Page 174 of Risky Obsession

“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 youborrowedfrom 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 themoat 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.”