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Chapter 191
Chapter 191
Aria didn’t hesitate–she reached into Owen’s pocket, pulled out his phone, and pressed answer.
As she handed it to him, her body leaned close, bringing with it the faint scent of pine–probably her shampoo, Owen thought in a flash.
“Owen, get down to the station,” Allen’s voice came through. Snapping out of it, Owen replied, “I’m on my way.”
Fryderyk spotted the two of them and raised his brows in surprise. “Come with me.”
As they entered, Allen glanced at them, suspicion in his eyes. “You came together? Did you coordinate this in advance?”
Aria dragged over a chair, plopped down, and said bluntly, “Coordinate what?”
Allen hesitated, unsure whether to out Owen’s identity, and shot him a look for guidance.
Owen had no intention of hiding, but before he could speak, Aria turned to Fryderyk, “Mr. Fletcher, I just sent you a file. Print it, but leave no trace
Maybe it was her natural air of command, but all three men looked at her at once.
She looked up, all innocence. “Printing at the police station’s a hasste?”
“No problem,” Fryderyk replied, heading off to print.
A heavy silence settled over the office. No one spoke until Fryderyk came back with the documents.
As they scanned the identities, their shock was obvious. “These people aren’t ordinary.”
Arja said, “Rhett and Patrick have been released; they’ll probably be back in Huthailia by tomorrow.” But there were thirteen in total–she’d need to take them out one by one.
“Hudson is the key. I’ll find a way to handle him,” Aria declared.
“No way,” Owen said immediately, locking eyes with Fryderyk before both men looked away.
Fryderyk spoke first, “I’m a cop. This one’s on me–you can’t take such a risk.”
Aria cut in, “But I’m the one they’re after.”
Hudson had survived this long for a reason–he was careful, and Fryderyk had no way to get close. Aria was the only real candidate.
Owen frowned, “It is exactly why it’s most dangerous for you. Let me handle Hudson. I can make him change targets.”
He had his own resources–and, frankly, he was easier to target than Aria.
She looked at him, eyes narrowing in mild confusion. ‘Why’s he trying to join the fun?‘
Allen rubbed his nose, filling in, “Owen’s a specialist I brought in. He’s capable–why not let him take Hudson?”
Aria disagreed. “How’s his fighting? Should we go a round and see for ourselves?” She shot him a pointed look–blunt and direct.
Owen instantly understood. She was still holding a grudge over the day she’d lost to him; now she wanted a fair fight.
For a moment, he saw a different side of Aria a little vengeful, stubborn.
Allen jumped in to calm things down. “No need for that yet. Let’s wait until those two brats get back to Huthailia and make a plan. Owen, since you live across from Aria and no one knows your real identity, keep an eye out. Aria, don’t go off half–cocked.”
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Chapter 191
Aria said nothing. Allen shot Owen a meaningful look–watch her.
Owen gave the faintest nod, keeping his expression unreadable.
Fryderyk observed the exchange with new appreciation.
Owen had been hiding his true skills well. Mandino City was full of tigers hiding in plain sight-
Aria and Owen left the station. Allen watched them go, letting out a worried sigh.
-no one was simple here.
