“Jinx’s parents?” Amelia blinked in surprise.
Felix nodded. “Yeah. Their backgrounds were too sensitive. Back then, the local government didn’t want any negative international attention, so they used their connections to keep their deaths out of the news. We couldn’t even bring their bodies home.” His face clouded over. “This year, things changed a bit on the international front. I pulled some strings and finally got their remains sent back. But I haven’t had time to pick out a cemetery or plan any kind of service.”
He looked at Amelia, all the usual teasing gone from his eyes. For once, he actually looked a little vulnerable.
“I was hoping you could help, Ms. Sadinton. You’re Jinx’s favorite aunt. I think her parents would want you to do this for them, too. You’re the right person to help them come home.” He caught the hesitation in her expression and added, “Honestly, you’re the only person I trust with this. Don’t worry about the costs—I’ll cover everything.”
“It’s not about the money…” Amelia said quickly. The weight of what he was asking hit her—this was the kind of thing family should handle, not her. But then she remembered Jinx’s greedy relatives. If they could squeeze money out of a kid, what would they do with two sets of remains?
After a moment, she let out a breath and nodded. “Alright. I’ll do it.”
Felix smiled, relief clear in his eyes. “Thank you.”
Without thinking, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, tapping one out and holding it between his lips. As he reached for his lighter, he glanced at Amelia. “Mind if I smoke?”
Amelia smiled politely. “Smoking’s not great for you.”
Felix let out a low laugh and put the cigarette away. “Alright, I’ll take a break.”
“You mentioned two things. What’s the other one?” Amelia asked.
Felix’s face twisted in a mix of annoyance and disbelief. “You know the Salmeron family, right?”
Amelia went quiet for a second. “Clive’s family?”
“Yeah, them.” Felix frowned, trying to be tactful. “Is there some sort of family curse or something? Clive’s already a little off, but his sister… she’s on another level.”
It was clear what he meant: the whole Salmeron family was a mess.
Felix had a way of insulting people that was almost impressive.
Amelia couldn’t help but laugh. “What did Caroline do this time?”
Felix snorted. “She showed up where I was stationed, pretending to be a local who needed help. My guys brought her in, ready to send her to the embassy, but she refused to leave. Told everyone she was my fiancée.” He shook his head, almost laughing. “She acted like she was in a soap opera, pulling these ridiculous stunts in the middle of a war zone.”
Felix’s smile faltered for just a second.
Amelia reached out her hand. “Mr. Baker, I know I misjudged you before. I’d like to start over. Maybe we can be friends. And I hope you find someone who’s perfect for you, too.”
Felix looked at her offered hand and let out a soft laugh.
She was too sharp. She’d seen straight through everything he’d tried to hide.
And she was gracious—she was giving him an out, a way to save face.
But he wasn’t quite ready to take it.
He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his voice cool. “When I find her, you can congratulate me then, Ms. Sadinton.”
Amelia didn’t push. She just let her hand drop and steered the conversation back. “So, you want me to pass a message to the Salmerons? Tell Caroline to leave you alone?”
Felix shook his head, meeting her eyes. “No. I wanted to know if you still have any feelings for the Salmeron family. I need to know before I decide how far I’m willing to go.”

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