Risky Obsession (Wolf Security #3)

35. Lacey

I n the ten days since Cooper Apollo’s death, I had been hauled over the coals by Berlin police, Australia’s Internal Affairs, and Captain Watts. The rest of my time was spent in hospital having my wounds checked, including my fractured eye socket that made my left eye so red, I scared myself every time I looked in the mirror. Nothing could be done for that fracture other than rest, but when I did go to bed, it was nearly impossible to sleep.

When Captain Watts instructed me to attend his office this morning, I’d been so petrified by his tone that I’d thrown up. Yet as much as I dreaded this meeting, I needed to hear the verdict on my career.

My heart thundered in my chest as I knocked on Captain Watts’ office door.

“Enter,” he called.

I opened the door and was surprised to see Aria.

“Hello, sir. Aria.” I nodded at them.

“Sit.” My captain’s gruff tone scraped nails up my back.

The sterile smell of his office mixed with the faint scent of Aria's perfume, creating an odd contrast that messed with all the other crap swirling through my brain.

I sat straight, gliding my sweating palm across my jeans.

Captain Watts pulled on his glasses. “Lacey, I have good news.”

I just about melted into the chair .

“Thanks to the video footage from inside Archer Mahoney’s yacht, the Berlin police have concluded that you acted in defense of Rosalina when you killed Cooper Apollo.”

“Oh, thank God.”

Aria leaned forward in her chair, leveling her dark molasses eyes on me. “Thanks to you, we have obtained proof that Cooper Apollo is the brother of Thomas Apollo, who went under the name of Grant Hughes.”

Relief washed through me. “Good. Has he been located yet?”

“No, but we have strong evidence that Thomas Apollo was Chui’s accountant. With all the bank accounts we found relating to Chui’s criminal empire now frozen, I’m certain Thomas will do something stupid and we’ll capture that bastard soon.”

A huge weight lifted off my chest. “And what about the gold Cooper stole from you? Did you find it?”

“We sure did. Thanks to that car you borrowed from Cooper.” She grinned. “We were able to track the car’s movements back to a semi-trailer. He had the gold hidden in the back of the trailer, and it looks like he’s been living in that semi since he stole the gold from me and my team.”

I frowned. “He had all that gold, and he was living like that?”

Aria shrugged. “Stolen gold is difficult to convert to cash. Especially gold with an emblem as significant as that lion. And after our documentary on that missing Nazi treasure, any decent gold dealer would have been on the lookout for it.”

Captain Watts chuckled. “Bloody idiot.”

“Do you know why he stole the gold from you?”

Aria shook her head. “I’ll never understand why he did that. Greed, I guess.”

“I bet Chui or Frank Morgan had something to do with it.”

“Yeah, I bet they did.” Aria swept her gaze back to Captain Watts.

Watts cleared his throat. “You’ve been cleared of Cooper’s death. And Cooper has been declared as the murderer of Gunter Sachs and those two hotel workers.”

“Those poor people. Sir, do you know how he got into that gala function at the castle?” I didn’t add how much trouble Kane and I went through to slip past the guards. He didn’t need to know how deceitful I could be.

“The body of a guard who went missing on the night was found in the moat a few days ago. It’s believed Cooper killed him and used his uniform to gain access.”

I groaned. “So that’s another death we can attribute to him.”

Aria released a noise like she had a bellyache. “I can’t believe he was the same loyal soldier who I hired on my team.”

“It’s those assholes, Chui and Morgan. They fucked with everyone,” Watt’s said, then nodded at Aria. “Sorry. I forget Frank Morgan was your father.”

“I wish I could forget.” Aria clenched her fists.

“Yeah, I bet,” Captain Watts said. “So, Detective Brooks, you’re cleared to return to work.”

I sighed with relief. “Thank you, sir. That’s amazing.”

“Good.” He smacked his hands together. “When can you start because?—”

“Actually, sir . . . I’ve never had a vacation. I was wondering if I could take some time off. Maybe a month?” I scrunched my nose, nervous about my request.

Watts groaned. “Really? We’re backed up to our bloody eyeballs sifting through that rubble on?—”

“Captain Watts,” Aria interrupted, “I believe Detective Brooks has earned some time off. I’m sure she will hit the ground running when she returns.”

“For Christ’s sake.” He shoved back on his chair. “Okay, you got twenty days leave, then I want your bum back in that seat. I need to put this Chui fucking mess behind me so I can retire.”

“Yes, sir. Absolutely. You have my word.”

“Good. Now get out of my office and go enjoy yourself.”

“Yes, sir.” I stood and offered to shake his hand. “Thank you.”

He squeezed my palm to his. “Don’t go getting into any trouble.”

I giggled. “Hell no. I’ve had enough to last my lifetime. Thank you, too, Aria.”

“No, Lacey, thank you. You’re an excellent detective. We are very grateful to have you on our teams.”

“Thanks, Aria, but if it’s okay with you, I’d like to stick to detective work.”

Aria laughed. “I bet you do. Hey, tell Kane to come see me, will you? I need to reimburse him for his expenses. ”

“Will do.” I left Watts’ office and strode to Detective Tyler Kingsley’s desk first. “Bad news, Kingsley.”

“Shit, Lacey, what now?” A frown drilled across his forehead.

“They couldn’t get rid of me, so you’re stuck with me for a bit longer.”

He chuckled. “Good to hear. So, when are you back? I’m just about drowning in this paperwork.” He slapped his hand onto a pile of folders.

I inhaled sharply. “Sorry, but I need some time out. I’ve asked for a vacation.”

His shoulders softened. “Good for you. Well, if you get bored, Indiana and I will have you over for dinner.”

“Hey, that sounds good. Maybe we could do a double date?”

His eyebrows shot up. “You and Kane?”

“Yep.”

His grin grew. “Good on you. He seems like a decent guy.”

“Yeah, he is.” I clapped his shoulder. “I’ll call you.”

I left the police station, and as I headed toward my car, a hotted-up Mazda RX7 sports car screeched into the parking lot and skidded to a halt. The door swung open, and Whisper jumped out of the driver’s seat. “Lacey,” she squealed as she rushed over and wrapped me in a bear hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” I squeezed her to my chest. It seemed like months ago since she gave me CPR to save my life.

We eased apart.

“Ooh, that looks nasty.” She indicated to my left eye.

“Fractured eye socket.”

“Ouch. I heard about some of the stuff you went through over there. You and I need some solid girly time. You fancy a drink? I’m off duty.” A cheeky grin lit up her face.

“Thanks, but can I raincheck? I want to tell Kane my good news.”

“Good news?”

“Yeah. I kept my job.”

“And so you should. Well, call me. And don’t wait too long. I want all the juicy gossip.”

I laughed. “I will, I promise.”

She winked at me. “You and Kane, huh?”

“Yeah. Me and Kane.”

“Nice. He’s hot. I’m totally jelly. ”

I burst out laughing.

“Anyhoos, I gotta roll. Give Kane a kiss from me.” She skipped away.

Pure exhilaration flooded my veins as I climbed into my car and drove to the marina. Since Kane and I had returned from Germany, we’d seen each other nearly every night. We’d taken turns sleeping at each other’s place, and it was a no-brainer which place was the most appealing, Kane’s luxury motor yacht, Devil’s Fortune .

Every time I walked onboard, I had to pinch myself.

I parked my car, and the wind whipped through my hair as I strolled along the pontoons toward his yacht. I leaped onto the deck, and my heart thundered in my chest as I searched for him. He wouldn’t be expecting me this early. “Kane,” I called as I strolled through the entertaining area.

He strode from the passageway. “Hey, I hope this means everything is okay?”

I raced into his arms, and he pulled me tight against his chest. “Yes. It’s over.” I buried my face in his chest. “We’re free of all the crimes, and I can keep my job.”

He tightened his arms around me. “That’s great news, though I was never worried.”

“There’s more,” I said, leaning back to look up at him. “For the first time in my life, I’ve taken a month off work.”

“You have? What happened to always moving forward?”

I chuckled. “Well, that wasn’t really doing it for me, so I thought I’d try something different.”

His face lit up. “Then we need to go now before you change your mind.”

He clutched my hand and led me to the bridge. As he guided Devil’s Fortune away from the dock, it was like I was finally leaving behind my years of guilt and shame.

We were like two giddy teenagers sneaking away on a first date, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Kane kept grinning at me, too, and it was like he could feel my relief. Or maybe he, too, felt like the shadows of his past wouldn’t feature in his present again.

The wind streaming through the open window tousled my hair and as Kane navigated through the clear waters, the weight of the past few weeks lifted, and a wonderful sense of freedom took its place. Kane increased the speed and unable to contain my curiosity, I asked, “Where are we going? ”

“Somewhere special.” His eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.

As the setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange, pink, and purple, he turned down the engine. On one side of Devil’s Fortune was a vast expanse of water that stretched to the darkening horizon. The other side had a small island with a lighthouse.

I frowned. The lighthouse didn’t look in good shape.

Kane turned off the engine, and a thumping noise confirmed he’d dropped the anchors.

“Where are we?” I nodded toward the island.

“That’s Kangaroo Island.” He clutched my hand and led me out to the side deck, so we had a better view. “Do you know the history behind this island?”

“Was this the place where all those people got killed when they were trying to make a movie?” I recalled seeing the missing persons poster for the lead actor.

“That’s the one.”

“The actor, Neon Bloom, went missing.”

“Yes. The luxury resort over there went broke, and the island has been abandoned for so long that the plants have taken over every building.”

“Is this where you come when you need to escape the world?”

He nodded. “I like the peace here. But the demise of this resort proves that no matter how much money you have, things can still go to shit.”

A thatched building was barely visible through the thick trees, but a field of pomegranate-colored flowers covered the roof.

“You know what I see?” I asked

He frowned. “What?”

“I see those beautiful flowers.” I pointed to the vibrant blossoms. “That proves that no matter how far your world crumbles, there is always some beauty around you. You just need to find it.”

He cupped my cheek, guiding my eyes to his. “You’re the beauty around me.” He caressed my cheek with his thumb as he leaned in and brushed his lips to mine.

His kiss was so tender as he pulled me closer. The gentle lapping of waves against the hull and the distant cries of seabirds provided a soothing soundtrack to this glorious moment and my heart swelled to bursting.

I’m in love. One thousand percent, scream it to the heavens in love .

The way he held me made me believe that he loved me, too, yet I needed to hear him say those precious words.

But I would wait for him. Hell, I’d wait a decade if I had to. After all the misery I’d put him through, I needed to be patient.

The last remnants of the sun’s glow vanished, leaving behind a sky adorned with stars.

Kane eased back from our embrace and a curious expression crossed his face. “There's something I want to show you.”

“Okay.” Clutching my hand, my curiosity piqued as he led me below deck to a room that always had the door closed. I’d spent five nights on Kane’s yacht and yet it was so big, there were still several rooms I hadn’t been into. This was one of them.

He opened the door and turned on the lights. Every inch of the room seemed to glow. My heart raced as I scanned the treasure trove of antiquities lining the walls. The sheer quantity of items took my breath away.

“Welcome to Pops’ legacy.” Kane swept his hands wide.

It was like walking into the Queen’s palace.

“Oh wow, Kane.” I stepped toward a row of shelves displaying stunning gold pieces that looked ancient, beautiful, and expensive. “Your pops found these?”

“Every single one.” His eyes filled with pride. “He spent his life traveling the world, searching for relics and artifacts that had been lost to time. These are some of his most precious pieces that I couldn’t part with.”

“They’re beautiful.” As I studied the leather cover of an ancient looking book with gold trimming on the spine and edges, I felt Kane’s connection to his pops. I could also feel Kane studying me. I wondered if showing me these stunning pieces was some kind of test from him. He was searching for my reaction.

Oh God, please don’t let me mess this up.

I’d promised Kane that I would never lie to him again. And I’d meant it. Whatever he asked me, I would answer it truthfully, even if it scared me.

I turned to him, my heart beating frantically in my chest. “These pieces are not just beautiful, but they tell a story of your pops and your history together. I can see how much they mean to you.”

A flicker of emotion shimmered in his eyes as he stepped closer, reaching for my hand. “There’s something I need to ask you.”

“Of course. Anything. ”

“Archer contacted me earlier,” he said.

“Oh. Is he okay? And Rosalina, is she?—?”

He pressed his finger to my lips. “Will you let me speak?” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Sorry.” I sucked my lips into my mouth.

“Have you ever heard of the Calimala Treasure?”

I shook my head.

“It’s a treasure that was stolen from a Tuscan church by a priest during the Black Plague of 1348.”

“Okay.” I blinked at him, trying to work out where this was going.

“That treasure was put onto three galleons, but the boats never reached their destination and were missing for centuries. Archer has found two of them.”

“Wow. That’s amazing.”

“Sure is.” Beaming with a smile, Kane squeezed my hand. “Archer has invited me to help him search for the remaining third portion of that treasure.”

My heart sank. “You’re leaving me.”

“No.” His expression morphed into something so tender I nearly wept. “I’m asking if you want to come with me.”

“Oh. Really?” Excitement coursed through me, but I was also consumed with a whole load of confusion. “Kane, I want to explore every part of the world with you.”

I eased away from him so I could watch his body language. “I promised I would always tell you the truth. And when I said I loved you, I meant it deep down in my heart.” Letting that sink in, I released a slow breath. “I want to be with you forever, and I can’t wait to show you just how good I am at treasure hunting.”

He chuckled, but his laugh was tinged with a hint of nervousness that I'd never heard from him before. “I’m sensing there’s a but .” His tone was serious.

“I will be forever grateful that you forgave me for my terrible actions. But I need to know . . . Kane, can you ever love me . . . after what I did?”

He smiled softly, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart swoop. “All I’ve ever wanted was to share these adventures with the woman I love. ”

All the glistening treasures seemed to vanish, and it was just the two of us and one crucial question.

“And yes, Lacey, I do love you. That’s why I’m asking you to come on this treasure hunt with me.” A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and his eyes shone with a look of love that swirled right around my heart.

A knot wedged in my throat. “I love you too.”

We wrapped our arms around each other, and even as the lights shimmered on the stunning relics around us, I knew that the most valuable treasure was love.

Deep in my soul, I knew that, just like with Kane and his pops, together Kane and I would create memories that would eclipse our lifetime.

Kane cupped my face, and our lips met in a sweet yet passionate kiss that sealed our love for each other, forever.

* * *