chapter 113
Alec’s point of view.
I was in disbelief; Casey's case was on the verge of being solved. Amid my hectic schedule, I had inadvertently pushed aside thoughts of Casey, and a wave of guilt washed over me. Not that long ago, I promised myself to see this situation through and yet I still forgot about it completely. It astonished me how Killian had managed to connect the dots even with his busy schedule– both his job as well as planning a wedding. I knew not to doubt Killian, if he said he found something he had truly found something so all this would lead somewhere.
The revelation that a Cook was involved in the case still lingered in my mind. I anticipated a person of wealth, but Sebastian Cook wouldn't have been my first guess. I would’ve assumed someone else but then again the person never took responsibility so perhaps it’s fitting that it’s a coward. The news about the Cooks' connection to the Sutherlands had yet to fully sink in. When I initially saw the photos, I thought Serena Cook might be romantically linked to Sutherland, unaware that they were family.
"Killian, this is incredible," I remarked, watching as he nodded before finally settling down next to me. He looked visibly exhausted.
"Did you stay up all night, Kill?" Alana inquired, fetching a cup of water for Killian and handing it over.
"I couldn't rest until I was certain," Killian admitted, sipping the water slowly. "I started at the precinct, and then I came here," he added, his weariness evident.
"If what you're saying is true — and I believe it does — we'll have to figure out how to break the news to Luke and Andrea," I said to Killian. Telling them would undoubtedly be challenging. While a part of them might crave the truth, another part appeared to have moved on. I didn't want to disrupt their healing process, yet I couldn't leave them in the dark. Perhaps waiting until an official investigation unfolded would be the right course, giving us a solid foundation to share what had transpired with their daughter.
"Will this become an official case?" Alana wondered, tapping her chin while observing Killian.
"It's likely. I handed over all the evidence, and there's been a change in staff at the precinct. There are cops hungry for recognition, particularly those who harbor resentment toward the famous. The Casey car accident fits the bill perfectly," Killian explained, a sense of pride in his achievement. I shared that pride; he deserved accolades for his dedication. I couldn't help but think about what we could do for his bachelor party to celebrate his genius. He had earned it.
"You're a genius, Kill," Alana complimented, rising from her seat. I watched as she rearranged the loveseat in her office, placing a pillow and retrieving a blanket from a drawer. I had no idea she kept such things here, but then again, she did tend to keep the office chilled with the AC. She patted the sofa invitingly. "Come lay down, Killian. You deserve a bit of rest."
A warm smile played on my lips as I observed my wife, appreciating the care she effortlessly extended to my family– I certainly don’t have much Killian and Ryan are all I have. The genuine concern she showed warmed my heart. Killian seemed poised to protest, but a stern glare from me silenced him. He theatrically sighed before complying, making his way to the couch and covering himself with the blanket. In mere moments, the rhythmic sound of his snoring filled the room. And he was out like a baby.
"Man, I hope Izabel knows what she's getting herself into," Alana whispered, a playful smile gracing her lips teasing about the snoring.
"Mhm, it's not too bad. You snore much louder," I teased, smirking, and enjoyed the sight of Alana's surprised reaction.
"How dare you!" She whispered-yelled at me. "I do not snore," Alana defended herself, and truth be told, she was right—I just wanted to playfully tease her. I loved the gasp she made and the way her jaw hung when I told her she snored. Quite adorable.
Alana and I resumed our work in her office, each engrossed in our respective projects. She focused on her second movie, while I delved into the collaborative endeavor with her father. Everything unfolded smoothly, and being in her office felt just right. Renovations in my own office provided a convenient excuse to spend more time with this amazing woman. Her adept handling of everything only deepened my admiration, and I eagerly anticipated our upcoming mini-vacation, longing for the chance to unwind and revel in some much-needed relaxation. We deserved it and I was counting down the days until she’d tell me she finally has a normal schedule again.
***
What was initially a one-day sojourn was extended into three, courtesy of a contractor's mistake. Surprisingly, Alana didn't seem to mind. Our busy schedules made these impromptu moments together a welcome reprieve. We cherished brief breaks and shared lunch in her office.
During today's lunch break, we sat together, savoring the chicken wraps and fries I had packed. True to my promise, I ensured at least three home-cooked meals for us each week, maintaining our cherished tradition. Dipping a fry into the sauce, I smiled at Alana before shifting my attention to approaching footsteps. Killian walked in, a slight grin on his face.
"I was right," Killian declared.
"Huh?" Alana raised a brow with her mouth full.
"I was right. The Cooks are involved in Casey's death. The precinct dug deep and discovered that they paid to erase any connection of Sebastian's plates to him, but it wasn't scrubbed that well. They searched one of their houses and found the damaged car stashed away, the license plate in the back matching the one found, and, of course, the missing ornament too," Killian explained, grabbing a chair and taking a seat.
"Is it official, then? Sebastian did it?" I inquired, pursing my lips together. My immediate plan was to head to Luke and Andrea's house to offer support; I knew they'd need it. I wasn’t sure if they had completely healed or if they just pushed through for the sake of the family. Regardless they’d need some support.
"Yep, and these cops won't be bribed. Another case solved," Killian declared proudly, sporting a smirk.
"Considering a career switch to become a PI or detective, Killian? It's not too late," Alana teased, earning a smile from Killian. He’d be just fine as either of those two. Since we were little he loved finding things out and it had backfired when he found out about his father’s suspicious behavior.
"Stop trying to poach my right-hand man," I groaned dramatically.
"You'd crumble without me," Killian asserted confidently.
"I would," I admitted, keeping it simple. While I didn't want to inflate his ego too much, the truth was, he meant a lot to both me and the business.
"You're lucky I love my salary," Killian smirked, acknowledging the substantial compensation he received. Best friend taxes, I supposed.
"What happens now?" Alana wondered, taking another bite of her wrap.
"According to my sources inside, an arrest will be made," Killian replied nonchalantly.
"That's amazing—what?" Alana's expression shifted to a frown as Suzanne barged into the office.
"You! You ruined everything! Do you have any idea what you've done to my family?" Suzanne yelled, her face flushed with anger.
"Suzanne, nice to see you," Alana greeted calmly.
"Don't act kind to me! You were the one who leaked the information to the media, ruined my family's reputation, ruined everything! How could you?! Don't you have a heart?" Suzanne continued her tirade, gesturing wildly.
"Have a heart? After supporting your uncle's business that harms animals, and habitats, exploits child labor, and more. You want to talk about having a heart?" Alana scoffed, shaking her head.
"This was between us! You dragged my family into this! You had my brother arrested!" Suzanne accused Killian, and our eyes met for a moment.
"I did no such thing, Suzanne. It's your fault for not living right. Don't come in here blaming me for the terrible things you and your family have done," Alana calmly stated.
"Wait, you—I remember you," Suzanne frowned, looking at me and Killian. "Daniel said he remembered your face from somewhere. I now realize who you are," she whispered as if she had just seen a ghost.
"What?" Killian cleared his throat, a sense of unease settling within him. I knew there was a possibility of this happening, but I didn't expect it to occur now.
"You're the man who let us use the jet to go to Miami on their wedding day," Suzanne stated, and Alana's eyes widened.