Page 114 of The Lieutenant

I wasn’t the kind of man to allow something so precious to slip through my fingers.

She was mine and not just for this trip.

But forever.

Kara

Another perfect flight.

Another beautiful day.

As I waited for my bags to come down the carousel, I realized how nervous I was. Seeing him again had been the only thing I’d truly wanted, yet right now, the ache inside was only increasing. It felt as if I had a vise around my neck cutting off my air supply.

I thought about calling Havros, but figured I’d surprise him. I’d managed to catch an earlier flight, even being bumped up to firstclass. I deserved it after all the hard work and long hours I’d put in.

With my bags in sight, I glanced around trying to locate a rental car facility. I’d never rented a car in a foreign country, but I needed to continue stepping out of my comfort zone. I snagged the two bags, placing one on top of the other and pulling the handle. As I rolled through the airport, I continued thinking about the sound of Havros’ voice on the two messages he’d left.

I’d heard excitement, but also apprehension. I’d meant what I’d told him. We did need to talk and doing so over the phone wouldn’t be fair to either one of us. I’d pushed off two meetings and had basically taken a short leave of absence, promising to return.

Yet even now, I had no clue what I wanted to do.

The airport was busy and I had to push my way through scores of people eagerly heading out or meeting with loved ones. I did want that more than anything. Just to have a family meant the world to me.

I’d figure out what I wanted to do eventually, but it would need to be in the next couple of days. That was the fair thing to do. I headed down an escalator after seeing a sign for rental cars. Before making a left, I noticed a man standing outside holding a sign with my name on it. Several cars were lined up next to the curb including two big black limos.

My stomach did flipflops as I walked outside. “I’m Kara Banning.” Instantly, my sixth sense was raised.

“Ms. Banning. Havros Nomikos sent me as your driver.”

Wait a minute. I checked my watch. It was almost four. I was an hour earlier than I’d originally said. “You knew what time my flight was due in?”

“Of course. I have a car waiting.”

Oh, my God. It was the man I’d seen in New York on the street. I was positive of it.

Fear swept up my spine and I moved backward by a couple of steps. “Bullshit. You’re lying. I arrived early and Havros has no idea.” I spun around quickly, trying to get away, immediately dialing Havros’ number. I made it just inside the second he answered the phone.

“Havros!”

Havros

“Havros!” Kara. Her voice was high pitched, breathless, and full of terror.

“Kara. What’s wrong?” I immediately tensed. “Talk to me.”

Jonas walked into the room, immediately on alert. I’d fisted my hand, holding it against my forehead. My pulse raced, rage sweeping through me. She was being attacked.

I felt her pain. Her fear.

I was to blame.

“Someone is here. They’re after me. I’m trying to get away, but?—”

I heard her muffled scream as if a hand had been placed over her mouth. “What the fuck is going on?”

The sounds were still muffled, but it was obvious Kara was being taken. I also overheard a voice on a loudspeaker. She was in the airport. She’d fucking arrived early. “Kara!”

A door slammed and in the background I could tell she was struggling. The phone was still active. Tires screeched. They were inside a vehicle. Jesus Christ.

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