Page 88 of Captured

Styx

I wasn’t certain if the two men were completely oblivious to the fact I’d followed them into the busy corridor or not. Granted, I remained a far enough distance that I could catch a few words here and there, but it was obvious that almost immediately they’d gotten into a heated conversation. In fact, Gideon was upset at first, the hired guns the prince had brought with him puffing up much like Mr. Martin’s soldiers had.

They were certainly having a nasty disagreement.

Axe walked by them, pulling out a cigar. While he wasn’t turned in their direction or acting as if he was paying any attention, simply removing a cutter and snipping the end, he was capturing every word being said.

Then out of the blue both their demeanors changed, the two men shaking hands. Gideon pulled sheets of folded paper from his jacket, handing them to the prince, who took a long time looking them over, flipping from page to page.

When it was obvious he was satisfied, in return Prince Aziz pulled out an envelope. Then both men shook hands again. After that, Gideon waited, being bold enough to pull out what appeared to be a paper check, although I would believe it was simply acknowledgement of a wire transfer into one of Gideon’s existing offshore accounts.

And lo and behold, Mickey had taken the bait, skulking in and out of the shadows, approaching Mr. Martin a few seconds later. It became quite apparent they were on friendly terms. That answered a lot of questions but not all. If there was one thing I knew about a greedy rat it was that he would alter his colors depending on the end prize.

I’d known for years what Mickey wanted out of his dull life. To be a star. He’d become a turncoat without any further provocation. I’d bet on it.

Gideon slipped the paperwork into his pocket while still chatting with Mickey. That would buy me some time before I had my own private discussion with the man.

I moved to the outdoor smoking area, waiting until Axe joined me seconds later. The man was a nonsmoker, but knew me far too well, handing me the Cuban cigar then lighting it for me. I took several short puffs until the end was fiery red before taking a long pull, holding the sweet smoke in my lungs.

“The meeting was definitely about Miss Martin. It would seem you were right. However, it was surprising that Gideon acted as if he’s going to be able to deliver Emily within forty-eight hours.”

Now I knew Gideon to be a man who believed himself omnipotent, but something stuck in my brain that would trouble me until I returned to the island.

What if he knew where she was?

“Anything else?”

“Gideon wants more money. To the tune of two million dollars more. But I have a feeling it’s more about whatever business they’re in together.”

“Interesting. Make contact with the other soldiers. Have them follow the prince wherever he goes and if he contacts anyone else. I also want to know where the man is staying while in town. He’ll wait for his prize to be delivered, which means we have forty-eight hours to handle the rest of our business.”

“What are you going to do first?”

I took another puff of my cigar, having no intention of putting it out prior to walking back into the hotel. It might come in handy as well.

“I’ll dole out a little punishment of my own.”

Axe grinned, the full moonlight highlighting the gleam in his eyes. “You are one sick bastard. I love that about you, boss.”

“I’m glad someone does.” We both headed back into the emptier corridor. Mickey was just walking away. What perfect timing.

Gideon took another look at the papers, a smug look crossing his face as if he’d won a round from the prince. Then he turned on his heel, heading down the hall toward the more private bathrooms. It was helpful to know every inch of the conference room areas like the back of my hand.

I took my time following behind him, in no hurry at this point. I simply wanted to give him the opportunity to slide into one of the stalls before I made my move. After a minute or so passed, I headed into the smaller restroom, checking to see if anyone else was in the space. As good fortune would have it, we were all alone.

It would seem luck of the Irish was with me. Even though I didn’t have an ounce of Irish blood in my body.

As I’d hoped, Gideon was relieving himself in one of the stalls, chuckling to himself the entire time. I leaned against the wall, planting the sole of one foot on the vertical surface and leaning back, taking a few additional puffs of my cigar. I did adore a Cuban. The taste was almost as powerful as my beautiful sparrow.

I dragged my tongue across my bottom lip the way she did, thinking about the way she’d tasted the last time when I’d spanked her. Like fresh peaches. I did adore my fruit.

When I heard the toilet being flushed, only then did I open my eyes, eager to continue on with the night. It had been eventful so far, but the main event was just coming into play.

Gideon didn’t bother looking in my direction, heading toward the row of sinks, actually whistling. I simply waited, taking a couple more puffs. Finally, he realized he wasn’t alone, lifting his head and peering into the mirror.

His reflection was exactly as I’d hoped, shock, fear, and awe that I was standing in close proximity to him.

“Hello, Gideon. Surprised to see me?”

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