Page 6 of Burning Daylight

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Alex:

Yep.

Me:

Gross.

Alex:

I KNOW! I SAID THE SAME THING.

Me:

Idk, I’ve checked everywhere. I’m tired, sweaty, and Mom’s gonna murder me when she sees what I did to this dress.

I actually changed out of it before leaving, but they don’t need to know that.

Alex:

Like everywhere, everywhere?

I know what he’s asking. He wants to know if my “everywhere” includes the HillPoint.

Me:

Negative. I’m not trying to get shot.

Alex:

Please. They don’t shoot people over there, they shank em.

Paxton:

Where are you now, Jules?

Me:

Being your resident park ranger.

Paxton:

You’re at Verona Park? Don’t hang out there after dark.

Me:

Okay, DAD.

I roll my eyes at Paxton’s overprotective streak, but I won’t lie, it warms my chest a little.

Technically, Verona Park is neutral ground, but the park’s director owes his job—and his annual bonus—to my dad, so the odds skew in our favor.

Alex:

Hate to see you mauled by a bear and land on the cover of The Rosebrook Rag.

Paxton:

There are worse things than bears and tabloids. Get home before dark.

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