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She paused, but only for a moment “Xiomara”

Eric laughed “Oh man, sucks for you I’d hate to have to report back to her Especially if I couldn’t find the…” His voice trailed off as he glanced around again “Well, you know”

Melody’s face went flush with anger Xionnment! And now here was someone else, sent perhaps even to babysit her Or at the very least, to help out

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Melody said, just a little too quickly

“Doesn’t see”

“It’s just that…” She sighed in frustration “I thought I was being sent here alone I ell alone,” she added, although that part was a bit of a stretch “No offense”

“None taken,” shrugged Eric “And hey, I didn’t know you were here either,” he admitted “Not until I saw you out in the field Maybe they wanted us to help each other?”

She shook her head reflexively “I really don’t need any help”

“I dunno,” he said, scratching his chin “Looks like you definitely ht’ve needed some help back there…”

Melody followed his gaze back to the road Off in the distance, the dog was gone Probably li the aniht be okay made her feel somewhat better at least

“Look,” said Eric “I didn’t mean to—”

“No, no,” she relented, resting a hand on his arm She couldn’t help but notice it was a fir to do with you I promise It’s just that… well…”

“You thought you were riding solo”

She sighed and s an asshole”