CHAPTER TEN
Jolene had always played by the rules. There were proper channels, security checks, and ethical rules in place for a reason.
Olivia had been the risk taker.
She eased out of Max's office and across the hall to her own and started a pot of coffee. From all indications this was going to be a very long night.
She stood staring at the dark stream of liquid as it sputtered into the coffee pot.
Four vials and a secondary strand; this was why her sister was gone.
She swiped angrily at a tear as it made its way down her cheek.
Olivia was dead.
The loss hit her with such force she felt her knees begin to buckle, but just when she should have fell, Aaron swept her up and held her close.
She couldn't speak. The pain and grief washed over her and all she could do was tremble while he held her.
At some point Aaron produced a handkerchief and she cried even harder.
Jolene looked up at the man who always seemed to be exactly where she needed him. There was a sorrow in eyes, something deep that allowed him to understand her emotional outburst.
"Thank you," she whispered.
He lifted her chin gently with his finger, "Grief is necessary, Jolene. Don't let yours eat away at you until you're no longer living – let her go."
He searched her eyes, and then his gaze fell to her mouth.
Jolene stretched up on her tiptoes, her mouth a mere breathe from his, when the door opened and David walked in.
"Excuse me, but Garcia and Max need to talk to us."
Jolene felt the heat of her embarrassment warm her cheeks.
Aaron didn't move.
"We're on our way," he said quietly.