Lonely Christmas

Austyn said nothing. ‘All right. I’ll do this your way.’ Bernard ran a hand over his face. ‘You have at most another week, two tops. Make sure you find that ledger.’ Austyn left the detention centre and stepped into the frigid winter cold. Kai opened the car door for him. ‘Where to, Boss?’ Austyn had been splitting his time between Kira’s apartment and the villa at Ardmore Park, where he was staying. ‘The apartment.’ ‘Yes, Boss.’ Kai slowed down the car when he glimpsed Austyn close his eyes and drift into an exhausted sleep. ‘Stop the car!’ Austyn shouted suddenly. ‘What?’ Kai stepped on the brakes. Austyn pushed the rear door open and got out. He sprinted towards a figure standing with her back to him on the sidewalk. ‘Kira?’ His voice shook as he reached out a trembling hand. The woman turned around. ‘Huh? Were you talking to me?’ The glimmer of hope in his eyes vanished. ‘Sorry, I got the wrong person.’ ‘Oh, it’s okay.’ She took in the man’s handsome appearance, surprised by his wh