Page 72 of Risky Obsession

“But if that attack does relate to my map and the gold,” Kane said, “then why would Cooper be involved? He already has enough gold to last a lifetime.”

She moaned into the phone. “Cooper is a greedy bastard. He fucked us over once to steal what we found. He’ll do it again. Look, no matter who attacked you, the stakes just got a hell of a lot higher. Do you want me to pull you out?”

“Absolutely not,” I said.

“That’s a no from me too.” Kane’s grin brightened his eyes.

Aria sighed. “Listen, this has taken a turn I wasn’t anticipating. If you need anything, you call me, and I’ll have whatever it is you need, and my team, there ASAP.”

“Thanks, Aria,” Kane and I said in unison.

“Good. Now tell me where you’re staying, and I’ll arrange a new passport and credit card.”

“We don’t know just yet, but as soon as we do, I’ll let you know,” I said.

“Don’t worry about the credit card,” Kane said. “I’ll fund everything.”

“That’s not necessary, Kane,” Aria said.

“I know. You can buy me a beer when we get back.”

My jaw fell.

Mr. Nice Guy strikes again.

He winked at me, and my heart melted. Then my mind wept over all my lies.

“Roger that, but I’ll make sure you’re fully compensated,” she said. “Watch your six, guys, and keep me posted.”

“Will do.” Kane ended the call. “You sure you want to continue this?”

“Absolutely.” I picked up my coffee.

“Fantastic. Then let’s start with talking to the slimy bastard Gunter.”

“Perfect.” We downed the last of our coffees and made our way back to the car.

Kane drove up the street toward the section of town that was blocked off for the antique fair. Parking close to Gunter’s shop was impossible, so after looping around the town a couple of times, he pulled into the first park he came across and we climbed out.

I felt naked without my bag across my chest. And without my badge and gun for that matter. Those two items had become a part of my daily life for nearly ten years. I’d left my badge at home because I couldn’t risk Kane finding it. I didn’t bring the gun for two reasons: getting it through customs when I couldn’t show my badge would have been difficult, and the gun would have raised questions with Kane that I would require lies to answer.

The morning sun was doing its best to filter through the gray clouds overhead, but without it, the frigid wind that raced over the cobblestone streets took on an added bite. Once again, the shops had all their wares out,but the wind was playing havoc with tablecloths and umbrellas, and the crowds were only a third the size of yesterday.

Hunched over with my jacket hood on, I tried not to shudder because every time I did, the pain in my bruised ribs stole my breath away. At the top of the hill, Kane and I stepped into the alley where Gunter’s store was, and the reprieve from the wind was instant. Many others had the same idea, because the crowds in this area were triple the numbers of the main street.

My jaw clenched as we approached Gunter’s store. It was still shut.

“Where the hell is he?” I muttered, testing the doorknob. “He should be here by now.”

“I doubt he’s coming.” Kane’s voice was tight with frustration. “Or maybe he had a visit from our attacker, too.”

“I hope not,” I said, although the thought had already crossed my mind. “Let’s ask around, see if anyone knows where he is.”

Inside the neighboring store, every cabinet was stocked with glistening jewelry. The middle-aged woman behind the counter was adorned in so many rings and bracelets, she had to be the store’s best customer.

After I established that she spoke English, I asked, “Do you know the man who works next door, Gunter?”

“Yes, of course.”