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JAZZ’S HAND TREMBLED as she knocked on Cassie’s door for the second time that week

This tied

Life no longer made sense

On the one hand, she had everything she wanted Everything she’d thought she’d lost Guh they still had soht and shiny Full of love, pleasure, and opportunity A huge part of her heart felt full to bursting

But then there was this hole This gaping emptiness created by the loss of Viper’s life

And the guilt God, the guilt nearly crushed her with its iht Theher from the worst of the blast, and lost his life for it How could she not feel responsible?

“Jazz!” Shell opened the door and ilad to see you Coh the door Her eyes were bloodshot and there was a sluggishness to her h she hadn’t slept well because she’d spent the night crying

Jazz fully understood

“Cassie is letting Beth help pick out her clothes Who knohat she’ll co” She chuckled, but it was forced, like she felt obligated to be a light presence in the house

Moving a bit like a robot, Jazz followed Shell into Cassie’s living rooe microfiber couch

Jazz blew out a breath Viper’s presence was everywhere in the house From the Harley prints on the wall, to the shelf full of h the years Then there was the frao, of Viper, Copper, Zach, and Jigsaw Each man had a more youthful appearance Especially Viper But what norance to ould befall the beloved vice president

God, she couldn’t do this Couldn’t face Cassie What if the woman hated her? What if she ordered Jazz out of her house? It ht very well happen

“How are you feeling, sweetie?” Shell asked in a soft tone

“What?” Jazz pulled her focus from the photo “Oh, I’m fine”

Shell gave her a sweet, empathetic smile “Not so sure I’d say you’re fine just yet” She ran a light finger over the bandage on Jazz’s head

The six-inch gash she’d received at so the explosion had required thirty-seven stitches to close Another twenty closed up the sternu blankets and heated saline for ist The bumps, bruises, and ses and round the clock Motrin She’d spent seven hours in the hospital before the doctors released her to Screw and Gumby’s care