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Xiao’sthe street as they headed toward their car

No one was around except an oldon one of the cardboard boxes across the street

No threat there

They tossed their es into the backseat of the sedan, hopped into the front seats, and drove off

The oldas he watched the brown car disappear around the corner “This neighborhood is going to hell, Allegro,” he inforh that the Chinese took over Little Italy But now they’re invading Arthur Avenue Say good-bye to the good old days when it was just us Good neighbors Decent Honest Now, the whole street will be corrupt, no better than the garbage you’re peeing on”

He shook his head, tightening his grip on Allegro’s leash “Like I said, this neighborhood is going to hell”

Sloane jerked awake and sat up as Derek sank down beside her on the sofa

“How’re you doing?” His knuckles caressed her cheek

She blinked and looked around, realizing that, once again, she’d fallen asleep

“You’re hoily “What time is it?”

“Seven-fifteen”

“Dammit” Sloane tried to clear the cobwebs froled to sit up “The poor hounds Theyrun…”

“Relax” Derek gripped her shoulders and eased her back onto the cushions “The hounds are fed, wiped out fro by the fire The only reason I woke you is because I think you should eat so before you take your meds”

“I’ll take the antibiotic, but I’ that damned Percocet,” Sloane muttered “I’ve been like a zombie all day”

“‘That da voice “Would that be the sa at the hospital?”