Page 35 of Storm Surge

Will studied the man, then looked at her. “Do you see the similarities?”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“He looks like you. Your grandfather. Do you think there’s a chance this man is somehow related?”

“Oh, I hope not. My family has enough monsters in it.”

Will sat the sketch down and took her hands in his. “You are not part of that, Lizzy. It’s not who you are.”

She kept her eyes on him and wanted to believe it, but her father and grandfather were killers. Her mother was CIA and had probably killed in the line of duty. Was it possible there was another member of her family out there still who’d inherited the lust for blood?

“You are a good person. So is your aunt. And your mother. Don’t take on your father’s and grandfather’s shame.”

She swallowed several times and forced the darkness back. “You’re right.” The relief she experienced at his simple words wiped away the doubts. “And I have you. My blessing. My husband.”

He leaned over and kissed her, then kept his forehead against hers. “And I have you. I love you, Lizzy.”

“I love you, too.” She rubbed her palm against his cheek. Felt the hint of stubble there and couldn’t wait to learn all the little secrets that made up Will.

“So, what’s keeping you awake?” she asked and watched his smile disappear.

He sat back and tucked her close. “We have a possible location for your father. Our men are on their way there now.”

Lizzy didn’t know what she expected to feel, but she wasn’t upset. The man who was her father had lied to her and her aunt. Killed Mark’s and her mother. And he’d tried to scheme his way into world domination. Her only connection to him was blood. “He has to be stopped before something else happens.”

Will squeezed her tight. “I know none of this can be easy for you, but you’re right. He has to be stopped, and I can’t wait for all of this to end. I want us to start our life together with nothing standing in our way.”

She smiled against his shoulder. “I’m ready for that, too.” Lizzy stifled a yawn and he chuckled.

“Are you getting sleepy?”

She nodded. “Yes, but I don’t want to move. I just want to sit here with my husband and think about a future far away from anything bad ever again.”

He kissed the top of her head. “That sounds perfect. And if you don’t mind, first thing tomorrow, I’m reaching out to the Van Gogh task force that’s headed up by FBI Agents Rutherford and Lackland and fax over the sketch you drew, as well as give them a copy of the hypnosis tape and the details you remember about your captors. They need to know there are two killers instead of one.”

She sighed and nodded; her eyes drifting shut. “That sounds good.” But at this moment, there were no ugly memories intruding. No fears. Just the man she loved at her side. A future wide-open. And the possibilities were limitless.

???

“He’s coming.” Collins glanced out the window as another plane attempted a landing. He’d been waiting for him. With his help, he could get his daughter back. Change the direction the world was heading.

“Who is coming?” Ahmad stood behind him and watched the plane begin its descent.

Collins ignored Ahmad completely and stepped out into the cold without a coat. This was important. With his help, he could turn it all around. He became aware of Ahmad and his nephew following. Ahmad had exhausted his benefit. There would come a time in the future when Collins would have to kill him. There was no doubt. Ahmad had stopped believing in the cause.

The plane taxied to a stop. Collins approached the airfield. The pilot killed the engines, and the exit door opened. He and his people stepped forward descending the stairs quickly.

Walton Kirkpatrick was the world’s wealthiest man. He had held the position of US senator for many years before he joined the diplomatic service and became the ambassador to Afghanistan. He’d served two presidents in that position. But his real power came from the contacts he’d made throughout his political and diplomatic career. He wielded a lot of power, and he had the money to back it up.

Walton spotted Collins and spoke briefly to his men. They stayed where they were while Walton headed toward Collins. “Martin, it is good to see you again.” The smile on Walton’s face was genuine. They were close. “How are you, my friend?”

Collins embraced his old friend. “Good. Glad you are here. I need you to help right the ship.”

Walton’s smiled disappeared. “Yes, I’ve been listening to the news. This is not at all what we wanted to happen.” Though only Collins knew about his involvement, Walton had been there since the beginning, lending his knowledge. A silent partner who helped fund many of their endeavors. “But not to worry, all is not lost. You have me.” Walton’s gaze slipped past Collins to where Ahmad and his nephew stood a little distance away. A look of distaste replaced the grave expression on his face. “You have company, I see.”

Collins stepped away and Walton followed. “This was the original plan—for Ahmad and me to come here should we run into a glitch.”

“It might not be wise to have him move forward with us.” Walton lowered his voice. “But we’ll deal with that another time. I have my people in place.” He waved a hand to the men he’d brought with him. “Along with them, you and I will discuss what must be done from here on out.” He glanced back at Ahmad. “Come, introduce me to your friends. Let me determine how useful they will be to our cause.”

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