Page 83 of No Time Off

Manny walked behind us and overheard my comment. “It’s a solid option from an operational point of view, Lexi. I’m sure you had physical drills as part of your training.”

“I’m a geek,” I said, holding up my hands. “What physical training am I supposed to have had?”

“I thought all CIA operatives had to go through some kind of physical operations training,” Manny said.

I stared between him and Slash. “Why are we talking about the CIA?”

“Never mind,” Slash said, patting my arm. “You’ll do fine on the hike.”

“But why can’t we just take the motorbikes at least part of the way?” I knew I was whining, but I felt tired, grumpy, and wanted nothing more than to sink into a hot tub for the next forty-eight hours.

“Sorry, Lexi,” Manny said, giving me a sympathetic look. “The Cross-Island Track is specifically designed for hiking—no vehicles of any kind are allowed on the trail, not even bicycles.”

“What if Maivia’s forces are guarding the trail?” I asked.

“No one will be guarding the Cross-Island Track,” Manny said. “Trust me, no oneeverguards the Track. If there’s a problem on the trail—say, someone twists their ankle or runs out of water—help is called up. There isn’t anybody whose only job it is to monitor the trail. And even if by some chance Maivia has arranged someone to watch it, there would be no more than one person near the exit into the city. I think between us, we’d be able to handle one person.”

“Manny is right,” Slash said, pulling apart two cords. “The police are focusing on the main roads and government buildings. The Track will be the safest option for us.”

I was not thrilled with the idea, but it was clear I was outvoted. “Fine, hike it is. I’m just warning you—this is not the type of hike I agreed to for our honeymoon. I just want it on the record I’m doing this under duress.”

“Duly noted,” Manny said. “Take it up with your man later.” He winked at Slash, who shook his head.

We were ready with our setup when Rangi, Henry, and Petra returned. She had combed her hair, put on lipstick, and wore a blazer over a black T-shirt. “I found these in Victoria’s closet,” she said. “I hope she doesn’t mind I’m borrowing them. I’ll let her know it was all in the name of national security. But you’re going to have to film me from the waist up. None of the pants or skirts fit.”

“No problem,” I said, showing her where to sit and adjusting the view on my camera.

Petra was as good as her word. The video lasted one minute and seventeen seconds, and we only had to retake one section.

“That was amazing,” I said when she finished. “I got chills. You are really good at your job, Prime Minister. Clear message, positive energy, proof of wrongdoing, and to the point. Way to go.” I plugged my phone into my laptop and began downloading it.

Slash paced back and forth in the room, his brow furrowed, clearly thinking. “Is there a house or a place in the capital where we could safely hide out and create a command center of sorts?” he asked Petra as she shrugged out of the blazer.

She thought for a moment. “Doesn’t Paul’s sister live near the television station?” Petra asked Rangi.

“Who’s Paul?” Slash asked.

“The guy who brought your wife safely from the farmhouse to the yacht on the motorbike without getting shot,” Rangi answered. “Big blond guy. He just took Lani and Noa upstairs to watch television. Let me check with him. I do think he has a sister who lives not too far from the television station, which would be ideal.”

When Rangi returned, Noa came with him, running to his mother, who gathered him in her arms and hugged him tightly. I felt my heart twist in my chest. The stress on this family was palpable, as it was on all of us. Standing up for what was right—even when it seemed like everything and everyone were against you—was a true badge of courage.

“Are you leaving again, Mum?” he asked.

She ruffled her son’s hair. “For a little bit. But your dad will be here. I’ll come up and see you all before I go. Okay? So run up and watch the telly with your sister. I’ll be up shortly.” She gave him one more hug before he darted up the stairs.

When he was out of earshot, Rangi spoke. “You were right, Petra. Paul’s sister lives relatively near the station, and she has agreed to help us. We can set up at her house, but we’ll have to leave in the next twenty minutes to stay on the timeline and give us an opportunity to surveil the station.”

Petra nodded. “I’ll change quickly.”

“What are you going to do about the police at the television station?” Henry asked Slash after Petra left. “How do you intend to get past them?”

“I don’t know yet,” Slash replied. “Once we figure out what we’re up against, we’ll determine the best way to get in. We have to be both flexible and adaptable. I have some ideas I want to run past Manny, but the prime minister doesn’t have to worry about that part now. She can leave that to us. We’ll make sure it’s as safe as it can be before we insert her.”

“You take care of my wife,” he said, looking somberly at each of us.

“We will, Henry,” Manny said, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I promise you—we’ll protect her with our lives.”

I swallowed hard, imagining how he was feeling, the mood in the room suddenly turning grim.

---