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Sam stuck out his hand “I’ No one out there had your skill I just joined Hinive these fellas a chance, I think we’ll put together an unconquerable team”

Ilared at Saut, too Julie never once raised her arers and then tilted her chin and looked away

“You joined Hin because the word is out, isn’t it?” When he didn’t respond, she addressed Hank “You told hi your team”

Hank narrowed his gaze and rubbed his chin, taking his oeet ti a reply “I promised Frank he could handle you but the truth is, I don’t want anyone to handle you exceptThat’s your choice, and if you decide to turn down the offer we put on the table, it’ll be your loss

“But Hin soether We moved our entire team from Daytona to Coluot a car with your naot a room decorated to your tastes, and a physical therapist already relocated to the guest house, which has been converted into a rehab facility

“Whether you drive for us later or not, you’re going hoone into the Columbia farm I think you’ll appreciate the people who h for you Now, like I said, you’ve got two deals here—Hinotiable The other, isn’t Accept it”

Julie’s eyes ide She held her head as high as she could e and squared her shoulders “I’ve experienced the Hinman men and believe me, I was less than impressed What ?”

Duke grunted but then put aside the blow she delivered “The tea races Hinloineers in the business Best I remember, you always liked team sports, Julie”

“I used to,” she said thoughtfully “Things have changed You’re looking at a woman who had her life flash in front of her There’s ”

“Maybe,” Duke said, not buying her reply for a second “But there’sleft in you, too So what’d ya say?”

“No,” she said fir the other way “No all the way around”

“That’s about e figured you’d say,” Hank re the distance between hi to talk about The other part, sugar, isn’t open for discussion I thought I explained that well enough Apparently, I didn’t”

Duke strolled toward her, grabbed her around the waist, and lifted her into his arms At the same time, Hank removed the wooden cane from her small hand

Seconds later, Duke secured her against his shoulder “I never took you for a quitter, Julie And like it or not, you don’t have a choice right now You’re not quitting on us before you get started You did that once already I don’t have the stomach to watch you walk away froain”

Chapter Two