Page 157 of Coff

“He’s an impressive man, and he works faster than I’ve been.”

“Duke, what does that mean?”

He sighs into his phone. “I know you’ve been following the news and watching the headlines in his area.”

I have, and that’s how I know about all the men being killed. “Are you the one making the drug deals go bad?”

“Maybe. But Leo found a better way. And he wants to run the business. I can’t tell you what a relief that is.”

“So, you’re out then?”

“Not completely, but enough that Sam is happy. For now. But she misses you. When can you come home? Leo has the guest room saved for you.”

“Doesn’t my brother want you as an informant still?” Coff asks.

Duke laughs. “No, after the explosion, he wants nothing to do with me. Now, Delaney, you can have your old job back.”

Is he crazy? I finally got away from the business and everything about it. Why would I want to go back to that?

Coff is watching me closely.

“Duke, I’m not coming back.”

“Well, where are you? At least let me bring Sam to visit you. We both want to see you.”

“I’ll think about it. I need to go. Bye, Duke.” I end the call and curl up on the sofa.

Coff opens his arms, and I lean into him. “Are you all right?’ he asks.

I shake my head. “My brother set up over thirty people to be killed.”

He sighs. “Yeah, but does it help to know they were bad people?”

“I don’t know. Maybe?”

Coff rubs my arm. “You know, just because your brother said it was safe to go back doesn’t mean it is. It might never be.”

“I know. But I’m hoping I can see Duke and Sam again someday. While I’m still angry at Sam and probably will be for a while, I can’t cut out someone like that. She’s been my best friend since we were in high school.”

He cups my face. “I get it. We’ll figure out something. I still can’t grasp why Duke would walk away from pursuing your family’s business, but he must have his reasons.”

I straddle his lap, and he leans back against the couch. “I think it’s all for Sam. Which I’m happy about because I don’t want to think about or hear about that business ever again.”

He grins. “And what do you want to think about?”

“You.” I lean down and kiss him.

When I pull back, he stares at me. “I’m sorry you had to walk away from everything you knew, but I’m happy you did. I’m so happy to be here with you. I love you, Delaney, Anna, Jolene.”

I cup his face with my hands. “You left your friends. I hope you don’t hate me for that.”

“Hey, I could never hate you. I get along great with the guys here. I will admit I do miss Ozzie but I told him he has an open invitation to visit whenever he can.”

“He’s welcome anytime. I’m so thankful for having you back in my life. I love you, too, Logan, Matthew, Coff.”

He grins, and I lean forward and kiss him.

EPILOGUE

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