Page 27 of Always Mine

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“Hey, Will. I’d like to talk to you.” Katie Donovan had been waiting for him on the porch when he returned. He wondered why.

“Why are you standing guard? Didn’t you become a detective?”

“I’m lead investigator on this case. I’m staying close to it, taking a few shifts because I know Diego. Like him. And it might help me figure out who’s after him. I have to say I’m not happy that you’re smuggling women in for him. It’s dangerous for them.”

“Only Annie Stefano, and she’s not coming back.”

“Still, you broke regs.”

Katie Donovan was a very attractive woman. She’d been beautiful in high school, too. Prom queen. Head cheerleader. He was surprised when she went into law enforcement.

“Well, sometimes rules need to be broken.”

“Seriously? You believe that as a Secret Service Agent? I expected you to be strict about the rules.”

The comment irritated him. “Look, Katie.”

She held up her hand. “It’s Kate now, or Detective.”

“O-kay. Isaidshe wasn’t coming back. So, this conversation is moot.” Circling around her, he opened the door with his key and stepped inside. Christ, she followed him. “What are you doing?”

“I want to hear you tell Diego and Annie while I’m with you so he won’t question my authority.”

“All right.” They crossed to the bedroom and stopped short in the doorway.

“Damn it,” she said. “Look at them. They’re holding on for dear life. I can’t believe they’ll agree to a separation.” She frowned and turned to Will. “They broke up after college. And I heard she was engaged to somebody else. Why’s she here?”

“Hell if I know. But they sure do seem like they’re in love.” He gave her a sideways glance. “Ever been in love, Detective?”

There was a slight tightening of her jaw. “Once. A long time ago. You?”

“In high school, I thought I was in love with Jody Perry.”

“High school kids are in lust.”

His mind went to Jill Tremane and his affair with her. “I date, sure, but nothing serious.”

“It’s hard for people in law enforcement to have relationships.”

Annie roused. “Oh, Will. Is it time to go already?”

“It’s midnight.”

She transferred her gaze to Katie. “Hi, Katie.”

“Annie. We need to talk to you and Diego. And I go by Kate, now.”

Annie climbed out of bed and stood. Then she gently shook his shoulder. “Wake up, Diego.”

He roused, opened his eyes. And started flailing. “Get away from me…go…I won’t let you hurt any more cops.” He held out his hand as if he held a gun.

Will leapt forward and practically knocked Annie out of the way. He grabbed Diego’s hand. “You’re having a flashback. Come out of it…he tapped his friend’s cheek. A little harder.

Just as suddenly as it came, the flashback cleared. Diego’s eyes widened. “What happened?” he asked Will.

“You either had a nightmare or a flashback. But I swear you were awake.”

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