He’d forgotten they were in town. He’d saved Tess’s life, so that had to count for something. Still, “You should go on your own.”
He wasn’t sure he could forgive himself for treating such kind people the way he’d treated them.
Nhiari stepped closer, ran a hand over his arm. “It’s all right. They’ll understand, particularly when they find out you weren’t involved in their parents’ death.”
There was one other thing he’d done, something he hadn’t even told Nhiari about and would be the ultimate violation. But perhaps he could make it so no one knew about it. The only way he could do that was if he returned to the Ridge.
“When?” he asked.
She smiled at him. “It’s going to take Dot at least a day to sort out today’s mess. Tomorrow should work.”
He nodded. That gave him time to plan, and perhaps he’d get to see the treasure Lucas was so obsessed with.
His phone rang. Shit. That could only be Lucas. Lee hesitated. He had to tell him Andrew was dead. He exhaled and then answered, Nhiari coming closer so she could hear. “Lucas.”
“Where’s the safe house?”
Lee blinked as his brain tried to catch up. “The safe house?”
“Yes, in Retribution Bay. Where is it?”
He smiled at the edge of panic in Lucas’s voice and told him the address. “Why do you want to know?”
“Because I have someone in need of it. Is it empty?”
“Yes.” Lucas still wasn’t admitting he was in Retribution Bay. “I have some news you won’t like.” He kept his tone cool, business-like, knowing Lucas wouldn’t go for anything emotional.
“What?”
“Martin killed Andrew.”
“I know. Stupid kid was planning to tell the police everything.”
Lee raised his eyebrows. The only way Lucas could know was if someone who had been there had told him. The only ones alive were Kristy, Dot and Rodney. With Kristy in gaol and Dot ruled out, that left Rodney. Or the one remaining police officer in Retribution Bay, Pierre. “Then you know Martin is dead as well.”
“Yes. You need to find the treasure now so we can get it and leave this town behind us.”
We. Lucas was definitely planning to be there.
“I should get eyes on it tomorrow,” Lee said. “After I know where it is, we can make arrangements.” He glanced at Nhiari who nodded.
“What about the cop with you?”
He chuckled and lowered his voice, his eyes on Nhiari’s, hoping she would understand. “She won’t be a problem for much longer.”
“Good. Call me as soon as you know where it is.”
Lee made sure he hung up the phone before he spoke. “We can set a trap for Lucas.”
Nhiari nodded. “But that won’t end Stonefish,” she pointed out. “We need enough evidence to stop the whole company, so we need to send this to Amani.”
Of course. She had a bigger picture than he did. He nodded. “Let’s finish this.”
Chapter Thirteen
ThenextmorningNhiariwoke early. Her stomach swirled as she looked at Lee’s sleeping form next to her. He slept peacefully, some hair over his face, but his expression was calm. Today Lee would face up to what he had done. She would have to convince Dot and all of her friends that he didn’t deserve to be behind bars, and they needed him to see the rest of this through.
Nhiari might at most have another day with him before that decision was taken out of her hands.
