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pocket.
     
    “Two things actually. One is, Vinny from the gym just split with his woman so he needs a place to stay. You mentioned the lease on this place not being up, you find anyone to take it over yet?”
     
    “No. I stopped by the leasing office yesterday and they said I could pay them to look after it until they found someone to take over the lease. No calls yet on them finding someone.”
     
    “Okay, well if you want you can tell them Vinny will take it over.”
     
    I sigh in relief, thankful that one obstacle can be taken care of.
     
    “I don’t care who takes it over Brock, I don’t like the idea of paying them extra to look after this place.”
     
    “It’s settled then. If you want to give them a shout when I leave, I’ll send Vinny over there to fill out the paperwork.”
     
    “Sounds good. Now what’s number two?”
     
    Brock reaches out and hands me the piece of paper.
     
    “My buddy Denny finally called. You know, the one that went to work for Callaghan? He says he’s been working mostly out of Virginia, but moved down to Jacksonville last weekend. I told him I was going to give you his number, that way if you need anything and I can’t help out, he’ll be around.”
     
    “I appreciate that Brock, but I’ll be fine.”
     
    He runs his hand over his short blonde hair.
     
    “I’m sure you will Elle, but piece of mind babe. He also offered to continue my training with you, if you’re up to it.”
     
    That is one of the things I was going to miss most about not being here anymore, and to be honest I look forward to keeping up with it at home. So long as I can connect with this ‘Denny’ person, and not leave him bleeding on the floor like I did when I first met Brock.
     
    “Thank you Brock. I’ll be honest though, if I don’t feel comfortable with him, I won’t be able to train with him.”
     
    Brock looks at me with soft eyes. He understands. I knew he would.
     
    “I get that babe. But I’m being honest when I say Denny is one of the most solid guys I know. He may come off as a miserable bastard, mostly because he is, but he would do anything to protect the people around him. He’s a good guy, Elle. Ryder gave the boys a week off, so my guess is he’s drowning in whiskey and women right about now, but I told him you’d get in touch with him next week if you were interested.”
     
    I didn’t catch much beyond ‘ Ryder gave the boys a week off ’. I’m too busy wondering why he’d be off on a job by himself, while his men are obviously living up their vacation time.
     
    “He gave them the week off?”
     
    Brock looks at me skeptically before responding.
     
    “Yes. Ryder told Denny and the boys there was no work this week and to take some time off before they start some training shit near the base in Jacksonville. You alright babe?”
     
    No, I’m not alright. But I’m not about to tell him that. I could very well be jumping to conclusions, but one would think he would want to be here, ripping that band aid off with me and sending another one of his cronies to do the job.
     
    “Ya, all good. I just have a lot of shit on my mind, and more packing to do.”
     
    I know he can tell I’m not being completely honest with him and I hope he doesn’t push me to answer. We don’t talk about our personal lives so I see no reason to start now.
     
    “Told you not to bullshit me, Elle. But if you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t push.”
     
    “Thanks.”
     
    He braces both hands on the doorway and leans in.
     
    “But if you need help to pack, I’m here. Unless Ryder’s helping you, not sure I need to spend more time with him.”
     
    I know they have a mutual dislike for each other. They both share a small amount of respect for what the other man does for a living, but that’s where it ends.
     
    “Ryder took most of my shit when he left this morning.”
     
    This perks Brocks ears up and he’s quick to come back at me.
     
    “Why was he in such