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Sinclair chuckles and it’s not at all warm "Well, excuse me if I’ve seen a lot more in my twenty-plus years in the Bureau than you’ve seen in your twolocal crackheads," he snaps "Stop questioningthat sheriff is culpable, too For all we know, 12 and his friend tampered with Petrova’s car and they’re the reason he’s dead Both of theet 12 on acell within a day"

Even as Sinclair talks, , Alex’s words, the look in her eyes as they passed over Luke, cycling through my mind He saved her life In the short ti the truth--that she needed to be saved

But, at what cost?

Oh God, what if Sinclair’s right? A a murder around Luke’s neck? NoI’ve met murderers Even without proof, someone like er There’s none of that in Luke’s eyes I don’t believe he’s capable

I gritThis call is all about posturing and personal agendas I’ but a soldier, expected to do as I’m told This is the part about my job that I despise

"Okay, I’ll do what I can"

"No, you’ll do what you have to," Sinclair corrects, his tone slow and clear and screa "read between the lines" "We’ve poured too much money and tin, experiencing Luke’s hoh his door, instead of a lurker hiding behind a curtain Froet

But the h the solid wood door-- the mixed patterns and fabrics and perfectly positioned artwork that screams "decorator," my ears lulled by the surround-sound rhythoes off

The switch that says I’ht him" The second I release Stanley froround and he takes off like a hound "I felt guilty leaving hi cooped up all day"

"Nope Maybe that’ll keep Licks busy"

I peer up to rin as he takes in the sheer black blouse and siht I need to dress to keep his attention, after all "You look nice," he offers, his voice low and gravelly He steps in close and I holdhe does

But instead, he slides his hands intobackward, his bare feet padding softly against the hard wood He soray T-shirt look expensive He s deeply

"Sowhat’s for dinner?" I warily eye the collection of opened cans and torn packages set out over the kitchen island An iPad sits in its holder next to it all, open to what looks like a recipe page

He seizes the sides ofbeautifully "Doesn’tto eat whatever I ht the deal was meatball sandwiches?"