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***
“Thank you, Mallory,” said Jac. “I think we have what we need for the records, and we will field any problems from now on with the Feds and the police. You can start to pretend it never happened if that is what you want to do.”
“Like that could ever happen,” remarked Sharlee. Mallory had to smile at the smack Sharlee got for her trouble. She made an outraged sound but winked at Mallory, causing her to smile even wider.
“Right,” said Jac as he clapped his hands together. “Where’s our whiskey?”
“Right here. I bought this on the best of recommendations, and no, you can’t ask where,” said Sharlee. She got up to bring back a bottle of deep gold liquid. “A bottle of twelve-year GlenDronach Allardice Scotch.”
“It sounds intriguing,” said Jessie. Mark gave Jessie a lifted brow, and she shook her head. “No sir, apple juice for me.”
“Like I would serve a preggo. Please, you all must suffer as I did,” said Sharlee. “No matter how excellent the booze is, you must watch.”
They passed around paper cups, and Monroe offered one to Mallory. “I don’t know if I can hold my liquor. I hardly ever drink more than a glass of wine.”
Ivy nudged Mallory. “That’s because we haven’t had a night out on the town. Just wait until you do. It will change your mind about indulging because we have bodyguards while we do it. I can’t tell you how delish it is to have our hunks of manhood sitting in the corner, taking turns being our bodyguards, and having to fend off the local vermin for them and us. It’s free entertainment.”
The men grumbled good-naturedly.
“You won’t be drinking for quite some time, Jessica,” said Mark.
“You’re right, I won’t, but because it’s my choice, not yours.”
“Do you care to discuss this?” Mark’s rich tones darkened.
“Have you learned a new skill because your ability to discuss things you have already made up your mind about has not been your best quality?” Jessie’s flippant answer had Mark’s expression go dark, very dark. Mallory shivered.
Mallory looked at Monroe, who returned her look of concern with a smile. He leaned down to speak in her ear. “Those two do this when a big case ends. They will go home, and one or both will be in a mood. They do what they do to relieve their stress, and then they’re done and back cuddling.”
“Oh. Well, what about Carter and Becky?”
Monroe looked over toward his teammate and watched as Becky stood up and stomped off, tears streaming. “Carter must have denied Becky something.”
“Why do you assume that?” said Mallory indignantly.
He shrugged. “That’s just how it usually is.”
“Right like earlier today, it was my fault because I didn’t fall at your feet in thanksgiving for you to take over part of my life.”
“Mal, we talked about this,” he said as Mallory stood up, intent on helping Becky with an ear or supportive hand.
“Becky is the most thoughtful person I know. Carter should be ashamed,” said Mallory. As she turned to walk away, Monroe swatted her ass hard.
“What the hell?” yelped Mallory.
Monroe smiled, but his voice belied his expression. “When you come back, you had better be bringing me my paddle, woman.”
She smiled back. “It’s at home. I’ll go get it. You wait here.”
Another swat landed on her butt. “Brat. I’ll take care of you when we get home tonight.”
“I’m counting on it.” Mallory tossed her head back and smiled, wiggled her eyebrows, and turned to shimmy her butt. Monroe burst out laughing. She couldn’t wait.
***
Following behind Becky, who had seemed to disappear, she found Sharlee heading into the room that was set up as a lounge just in time to hear Becky ask if she could stay at Sharlee’s.
“Just until I get myself an apartment,” clarified Becky.
