They entered the USMC base and headed to Building 64 where Sloan had arranged to take custody of this man in order to question him. Shane signed him over to Sloan’s temporary guardianship and then drove Will Griffin back to the HRT compound.

They pulled up in time to watch Meghan slam the door of the vehicle she was driving and stomp away.

Cowboy got out the SUV more slowly and ambled to meet them. “Borisky tell you anything?”

“Not yet, but he will.” Shane raised a brow. “What did you do to Donnelly?”

“I don’t think she likes me,” the man admitted. “Said I was hick and annoying and sexist—I asked if she meant sexiest because I get that a lot.”

“You need to go make peace with her.”

“I wasn’t even hitting on her.”

Shane cocked a brow.

Cowboy heaved out a gusty sigh. “Fine. I’ll go find her.”

“And apologize.”

“For what?”

“Everything. Tell her you’re our burden to bear.”

“Ha. I’ll tell her. But I was treating her the way I treat all the guys.”

“Well, that explains it then because you are hick, annoying, and sexist.”

“I’m not sexist. I wouldn’t even be here without one of the bravest women I know pulling strings and putting in a good word for me with a few of the higher ups. What I am, Agent Livingstone, is a gentleman.”

Shane snorted. “Ryan, your idea of being a gentleman is letting the lady come first.”

“That’s the only rule that truly matters.” Cowboy grinned and then sobered. “I was only seeing if she had a sense of humor.” He dropped his voice to a stage whisper. “She doesn’t, by the way. In case you were wondering.”

“She does when you get to know her.” Griffin stood up for her—as he should. They’d gone through Selection and NOTS together.

“Well, I’m glad she’s with Charlie because I think, otherwise, a bullet might accidentally stray in my direction in the shooting house.” Cowboy gave him a repentant smile. “I’ll go see if she’s cooled off, but if I don’t turn up for work tomorrow you better bet your ass she’s murdered me and disposed of the body.”

Griffin flinched.

Shane blew out a quiet warning, “Ryan… For fuck’s sake.”

Cowboy’s lips twisted. “Sorry, Griff.”

Griffin nodded and straightened his shoulders. “It’s okay. Mandy for sure would have busted your balls.”

It was the first time the guy had mentioned his dead girlfriend by name which suggested he was dealing with her death better than Cowboy dealt with the loss of his wife. Ryan knew it too because he shot Shane a look from under his brows. Shane had worked with Ryan Sullivan for three years and the guy still clammed up if anyone asked about her.