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“Why don’t we step into your shop?” Ryan suggested He took her by the elbow and guided her across the street

She unlocked the door and theythe deadbolt behind them

He told her, “You should sit Your face has turned ghostly white”

“Of course it has These guys are now ar after them”

“I’ve got un”

She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up a hand to stop her

“I know that disturbs you, and I’m sorry But the sheriff and I have already discussed this and he wantsmy 9 with these particular criminals”

Ginger’s stooing to tell you I agree you should carry a gun It occurred towith Lydia I want you to protect yourself But, Ryan…” Her voice trailed off She could barely breathe, her chest constricted so harshly Yet she ed to add, “Now that this has beco we’ve debated in theory—I’”

He gripped her shoulders and stared down at her “I’ about me”

“How can I not?” she insisted “Youand tenacity on your side, but you’ve never dealt with dangerous criminals before, Ryan This isn’t an exercise at a policy academy—this is real life!”

The hazardous situation sent a treh her body

“This is er”

“I’ what these guys are willing to do to get aith the robberies They could kill sonum It could be you”

The tre Ryan pulled her to him and held her in a firm embrace

“Ginger,” he whispered against her hair “I don’t want you to be scared I’ll be fine I’ll be careful You have to believe that”