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I shake my head and look toward Mercer's house.

It’s still quiet.

Callie eventually gets under control and settles back in her seat. The bottle disappears into the bag.

Thank fuck.

A minute later, something nudges my arm.

I look down.

Beef jerky.

She holds the bag toward me.

I look at her.

She raises her eyebrows.

I take a piece.

Her smile is immediate.

I chew and turn back toward Mercer's house.

Beside me, Chaos quietly eats gummy bears.

Neither of us speaks.

And for the first time in eleven years, I'm not alone on a stakeout.

I should fucking hate it.

I don't.

35

ROMAN

Callie lasts another thirty-two minutes. Which is twenty-nine minutes longer than she should have.

“I should go.”

I don't look at her. “You should've gone an hour ago.”

She rolls her eyes. “I’ve only been here an hour and a half.”

I grunt. “Trust me. I know.”

“Aw.” She nudges my arm with her elbow. “Time slows down when we're together.”

“That's not a compliment.”

“Sure it is.”

The bag rustles.

I turn my head.