Page 38 of When You're Lost

“Possibly,” Rob admitted.“If the Home Office decides you’re a liability, they might pull you.So tread carefully.”

Amelia rubbed at her temples.“I will.But I can’t just stop.I’d rather be actively searching for Wendell than waiting for him to make the next move.”Her voice hardened.“I won’t let him keep the advantage.”

Rob gave a faint shrug, conceding her point.“Just remember: he’s hunting you as much as you’re hunting him, so don’t do anything reckless.”

She forced a small nod, refocusing her gaze on the files open on her monitor.“Yeah.I’ll keep that in mind.”Then, after a beat, she asked, “By the way, any word on how Dr.Eleanor Matthews is getting on with Finn?Last I heard, they were working the art forgery murders, right?”

Rob half-laughed.“I think Finn rubs her the wrong way—keeps cracking jokes, and she’s not the joking type.But so far, they’re making progress.At least, that’s what Finn claims.”

A flicker of emotion tightened Amelia’s chest.“Finn does love his jokes, even the bad ones.I just hope she's fair with him.”

Rob arched a brow.“Slight hint of jealousy there?”

She scoffed, though she felt a twinge of truth in his teasing.“Not at all.Just curious how they’re getting on.”She drummed her fingers on the desk.“It’s only temporary, right?”

“Right,” Rob assured her.“She was brought in because of her niche art expertise.Once the case wraps, that’s it.Finn’s not forming a permanent duo with her.”

A wave of relief washed through Amelia, though she tried not to show it.“Makes sense.Anyway, thanks for the update.”

“No problem.”Rob glanced at his watch and then saw Amelia still looked concerned.“Is something else on your mind?”

Amelia’s brow knitted.“Hmm?”Then she remembered.“Oh—yeah, I tried calling Finn earlier.Twice, actually.No answer.His phone went straight to voicemail.”

Rob frowned, leaning forward.“That’s unlike him.He must be otherwise detained.Maybe he’s stuck in a no-signal zone?”

She let out a concerned breath.“I don’t know.Something feels off.He almost never switches it off entirely.”

A knot formed in Rob’s forehead.“Let me see if I can reach Eleanor.If their phones are both off, that’s… suspicious.”

He pulled out his mobile and dialed a number.Silence.After half a minute, he shook his head.“No luck.Also voicemail.Where were they last, do you know?”

Amelia sat up straighter, alarm creeping in.“I’m not sure, but I know they were digging deeper into the forgery angle.Maybe they decided to chase down a lead involving organized crime or something.If that’s the case…”

Rob winced.“We both know how that can end.Wendell might not be the only dangerous person out there—there could be criminals protecting the forging pipeline.They might have run into trouble.”

Amelia’s heart pounded.“You think Wendell got to them?”

He grimaced."I'm sure it will be fine."He rubbed the back of his neck."I wish he drove a normal police car so we could track him.But that old Corvette is untraceable."

Amelia drummed her fingers nervously.“We could get a cell phone ping from the phone company.Or we can try traffic camera feeds—he probably had to drive somewhere.”

Rob nodded decisively.“Yes, let’s do that.Check the traffic cams for that red Corvette.Might be the best shot.”

Amelia beckoned him around to her computer.Rob leaned over her shoulder as she tapped into the system, bringing up a database used by local traffic authorities.She input the license plate info.A minute later, the screen blinked with a single result—Finn’s car spotted entering an industrial estate outside London around midday.

Rob’s voice tightened.“An industrial estate.That’s… not a coincidence.”

Amelia sprang from her chair, grabbing her jacket.“I’m calling a rapid response team right now.If they’re in trouble—”

Rob held up a hand.“Wait.Let’s think carefully.If Finn and Eleanor are snooping around forgeries, that might be exactly where they are—some warehouse connected to the forging operation.We don’t want to barge in with sirens if they’re being stealthy.We could blow their cover.Or worse.”

She halted, frustration warring with logic.“So what do you suggest?”

“I say we bring a discreet team—low profile.Not a full-blown SWAT presence unless it’s necessary.We’ll keep the perimeter but try not to spook anyone inside.Then we can move in if we see signs of trouble.”He eyed Amelia’s worried expression.“And yes, I’m coming with you.”

She grabbed her car keys, relief mingling with her fear.“All right.Let’s go.I can’t sit here doing nothing.”

Rob reached for his jacket, and Amelia almost ran out of the door.

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