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“If anyone dares even say that …” Michael bristled

But contrition softened Jeff’s expression—he kneas right When I broke up with hiossiped about me, and a lot of it had been nasty “I’m sorry, Dahlia”

Exhausted, irritated, dreading the consequences of their juvenile antics, I shook my head and was about to walk ahen a commotion at the front of the hotel drew our attention We turned to see Deputy Wendy Rawlins and Deputy Eddie Myers hurrying across the lobby toward Jeff

“Sheriff” Wendy almost skidded to a halt

Jeff and Michael grew alert at the deputies’ drawn, pale expressions “What’s wrong?” Jeff asked

“I know you’re off duty but …” Wendy glanced around and saas close enough to overhear She turned to Jeff “Sheriff, we need you and Detective Sullivan to coht away”

My heart raced at the grim seriousness in Wendy’s tone and the deep concern that etched itself into Michael’s and Jeff’s faces

“On our way,” Jeff said He looked down at me “We’ll talk later”

I nodded, er defused under the heavy, horrible vibe the deputies had brought into the hotel with them

Jeff strode aith his officers, but Michael lingered His expression softened at my concerned countenance

“Be careful”

“Always am” There was so much in his eyes So y “I’m sorry if I was a dick in there I’ain”

Tears brightenedthe back of his neck in a way that made him seem vulnerable I didn’t like Michael vulnerable I especially didn’t like hierous situation

“What was that about?” Vaughn crossed the lobby tow

ard me