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“They stopped eventually.”

“You freed fourteen girls inside a mine.”

“I had a gun.”

“You hit Greg in the face before you used it.”

“He deserved it.”

I lift my coffee.

“My point.”

Her smile fades at Greg’s name.

“I keep forgetting he’s dead.”

“I don’t.”

Hayley looks at me.

“You killed him.”

“He reached for a gun.”

“I know.”

“I’d do it again.”

“I know that too.”

There is no fear in her expression.

No judgment.

Only something I don’t want to name.

Not yet.

I look away first.

A phone vibrates against my belt.

Different tone.

Iron Ridge channel.

I pull it free and check the screen.

Kane.

I answer immediately.

“Bishop.”

“Nice to hear your voice too.”

“Where are you?”