Page 38 of No Time Off

“This sounds like it was well planned, and not just a spontaneous response to something you said or did,” Slash commented.

“I agree completely. Despite the images of a few well-known thugs running loose in the streets, they moved quickly. If we hadn’t been warned, I’d have been arrested and my family held hostage to ensure my cooperation. My house manager sent word that the police arrived shortly after dawn and were quite upset neither me nor my family was there. They threatened him, but he stuck to his story that I’d left early to attend some meetings and my family was off visiting friends. They were furious with him and thoroughly searched my home. Eventually, they left, but someone stayed behind to watch my residence.”

“And now they’ve set up roadblocks to find you,” I said.

“Apparently. My escape has caused quite a problem for them. Once I realized I was cut off from my official accounts and any means of officially contacting our allies for assistance, I sent Rangi to get you. My security detail also cautiously reached out to some police friends who might still support my government. As we suspected, not everyone likes what’s happening, and for most of them, their loyalty must have been suspected, as they were unaware of the plot. They hadn’t been assigned any duties and so, with some risk, we asked them to join us here. They’ve brought their police radios, a few weapons and equipment, so we have at least some idea of what’s transpiring. Before I left my house, I reached a few of my associates in the government to warn them, but many didn’t answer. I fear some may have already been arrested, including Iona Engu, the king’s representative to the Cook Islands. I suspect she’ll likely be coerced to support the coup. She has a husband and three teenage children.”

We fell silent for a moment, digesting that uncomfortable information.

After a moment, the prime minister continued. “I’ve been completely cut off from all official and personal channels. Silenced.” Her voice was taut with anger. “They’re telling people I’m resting and in seclusion while they install their puppet prime minister. But that’snotwhat’s happening, as you can see.”

Slash stroked his chin, thinking. “You’ve upset their plans, first by not dying in the assassination attempt and then by eluding arrest. They didn’t expect that, either. Now, they must deal with the fact that you’re still alive, and they can’t coerce you, and you obviously don’t intend to be silenced. What about this temporary prime minister they’ve installed, Liko Maivia? What else can you tell us about him?”

Petra’s eyes burned with frustration. “As I mentioned, Maivia is the commissioner of police and a longtime opponent of mine who has been beholden to the old boys’ network that has run the island for many years. They kept him around and promoted him because he was easy to manipulate and would look the other way when told. Honestly, he’s a fool—the man couldn’t organize a village meeting, let alone a coup. He’s a pawn—motivated by money, power, and adulation. I suspect the Chinese are pulling the strings.”

“Do you have a picture of him?” I asked.

Rangi pulled out a phone from his pocket and typed some commands. He turned his phone around to show us Liko Maivia. He was short, broad-shouldered man with cropped gray hair, round cheeks, caramel-colored skin, and a weak chin. He was dressed in a police uniform, a formal one apparently, because he wore a hat and gloves. It looked like he’d tried to appear fierce in the photo, but his mouth was twisted more in a grimace instead.

After looking at the photo, Slash leaned back in his chair, regarding the prime minister. “If you have proof of Chinese involvement, it could change things on an international scale. What exactly are you referring to in terms of evidence?”

Petra’s eyes met his, fierce and unwavering. “There’s a compound on this side of the island. We’re a small island, only eight miles wide, so it’s not that far away. The compound sits on its own, fairly isolated. Two years ago, a company called Signet Investments, purportedly out of Singapore, purchased the compound. It used to be a small luxury resort on the beach. They’ve been building and fortifying it ever since. Ostensibly, the Chinese police stationed here have leased the compound and added a new building to house them when they’re not on duty. The compound is protected by a fence and is presumed to be well guarded. We’ve done some initial research into Signet Investments, and we’re pretty sure it’s a front for a Chinese intelligence operation.”

“Pretty sure?” I asked, lifting an eyebrow.

“Pretty sure,” she repeated. “Unfortunately, we’re quite limited in our technical capability, so obtaining the proof against the Chinese is not as easy for us as it may be for you.”

Slash glanced at me, and without him saying a word, I knew what he was thinking. I wasn’t sure I liked it, but I’d save my argument for a later, more private discussion.

“One of my most trusted men has been surveilling the compound for months,” Petra continued. “His name is Manny, and he’s a former New Zealand counterintelligence officer who retired here. He does some work for me in his spare time. Apparently, Maivia has been in and out of the compound a half dozen times in the past three weeks. That’s not a coincidence. An operation of this scope requires organization, planning, and money. I know we could find the evidence if we could just get into that compound. But even if I get the evidence, I’m still going to need help to get our country back. The Chinese have money and influence, and it’s hard to compete with that on our own.”

“Even then, it’s not that simple,” Slash warned.

“I know,” Petra said dryly. “Believe me, of all people, I understand the nuances and nature of politics. But the Chinese engineered this to control a sovereign island in a geopolitical struggle with a sphere of influence at stake. If I don’t act, they’ll destroy everything we’ve built in the Cook Islands, starting with our independence. They’ve already tried to silence me—and if we hadn’t been warned, they might have already killed me and my family. But they can’t stop the truth from coming out—ifI can get to it.”

Her words were resolute and chilling. The safe house suddenly felt stifling, as if the jungle outside was too close, too quiet.

“I’m not sure it makes any difference, but I believe you,” Slash said quietly. “I’ll contact the State Department and let them know what’s going on so they can reach out to your contacts in New Zealand. But it’s going to take time, and there are no guarantees. You’re dealing with more than just a local uprising. If what you’re saying is true, you’re essentially declaring war on the Chinese presence here.”

“Oh, I’m clear on that part.” Petra straightened her shoulders, her expression grim but determined. “But time is the one thing I don’t have. They’re coming for me. If they silence me, they’ll solidify their control over the islands, and eventually the people will believe their lies. I must act now.”

We all stared at her, but no one challenged her assertion. She wasn’t wrong, and all of us knew it. Outside a strong gust of wind rattled the trees and broke the silence.

“The clock is ticking,” she said quietly. “So, let me be clear. I’m not going down without a fight. Unfortunately, that means I cannot guarantee your safety, whether you support me or not. Intellectually, I’m not sure there’s a lot you can do to help. We are hunted, have few resources, and limited time. The situation looks hopeless. Still, my instincts tell me you can make a difference. And Ialwaystrust my instincts.”

I exchanged a glance with Slash again, but we said nothing.

Petra leaned forward, her expression grim. “I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into this of no volition of your own, and on your honeymoon. I understand I have no right to ask this, but I also have no choice. The Cook Islands would be honored if you’d fight with us.”

TWENTY-ONE

Slash

Along minute ticked past before I spoke. I didn’t see any other options for Lexi and me at this point, which meant if we were going to help the prime minister, we needed to go all in.

“We’ll help you,” I said. “But we need a place to set up. We have minimal equipment, but we also need a quiet place to think and make some calls I don’t want overheard.”

Relief spread across her face. “Thank you. I deeply appreciate it. It’s pretty rustic here, but we’ll find you what you need.” She exchanged a glance with Rangi. “Get them a couple of chairs and a table in the back office. Run everyone out of there, if necessary. Can you check and see if Liam has been able to get the hotspot and Wi-Fi equipment we brought set up yet? Make sure you let everyone know we need to give them their privacy, okay? Oh, and see if you can find Manny and get him here. We’re going to need him.”

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