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“I a, she’d always been well-behaved She’d never really broken any rules Hadn’t dared to in case she found herself in trouble As a child, she hadn’t wanted to bring the cops’ attention to her, or that of social services As an adult, well, those fears hadn’t really changed And, truth be told, the last thing she wanted was to be pulled into the sheriff’s office for a lecture

But that didn’the was in charge of her “Look, I brought you the pie as a peace offering If you don’t want to accept it, we can go back to butting heads But I a me”

He merely smiled “We’ll see Make sure you lethome You look exhausted”

She shook her head in exasperation, torn betanting to shake his to him that she really, really shouldn’t

4

Enough was enough

He walked into the diner, scowling at anyone who tried to approach him He wasn’t in the mood for talk

Three days Three days had passed since he’d offered Aspen a job Since he’d damn near taken responsibility for her Shocked by how protective he felt over her, he’d decided soood idea He needed so like the wo about her thatabout her

He was surprised she was avoiding hi a hypocrite It was okay for him to stay away from her, but not for her to do the same?

No It wasn’t

He an Ferguson sent his way Norht now, he was on a mission

“Saxon, what can I get for ya?” Peggy asked

“Where’s Aspen?”

Peggy frowned slightly “She’s sick today”

Sick? Worry filled hi with her?”