Chapter 191
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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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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 .