“When I say I don’t know, I am speaking the truth. My sole objective at this time is to take you somewhere you’ll be safe. I promise you that when I know more, I will tell you.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“To a secure location not far from here. I’ve made arrangements for a vehicle to meet us on the lowest level of the car park. The lift will be secured from here to there. Please pack a bag as quickly as you can and bring only what’s essential. Anything else you require will be provided. You will remain under protection twenty-four hours a day. For your safety, you will not be permitted to leave until such time as Typhon returns or I’m instructed to relocate you again. Do you understand?” Z asked.
“I do.” I wiped my tears and squared my shoulders. Levi was still alive. I would do everything I was told, so when he did come home to me, I would be there to greet him.
“We should be on our way as soon as possible.”
“Will I be permitted to speak with anyone?” I asked.
“I’ll make sure secure communication channels are set up. However, I advise you to take every precaution in what you say, regardless of how trustworthy you believe the person receiving the information is.”
I had no doubt Z meant Niven.
“My understanding is you’re no longer with SIS,” I said.
“I am not, but I assure you I have their backing in the same way I would if I was still chief. Not only that of MI6, but the full force of Unit 23, as well as the coalition of which I’m sure you’re aware, is mobilizing.”
“To do what?”
“Find Typhon.”
“This is his building,” I said when we pulled into the underground car park across from the pub where Levi and I had first met.
“It’s among the most secure in all the UK. You will be safe here.”
“Have you any idea where he is?”
Z shook his head. “Not yet.”
We exited the vehicle within steps of the lift; three other SUVs surrounded us as Z led me to it and up to the highest floor.
When we entered Levi’s apartment, Kima and Hornet were both there, waiting.
I rushed over to her, and we embraced.
“We’ve secured the entire floor,” Hornet said to Z. “No one other than members of our team will have access.”
Z nodded once and approached me, holding out a mobile. “This has been set up to receive messages and calls only from those who’ve been approved. I’ll need to take your personal device.”
I pulled it out and handed it to him.
“I’ll be in touch.”
I thanked him and watched as he returned to the lift. Part of me wanted to beg him to stay, knowing if Levi made contact with anyone, it would be him.
“What about his parents?” I asked, looking between Kima and Hornet after Z left.
“They’re safe,” Hornet responded.
I nodded as Kima led me to the sofa. I was just about to take a seat when something caught my eye. After pulling my arm from hers, I raced over to where our drawing hung on the wall.
Kima came to stand beside me. “We’ll find him and bring him home safely.”
“I pray so.” I turned to her. “He’s my husband. We’re married.” My voice was so choked with emotion that I could hardly get the words out.
She tried to hide it, but I could tell by the look on her face that the news was a surprise.