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Chapter 117
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2025-01-20 20:30:53Matthew lay sprawled on the couch, half-watching the TV. The flickering light danced over his face, but his mind was elsewhere. The sound of the door opening caught his attention, and he turned to see Cassidy entering, shrugging off his coat with a calculated ease.
Cassidy’s dark gaze fell on Matthew, lingering as if he was trying to read his every thought.
“Matthew, I’ll be leaving for NewCastle Upon Tyne soon.”
Matthew didn’t bother masking his sarcasm. “What’s the occasion? Vacation? Assassination?”
Cassidy smirked, ignoring the barb. “Business. A capo meeting. Annual reports, territory matters, last year’s successes, next year’s plans. You know, the usual.”
Matthew snorted. “How riveting. Must be nice to have a full calendar of crimes to discuss.”
Cassidy’s smirk widened, and he walked toward the washroom without
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Gold & Sand Chapter 118
Arthur sat at his desk; his brow furrowed as he scribbled notes onto his notepad. Despite the calm atmosphere in the office, his thoughts were anything but. Every noise around him felt amplified… the faint hum of the overhead lights, the shuffle of papers, the clicking of Masahiro’s pen as he worked at his desk. Arthur stole a glance at his boss, Masahiro, who looked as composed and sharp as ever, completely immersed in his work.The sound of a knock at the door broke the rhythm.Masahiro, without looking up, called out, “Come in.”The door creaked open, and Masahiro’s secretary stepped inside. Her heels clicked softly against the tiled floor as she approached his desk.“Good morning, sir,” she said politely, holding out an envelope. “This just arrived from the Newcastle Police Station.”Masahiro looked up and took the envelope from her with a nod. “Oh, it ca
Last Updated : 2025-01-21Gold & Sand Chapter 119
The cab hummed steadily as it made its way through the bustling streets of Newcastle. Arthur sat in the backseat, trying to keep his composure. The city felt different from Middlesbrough… more alive, more vibrant, but also daunting in its own way. Beside him, Masahiro sat with his usual composed expression, his gaze directed out the window.“First time in Newcastle?” Masahiro's voice broke the silence, the sound of it calm yet commanding.Arthur nodded, his gaze a little distracted. “Yes, sir.”Masahiro’s eyes flicked toward him, a faint curiosity in his expression. “In your CV, it said you studied abroad. Arts, if I’m not mistaken. But then you decided to become a law enforcement officer. You mentioned you joined because of a personal matter… What was that?”Arthur shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding Masahiro’s gaze. His hands fidgeted slightly, and he felt the weight of the ques
Last Updated : 2025-01-21Gold & Sand Chapter 120
Masahiro’s footsteps slowed as he neared the balcony.Through the glass door, he spotted Matthew leaning against the railing, the city lights framing him like some ironic painting. A lit cigarette rested between his fingers, and smoke curled lazily into the cold Newcastle night air. His chest tightened, anger and longing warring within him. `Why do you always run? he thought bitterly. And why can’t I stop chasing you?´Masahiro stepped closer, his footsteps deliberately soft, his voice low and cutting through the air. “I didn’t know you frequented Newcastle.”Matthew’s cigarette paused mid-air as he froze, the corners of his lips twitching. Slowly, he glanced over his shoulder.“Well, well,” Matthew drawled, his voice dripping with mockery as he turned to face Masahiro. “Besides being clingy, guess you’ve graduated to full-on stalking, Detective.” He exhaled smoke dr
Last Updated : 2025-01-22Gold & Sand Chapter 121
Arthur adjusted the earpiece, scanning the VIP section with practiced focus. The dim lighting, soft hum of jazz, and clinking glasses provided the perfect cover for secrets exchanged in hushed tones. His eyes followed their primary target… a man suspected man of having connections to Ashford or being the Ashford himself, the one suspected of leading Newcastle drug trafficking ring.Then, from the corner of his eye, Arthur noticed someone descending the stairs. The figure wore a hat pulled low and a long coat that brushed against his legs as he moved. The man had his left hand to his ear, speaking on his phone. Something about his demeanor made Arthur pause.And then, he saw it.The rose tattoo.Arthur’s blood ran cold. His pulse quickened as memories flooded back… his sister Alexandra’s lifeless body, her blood staining the floor, and a hand with that same tattoo disappearing into the shadows.It wa
Last Updated : 2025-01-22Gold & Sand Chapter 122
Arthur adjusted his jacket as he approached Masahiro, his steps a little too quick, betraying his nerves. He found the senior detective standing by the railing of the mezzanine level, a perfect vantage point to observe the VIP section below. Masahiro’s posture was as sharp as his tailored suit… confident, calculated, and completely in control.“Cooper! You took long,” Masahiro said, not even turning his head as Arthur approached. His voice was low but carried the weight of authority, cutting through the ambient hum of conversation and soft jazz.Arthur hesitated for the briefest of moments, then forced an easy smile. “Sorry, sir. The restroom line was longer than expected.”Masahiro turned his head slightly, his eyes narrowing just enough to make Arthur’s chest tighten. His piercing gaze lingered for a moment too long, and Arthur felt a bead of sweat forming at the back of his neck.“Hmm,” Masahiro murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching as if he’d ju
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Gold & Sand Chapter 123
The Velvet Crown Casino bustled with its usual energy, the sounds of slot machines blending with the murmurs of high-stakes gamblers. For Arthur, the glitz was starting to wear off, replaced by a growing sense of purpose. Day two was critical. They had a plan, and every step counted.Masahiro was already on edge, his sharp eyes scanning the floor as they stepped inside. “Stay focused, Cooper,” he said without looking at Arthur.Arthur nodded, adjusting his tie nervously. He wasn’t sure if he was more worried about blowing his cover or disappointing Masahiro.“Knight said that the bartender named Max knows the layout and the players,” Masahiro had explained during the briefing. “If anyone can give us actionable intel, it’s him.”Arthur and Masahiro approached the bar, blending into the crowd. Masahiro leaned casually against the counter, but his tone was firm when he addressed Max.“Max, we need
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Gold & Sand Chapter 124
“Do you plan on leaving me outside all night?”Masahiro blinked, his shock giving way to something softer, warmer. He stepped aside, holding the door open wider.Matthew stepped inside, pulling off his cap and ruffling his hair. “Nice place,” he said casually, glancing around.The door clicked shut, and before Matthew could take another step, Masahiro was behind him, his arms wrapping tightly around his waist.Matthew froze, then tilted his head with mock annoyance. “Stop being clingy, Detective.”Masahiro didn’t respond. Instead, he turned Matthew around, pinning him gently against the door. His hands cupped Matthew’s face, holding him in place as he leaned in. The kiss was firm, desperate, full of everything Masahiro couldn’t put into words.At first, Matthew resisted, his hands pressing lightly against Masahiro’s chest. But then he relaxed, his
Last Updated : 2025-01-24Gold & Sand Chapter 125
Masahiro’s gaze lingered on Matthew, his features soft in the dim glow of the bedside lamp. Peaceful and vulnerable, Matthew looked utterly his. Masahiro allowed himself a rare moment of quiet happiness, savoring the thought that, for now, he had Matthew entirely. Then the shrill ring of Matthew’s phone shattered the calm. Masahiro’s jaw clenched as he glanced at the screen.Cassidy.He ignored it, turning his eyes back to Matthew, but the call persisted, growing more grating with each ring. Huffing out a frustrated breath, Masahiro snatched the phone and answered. “Matthew,” came a gruff, impatient voice on the other end. Masahiro’s tone was clipped, laced with mockery. “This isn’t Matthew.” There was a pause before Cassidy’s voice sharpened. “Who the hell are you? Tell Matthew his boyfriend is calling. Where is he?” Masahiro’s lips curved into a smirk. “I’m the guy who’s fucking your boyfriend. And right now, he’s sleeping soundly, thanks to me.” The silence on the other end w
Last Updated : 2025-01-24
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Gold & Sand Chapter 275
The apartment door clicked shut behind them.Clark dropped his coat on the entryway bench with an exaggerated sigh and muttered, “I am emotionally exhausted. And not in a sexy, Victorian-tragedy kind of way. I mean in the ‘my feet hurt and my soul’s tired’ kind of way.”Adam, already heading for the kitchen, tossed back, “Then take your heels off, sweetheart.”Clark gave him a long, dry look. “They are Italian leather Oxfords. But yes, thank you, masculine voice of reason.”Adam opened the fridge, grabbed leftover rice, and dumped it unceremoniously into a pan. A beat passed, then the stove clicked to life. Clark wandered in behind him, slower, more graceful, toeing off his shoes like someone doing a product demo.“You’re cooking,” Clark said with a soft note of surprise.“I’m heating shit up.”“For you or for both of us?”Adam didn’t look up. “Depends. You gonna whine the whole time?”Clark leaned against the counter, resting his chin in his hand. “Maybe. Depends. Are you going to be
Gold & Sand Chapter 274
The apartment door shut behind them with a soft click. Masahiro shrugged off his coat and hung it by the door with mechanical efficiency. Matthew kicked his boots off lazily and dropped his keys into the bowl by the counter, same routine as always.Masahiro passed him in the hallway, unbothered. "I’m showering."Matthew nodded, grabbed a soda from the fridge, cracked it open. Silence stretched while the water started running. When Masahiro emerged ten minutes later, hair damp and towel slung around his neck, Matthew was still at the counter, drinking slowly.“We gonna talk about it?” Matthew asked without looking up.Masahiro paused, eyes narrowing slightly. “About what.”“Yumi.” Matthew turned now. Arms folded. Voice calm, but not playful. “How she thinks I sleep in your guest room because of some old undercover job we did. And you let her think that. Still.”Masahiro dried his hands with the towel, avoiding his eyes. “It’s easier.”“Easier for who?”Masahiro didn’t answer.Matthew
Gold & Sand Chapter 273
The restaurant doors swung shut behind them, sealing in the scent of roasted garlic and expensive regret. The parking lot buzzed with leftover heat from the day, a few stray voices in the distance, heels clicking on pavement.Clark walked ahead with Masahiro, steps crisp, back straight, his fingers adjusting his sleeves as if court decorum extended into the streets. Masahiro matched his pace effortlessly—hands tucked into his coat pockets, eyes cold and precise as always."So," Masahiro said without looking at him, "how do you see the trial ending?"Clark didn’t hesitate. "Nathaniel will walk. Probably with a statement read by a trembling clerk and a jury that wants to forget the word 'testimony' for the rest of their lives."Masahiro gave a slow nod. "You're confident.""I'm always confident," Clark replied, the corner of his mouth twitching. "The difference is whether I admit it out loud."Masahiro’s eyes flicked to him, a hint of dry amusement. "You just did."Clark adjusted his gl
Gold & Sand Chapter 272
Matthew didn’t wait for an invitation—just dropped into the chair across from Clark like he owned it.Masahiro sat beside him with all the enthusiasm of a man attending a funeral, pulling out his phone before the chair even touched the floor.Matthew grinned, eyes on Clark. “You two are cute. The bodyguard act? Adorable. But let’s not pretend you’re not fucking like a side plot to a very illegal soap opera.”Clark, unbothered, lifted his wineglass with practiced elegance. “And you’re talking like a man who’s only slept with criminals and delusions.”Matthew’s grin widened. “Facts.”Adam didn’t look up. Just kept eating his burger like nothing in the room concerned him.“Adam’s real quiet today,” Matthew added, leaning his chin on his palm. “All those hickeys drain your vocabulary?”Clark sliced a piece of venison with clean, silent precision. “Some of us have class. Others… wear too much cologne and overshare.”Masahiro didn’t even glance up. “Don’t e
Gold & Sand Chapter 271
The trial day had ended with the defense soaring and the prosecution bleeding.Masahiro, Arthur, and Matthew stood in the hallway, a loose cluster of tension and exhaustion. Arthur clutched a half-empty water bottle, his fingers still shaking from the witness stand. Masahiro stood tall and unreadable, as always.Matthew looked like he’d just come out of a concert—buzzing, amused, and entirely too observant.Clark approached with that predator-still-in-courtroom calm, suit untouched, expression cool. Adam was behind him, one step back, hands in his pockets, saying nothing—like always.“Hell of a show,” Matthew said as Clark joined them. “You made that prosecutor look like she was reciting a grocery list under threat.”Clark only lifted a brow. “She wasn’t worth more than that.”Masahiro gave a nod. “Strong performance.”Arthur murmured, “Nathaniel might actually walk…”Clark nodded slightly. “Let’s not jinx it.”They stood there for a beat.The
Gold & Sand Chapter 270
The door shut behind them with a soft, echoing click.Clark didn’t speak. Neither did Nathaniel.For a long moment, they just stood there in the defense room—alone, away from the murmuring gallery and the jury’s blank stares.Clark finally moved.He set his notes down on the table, reached up, and took off his glasses. Not dramatically. Just… tired.His fingers pressed to the bridge of his nose like he could squeeze the tension out through his skull.Nathaniel watched him.Still in his seat. Back straight. Calm in the way someone learns from spending time around chaos.“You didn’t have to say all that,” Nathaniel said quietly.Clark dropped his hand. Didn’t look at him yet. “Yeah, well. I did.”“You made me sound like a hero.”Clark finally glanced up. The fatigue didn’t soften his tone. “No. I made you sound like a man who didn’t fire a gun.”Nathaniel gave a small, humorless laugh. “Still a lie.”Clark sat down slowly across from
Gold & Sand Chapter 269
The courtroom felt colder.Not physically—just… off.Like every breath Clark took was being measured in decibels.Like the walls were closer.The gallery buzzed with quiet anticipation—reporters in tailored neutral, pens ready to cut. Matthew sat on the far end, half-scowling. Arthur hovered near Masahiro, face unreadable.Nathaniel sat beside Clark—still, calm, like he didn’t feel the pressure digging into the back of his spine.And Clark?Perfect.Tie sharp. Glasses gleaming. Posture textbook.Only Adam saw the truth.His tie was straight, but his breath was shallow. That wasn’t confidence. That was survival.Adam watched from the last bench, arms folded.Motionless. But primed.At the front of the courtroom, Diana Halvorsen stood like she’d built the place.Flawless blonde hair, heels like blades, voice clear as verdicts.She turned to the jury with clinical poise.“Let’s talk about narrative.”“You want to paint Bishop as a savior’s assistant?” she asked, voice smooth. “Then tell
Gold & Sand Chapter 268
Arthur sat at his desk, staring at the clock.3:59 PM.He shifted in his chair. Cleared his throat. Glanced at the file in front of him, then at Masahiro—just across the room, seated, silent, flipping through a thick report with surgical focus.Arthur hesitated.Then looked again.Masahiro didn’t look up. Not immediately. Just turned another page with that same eerie calm.Then, without raising his voice or his head, he said, “I know exactly what you want.”Arthur straightened. “I—uh—what?”Masahiro looked at him now. Direct. Sharp. “You want to visit Cassidy.”Arthur’s ears burned. “Sir, I was going to—”“You’re allowed,” Masahiro interrupted. “Go.”Arthur blinked. “Really?”Masahiro returned to his file. “You’ll be back before shift ends.”Arthur nodded quickly, standing. “Yes. Thank you, sir.”Masahiro said nothing more.Arthur cleaned his desk—neatly, as always—then grabbed his coat and bag. He moved quickly but tried n
Gold & Sand Chapter 267
Adam got up from the couch and tugged the curtain back.Clark was outside on the balcony, sitting on the tile floor like it wasn’t cold, wearing nothing but Adam’s hoodie. Legs bare. Hair a mess. Staring at the skyline like it had wronged him.Adam slid the glass door open. Leaned against the frame.“You really gonna sit out there half-naked like a damn raccoon in a hoodie?”Clark didn’t look over. “What do you care?”“I don’t.” Adam stepped out. “Just don’t want to explain to Masahiro why you froze your ass off in my perimeter.”Clark exhaled through his nose. “I’m not cold.”“You’re barefoot on stone, dumbass.”Clark muttered, “I’m not here for a fashion lecture.”Adam didn’t rise to it. Just crouched beside him, arms on his knees, voice low. Calm. But with that steel under it.“You need a signal.”Clark blinked. “What?”“In public. Court. Crowd. Whatever. You’re too proud to say ‘help.’ So don’t. Just tap.”Clark stared at him.
