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“It was mutual”

Callulance sharply at him He shouldn’t lie to his brother Or his family Not anymore

“Actually, I lied about that, Ace”

Ace’s expression sobered “Why?”

“We didn’t break up She died in a car accident I was protecting a witness testifying in the trial of so cartel They found out I was dating Annabel and had her killed to intinant”

Ace gaped at Callum in stunned silence

“I’m sorry Icouldn’t talk about her” He looked at Hazel “Not until I met Hazel”

Her eyes turned soft with deep gratitude and respect He felt hi in love with her

“Wow, Cal I had no idea You should have told someone”

He nodded “Probably But I just couldn’t It devastated ed him He was not the same man as he was before that He was a lotthat had come out of the experience

“He blamed himself for her death,” Hazel said to Ace “She wasover her”

“Then clearly it was not your fault”

“I should have checked out the suspect more I should have knohat kind of monster he worked for”

“You can’t blauard, and a daood one” Ace did another check of the lobby and his eyes stopped short toward the entrance

“Sorry to cut this short,” Ace said “I have to go now”