Page 121 of Code Name: Typhon

“We didn’t tell anyone.” After the day in the pub, when Niven said he’d found the marriage record, Levi informed his parents, saying we’d eloped.

Between then and now, Levi had been gone more than he was at home.

I took the framed drawing from the wall and carried it over to the sofa. “Is there anything you can tell me?” I asked.

Kima looked up at Hornet, who cleared his throat.

“Typhon participated in an op to rescue Penelope Ramsey?—”

I gasped. “Is she all right?”

“She’s safe and in a secure location.”

“My apologies for interrupting,” I said.

Hornet nodded and continued. “From what we’ve been able to piece together, Typhon exited the aircraft at Gatwick when the others traveling with him did. He left on his own, but as soon as he pulled off the tarmac, he turned off all tracking devices. After reviewing CCTV footage, it appears he reentered the airport, parked, and went inside. While we haven’t been able to determine where he went from there, we are collecting footage from all international airports.”

“Would I be permitted to ring Niven?” I asked.

“Yes,” Hornet answered.

“Where is the bedroom?”

“I’ll show you,” Kima said, motioning for me to follow. She opened a door to a room I immediately knew was Levi’s. “I’ll be here with you, so if there’s anything at all you need or want, just tell me.”

Her eyes filled with tears like mine had when I said, “Bring my husband home. That’s all I’ll ever need.”

After closing the door, I rang Niven, who picked up immediately.

“Eliza, I’ve been trying to reach you. I need to see you as soon as possible.”

“So you’ve heard?—”

“Heard what?”

“Levi is missing.”

“Bloody hell,” he muttered under his breath. “When?”

“I’m not exactly certain, but I think as of earlier today.”

“Where are you? I’m on my way.”

“Hang on. I need to make sure…”

“Of what?” he said as I exited the room in search of either Kima or Hornet. I found him first.

“I’d like to see my cousin. Will that be permitted?”

He looked at his mobile, then nodded and held out his hand for the one Z had given me.

“Saint? I’ve just sent coordinates and instructions.”

He ended the call a couple of seconds later, then returned the phone. “He said he’s on his way.”

I padded down the hall to the bedroom and lay down, resting my head on the pillow. The bedclothes were freshly laundered, so none of Levi’s scent lingered, and I longed for it.

When I rolled to my side, I noticed a framed photo of the two of us together. It was from the day he proposed, but he’d never mentioned it to me, and there was no indication of who had taken it. In it, he was on bended knee, looking up at me. The love we had for each other was so apparent on our faces. How would I survive a life without him? The answer was easy, I couldn’t.

---