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“I couldn’t.”
I pulled back, cupped her cheek with my palm, and looked into her tear-filled eyes.
“How is he?”
“Still critical, but alive.” I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder.
“This must be Miss Graham,” said my father.
“Ali, this is my dad.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Copeland.” I loved that she didn’t let go of me to shake my father’s hand.
“Call me Henry.”
“If you will all excuse us,” I said, leading Ali toward the chapel where my father and I had talked. “I’ll deal with you two later,” I muttered to Buck and Rock when we walked past them.
“Don’t blame them,” Ali said when I opened the door and motioned for her to go inside.
“Should’ve been two against one.” I winked and she smiled. “Ali…”
She shook her head. “Don’t, Cope.”
“What do you mean?”
“Whatever you’re about to tell me, don’t.”
I sat on the pew where my father had and pulled her down next to me. “Why not?”
“Not yet.” She put her arm around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder. “I had to see you.”
I ran my hand through her hair. “I’m sorry I told Buck not to let you come.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?” I said, putting my fingers under her chin and raising her head so I could see her eyes.
“Will Warrick be okay?”
“I believe he will.” I heard the door open and the distinct sound of my father clearing his throat. I turned my head.
“Just need a minute, Sumner.”
“Be right back.”
I followed him out into the corridor. “As soon as Irish can be moved, I’ve made arrangements to have him relocated to an undisclosed location.”
“Dad, I asked you?—”
He held up his hand. “No one within the agency will have any idea where he is.”
“No one?”
“No one, Son. Executive order.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“I’m assuming you have your own team to put in place as far as protection, but if you need help, I can make a couple of calls.”