Two Hundred and twenty eight

CHAPTER 228

"Can we talk about us later, once I have a clearer picture?"

Nicholas nodded, respecting Alicia's need for space. "Of course, Alicia. Take the time you need. I'll be here, whatever you decide. You know, I always support you in any situation. You can call me whenever you need me."

Halfway through the trip, Nicholas suddenly thought of Alicia's favorite snack. Caramel ice cream from Uncle Chuck's shop. The man turned the steering wheel, not immediately returning to his house, but turning to Alicia's favorite ice cream shop. Alicia, who was looking out the window, noticed Nicholas' change of direction. She turned around and raised her eyebrows.

"You didn't intend to ask me to go somewhere, did you?"

"Tsk, you're really good at guessing things. That high intuition of yours really still works well," Nicholas complimented, Alicia smiling proudly at the small compliment. Nicholas mumbled, then threw a riddle. "Can you guess where we're going now?"

"I don't know, you are someone who is full of surprises."

"Woah, you're starting to learn to tease me with your words, um?"

Alicia chuckled amusedly, she looked at the street in front of her and began to wonder, where was Nicholas really going?

But all those ideas just stopped in the head, Alicia did not state it honestly and let Nicholas take their vehicle in peace. The detective-turned-Chief came to a stop after they arrived at Uncle Chuck's shop. And that stop made Alicia frown while chuckling.

"An ice cream parlor in winter?"

Nicholas rolled his eyes lazily. "You don't have to pretend you don't like it, Alicia. I'll buy you a double ice caramel."

"Okay, I'm going in!"

Alicia's enthusiasm made Nicholas chuckle amusedly in his place. They both quickly left the car and entered the ice cream parlor. It was late afternoon, so there weren't too many customers waiting in line. Alicia and Nicholas stood behind a woman carrying a small child, both of them waiting patiently for their turn. Finally, they arrived in front of the cashier.

Ethan immediately greeted them both with enthusiasm. "Alicia! How are you?"

Alicia smiled. "I'm fine. How about you, Uncle Chuck isn't looking for a replacement for me?"

Ethan shrugged his shoulders and said, "Uncle Chuck is still hoping you'll come back. He seems to really like you. You're doing so much better than me, I'm getting tired of listening to him grumble like an old man."

Alicia's laughter filled the atmosphere between the two of them, while Nicholas just smiled awkwardly. "Uncle Chuck is old, Ethan. You should be nice to him."

"Well, what would you like to order?" Ethan looked at Nicholas. "I thought you were busy chasing criminals, Detective."

Nicholas looked at Alicia, put his arm around her waist and said, "A detective also needs a sweet drink to boost their spirits when chasing criminals you know."

"Ah, alright, alright. So, what are you going to order?"

"Ice caramel. Oh, two iced caramels." Alicia winked at Nicholas, she continued, "Would you like something cold or hot, Nick?"

"I'll have hot chocolate with marshmallows on top."

Ethan was busy typing their order on the computer, then the bill printer came out of the device beside the computer. Ethan handed the bill to Nicholas. "That totals twenty dollars."

"Okay," said Nicholas, who immediately paid in cash.

As per the transaction procedure, Ethan accepted the money and started preparing the order. Alicia and Nicholas waited patiently, and after a while, Ethan returned from the kitchen and placed their orders on the table. "Here are your orders. One iced caramel and hot chocolate with marshmallows."

"Thank you, Ethan."

When Alicia was about to take the order, Ethan suddenly held Alicia's hand. He remembered something.

"What is it, Ethan?" Nicholas saw Ethan's hand and that made Ethan immediately release his grip from Alicia.

"I remembered something. The woman who once asked you to accompany you to drink caramel ice, she... came here a few days ago."

Nicholas frowned. "A woman?" He looked at Alicia. "Is there anything you're not telling me, Alicia?"

"She asked where you were and she seemed very angry. Did she manage to get to you?" Ethan asked for confirmation.

And that question only made Nicholas more curious, he held Alicia's arm and said, "Who is that woman, Alicia?"

Alicia looked up, seeing Nicholas beside her. "That's Angela, Ace's mom."

"Ace's mother came to see you and you didn't tell me?"

"I told you about it, but you didn't seem to notice," Alicia muttered, a little unsure of her own answer.

Nicholas' expression changed from curiosity to concern when he heard Angela's name. "Angela? Why is Ace's mother looking for you, Alicia?"

Alicia sighed, feeling the weight of the unspoken words between them. "It's complicated, Nick. I don't understand why Angela would suddenly come and see me like that either. But apparently, she's looking for Ace. And she thinks that I know Ace's whereabouts."

Nicholas looked around, before he decided to say, "We'd better sit down, we'll make the queue even longer."

Alicia looked at Ethan, then smiled awkwardly. "I'll find a table first, Ethan."

"Alright. Enjoy your drink."

Nicholas took a table in the corner, while Alicia followed. They sat opposite each other with their drinks.

Nicholas frowned, realizing the potential danger. "Alicia, if Angela is involved in something dangerous, we have to be careful. I don't want you to be in danger."

Alicia smiled softly, appreciating Nicholas' concern. "I can take care of myself, Nick. But I need to talk to Angela and find out what she wants. It might not be as bad as it looks. I might get information about my parents' killer from Angela."

"Do you think Angela was involved in the murder?"

Alicia mumbled, "She's the only person most likely to have done any of this."

"But she's in England." NIcholas tried to argue, he knew that Angela was in England, why should they talk about her now?

But Alicia's expression changed quickly. The girl rolled her eyes and emphasized every sentence that finally came out of her.

"But she's in New York now, Nick."