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Erin gave herself a swiftabout the past was no way to justify her reactions to Sauest That was all She just needed a sharp reminder to keep it that way She, better than s and emotions could lead a person into difficult, and sometimes terrible, situations

As she neared the café she saw Sam seated at one of the outdoor tables He looked up and directly at her, then raised one ar just how long she’d been standing here wool-gathering She walked briskly toward hirew nearer, she saw that his table held an empty plate, a crumpled takeout cup and a newspaper that was folded open before him Turned to the business section, Erin noted as she drew closer

“Sorry I took so long,” she said “Would you like to head back to the lodge?”

He flung her a shten a little more, but this time for an entirely different reason So o

“I pro froet back to Riley…”

“No, it’s okay I nursed hi before we left and I also left a bottle with Sasha, just in case He’ll be fine”

“What would you like?”

“A cappuccino would be great, thanks”

He was back a fewthe coffee on the table in front of her

“Thanks,” she said, lifting the takeout cup to her lips and taking a sip

“I didn’t knohether you wanted chocolate or cinnao for both Is that okay?”

“More than okay It’s what I usually do,” she said with a s a decision that way”

Sam stiffened, his face suddenly pale

“Are you okay?” Erin asked, concerned at the rapid change in hi?”

“No, of course not You just reminded me of someone for a minute”

He rubbed at his right hip and upper thigh It was a subconscious action, Erin was sure, but she’d noticed him do that every now and then and his limp would always be more pronounced afterward

“You’re sore, aren’t you? Don’t bother denying it,” she said with a smile “We can head off now if you like, I can take my coffee with me”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”