Page 39 of The Jade Stone Sleuth

“The Hendrys are your only issue there.”

“True.” He pushed out a breath. “Do we close this case?” He couldn’t believe he’d said that. A million dollars, his future … gone.

Clara was his future. If he could work things out with her.

Nick had confidence in him. He still had a shot with him and Aiden. There would be other opportunities to make a huge paycheck again. Maybe. It felt like giving up his future firstborn son to say goodbye to a million dollars and all he thought the money could do for him and his future.

“I think this case was a witch hunt from the Hendrys,” Nick said, breaking into his thoughts. “It’s tragic they lost their son, but you’re certain Clara is innocent and there are no other leads. The jade stones might always be a mystery.”

That bothered him, but if Clara would forgive him, maybe someday they’d figure out the mystery together. All that mattered to him now was being with Clara.

“Okay. I’ll work things out with Clara and go to Venezuela for you. She’s going to be in Africa for three weeks anyway.” It hurt to think of being apart from Clara, and it made him uneasy. What if they couldn’t work it out and she wouldn’t forgive him?

At least he’d be done with the lies and a case that had no resolution. Even if it meant he had to sell his Range Rover or his condo and may never wear a Brioni suit. Those things were empty compared to Clara’s light and love.

“Let’s do it,” Nick said.

Relief filled him at Nick’s quick answer.

“Should I go visit the Hendrys and terminate the assignment?” he asked.

A million dollars down the drain. Eight weeks ago, that would’ve devastated him. Now the only thing that could devastate him was Clara not loving him. He didn’t need the validation of the money or success. He needed Clara. He smiled, thinking of her, though his worry that she’d hate him when he came clean made his gut churn.

“I’ll call them,” Nick said. “They’ll be upset that you didn’t find proof Clara was the murderer. You don’t need to get in the middle of that. I’m an objective outsider at this point, and it’s my call to close the case. If they want to hire someone else, that’s their prerogative. But I’ll firmly discourage them from that course.”

“That’s all true,” Brex admitted. “But I need to call them. It’s my case.” He wanted to protect Clara from the Hendrys and any accusations. He’d insist that there were no leads, no murderer.

“I can respect that.”

Brex liked the respect he heard in Nick’s voice. Maybe not as much as the million dollars, but he liked Clara a million times more than the million dollars. He smiled at the cliché.

“We’ll chat soon.”

“Okay. And Nick? Thank you.”

“Of course.”

The line went dead.

Brex sat there for a few beats. He felt … free. He was done with this case, trying to investigate Clara or her family and friends. He was done reporting to the Hendrys. Well, in a minute he would be.

He forced himself to press his finger on their contact information.

Rulon answered after one ring. “Brex?”

“Rulon.” His heart thumped quicker, and his palms grew sweaty. He shook his wrist and glanced at his watch. “I’ve wrapped up the case and I’m calling with my preliminary findings.”

“Okay.” Rulon sounded excited. A few beats, then, “We’re both here. Did you find the proof that Clara murdered Malik?”

His hands and heart settled. “No.”

“No?” Pamela shrieked.

“There is no proof of any kind of murder,” Brex said, confidence infusing him. “I’m sorry, but Malik’s death is a tragic accident and this case is closed. I’ll send over a full written report.”

“No! You’re wrong. Clara Gem killed my son,” Pamela cried out.

“There’s absolutely no proof of that, ma’am. Clara Gem is innocent.”

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