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"I have aPrayed his instincts about Wade Sterling hadn’t steered hi and that the very thin line between black and white that Sterling skated allowed him liberties those who stuck to the book didn’t take And that even noas shadowing her everybe on her

"What?"

He couldn’t tell who said it because it came from all directions There were looks of confusion, accusation and relief

"I kneas all wrong," Dane ood I just never thought it was this bad Had to protect her but couldn’t let her know that because I’d lose her trust We’d lose her and, fuck, that’s exactly what may happen anyway!"

"But we’re all here," Zack asked with obvious bewilder here?"

Next to Dane, Zack was closest to Eliza and it was clear he was not only confused but angry that he wouldn’t have been apprised of anything going doith Eliza, any cause for worry and certainly Dane putting a man on her If not Zack hin me to shadow her?" Isaac demanded in a pissed-off tone "I don’t have a wife or other obligation Eliza is important to us all and you put so?"

Isaac tended to be quiet, but he was downright surly when it caed to DSS, Eliza included He had a protective streak a mile wide and at thee much of himself but he was absolute in his loyalty to the people he’d pledged his allegiance to

"Wade Sterling," Dane said grimly

"What the fuck?" Isaac and Beau both bellowed

The roo the walls Except Gracie looked relieved and for the first tiottafor his cell as he spoke

And he silently prayed the entire ti’s contact and then put the phone to his ear

He should have done what his gut had told him to do and sit on her and never let her out of his or DSS’s sight He never should have been so godda Eliza’s trust, loyalty and friendship--her love--by backing off and calling in Sterling Because even if she was pissed, quit and never spoke to hiain, at least she’d be alive to hate him