Chapter 286

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Aria was a bit taken aback when she realized it was him . “ Officer Fletcher , what are you doing here ? ”
Fryderyk was just about to bolt after the shadowy figure when Aria’s voice rang out . He stopped dead in his tracks and turned instinctively . “ Aria ? ”
‘ Why is Aria waiting out here so late at night ? Is that thief connected to Aria ? ‘ Fryderyk wondered , instantly alert .
He’d just been stopped dead in his tracks right as he was about to give chase . If it had been anyone other than Aria , he would have immediately suspected them of being in on it .
Fryderyk explained , “ I arrived in Jamelan this evening and am staying next door . I heard a commotion and came out – there’s been a break – in at this house . ”
Unable to sleep , Fryderyk stepped into the courtyard for some fresh air . Hearing a suspicious noise , he rushed out – just in time to spot a shadowy figure fleeing .
From the figure , it was a young woman .
Aria glanced at the door to Betty’s room . “ Want to go in and check ? ”
Fryderyk was a bit confused . ‘ Shouldn’t we be chasing the thief ? ‘ he wondered .
It was so dark , Fryderyk couldn’t make out Aria’s expression .
Knowing her , Fryderyk gave a curt nod . “ Let’s go in .”
They hurried to the front door . Just as Fryderyk raised his hand to knock , Aria suddenly reached out and gave his shoulder a light tap . “ Don’t bother knocking , ” she said . “ No one’s here . ”
Before Fryderyk could voice his question , Aria had already reached the fence . With practiced ease , she vaulted over , unlocked the gate from inside , and
called out , “ Come on in . ”
Fryderyk was at a loss for words .
On previous missions , he was always the one leading the charge . But this time , he was the one following someone else’s lead .
Fryderyk watched as Aria approached the door . Before he could even react , she had it open in a flash , like she’d done this a hundred times before .
Aria made straight for one of the rooms , Fryderyk following behind , puzzled . He couldn’t help asking , “ You live here ? ”
“ Sort of , ” Aria replied . “ But I’m not staying here at the moment . ”
Aria walked up to the drawer , opened it with practiced ease , and lifted out the false bottom . Staring at the empty hidden compartment , a slow , chilling smile curled at the corners of her lips .
Fryderyk saw it all , “ Is your stuff stolen ? ”
Aria nodded . “ Yeah . ”
Fryderyk blurted out , “ Should we call the police ? ”
Aria shot him a look that was equal parts amused and exasperated . “ Aren’t you the police here ? ”
Fryderyk was speechless again .
“ I was going to chase after them- ” He paused as it hit him . “ Wait , you did this on purpose ? ”
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She deliberately held him back from chasing the thief .
The place was empty , yet both doors were locked from within . This was staged to look occupied .
Aria gave him a faint smile . “ I’m the victim here , Officer Fletcher , and you’re my witness . I lost a crimson seal , which is really important . Don’t forget to file a report for me . ”
In just a few minutes , Fryderyk found himself speechless three times .
Now he got it – Aria had planned this all along .
Aria closed the drawer and headed out . “ Let’s go , Officer Fletcher , It’s late – time to call it a night .”
Fryderyk caught up with her . “ Let’s talk . There’s a case that involves you . ”
Aria said with a smile , “ I’ll walk you back to your place . We can talk on the way . ”
Hannah tiptoed in , and the lights snapped on the moment the door clicked shut .
She jumped in fright .
The next second , a low , gentle voice came from behind – Liam asked , “ Hannah , where have you been ? ”
Hannah instinctively clutched at her coat , but realizing how obvious that looked , she quickly dropped her hand . Turning around with a nervous grin , she said , “ Liam , you’re awake ? ”
Behind her , Liam took in her every move . “ I woke up when I noticed you were gone ,” he said .
A trace of guilt flickered in Hannah’s eyes as she hurried over . “ Did I wake you up ? I’m so sorry , Liam . I suddenly realized I’d made a mistake in a set of data and had to rush to fix it . ”
AD