Page 5 of When You're Forgotten

Finn felt a sense of relief and something akin to excitement.Investigating with Amelia—like old times.The mention of traveling side by side gave him a renewed surge of energy.“If it helps you heal— physically and mentally— I’m all for it.But only if you’re certain.”

Rob nodded.“It actually sets my mind at ease, too.At least you won’t be going off on your own around here with McNeil breathing down your neck.The question is: Are you both okay with being out of the Wendell loop for a bit?”

Amelia managed a wry smile.“For a bit, yes.Though I’ll definitely want updates if anything changes.”

Finn turned serious.“Speaking of updates… Did that man you were chasing—the one who fell with you—give you anything on Wendell?Any leads?”

A frustrated look crossed Amelia’s face.“I haven’t been allowed to question him.McNeil’s running that show.He’ll only share details if he sees fit.So I’m in the dark right now.”

Finn stepped forward, folding Amelia into a gentle hug.She sighed into his chest, relief warring with her frustration.“I hate not knowing where he could be hiding,” she murmured against his jacket.

He kissed the top of her head, letting himself savor the closeness.“At least you’re safe.And hey, the bright side is that we’re heading off together on a new case—just the two of us again.”

She pulled back enough to look up at him, eyes glinting.“Think you can handle me telling you how to do your job?”

He allowed a teasing grin.“Only if you can handle my sparkling wit.”

Rob cleared his throat, stepping away from the table with a slight grin.“And that’s exactly why I’ll be staying put.Do me a favor, you two—keep me in the loop on whatever you find in Wales.We’re not sure if it’s murder, but the victim is an important figure, and he died running into his panic room.”

Finn dipped his head.“We will.You keep an eye on any Wendell developments here, yeah?”

“Count on it,” Rob replied, moving toward the door.“Good luck, both of you.”He ducked out into the hallway, leaving Finn and Amelia alone.

Finn offered Amelia his arm, which she took with a playful flourish.He lowered his voice conspiratorially.“You ready to bail on this place?The Corvette might still be smoking, but I promise to fix it before we head anywhere far.”

She laughed softly, a sound that eased the tension in the room.As they strolled out, side by side, Finn murmured, “Once more unto the beach, dear friend.”

Amelia smiled, leaning into him.“Let’s take a work car.I’ve had enough danger for today.”

CHAPTER THREE

Finn guided the black sedan along the winding Welsh road, the gentle growl of the engine the only real sound in the still, early-afternoon air.Far beyond the windshield sprawled a sea of green hills and farmlands, with rugged mountains peeking over the horizon.Hills dotted with grazing sheep and lonely stone walls rolled past on either side, and every few miles, an ancient ruin or quaint village chapel broke the expanse.The sky hung low in a tapestry of moody gray clouds, promising either a light shower or a brilliant break of sunshine—one could never be certain here.

He glanced over at Amelia, who was tapping her fingers against her seat in a restless cadence.The bruise on her face had faded slightly with makeup, but it was still noticeable, and a bandage was wrapped neatly around her hand.She leaned forward, as though itching to do something, anything.Their eyes met, and she arched an eyebrow.

“So,” she said, in an offhand way.“Is it my turn to drive yet?I do know how to handle a car, you know.”

He smiled.“I know, but last I checked, you’ve taken a knock to the head.Probably not the best idea for you to be behind the wheel right now.”

She let out an exaggerated sigh.“It’d take a few more head knocks for me to get down to your IQ level, Finn.”

He mock-winced, placing a wounded hand over his heart.“Ouch.Well I have other numbers that are much more…impressive.”

She swatted his arm lightly.“Your mind is in the gutter.Stop while you’re behind.”

Grinning, he turned the wheel, avoiding a patch of loose gravel.The countryside around them felt like a patchwork quilt of ever-shifting greens, dotted with ancient stone cottages and grazing animals.Rain-soaked lanes wound around hills and through valleys.In the distance, the sun broke through the clouds in a single golden ray, illuminating a distant peak.If it weren’t for their weighty mission, Finn might have slowed to truly savor the serenity.

He took in Amelia’s quiet profile—she was staring at the road, her expression tense.After a moment, she spoke, almost timidly, “I need a break for a week or so.Even if McNeil reverses his decision.He will, won’t he?Don’t you think?”

Finn tightened his grip on the steering wheel, exhaling.“I was going to bring that up, actually.We both know Wendell Reed’s fixated on you, and that might not change.Even if McNeill reinstates you, maybe you’re better off out of it.”

She shot him a sharp sideways look.“So you don’t want me back on the task force?Great.Glad to know where you stand.”

“That’s not it.”He forced calm into his tone.“I’m worried about you, that’s all.McNeil might be right: it’s personal for you—”

“Since when did you care if something was personal?”she snapped.“You’re the one who refused to step back when Max Vilne came to the UK gunning for you last year.Remember how everyone told you to take a step back, and you wouldn’t?”

His cheeks colored at the memory, especially how she’d put herself on the line to protect him then.“Yes, but that was—”

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