Page 25 of Savage Beauty

“We don’t know who she was. We’re working on that. But we’re safe.”

He smells musky. There’s no hint of cologne. William wore cologne that made him smell like my grandfather’s pipe. An odd mix of leather and apple. I prefer Max’s mild scent and warmth.

“I don’t understand what’s happening. Why are they still coming after me?”

“That’s the question. We’ll find the answer.”

He sounds confident. I’m good at discovering answers and solutions. Together, we’ll solve the puzzle.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For holding me.” His grip tightens. “You’re warm.”

CHAPTER7

Max

We find two leather armchairs in the SilverKris Lounge, an area only first and business class Singapore Airlines fliers can access. I’ve never given much thought to what it’s like behind the lounge club doors at airports, but I guess if I had, I would’ve expected a little more. The brown carpet and seating shows wear and tear, and the free food buffet isn’t as enticing as the food options out in the general area.

But it’s safer in here. From our chosen seats, I can see everyone who comes and goes. And we’ll see on the screen when it’s time for us to board.

A hum of differing languages surrounds us. Some I recognize thanks to military training, and two I’d need closer proximity to confirm.

Sloane slumps in the chair beside me, her gaze on the floor. I pull out my phone and log on to the VPN. I kick out a leg and lean forward, stretching the quad. I depend on my cardio workouts to lessen the aches and pains, and I’m off schedule and stiff everywhere.

“You want to grab a magazine or something to read?” She doesn’t have a phone or any electronic device. She looks dazed, most likely because she’s processing everything that has happened in the last hour.

The identification we’re using is our real identification, which means now that we’ve passed through customs, depending on how powerful the people who want her are, they’ve either already been notified of our airport location or will be shortly. Still, it’s highly unlikely they would come for us in the airport.

“I’ll watch the news.” There’s a television on a far wall. The news isn’t in English, but there are English subtitles running below.

“Suit yourself.”

“There’s a tropical disturbance brewing.” The reporter points at an unformed tropical depression that may or may not grow into something, and they aren’t yet projecting a path if it forms.

Jack Sullivan

Touch base before you board.

He sent the message to me within the Arrow company board. He could’ve texted. But he didn’t. He chose the security of a firewall.

Me

In airport lounge. Boarding shortly.

Jack Sullivan

At LAX, you’ll transfer to a private plane. When you arrive in Grand Cayman, look for a man holding a sign that reads Trafalgar party. He has everything you’ll need and will take you to a secure location.

Me

Sloane wants to return to her apartment.

Jack Sullivan

Expected as much. You’ll need your bags before going. And you can’t stay there. If they aren’t watching her apartment now, it won’t be long before they will be. Get in. Search. Get out. And don’t leave her alone. She may look for something she doesn’t want to share with us.

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