Page 46 of Wired Target

“Chaos.That’s my life,” Sophie said, reaching for a wipe from a box and handing it to her friend.“Sorry about that.”

“Glad he saved that little gift for you, Lei,” Jones said.

“Oh, he has other gifts to share,” Sophie said.“But we catch most of them in his diapers.”

Jones, sprawled on the couch, sat forward.“Do I need to be here for your statement?”He aimed his question at Sophie.

“You can go back to the office.I’ll take Lei to the airport when we’re done.”

“Excellent.”He stood up with springy grace and tugged his shaggy blond forelock in an imitation of tipping a hat.“Ladies.Many thanks to Armita for the refreshments, though I’ll miss them this time.I’ll see you around the crime world, Lei.”

“Thanks for the ride and the catch-up.Stay out of trouble,” Lei said.

“Always.”He turned to Sophie.“I’ll let myself out—if your AI will okay that.”

“She likes you, Jones.In fact, she suggested I input your facial pattern for immediate entry, and I okayed it.”Sophie cocked her head with a smile.“Thanks for bringing Lei out here.”

“Sure, boss.”Jones departed.

Sophie turned to Lei.“Guess we’d better get this over with.”

Lei narrowed her eyes.“Sounds like you’ve got a guilty conscience.”

Sophie rubbed the scar on her cheekbone.“If only it were that simple.Let’s go get comfortable.”

“I’ll take the children to the nursery.I poured some beverages for you in the kitchen,” Armita said.

“Thanks so much, Armita.I can tell you’re the secret to Sophie’s success,” Lei said.“Do you have a sister that wants to come to Maui and help take care of a very nice five-year-old boy?”

Armita smiled, and it transformed her serious mien.“Unfortunately, no.I am alone in the world.Sophie and her children are my family, now.”

Gratitude swelled in Sophie; she acted on affectionate impulses when they came to her, something Momi had taught her—so she hopped up from the couch to embrace Armita.“We are‘ohana, as they say in Hawaii.”

“I like that.”Armita squeezed Sophie back.“Now, let’s go, children, and leave your mama and Auntie Lei to their police business.”

27

Day 8

Connor had rented a vacation accommodation in Kailua on Oahu near Sophie’s address, so that he could recover from jet lag and clean up before going to see her.Only Feirn had accompanied him on the long flight from Thailand; though the Master’s head of guards had protested loudly, Connor didn’t want any more men to accompany him.The bigger their party, the more attention they would draw, and that was the last thing Connor needed.

He was already taking a huge risk by coming and thus violating his agreement with the international task force and the CIA.

But he didn’t care.He had to see Sophie and hold her.Comfort her.Make love to her.

The thought of being with her galvanized him like nothing else.

Freshly showered, shaved, fed, and dressed in an unfamiliar western clothing disguise, Connor reached for the straw cowboy hat he’d picked up at a flea market on the way out of Honolulu.Along with the hat, he wore jeans, boots, and a snap front, short-sleeved shirt.A temporary mustache adorned his upper lip; sunglasses obscured his eyes.

“How do I look?”He turned to address Feirn.

The young Thai man gave no answering smile.“We traveled here under false names, Master, and paid for everything in cash.We are wearing disguises.”Feirn wore Bermuda shorts, a ball cap, an aloha shirt, and rubber sandals on his feet—a dramatically different look than his usual martial arts garb.“I see how you’re trying to keep this travel a secret.Even so, your enemies might be watching.”The young man’s expression was earnest.Beads of sweat dotted his forehead.“I can’t let you go see the Mistress alone.I would be neglecting my duty if I did.”

The two of them had left days earlier, taking the compound’s helicopter to the Bangkok Airport where Connor, in disguise, had boarded a private jet rented by an offshore shell corporation that had no traceable ties to the Yam Khûmk?n.

They’d had a routine if lengthy flight to Honolulu, where Connor had enjoyed putting on several different disguises and shopping the local markets to get supplies and all he hoped he’d need for his visit.Feirn had been a vigilant companion who blended perfectly with Oahu’s polyglot of races; they’d seen no threats and detected no tails so far.

“I appreciate how seriously you take those duties, and that’s why you’re here with me.”Connor made a gesture that encompassed the small but pretty beach house he’d rented.“Do you see anyone else here?No.I trust you to look out for me.”

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