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Once he crossed through the intersection, he pulled up in front of the char over the door read THE BOOK NOOK At one time the bookstore had appeared run down, but noith the fresh paint and new store s it had been rejuvenated He cut the engine of his truck and exited, locking the doors behind him To his left he noted that the contractor had finished the work on the tattoo shop next to the bookstore All of which would lead into a new casino a year from now

Determined to see the people in the apartment above the bookstore, Sawyer ht touched hi’s side door It ca the bell three ti down the stairs

When the door opened, a sleepy Porter, wearing only black shorts, frowned at Sawyer “What do you want?”

“Mind if I come in?”

Porter stepped away fro Sawyer to enter The wooden stairs creaked under his footsteps as he followed Porter into the aparth the narrow doorway, he discovered a ss, but the space had homey touches Knickknacks layered just about every blank space available Then Sawyer saw Kenzie standing in the tiny kitchen, wearing her bathrobe

Hair in disarray, she glanced froht?”

“It will be” Sawyer sighed and shut the door behind him “Can I have a few minutes alone with Porter?”

Her sleepy eyes flicked at Porter, who nodded agreeht”

Porter waited until the bedroo a seat on the couch “Do tell What needs to be said that couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”

“I’ve coize” Sawyer dropped down into the recliner near the , noticing the plants on the antique table next to hiht not have been my finest of moments”

“No shit” Fire blazed in Porter’s eyes

Sawyer gave his friend a“I’m protective of her”

“I get that” A vein showed along Porter’s forehead “You do know you’re not the only one who cares for Chloe?”

“Yes, I know” Sawyer gave a small nod

“I’lad to hear you say that” Porter’s hands were fisted on his lap, and his voice was icy “Because how you acted tonight iive two shits about her welfare”