Chapter 192 The Midnight Climb

Chapter 192 The Midnight Climb

Olivia had just finished dinner and retreated to her room. She had barely stretched out on the bed when her phone buzzed. A message from Gwyneth lit up the screen: [Did you eat properly?]

Olivia typed back: [Ate. Relax.]

Seconds later, her phone rang. She almost smiled; knowing Gwyneth, texting back and forth was torture. The woman had no patience for drawn-out conversations.

"You home? Can I come over?" Gwyneth's voice was already laced with mischief.

Olivia arched a brow. "If you come here, what about your parents?"

Across town, Gwyneth glanced at Frank, who was feeding Violette fruit with exaggerated tenderness. Her tone dripped with mock disgust. "Right now, I'm basically a third wheel in my own house. They're in their little bubble. I don't care—tonight I'm sleeping at your place."

Olivia chuckled under her breath. "You sure? Doesn't Kieran need you?"

The mention of Kieran made Gwyneth snort. "Don't get me started. He barely dared to breathe in front of my parents. So embarrassing."

"He's only like that because he cares about you," Olivia said, amused. "That's why he swallows his pride."

"Well, I don't want to be home. I'm going to Autumn's. Wait for me."

Gwyneth grabbed her car keys. Violette shot her a look. "Do you have any idea how unladylike you are? What happens when you're a mother someday?"

Gwyneth ignored her and bolted for the door. Frank couldn't help laughing, leaning over to kiss Violette on the cheek.

"She's perfect—full of energy, honest to a fault. Just like you twenty years ago."

Violette rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth betrayed a smile. Ever since Frank's injury, he'd been glued to her side, shamelessly dependent. It exasperated her, but there was sweetness in it too.

"You really do have a silver tongue."

Frank grinned. "And I plan to use it." He kissed her, slow and deliberate. "We've lost too much time, love. I intend to make it up to you."

"Frank—Gwyneth might see—"

"She's long gone. And you, my darling, have no idea how long it's been since—"

Before she could protest, he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom, shutting the door on the rest of the world.

Gwyneth's car rolled into the Special Operations Unit lot. She knew exactly where Olivia lived and let herself in without hesitation.

"Is that braised short ribs I smell? Autumn, tell me you made that for me."

Autumn laughed, already setting the dishes on the table. "Who else would it be for? Olivia's exhausted these days. She's already in bed. You can take the guest room."

Gwyneth nodded, eyes lighting up at the sight of the food. "Finally! Real food. You don't know how bad it's been overseas—living on ration bars so hard they could crack teeth."

Autumn smiled, listening to her complain. Having the kids safe at home was enough to make her heart full. "Maybe a little hardship will keep you from running off again."

They chatted until Gwyneth's eyelids drooped. She headed to the guest room—but by morning, Olivia woke to find someone in her bed. She startled.

"Gwyneth! What the hell? Why are you in my bed in the middle of the night?"

Half-asleep, Gwyneth cracked one eye open. "It's not like I'm sleeping with your man. Calm down." She rolled over and drifted off again.

Olivia rubbed her temples. This was nothing new—Gwyneth had been a handful her entire life. Resigned, she got up to wash. She didn't have morning drills, but she needed to be in the office by eight.

By the time she sat down at her desk, Kieran and Alton walked in.

"Olivia, the Lloyd case is closed," Kieran reported. "Besides Atlas, there was an accomplice—his father. They lured Lloyd home, tried to force him to hand over the money. He refused, Atlas killed him, and his father was there the whole time."

The case had been a long, tangled mess, but now the truth was finally laid bare. Olivia listened, then said, "Go to the hotel and brief the victim's family. The funeral arrangements need to be discussed with both his biological and adoptive parents."

Justice had been served, but for the family, the loss was permanent. At least Lloyd's name was cleared and his death avenged.

Later, Olivia sent her case report to Parker for review. His reply came quickly, full of praise. "Olivia, when are you coming to the academy? I've been holding an assistant instructor position for you."

She smiled faintly. "You know my term isn't up for another five months."

"I'll wait," Parker said. "But you'd better be here the moment you're free."

When the call ended, Olivia stared at her screen for a long moment. Being a cop had always been her dream. She loved the front lines, but her health no longer allowed her to chase suspects through the streets. Even so, she would give everything she had to the job. The rush of solving a case, the quiet satisfaction afterward—that was what kept her going.

Saturday came, and with it, Henry's return. Olivia was already at the airport when she spotted him striding toward her. He saw her too, and without slowing, broke into a run. In seconds, she was off the ground in his arms.

"Miss me?" he grinned.

Olivia shielded her face. People were staring. "Henry, put me down."

He laughed, setting her on her feet but stealing two quick kisses before she could stop him.

She glared, cheeks warm. He looked utterly unapologetic. "It's been too long. I couldn't help myself."

She rolled her eyes, but her lips curved despite herself. He slung an arm around her shoulders, grabbed his bag, and steered her toward the exit.

"Come on. Let's get food. I know a place that does amazing vegetarian dishes. You're going to love it."