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your loss,” Vivi replied. Why in the world was he sharing this with her? It made no sense, based on the way he had interacted with her in the past.
    “There are only two people who know the story outside my immediate family. I’m not sure why I’m telling you. Maybe as a way of apologizing for my behavior.”
    “I don’t see the connection, but thank you for sharing that with me. No one knows better than me what losing the love of your life can do to a person.” Straightening the files on her desk, she concentrated on making sure that the corners lined up exactly. “You still don’t have to stay. Leave Ben and Dane here, and I’m sure we’re going to be fine.”
    “I don’t think that I could get Ben out of here even if I wanted to. He seems to have been hit by your friend Ruby.”
    “Ruby’s husband was a firefighter, and he was killed when a building collapsed five years ago. She was pregnant at the time, and she lost the baby shortly after Kellan died. I haven’t seen her look in the direction of a man until just the last couple of months. It seems that the thing she misses most is how a man smells. She followed one around the market last month, and she realized that maybe it was time to see if she was capable of feeling anything other than grief. I’d say by the looks of it that she is.”
    Rubbing the back of his head, he let out a small laugh. “I guess the whole vitamin comment by Trinity makes a lot more sense now.”
    “We may need to add prayers to ensure his survival,” Vivi replied dryly. Pushing away from her desk, she was about to stand when Joel stopped her. “Something else?”
    “I believe that what is going on here is connected to a much bigger problem. My partner, Grady, is working a case in Florida, and we think that the people who are targeting the freight company are part of a group of criminals who traffic prescription drugs. I think that you’re dealing with more than neighborhood gangs.”
    “I guess having the FBI and DEA become involved should have clued me in. My friend Gideon hinted that we might be in the eye of the storm. It seems that he wasn’t overreacting.”
    Leaning forward, Joel caught Vivi’s hand. “I can’t leave until I know that you girls are safe and out of harm’s way. I promise to do my best to not give you a hard time anymore.”
    “What is it about me that bugs you so much? I don’t think that anyone has ever disliked me without knowing me first. Usually they have to spend some time around me before they get irritated.” 
    “Something about you…stirs something in me that I have no desire to be stirred . Your kindness reminds me of my fiancée, Francie. Every time I’ve been around you, I’m reminded that there are good people in the world. And it pisses me off.”
    Staring into his light blue eyes, she noticed the pain that was there. For a split second, she swore he appeared vulnerable. Which seemed impossible. He was six feet of hardened warrior, and she doubted very much that anything frightened him. “I could act really bitchy around you. That might help.”
    Levering himself out of the chair, he stood and gave Vivi a small smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think that you have enough bitchiness in you to make a real difference.”
    Spinning toward the door, she opened it, and then walked out. “You might be surprised, Joel. I’m willing to dig deep and let my inner bitch flag fly. Who knows…it might be fun for a change. I might enjoy telling people what I really think.”
    He followed her out into the waiting room and mumbled to himself, “What the hell have I done?”
    “Did you say something, Joel?”
    “No, just talking to myself.” Rolling his shoulders, he let out a loud breath.
    “Remember, you can go home anytime. No need to torture yourself.”
    “I’ll go home after I know that the situation is secure.”
    “Suit yourself,” Vivi replied happily.
    ***
     
    Stepping into the waiting room, Vivi noticed