Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Alyssa excused herself from Colene and Nathan to continue her phone call with Jasper under a tree.

"Every criminal leaves a trace. Cyrus is adept at cracking cases. Once the task force starts digging into Nicholas, I'm sure they'll find clues that lead to Jameson," Alyssa explained.

"It's not that easy, Lyse," Jasper said, his voice dull. "Cyrus checked Chief Novak's accounts and phone records. No unusual profits in years, not even offshore.

"As for his phone records, there were a few highly-suspicious unknown number. But those numbers were unregistered burner phones. There's no way to trace them. Chief Novak is essentially a cop. He'd be more professional than most criminals, and his countersurveillance skills would be top-notch."

"It complicates things without financial motives," Alyssa admitted, pacing thoughtfully. "Chief Novak clearly isn't driven by money. Everything he's done has been to develop a new drug to save his wife. That's why he's given his all for Jameson. His conviction is undeniably strong."

Jasper clenched his teeth. "In that case, getting him to turn on Jameson would be incredibly difficult."

Alyssa's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "That might not be the case."

"Have you got a plan, Lyse?"

"Not really. I'll just have to take another gamble."

"A gamble on...?"

in

her strategy. "You're banking on Jameson being exposed as the villain, shattering Chief Novak's trust," Jasper concluded after a moment.

"Yes."

partnership is strong, and his desire for

this unravels is if Chief Novak's trust in Jameson shatters completely. He needs to witness the truth firsthand, to open his eyes and

one is looking after his wife. It's highly likely Jameson will use her as leverage to keep

ahead of the game," Jasper complimented generously. "But realistically, Jameson has a good chance of getting away with it

glint in her eyesl. "Hah! Pigs will fly if Jamiper isn't up to anything nasty. He's a despicable excuse for a human and doesn't deserve someone as capable as Chief Novak working for him. "Jameson's been able to get away with so much for so long because he holds dirt on countless people. He preys

a true sage," Alyssa said playfully, making

darling?" Jasper's voice was husky with restrained desire. "It's been a while. Can I expect

fluttered. "Just

Jasper breathed heavily, longing to

Alyssa said, putting a hand on her flushed cheeks. "Back to business, Jasper. We need a

if he suspects

her. "Axel and I will figure

canceled. Jameson, needing rest for his recovery,

its usual opulence as

long waves with a relieved smile. News of Nicholas' arrest had spread, and when it finally reached her, sleep had eluded

collapsing with the loss of its most crucial piece. How long before his