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wasn’t sure Ellis had anything but complex relationships with people. “Anything else?”
    “I’m concerned about developments on the Edge. Keep me apprised of things as they happen. I want to know why that piece of garbage was out that far.”
    “As you’re no doubt aware already, there’s been a marked increase in the gun for hire biz on the Edge. More weapons violations every day. More arrests. We’re watching and listening, calling in favors and trying to work it out. We agree that something is brewing, and we’ve got all available resources on it. I assume Ellis has his other teams on this as well.”
    Daniel knew there were things he wasn’t told. That was how it went in their business. Though he had excellent clearance, it wasn’t as high as Ellis. Still, he’d like to know what the big picture held, and he hoped this new rise in responsibilities and position would enable him to finally know more about what the hells was going on.
    “I expect you’ll be getting a one-on-one briefing with Wilhelm about all we’re gathering now. Your new position will deem higher clearance. You’ll be liaising with some of the other Corps branches, coordinating the special teams. I’ll leave the details up to him; you know how much he’ll enjoy drawing it all out for the drama.”
    Daniel nodded his assent and then jolted when the chimes on the office door rang.
    Roman sighed, not without affection. “I believe your sister has realized you’re here.”
    “It’s really difficult for her, being so shy and all.” Daniel opened the door, and she all but tumbled into his body, so he caught her up, carefully, and kissed the top of her head.
    “I can’t believe you came to see him before you came to see me.” Her face had a roundness it hadn’t before. Pregnancy suited her. Happiness suited her.
    “Pressing business. And it’s now out of the way, so I can be with you.” He took her hand. “Roman said you weren’t feeling well?”
    “Pressing business, my pregnant ass. You two were being furtive.” She snorted. She led him into the room she’d converted into an intimate family area. Mercy, the house manager, a woman who was like a member of the family, rushed in, clucked at the sight of Abbie being up, ordered her to sit and headed back out to retrieve refreshments.
    “My beauty. You believe anything not directly involving you is furtive. We were working. And now we aren’t,” Roman said, dropping a kiss to his wife’s temple.
    The way she was with Roman told Daniel they were a forever match. She teased him, played with him, treated him like her mate, her man, instead of a figurehead. In doing so, she risked herself, risked exposing her soft side, knowing Roman would never use it to hurt her.
    Mercy brought in a rolling cart laden with food and drink. She unceremoniously pushed Roman’s feet from the low table while putting a pillow behind Abbie’s back.
    “She’s nicer to you than she is me,” Roman groused.
    Abbie winked at Roman. “It’s my sparkling personality. Or she has a love for nauseated, grumpy women who make gagging noises.”
    Mercy laughed as she left the room.
    Daniel winced. “Sorry about that. Is it that bad? Can I help?”
    “It’s common. I’m not the only woman who’s ever felt this way. It should pass as I get further along. Mercy helps. Mai, too, of course. I’m taken care of. You look handsome.” She eyed him carefully. “But not handsome enough to get away with being gone a whole week without coming to see me.”
    He rolled his eyes and ate the food laid out for them. Of course Abbie accused him of inhaling it, but he did chew after all. A man had to eat to stay strong.
    “Sorry about that. How dare I do my job when my sister is here in this palace and might have needed a back rub.”
    “I totally agree, Daniel.” Abbie winked at him.
    “Tell me what you’re doing these days. Not a lady of leisure, never for you.” Daniel wished it were otherwise sometimes, but