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“What?” Rory frowned. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing,” Hamish snapped. He flashed an angry look at Morris. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

“You’re implying that because I’m gay, I’d use that to…form some kind of bond with Sebastian?”

Morris looked at Hamish, who glanced away.

“Of course she’s not saying that,” Hamish said. “We don’t think that.” He sighed. “Let’s stay focused. Beforepop,he said abig bang. What if they’re about the same thing, not a bomb, but a gun?”

“He’s been involved with both illegal firearms and bombs,” Morris said. “It could be either, but if he wanted you shot, surely…”

“Surely what?” Hamish asked.

“He would’ve got someone to do it.”

Rory bit his lip. “I get the impression, whatever he’s planning, he wants to do it himself.”

“Sebastian’s after you,” Morris said. “You’ve got to go into hiding.”

“No—”

“But, William—Inspector. You’re in danger.” Morris pushed off from the door and rushed over. She captured his hand in both of hers. “Don’t be reckless.”

“I’m not in danger yet.”

“He’s threatening your life.”

“He’s still got eight months left,” Hamish argued. “It’s enough time to gather evidence against him. The second he steps out of those gates, we’ll arrest him again.”

Morris pulled a pained expression, then looked at Rory. “Surely you can see this is madness. He’s putting himself in danger.”

Rory shrugged. “It’s the inspector’s decision. He’s got to own his choices.”

Hamish pressed his lips together and nodded.

“You’re both idiots,” Morris hissed.

“Find out all you can,” Hamish said to Rory. “By any means necessary.” He snapped his fingers, then pointed at Morris. “Phone.”

Morris sighed and pulled a mobile from her jacket.

“Ten minutes,” Hamish said before leaving the room.

Morris perched on the desk again, making it clear she wasn’t going anywhere.

Rory blocked her presence out and called Erica.

His shoulders dropped, and the tension pulling his spine straight left as soon as she answered. He pressed back into his chair.

“Hey, Eric…”

“Erica,” she growled, then her voice softened. “Fuck, Rory. So soon?”

“Are you disappointed?”

“Of course not,” she snapped. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” He licked his lips. “I can’t talk about the job.”

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