Page 55 of The Devil Wears Orange
“Oh, that must be exciting,” says Charlotte, “surrounded by the young intelligentsia. And what do you teach?”
Jack pauses before he goes in for the kill. “Art History.” It surprises him when Rashid shows no response. He was sure the answer would have piqued the Prince’s interest.
“I must say, I need to get a closer look at that Picasso,” says Jack, indicating the piece above the fireplace.
Rashid ignores his comment, and instead asks, “What brings you to Dubai?”
“Vacation,” answers Jack. “Normally, my summer vacations are fully planned, but just this once, I decided to leave myself open to whatever life brings. It wasn’t until I arrived at the airport that I chose my next destination.”
“Do you normally live so dangerously?” says Charlotte.
There’s a sexy throatiness in her voice, or perhaps he just imagines it. “Quite the opposite,” says Jack. He shakes his head and laughs. “I am enjoying the recklessness of it all.”
“Which airport?” says Rashid.
“Pardon?” answers Jack, wondering where this conversation is going.
“You said you arrived at the airport and chose the destination. Which airport did you fly in from?”
“Heathrow.”
“From Heathrow straight here?”
“Uh, huh.” Legs crossed, Jack shifts uncomfortably at the thought he’s being interrogated. “I’m sorry to bring this up again, but I was under the impression by the police at the marina that they want to speak to me further. Shouldn’t I head to the police station?”
“No,” says Rashid in a steady tone. “They have all the information they need.”
“That was scary business back there on the water,” says Jack slowly. “Those men–”
“–Kidnappers. I’m embarrassed to say I’m worth an extraordinary amount of money.”
Jack furrows his brow. “Forgive me, but why shoot at you if they wish to hold you ransom?”
“Obviously, intelligence plays no part in this,” says Rashid in a light tone.
“Hmmm.” Jack sips his drink. “It’s unfortunate they got away.”
“I, for one, am grateful you were there to save my life,” says Charlotte.
Jack averts her stare and brings his fingers to his eyebrow to hide his embarrassment. “Anyone would have done the same.” When he returns his gaze to them, he notices Rashid coolly study him. What’s he playing at? Jack wonders, though he can’t helpbut feel they’re behaving like two schoolboys pulling Charlotte’s pigtails.
“Not true,” Charlotte says.
Jack says, “Technically, it was the water-taxi driver who pulled you out.”
“Oh, yes. He was absolutely terrified. I swear, if we hadn’t heard the police sirens when we did, he probably would have left me there to fend for myself.” She laughs lightly.
“I find it strange,” says Rashid in a somewhat serious tone, and he turns from Jack to Charlotte, “back on the boat, you said ‘he’s trying to kill me.’”
Her eyes widen, her smile stiffens. “They were...us, they were trying to kill us.”
“Yet, you saidherather thanthey. Curious,” says Rashid, “to imply I’d harm you.”
Charlotte laughs nervously until it dissolves to silence. Her eyes dart to Jack. “What? Obviously, I saidthey, I mean why...for what possible reason would you want to kill me? That’s absurd.”
Now Rashid turns to Jack and says, “And Professor, amid all that chaos, you called Charlotte by name. This would lead me to believe you two know one other.”
Jack nods his head in agreement, stalling. “That’s right…after I heard you scream her name when she went overboard.” The lie sounds truthful to his own ears. When he saw Charlotte in danger, all he could think about was saving her and tossed their plan into oblivion.
