Page 5 of Fury

Thethwump-thwump-thwumpof chopper blades whirling in the sky preceded the CH-47 Chinook that soon hovered over the compound. Dust swirled around as it lowered.

As combat medics raced over with a stretcher, Davis felt his head swimming. His side and shoulder were on fire. His hearing was hollow. Vision graying . . .

“Boss . . . ” His words were lost in the thunderous sound of the helo.

Shaw turned just as Davis felt his body go slack.

1

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Hollyn Reinhardt’sstomach was a ball of nervous energy as the Rolls Royce pulled closer to the Eve Whitlock Gala. The prestigious event was held annually to honor those in the tech industry responsible for advancements in science. And tonight,shewas receiving recognition. But not just any kind. It was the Polaris Achievement Award. Still didn’t feel real.

Across from her on the rear-facing seat, Hollyn’s parents spoke quietly to each other. She smiled at the way Mum’s British accent contrasted with Dad’s Swiss—something she’d loved from the first time she met them.

Running a hand down her emerald-green silk dress, Hollyn could hardly believe this was her life now. It was a far cry from the ten-year-old foster child dressed in ragged castoffs nearly two decades ago.Gratefuldidn’t begin to express how she felt about Ansel and Lydia Reinhardt adopting her. Her life had changed drastically after that day. Her new parents had integrated her into their life seamlessly and without reservation. Not to say she hadn’t done her fair share of testing them for a while, making sure they weren’t going to dump her.

Eighteen years later, she sometimes forgot she wasn’t their biological daughter. Rarely, but it happened.

Resting her hand on the door armrest, Hollyn’s auburn-blonde hair fell over her shoulder as she leaned to peer up at their destination. “Is it just me, or does the place look bigger at night?” she asked.

Abu Dhabi was a gorgeous place to live, and the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers were an even more breathtaking sight at night. Seventy-four floors of pure luxury shining like a jewel in the sky. Not even the surrounding city could dim its shimmer. Five years living here, and she still got blown away every time she saw it.

“I can’t believe this . . . ”

Dad reached over and took her hand as their driver, Bongani, slowed the car behind a line of others waiting to drop off gala attendees. “You’re going to do great, hon.”

His blue eyes, set off against white hair and age lines in his cheeks, shone as bright as his cheery smile—the one that lifted her spirits and encouraged her on the especially hard days.

She’d almost given up on this project so many times, but something Dad had always said growing up would pop into her mind:“You can quit anytime. Just not on a bad day.”The quote had cemented itself in her heart.

“I hope I don’t stumble over my words.” Hollyn pinched a section of her dress between her thumb and finger. She looked down at Dad’s warm hand still gripping hers.

His weathered skin spoke of a life well lived and countless hours in the lab, working on the next technological breakthrough. He had a drawer full of awards identical to the one she was about to receive. Never would he display them. She, on the other hand, had every intention of hanging the plaque on the wall behind her desk. Maybe even getting a spotlight for it. Who knew if she’d ever get another.

“You’ve practiced your speech dozens of times, darling,” Mum said. “You’ll be brilliant.” She leaned forward to adjust Hollyn’s jeweled clip, holding her hair at the temple.

Hollyn tried to put on a confident smile, though really she just felt like throwing up. She belonged in a lab, not in front of a thousand of the biggest names in tech, giving a speech.

What do I know? I’m . . . nobody!

“Here we are.” Bongani pulled up to the portico and put the car in Park.

Dozens of camera flashes bombarded the car on either side of a red velvet carpet, as if this were a movie premier.

“Deep breath, now,” Mum said with a wink.

Hollyn drew in air as an attendant opened the back door. She took the man’s gloved hand and stepped out, praying she wouldn’t trip in the heels she almost never wore. Waiting as Mum and Dad emerged behind her only made black spots dot her eyes as the photographers snapped away. Walking inside was going to be interesting.

Like a knight in shining armor, Dad held out his free arm, and Hollyn took it, relief flooding her.

“Look at me.” His boastful voice was quiet as he led her and Mum toward the double doors ahead. He smiled for the paparazzi like he’d been born for this life. “Just an old coot, and I’ve got the two prettiest girls on my arms.”

Hollyn and her mum laughed.

“Lucky, I suppose, dear,” Mum joked.

Hollyn loved listening to her parents. Married forty-four years and still as in love as ever. She wanted that someday. Too bad the only person she’d ever pictured it with was halfway across the world. Probably even married now. They hadn’t spoken in, what . . . eight years? That’s right. At the café in Venice.

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