Chapter 292

“Keira!”

Brad flashed me a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Great. You really can run into jerks anywhere. I forced a smile. “What, did you get yourself into trouble again?” Someone like him wouldn't be here otherwise.

He nodded without an ounce of shame. “Yep, driving without a license.” That reminded me of him inviting me to his birthday party—he was still underage.

“Congratulations,” I said dryly.

“Thanks!” he replied, completely ignoring my sarcasm.

I had more important things to focus on, so I turned back to the officer, who was still glued to the computer screen. My dad’s case must have been too old; they hadn’t found anything yet.

“What are you doing here?” Brad leaned closer, clearly intrigued.

“Just handling some business,” I brushed him off.

“What kind of business? Need any help? If it’s something tricky, I can get someone to assist you,” Brad offered, like he was trying to be some kind of hero.

I shot him a mocking smile. “You should probably focus on getting yourself out of here first.” Driving without a license was one thing, but if he’d hurt someone, he’d be in real trouble.

“I’m already off the hook,” Brad said, looking smug.

I suddenly remembered seeing Jace earlier. Of course. He must have been the one who bailed Brad out. The next second, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Brad leaned in, lowering his voice. “My brother-in-law is pretty tight with the chief here.”

Just as I thought. But hearing him call Jace “brother-in-law” made me feel like I’d swallowed a rock. This punk was really just here to mess with me.

“No need!” I snapped.

“It’s fine, we’re all family. I’ll go talk to him now,” Brad insisted, determined to play the hero. He and Tanya really were siblings—both equally talented at being a pain. But I was immune to their nonsense by now. And I’d learned how to play their game. “Sure, go ahead. I’ll be right here, waiting.”

Brad’s annoying grin slipped for a second, but then he laughed. “Aren’t you embarrassed?”

“If you’re not ashamed, why should I be?” I shot back, completely shutting him down.

Brad shrugged and finally backed off, but it only took him two seconds to speak up again. “Keira, what are you looking into?”

Chapter 297

He leaned in, trying to sneak a peek, so I lifted my hand and shoved his head back. “Get lost.”

“Ow, ow… that hurts!” Brad whined, though who knew if he was faking it or not.

“The farther away, the better,” I warned, pushing him aside.

Just then, the officer finally found the documents I’d requested. “Printing’s $1.25. Just scan the code to pay.”

“Okay!” I pulled out my phone and noticed an unread message. Ignoring it, I quickly scanned the QR code and paid. The officer had already started printing, and the sound of the paper feeding through made my heart race. Soon, the printing was done. The officer stapled the documents together and handed them to me.

Just as I took them, a familiar voice called out behind me, “Brad, if you get into trouble again, I’m not bailing you out next time.”

Tanya. Of course. Brad was always acting out because he knew she’d cover for him. I wasn’t surprised she was here, but I really didn’t want to get involved. I pretended not to hear and focused on the report.

But trouble has a way of finding you, especially when you don’t want it to. Brad, the troublemaker, suddenly yelled, “Keira, save me!” Before I could react, he darted toward me and hid behind my back, clutching my shoulders.