Page 131 of Enemy of My Enemy
“So sure I’d say yes?”
“For Jack? Absolutely.”
Fucking Irwin. Ethan glared down at the phone. Slowly, his brain started to churn, working back to before Russia, to before everything had collapsed. Cooper and his team had been compromised. They’d scattered, going ghost. Thoughts of Cooper led him to thoughts of the prince—wounded, but alive—and to their one, almost improbable ally. His thumb hovered over the keypad.
“All right. I’ll do it.”
Irwin nodded and stood. “I’m leaving a car behind to take you to Andrews. Get moving fast. And—” He frowned. “—be careful who you trust, Ethan. We don’t have the full picture. We’re playing chess without a full view of the board. Things are not what they seem.”
* * *
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Faisal’s cellphone rang as he heard Adam’s SUV roll up to the front of the house, tires crunching on the drive. Doors slammed, and low voices murmured from outside.
“As-salamu alaykum,” he said into the phone, watching the front door.
“Prince Faisal?”
“Who is this?”
“Ethan Reichenbach. We met last year, and we’ve been working together through Lieutenant Cooper. I’m sorry to hear you were injured recently. Especially because of our investigation.”
Faisal froze. The front door banged open, and Adam walked backward through it, carrying something. Doc followed, cursing loudly.
“Mr. Reichenbach.Shukran,and I am recovering very well,in shaa Allah.How can I help you?”
“Your Highness, I need to ask for your help.”
“My help?” Faisal’s gaze followed Adam and Doc through his foyer and into the villa’s utility room. The door slammed behind them, muffling Doc’s cursing.
“With everything going on in the world, we can’t let up in the search for Madigan. Most everyone’s focus is on Russia right now. But we think that if we can backtrace Madigan’s trail, we can get new insight into his future plans.”
Something heavy dropped in the utility room. Doc shouted. Adam snapped, and Doc shut up quickly.
Faisal frowned. “Of course, Mr. Reichenbach. I agree. How can I be of help?”
“Lieutenant Cooper and his team are sequestered for their protection, following an incident. We’re dealing with a couple internal threats over here.”
Doc darted out, carrying a black plastic trash bag. He headed for the kitchen, and the icemaker churned on. The sound of ice cubes sliding against plastic went on and on.
Reichenbach continued. “Uh, it may seem strange, but right now, you’re one of the most solid and trustworthy sources I can call on. I’d like to come to you. Join forces. Search for Madigan’s trail together.”
Faisal’s eyebrows shot up. Reichenbach, here? With Adam? Reichenbach clearly didn’t even know Adam was with him. His gaze flicked between the kitchen and the closed utility room. Aside from the ice falling, everything had grown suspiciously quiet.
What could he say? Deny Reichenbach access when they were all working on the same side? It had been too good to last, his and Adam’s newfound freedom. Kissing Adam in front of Doc had been exhilarating, thrilling, but that would have to be tucked away. They still had to hide from the world, for so many, many reasons.
Would Adam revert all the way back to the crippling fear that had broken them apart?
What could he do, though? Ignore the world, save his love? Risk his love, save the world?
“I’d be delighted to see you again, Mr. Reichenbach. Please, fly to Jeddah. I will have one of my men pick you up at the airport.”
“Thanks. And—” Reichenbach paused. “—I’d like this to stay off the grid. No need to involve your government. This isn’t an official state visit. I’m not—” His voice choked, for a moment. “I’m not a member of the first family anymore.”
Faisal frowned. “Not to worry, Mr. Reichenbach. We will be circumspect.”
“I’ll text you when I’m on approach.”
