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...?"

twinkle in Alyssa's eyes.

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

"Yes."

enjoyed this feeling of being telepathic with Jasper. "Their partnership is strong, and his desire for the drug is unwavering. He wouldn't betray Jameson

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

been arrested. No one is looking after his wife. It's highly likely Jameson will use her as leverage to keep Chief Novak

game," Jasper complimented generously. "But realistically, Jameson has a

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 on the weak. He thinks the world revolves around him, but he's overlooking something crucial." "His own arrogance

sage," Alyssa said playfully, making a kissing sound

you, darling?" Jasper's voice was husky with restrained desire.

eyelashes fluttered. "Just

heavily, longing to hold her

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

even if Jameson doesn't know the video came from Amber, she'll be the first person he looks at if he suspects an inside job. She'll be in

Lyse," Jasper reassured her. "Axel and

was canceled. Jameson, needing rest for

opulence

her room, Amber sat before her vanity, brushing her long waves with a relieved smile. News of Nicholas' arrest had spread, and when it finally reached her,

the loss of its most crucial piece. How long before