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“We’ve got a situation” My younger partner’s usual cocky greeting is absent, his tone tense “Will you be back tonight?”

“We’ll probably leave in about an hour Melissa needs to pick up Dex at her mother’s—”

“Toni called She’s in trouble” My chest tightens at his words This fucking snowball just keeps getting bigger “It’s better if we discuss it in private, but it can’t wait”

“I’ll drop Melissa off and head over as soon as we get in”

“Meet me at the satellite office in town”

Disconnecting, I notice Melissa has joinedout over don Based on her expression, I know she’s curious about my early calls Melissa is one of the smartest people I know, and the fact I’ve been able to keepblows my mind

“Everything okay?” She gives me a little smile, and dammit, she’s so beautiful Her dark waves ripple over her shoulders, and she’s wearing a satin pajas

I can’t tell her what Patrick said, so I say what I can “Stuart called Nikki gave her notice Friday”

Her uys! What happened?”

“I’m not sure Stuart’s only been in Princeton a week, but apparently there’s a story”

Crossing her ar behind those beautiful blue eyes “It doesn’tback She ed to work it into nearly every text or e up to his arrival” Quiet settles over us, her eyes slowly move to mine Despite allcloser, I slide my hands over her hips, around her waist

“Are you going to let her go?” she asks softly

“Stuart will have toher closer, I drop my chin and take a deep inhale at the top of her head Ocean roses “I know you like her, but trust e as a secretary”

Her arms are still crossed, and I can tell by her tone, she’s not buying it “That explains why Stuart ht fire her Why would she quit?”

“I’ll know tomorrow”