“Captain Romance back there wants to inject himself into you like a vaccine.”

“Of course Chris. Please. Captain Romance back there wants to inject himself into you like a vaccine.”

“When he’d composed himself, Blake kissed the top of her head. “Like I could ever say no to you.”

“Come home with me. I can’t leave you here like this.” This time her voice cracked.“My angel, you forget, you have to go make Mrs. Grandma her meal.” Blake ran the back of his bandaged hand down Livia’s cheek.“Please. I won’t be able to breathe from worrying about you.” Livia didn’t care how crazy she sounded.“I don’t think that’s prudent. I don’t want you bringing me home like a stray cat.” His defenses were climbing back up. She’d asked too much.“Okay. I’ll see you Monday then?” The words felt like sandpaper on glass. Rough and unwanted.“Yes, sweet Livia. I’ll be here. Have no worries.” He leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead.”

“Livia wanted to get back to Blake’s music. It had filled her dreams.”

“As Livia parked her in the lobby, Bea offered a suggestion with her gentle hug. “You might want to go back and close those church doors. Fumigating is best done in private.”

“Listen, Mouse wants us to find Blake,” Eve pleaded. “That’s why he’s pointing. That’s why he took out three assholes on his own like a gladiator. I want to sit and cry. I want to get him in the back of his own hearse and treat him like a goddamn king. But right now, we’re going to finish what he started.”Beckett stood and nodded. As wrong as it felt, he needed to leave his friend—no, my brother—lying dead here. At least for now.”