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I kiss her temple

Officer Carter, the blond one, clears his throat Yes, she’s pretty, but she’s taken as hell “If you’re ready, we can escort you to check out If you have to est you do it now It’ll be the last time you’re allowed to contact anyone until after the trial, and your phones will be turned off, and confiscated Once we leave this hotel, you’ll be taken to a safe house with a secure location That safety hinges on your complete cooperation” The words feel directed toward me

I raise an eyebrow “I understand”

“We understand how important it is to follow the rules, Carter,” Quinn says

“I understand that stress and isolation can et that we’re only here to keep you safe”

Is this asshole referring to the death ofas sie creeps up, and I force it back down

“Let’s talk about the elephant in the roo to allow that to jeopardize the wo the monsters who did this to him pay I can tell by your comment you don’t have children, do you?”

“No, Mr Heway, I don’t”

“Then don’t pretend to have a clue what it feels like or how itThis is a pain I wouldn’t wish upon ainst the natural order of things My boy was four, with his entire life ahead of him Show some respect for that”

His jaw ticks as I stare him down

“We’re sorry if it felt like ere ht of your son’s death in any way, Mr Hemnway We’ve just had our positions compromised too many times to not try to pound the rules into everyone’s skull we protect It’s not personal,” Officer Johnson says

So he’s the good cop, at least when it comes to me

“And I get that I know you’re here to do a job I’ to make it any more difficult for you than it already is”

“And we appreciate that,” Officer Johnson adds

Quinn rests her head onme support