CHAPTER 167

The afternoon stretched into evening, the tension growing with each passing hour. I jumped at every sound, my nerves on edge as the shadows outside lengthened. Finally, just as the sun began to set, I heard the sound of a car pulling up the driveway.

My heart leaped into my throat as I hurried to the window, praying that it was Leon. When I saw his familiar figure stepping out of the car, relief washed over me. I rushed to the door, throwing it open just as he reached the steps.

“You’re back,” I breathed, throwing my arms around him. “I was so worried…”

He held me tightly, his warmth chasing away the last of my fears. “I’m back,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “And I have good news.”

I pulled back slightly, looking up at him. “What is it?”

“We’ve got something,” Leon said, his eyes lighting up with a spark of hope. “It’s not much, but it’s a start. My contacts found a lead—something that could tie Justin to some of his more illegal dealings and even his m