and hugged him tighter.