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It’s obviously a call he doesn’t want overheard I have to give hi I’ve busted They always assuenious, that no one will understand that when they’re talking about types of birds and nu past, they’re talking about illegal stuff Maybe a normal person wouldn’t

Froht-iron chair and light up a cigarette, phone pressed against his ear He glances over atthethe clock When the first few balls are sizzling in the pan, I grab one of Warner’s beers and a glass

And I push through the patio door, acting like nothing’s wrong with stepping out here to offer uest a drink

Wary blue eyes flash up tosuspicious by getting up and walking away? Or just stop talking altogether?

I hold up the can He nods So I takethe can, and slowly pouring its contents in

"NoNoHe’s a duive him a call" I feel Luke’s eyes on me I turn and offer hi

While I and the FBI listen in

"YeahCan you call Vlad and see what he can"

Vlad There’s that nauess so ’kayThanks, Rust" He hangs up just as I’lass for hiht youover his face "I a the drink, he curls a hand around the back of my neck and pulls my mouth into his

I’m somehow completely unprepared as the taste of mint and just a hint of tobacco fills my mouth, as his other hand slides around ainst uy who is confident that it’s okay that he’s doing this

And for about three seconds, it is okay Asand I lose my ability to breathe, it’s more than okay As I feel the heat froBut then reality co down and I remember that this is not okay This is ht now, listening to every close-range sound co recorded and entered into evidence for people to listen to at a later date

As gently as I can, I push against his chest until he breaks free I clear h not for the reasons he assuet in there"

"So?" He leans in for another kiss, but this tie to turn away and his mouth skates across my cheek

"Listen, LukeThat bad breakup I told you about?" I wasn’t planning on using this excuse yet, but I guess I don’t have a choice I just hope it doesn’t derail everything so soon "It was really bad Like" I frown for iive me for this lie "abusive bad I’entle pat to ease the rejection, wishing for the moment that I didn’t know exactly what he looked like under this shirt "I really like hanging out with you, though"

He steps back, his face softening "Of course Okay" He has a knowing look in his eyes Does my little cri hurt? There weren’t any records of domestic violence in his family, which is usually what sparks that kind of reaction Butor two about battered wohten theGive yourself a fighting chance for next hen you have to feedbehind ot to head out Soe?" I don’t even need to fake the disappoint out browned meatballs for raw ones Is this about that phone call? Or is he pulling his chute in this "friendship" of ours already because I just denied hi for my uncle"

"That’s too bad, but I understand You can come back and eat after, if you want," I offer, nonchalantly If it really is work, then I can’t scare hiives ht squeeze and then he’s on his way out the door

No ht

No attempt at another kiss, to e of disappoint, "Officer Bertelli, out," I switch the listening device off My phone rings allance at the clock "You’re calling ht?"

"The others were tied up with their kids They couldn’t make it in time"

I shake my head I should have known that Warner wouldn’t leave "Dammit, Warner You should have told me I would have put him off"