Trickster [Aidan Hunter series book 1]

Chapter 6

Martin's brows rose so high, his forehead shrank. "What did you say?"

Robert pointed to his ear. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you repeat it?"

I knew I'd regret this, but to solve a case that had many pieces to the puzzle, I needed help.

"You heard me perfectly," I said, trying to be nonchalant.

"Did you hit your head or something?" the chief said.

I gave him a deadpan look.

Robert grinned. "He definitely said he needed my help."

Martin joined in the amusement. "I never imagined I'd get to witness this. You sure you're alright?"

"Yes, now could you please give us a minute, chief?" I said. "And could you please call Henry?"

"Fine. Wow."

The grin remained on his face even as he left. I turned my attention to the idiot in front of me.

"It's amazing. I wonder what happened that you need my help," Robert said, lifting his chin high. "As unexpected as it is, why should I help you?"

"Because they assigned our team to this case. That includes you," I replied. "Right now, we need answers. That's what you want, right? To solve this case and take the credit? Nobody's getting anywhere on their own. I think we can get to the bottom of this if we work together. Beats chasing after diamonds and arresting the wrong people, right, Robbie?"

His grin dropped. "What do you want?"

"I need you to get that inhaler. Unfortunately, I can't get it on my own because of obvious reasons."

"You want me to steal evidence?"

"Can you do it?"

"And risk my ass?"

"This is the only way to get real answers. I thought you were resourceful."

"I am." He pondered for a minute. "Fine, but I get the credit for solving this case. And you tell everyone what a brilliant detective I am."

"Fat chance."

"Guess you're not getting my help then."

I huffed. "Fine. I'll publicly congratulate you on completing the case."

"You got yourself a deal," he said, smirking.

Once he left, I turned around and found Martin frowning suspiciously at me. It nearly startled me.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing," he said.

I hoped he didn't eavesdrop on the conversation, else I'd land in a load of trouble. He didn't fully trust me as it was. I walked out of there before it got awkward.

In the meantime, I had to wait for Henry. I wanted to know if I was right. If it really was Toby who broke into my house, Martin would get off my back. He'd released me on Henry's word, but he still wanted confirmation on the intruder's identity.

If that's what he wanted, he's going to get it.

***

I sat on a desk at the HQ, twirling a pen between my fingers. It was getting late. I wanted to go home and take a hot shower.

Henry arrived. "Good news. The intruder is, in fact, Toby. The prints on your doorknob were a match. Forensics confirmed it."

I smiled. "I never doubted you."