Page 89 of Dangerous Rhythm

“Wise words, Ed. Like always.” Ken looked at Curtis. “So, what’s this about you wanting to go back to New York? The Stilettos aren’t secured yet. You still have a target on your back.”

“I’m done hiding,” Curtis said.

Ken eyed Lina. “You support this?”

Lina nodded. “We need to take a more proactive approach to end the problem instead of running from it.”

“And how do you propose to do this?”

“I don’t know yet. I need more information to figure out a strategy. And I can’t get that off the grid. So we’re going home. I need everything your team has on the Stilettos and what’s happening on the ground right now.

“The last time I talked to Marcus, except for some intimidation and threats from the Stilettos, the Murphys have not retaliated. The police are getting frustrated that nothing was happening as they’d expected.”

“So the police are just sitting on their hands?” Ken asked.

“There’s nothing they can do until a crime is committed. But we can’t keep waiting.”

“No. We can’t,” Curtis echoed her words, his voice determined.

Ken studied the two of them. “Well, eat up then. Wheels up in a couple of hours.”

Curtis and Lina had said their goodbyes to the family the day before, but leaving these loving people he’d just met still left a lump in his chest. Their stay in Hong Kong was brief, but it carved a permanent notch in his heart.

“We’ll see you soon,” Ed said, patting Curtis on the arm as they were about to board the plane Ken had arrived in. “Maybe for another auspicious occasion.”

“Uncle Ed,” Lina almost growled at her uncle. There was an unspoken warning in the way she said his name. Curtis wasn’t sure he understood.

“What? Who knows?” Ed shrugged innocently. “Why waste time?”

Curtis eyed Ed, trying to decipher the older man’s meaning.

“Don’t listen to him,” Lina told Curtis.

“Have I ever led you astray, Lina?” Ed challenged.

She didn’t answer but glared at him.

“I’m so lost,” Curtis said

“Don’t mind me,” Ed said. “Just figure out how to get out of this mess safely.”

“That’s the plan, Uncle.” Lina gave him a hug. “Thank you for everything.”

“You know you can always count on me, kid,” Ed said. “Hey, remember. Get out of your head sometimes, and listen to…” He patted his heart.

Lina gave him a solemn nod and turned to follow Ken. Curtis was about to do the same when Ed held him off.

“You watch her back,” Ed said evenly.

“Always.” Curtis nodded.

He and Lina boarded the plane behind Ken and waved to Ed. The plane was smaller but much more comfortable than the one they’d arrived on a few days ago. It was more like the one they’d left the U.S. in, and Curtis was grateful he wouldn’t have to twist himself into a pretzel to sleep.

“Where did you get these fancy digs, Ken?” Lina asked when they were all seated and buckled in, and the plane started taxiing.

“Remember the project in PNG?” Ken said. “I just saved them billions of dollars. They were so grateful they lent me their plane.”

“Wow. You must’ve done some miracle.”

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