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“I’m relieved this episode is over,” Ava Whittaker said “It’s been a painful and trying period for all of us”
“True, but if Ally continues to work at the DA’s Office,” Matt put in, “I guess we should all be prepared if she runs into another nut willing to take matters into his own hands”
“Speaking of which, how long do you intend to keep going at the DA’s Office, Ally?” Noah asked
Connor felt Allison tense next to hie looks
“You know, Allison,” Ava said gently, as if knowing this was a sensitive subject, “you are at the point in your career when a lot of the Assistant DAs would be starting to think about their next job”
Jahter a sober look “And, under the circuht want to think carefully about that”
“What circumstances, Dad?” Allison asked “This was an isolated case of one disturbed individual atteed “It’s not as if it hasn’t happened to other prosecutors”
Quentin cleared his throat and spoke up “We were all worried sick about you”
“Anyway, it’s not as if the Assistant DA’s job is the only potentially dangerous one in the world,” Allison went on “Moe, but I don’t see anyone here worried about one of the parties in her cases co after her”
“That’s because it hasn’t happened,” Quentin replied “Whereas soo if you’ll recall”
Connor sensed that Allison was reining in her teh the ranks at the DA’s Office, has anyone thought about that?” she demanded
He wasn’t known for his diplomacy, but Connor nevertheless decided it was probably ti Allison the credit she’s due”
Allison turned to look at hi whether she’d heard him correctly
Not glancing at her, he added, “I know I haven’t”
“Thanks,” Allison said froed with surprise
He addressed hie of emotions from quiet aht and day for the past several weeks,” he said, hoping the Whittakers didn’t take the “night and day” part too literally “I’ve seen how tough she can be when the circumstances call for it”
Noah guffawed “I’ll say And not just when the circumstances call for it, either”
From the corner of his eye, Connor saw Allison purse her lips
Noah gave a mock shiver “I rest my case”
“The truth is,” Connor continued, “she refused to be cowed by the threats and she’s certainly got the guts to be a prosecutor”
He looked at Allison, as regarding him with questions in her eyes He took a deep breath “So, if Allison has set her sights on rising through the ranks at the DA’s Office, I say more power to her”
Maybe it was because he’d finally acknowledged to hi the Whittakers through Allison’s eyes Her fah job well at the DA’s Office, but none of theet past some protective instincts where she was concerned
And he’d been the ether with all the spoiled little rich girls he’d coible and wealthy bachelor It had been, he acknowledged, an easy way to keep her at an eht his perverse attraction to her
Allison’s brothers and sister-in-law looked thoughtful, while Allison’s parents appeared similarly reflective
Matt was the first to speak “Connor has a point We’ve all been thinking of Ally as someone we love and want to protect Maybe that’s blinded us to how tough and resilient she really is”
“We just wanted to et hurt, sweetheart,” Allison’s father said “Our intention wasn’t to stifle you, but thingsthe way”
“Yes,” Ava agreed “I’m sorry if we’ve come across as a bit heavy-handed sometimes, Ally It’s only because we love you”
“I guess if we’re handing out apologies,” Quentin added, “I should say ditto for me”
“If continuing to be a prosecutor is really what you want to do, we’ll support you, of course,” Ava said, looking at her husband for his concurring nod “Naturally, the decision is yours All anted was to ht out decision”
Allison smiled at her mother “Thanks, Mom”
Connor caught the quick look she sent his way before she added, “And try not to worry too much Thanks to Connor, I’ve learned thatmore attention to my personal safety”
She’d learned that, had she? Connor took some satisfaction in that It would help when he was out of her house—and out of her life—again