Page 211 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

“No. This isn’t Zara’s first rodeo. She already has a head start, and I don’t intend to give her any more of one than I have to. I need you to come along to drive one of the vehicles.”

As Noah hotwired the SUV, Thom placed the call to the office and briefly filled them in. He had just finished up when Noah drove up to the front of the cottage.

“Mac said they’re getting everyone out and will stop whatever it is Fariq arranged. He wished you luck,” said Thom.

Noah noted the bemused expression on his friend’s face.

“Between asphyxiated breaths from laughing?”

Thom grinned. “Pretty much. I told him to have Avery land as planned, and we’d get in touch with her when we knew more. Zara will be okay, Noah.”

“Only until I get my hands on her… then she and I are going to have a come to Jesus meeting about her inability to follow the simplest orders.”

“You know, not all women are cut out to just follow orders.”

“They are if the right man is giving them,” Noah growled. “Sorry, it’s not you. I’m so pissed at Zara, I can’t see straight. There are people gunning for her, and she decides to go have tea with Fariq Abdal.”

“Take a breath. First, like you said, she’s experienced. My guess is this isn’t the first time someone’s wanted her dead. Second, she took the gun from under the coffee table and some ammo. Third, she has contacts in this area, the Middle East, and Africa, but so do we. We’ll find her.”

“Did you notice if she got her passport?”

“Yes, but she didn’t take yours.”

“How considerate of her,” Noah snarled. “When and where is Avery supposed to land?”

“There’s a private, undisclosed airstrip about a mile from the cottage.” Thom checked his watch. “Avery should be there in about two hours.”

“Good. Just have her stay there.”

“Should I ask how you plan to get Zara on board?”

“Toss her over my shoulder and take her aboard, kicking and screaming before putting her in restraints. If Avery won’t take her that way, the two of you can go to the cockpit while I deal with her until she quiets down. Then I’ll take her home and hand her off to somebody there. I’m going to keep Zara safe whether she likes it or not.”

Zara headed into town, found a parking space for the sports car right outside a branch of her Swiss bank, and got the cash she needed. She used the phone in the bank to arrange for a powerboat to leave Monaco’s harbor and take her to Fariq, who she knew was most likely on his yacht, cruising the Mediterranean Sea. She then left the bank and stopped at a kiosk she knew handled off-market burner phones and bought several.

Zara arrived at the marina, arranged to have the rental car returned, then boarded the boat. She hoped she’d been quick enough that she was motoring out of the marina before Noah ever got the SUV hotwired.

Noah was going to be furious. She had no doubt her tender lover of the night before was going to be replaced, at least for a while, with the hard-nosed, no-nonsense commando, who would make sure she understood the extent of his wrath. It galled her that the very thought of it made her tingle all over, and not in a bad way. It wasn’t that she looked forward to his punishment, it was the man himself and his dominance that made her shiver in anticipation.

She had no choice but to handle things the way she was. After all, Fariq was a businessman first and foremost and would stand by the deal. It rankled that she had to give up whatever it was that had him rattled, but it was worth it to ensure Fariq didn’t make killing Noah a priority. She would trade the information—and what she was sure was a Pulitzer prize-winning story—for his safety.

Once she had cleared the marina, she placed her first phone call.

“Ghazil, you bastard, if you call Noah, I swear I will tell everybody and their brother just how many times I’ve used you for information and that you are in the employ of the Wild Mustang team.”

“Zara, my darling. Did you manage to get away from that delicious man who was so intent on finding you? I must say you have exceptional taste. There is no need to threaten me. You would never sign my death warrant by revealing the help I have given you in the past, and I am far more concerned about what Noah Taylor would do to me than about you, but tell me anyway how I might help.”

Zara sighed. Ghazil was right. She wouldn’t get him killed, nor would she reveal he had worked for her and with Wild Mustang.

“Noah’s people think Fariq is behind the hit on me.”

“He said as much to me. I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibilities, but it doesn’t make sense. You are no threat to Fariq. After all, what could you reveal that isn’t already known? But the heir apparent who hides in the shadows? That’s another thing entirely.”

“Do you think Fariq knows about the contract?”

“I think Fariq knows everything. He may not have given the order, but he also hasn’t canceled it. Speaking as a friend, you really should let Taylor and his people look after you until thisis over. The whole arms community is taking a wait-and-see attitude.”

“What about Springer?”

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