As Eddie spoke, his eyes shimmered with quiet sorrow, though his tone remained gentle and soft.


    Dale Reeves nced at him in profile, not quite understanding but nodding anyway. He patted Eddie’s shoulder in a gesture offort.


    In the backseat, York was animatedly recounting to Ivan how stunned he’d been when he learned Dale Reeves was taking him to France. With mock seriousness, he insisted that Ivan wasn’t allowed to ditch him and run off abroad–after all, he


    hadn’t followed Yvonne overseas either.


    Returning to the familiar confines of the car, Ivan visibly rxed, answering York’s plea with a warm, patient smile.


    Up front, Alessia turned her gaze to Cole, who was driving.


    “What brings you here? And so perfectly on time?”


    “The other day, when I picked you up at the Quincy ce, you mentioned Ivan waspeting in Dale Reeves‘ event. Turns out, Hamilton’s grandson was in it too. Just in case, I had someone keep an eye on things. Did a bit of digging, gathered some evidence, but it didn’t affect the oue, so I let it be.”


    Alessia nodded, prompting Cole to go on.


    “I saw the online voting and figured I’d have Larkin Yardley drop me here first. He’s off inspecting the training facility alone.”


    Meanwhile, Larkin, elsewhere, rubbed his itching nose but kept his professionalposure, listening intently as the manager rattled off introductions.


    Twenty grand a month–he’d earned every cent.


    Cole nced over just as the traffic light turned red, leaning closer.


    “So, did I make it in time?”


    Alessia chuckled and gave his cheek a yful squeeze. Cole started to protest, but caught sight of the two gossip–hungry kids in the backseat and thought better of escting things.


    The car rolled forward again, and Alessia’s phone began to ring.


    “Queenie?” The three of them usually just messaged in their group chat–calls were


    rare.


    09 39 1


    “Lessie…”


    “I’m breaking up with him! It’s over!” Ste Laine’s voice cut in before Queenie Windsor could finish.


    “What’s Ste worked up about this time?” Alessia asked.


    Queenie sighed, clearly used to the drama.


    “We’re at the pub. Want toe by?”


    Alessia checked the rearview mirror. “I’ll swing by in a bit.”


    “Good. She’s on a tear tonight. I can’t handle her on my own.” Queenie’s exasperation came through loud and clear.


    As soon as she hung up, Cole let out a resigned sigh.


    “Looks like date night’s off.”


    “You know how it is,” Alessia shrugged.


    “One of these days, I’m crashing their date just for payback,” Cole grumbled. He couldn’t understand how Justin Keane had finally managed to win Ste over, only for them to argue every other day.


    “Childish,” Alessia teased with a smile.


    After dropping the kids off, Cole drove Alessia to the pub.


    “You want me toe up?” he asked.


    “Nah, you girls haven’t had a night together in ages. I’ll text you when we’re done.” Cole gently cradled the back of her head and leaned in for a kiss.


    “Deal.” Alessia tousled his hair mischievously. Cole just shook his head in surrender; there was <i>no </i>resisting her.


    He’d resigned himself–she had him wrapped around her finger.


    After a few more moments together, Alessia headed inside. The pub wasn’t open for business yet, so the staff simply nodded in greeting as she passed.


    She made her way upstairs to their usual private room. As soon as she opened the <i>door</i><i>, </i>Ste–reeking of alcoholunched herself at Alessia, having clearly spotted her arrival through the window.


    00-20