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But noasn’t the tiue

She grabbed her pocketbook “I’m on my way”

“Alone?”

“Yes, Dad Alone”

She snapped the phone shut and finished pulling on her sweater and buttoning her slacks She was halfway through the bedroom door when she collided with Derek, who’d come to announce that dinner was served

He frowned, taking in her drawn expression and the fact that she was fully dressed “What’s going on?”

“My et over there”

He snapped into take-charge mode “Is it serious?”

“Someone broke into their place She surprised them They knocked her out That’s all I know”

“I’ll go with you” Ignoring the trays of lasagna, Derek headed for the door

“No—wait” Sloane stopped hi into her coat as she spoke “My dad asked me to come alone He sounds really upset The cops are in his face, asking questions I think he and my mom have had all they can take”

Derek went very still “I’ to offer my support And to be there for you”

This was going to be tough “I realize that,” Sloane carefully replied “And I’ht now, he doesn’t see you as my boyfriend He sees you as yet another law enforcement official I don’t want

to upset him any more than he already is So I’ll do it his way He and ht here at New York Presbyterian I’ll be there in a flash And I’ll call you with updates”

“Fine” Derek wasn’t happy But he didn’t argue “My doorman will hail you a cab”