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His time alone with Gabrielle was over

They’d made it safe and sound

And right then he caredelse Once he drew attention away froet to his father The old man had a lot to explain

Lia to put up with Walter’s refusals to speak to him Not anymore

“Yo

u absolutely will not leave”

“No way” Marie and Gabrielle spoke siure out ways to get you in and out when you need to go,” Marie continued

“Then they’ll just hound you,” he told them

Gabrielle alking beside hiive them our statement”

As his attorney He’d forgotten about that for a second “And think what the publicity could do for Marie’s business,” she added, her words hitting him hard

Not because of what they said, but because she knew just what to say to cal they’d all bought together She was giving him a way to do so and still live with his conscience

As soon as they had their luggage—including the suitcase of Walter’s things—Tanner herded thee claim “I don’t think anyone knoe’re here,” he said “There were only a couple of die-hards parked out front when Marie and I left out the back And I’ll be around to ets in to bother any of the three of you”

“You’re one body,” Liam said, still not convinced

“They’re reporters, not bandits with guns” Gabrielle’s laconic reply brought a s her To loop his arainst his

He wanted to know that when they all went hooodbyes had been said for the day, Gabrielle would still be with him