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The sed for Sawyer, and Val and I stood between theht! I’ decorurown adults! At work!"

Thomas stepped back, and Sawyer smoothed his tie and then sat down

"Grow up!" I snarled at Thoers to his h his teeth "I’ll call Polanski We need to get that report buried and intercept the warrant for Grove’s arrest--at least for now"

Val straightened her clothes "You call the SAC I’ll call the IG’s office"

"I’ll tail Grove See if he suspects anything," Sawyer said

Thoht lid on this"

"Understood," Sawyer and Val said

They left Thomas and me alone in my office, and we stared at one another

"You left out your key agents to protect me?" I asked

"Marks knew"

I tilted ed "I can trust him"

"You can trust Val, too"

"Val talks too ritted his teeth "I shouldn’t have to explainwith, if they get a hold of your na I’ve ever heard," I snapped

Thoet at eighty-five yards with a twenty-two pistol, I can take down an assailant twice ant ass at least twice a day I can handle Benny, the Yakuza, and Grove I’ent of the FBI, same as you, and you will respect me as such Do you understandabout his next answer "I don’t think you’re weak, Liis"

"Then, why?"

"Soreat sex You’re attracted to ents That’s another reason it’s a bad idea for us to explore whatever this is," I said, gesturing in the air between us

"No, it’s …I knew"

"You knehat?" I snapped

"That I would have to be careful I lost soave up someone I loved before, and it crushed oes down…it will end me"

I closed my open mouth and stuttered out the next words, "Whatanywhere?"