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She couldn’t hear Rex’s side of the conversation, but she agreed with Doc. They had to go to her father’s farm. The sooner the better.

“We can discuss the pros and cons later,” Doc was saying. “Just focus on getting down here.”

Doc ended the call and finished slicing the pizza as if Rex hadn’t interrupted their kiss.

“We should go to the farm tonight,” she said, breaking the silence.

“I don’t know about that.” Doc carried the pizza to the table. “Let’s eat.”

Obviously talking about the kiss or going to her father’s farm would have to wait. She sat at the table, clasped her hands in her lap, and bowed her head. She was glad to see Doc did the same, waiting for her to say grace.

“Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. We also thank You for protecting us today and leading us safely from danger. We ask that You continue to watch over us as we seek the truth. Amen.”

“Amen,” Doc murmured. “I have to admit I prayed a lot today, especially when I was trying to get you to safety.”

She couldn’t help reaching out to touch his arm. “I’m glad to hear that.”

He shrugged, avoiding her gaze. Then he took a huge bite of his pizza, filling his mouth with food to avoid having a discussion. She dropped her hand and turned her attention to her own meal. She needed to have food in her stomach prior to taking the antibiotic.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. Then she asked, “Did you buy your cabin in the woods? Or was the property passed down from one generation to the next?”

He glanced at her in surprise. “I bought it. My parents lived in Lexington before they passed away in a car crash shortly before I was deployed overseas for our second tour. It was rough, but I took some comfort in knowing they were together.”

“I’m surprised you returned to the army after going through that.”

“I’d already signed the paperwork, and there was nothing to hold me back.” He grimaced, then added, “If I had known how things would go at the end of my tour, I would have made a different decision.”

Her stomach clenched. “What happened?”

“We did our jobs fighting Afghani soldiers and eliminating terrorist threats, then the head honchos in Washington, DC, decided all the troops needed to withdraw from the country and be sent back home. We were one of the last platoons to leave. The exfiltration did not go well.” He paused, then said, “After returning stateside, I decided to come back to the Lexington area. Found the cabin was for sale and scooped it up. It needed a lot of work, but I didn’t mind. It’s in great shape now.”

“You like the isolation.” When she’d arrived on his doorstep, she’d been grateful the cabin wasn’t a mirage. But thinking back to how Doc was living there alone made her wonder about his background. He was a medic and a soldier, two traits she’d come to appreciate as danger stalked her.

But he was also a loner.

“Yep.” He made it sound like no big deal to live alone in the middle of nowhere, but then his dark gaze turned somber. “I avoided people for a long time. As I said, getting out of Afghanistan did not go well. We were attacked and lost over half our team.” His gaze dropped to his plate. “It was bad.”

His tone was so full of agony she couldn’t help reaching out to touch him again. Only this time, he flinched as if she’d touched a raw nerve. She pulled her hand back and tried to think of something to say. Platitudes were nothing compared to the reality of what he and his teammates had lived through.

“I’m sorry.” Words were inadequate, but she had to say something. “I can’t imagine how awful that was for you and Rex and the rest of your team.”

“It was more than five years ago.” He waved a hand as if it didn’t matter anymore, but she knew he was putting on an act. The wounded expression in his eyes betrayed the truth. “Rex pulled those of us who survived together to create Grayson’s Guardians, a high-level security firm. Working for Rex keeps me busy.”

His life sounded lonely to her, but she was hardly in a position to judge. Without her memory, she didn’t know if she was an introvert or an extrovert who sought to be with others. All she knew was that she’d broken off her engagement. The memory of slapping Tristan’s face flashed in her mind. She was still horrified she’d resorted to violence.

“Any other memories coming back to you?” Doc’s change of subject was not subtle. Apparently, he was done talking about himself. “I was hoping those photos on the website would help.”

“Just a few brief memories of working in the barn with horses.” She sipped her water. “Nothing useful. As much as it pains me to admit it, I must have spent a lot of time at my father’s farm. I wish I also knew if I lived there.” She wondered what would happen to the farm and the horses if her father ended up in jail for murder. “Guess I’ll have to find something else to do other than teaching riding lessons to children.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions yet,” Doc advised. “While it looks bad for your father, we don’t know for sure who is responsible for killing Calvin Jacobson and doping Savior’s Journey.”

“Larry Archer.” The name popped into her mind out of nowhere. She turned to stare at Doc. “Larry Archer is the trainer working with Fiona’s Folly.”

“Do you remember anything else about him?” Doc’s tone was casual, but his intense gaze indicated he was hoping for more. “How long has he worked for your father?”

She shook her head, feeling worse than useless. “I don’t know.” Her gaze landed on the laptop. “But I’m sure we can find out by looking into his background.”

A flash of disappointment crossed Doc’s features. “Have you heard of any races where one trainer takes out a competitor?”