“Yep, will do.”
We say goodbye to Constable Parish and head for the main doors.
Outside, the sun is sinking in the sky, and the city buildings are the color of wet sand. We pause on the steps, and Edward turns to me. “I’m entrusting you with the most precious thing in my life,” he murmurs.
“Yes, sir. I’ll keep her safe.”
He nods, giving me an appraising glance. “You did well getting her out of there. I’m glad she has you looking out for her.”
“Thank you.”
He goes over to Aurelia, who’s currently talking to her mother. “Come here,” he says softly, and he gives his daughter a hug. “I’m sorry. About everything. We just wanted to keep you safe and happy.”
“I know.” I can see she’s still upset, but she smiles at him.
“We’ll see you at home,” he says, and he and Cece Ashford head off to their car.
“Come on,” Caesar says to Aurelia. She gives me a final glance, then follows him to his car.
It’s just Marcus and me left now. He meets my gaze and blows out a long breath. “Jesus,” he says.
“Yeah.”
“She’s pretty pissed off.”
“Understandably so.”
He sighs. “Yeah.” He looks down the street at where she’s getting into Caesar’s car. “What do you think will happen now?”
“They’ll check for fingerprints and anything else he might have left behind, like hair. I doubt they’ll find anything, though. I don’t think it’s Dominic, or some rando who Aurelia’s rejected in the past.”
“Oh? Then who do you think it is?”
“I think it’s someone smart. He managed to get a key card to her apartment. He knew how to time his arrival, and when the staff changeover occurred. And he knew how to avoid being seen. I think it’s someone close to her.”
Marcus looks baffled. “Who?”
“We’ll figure it out. At least we have him on camera now.” I check my watch. “I’d better go.”
To my surprise, he gives me a bearhug. “I’m glad you’re staying with her. I trust you to look after her.”
“Thanks, bro.” I hug him back. “We’ll get this bastard, don’t worry.”
*
I drive home to my apartment in Wynyard Quarter, wondering how long we’re likely to be at 35 South. Will Aurelia stay there until they catch the guy? And what happens if they don’t? There’s no guarantee, despite my words to Marcus. It’s true that the footage did reveal certain things, but whether that means we’re any closer to catching him, I don’t know.
In the end, I pack a variety of smart and casual clothes, because I have no idea what we’ll be doing there. I don’t even know where I’ll be staying. Aurelia will obviously be in the executive villa that Caesar mentioned, but I’m guessing I won’t have another villa all to myself. Maybe they’ll put me in the main hotel? If the security there is as tight as they say it is, I don’t need to be glued to her side, but I can still be around to coordinate between her and Ella and the police.
Once I’m done, I make myself a quick sandwich, because I haven’t eaten since lunch and I don’t know if I’ll get a chance later on, and I change into civvies—jeans, tee, and a navy hoodie. Then I call an Uber. I lock up the apartment, wondering when I’ll be seeing it again, and head out. Within minutes, I’m on my way to the waterfront.
When I arrive, I make my way to the helipad terminal. About five minutes’ later, Caesar and Aurelia arrive.
She’s dressed similar to me, in jeans and a dark-green hoodie. Usually she prefers brighter colors, and I wonder whether she’s chosen a dark outfit in a subconscious attempt to remain unnoticed. She’s pulled her hair off her face into a bun on the top of her head, and she looks pale but composed as she gives me a small smile.
Caesar checks us in and hands our cases to one of the staff, and we head out to the family helicopter that’s waiting on the pad as they load them into the back.
“Are you allowed to fly in the dark?” Aurelia asks suspiciously.
