Page 95 of Critical Mass
“Timothy.” Ravenscroft set down his tablet and peered at him over the top of his reading glasses. “Sleep well?”
“Very well, thank you. Your hospitality is appreciated.”
“Of course. Coffee?”
The small talk felt surreal, but Hudson knew it was necessary.
He accepted a cup from the silent server and tried to read Ravenscroft’s body language.
The man seemed . . . calm. Too calm for someone whose daughter had been attacked twice in as many days.
Unless he already had a plan.
“I’ve been thinking,” Ravenscroft said as he buttered a croissant. “After everything that’s happened, Natalie needs a break. Some time away from all this danger and stress.”
Natalie looked up, alarm in her gaze. “What do you mean?”
“I think you should get away for a while.”
“Dad, I can’t just leave. I have work?—”
“Work can wait. Your safety can’t.” Ravenscroft’s tone brooked no argument. “I’m taking you out of the country for a few days. Somewhere Volkov’s people can’t reach you.”
Hudson’s instincts screamed warning.
Out of the country meant far away from backup. It meant being somewhere impossible to extract if things went wrong.
Too many things could go wrong.
Natalie would be in too much danger.
But how could he stop this without drawing too much attention to himself?
“Where were you thinking?” Hudson kept his tone carefully concerned as he turned toward Mr. Ravenscroft.
“Italy. My friend has a villa in Tuscany. It’s secure, private, beautiful this time of year.” Ravenscroft smiled at Natalie. “You always said you wanted to see Florence. We could leave this afternoon, be there by tomorrow morning.”
“Dad . . .” Natalie started with a disapproving frown.
But Hudson’s mind remained on Ravenscroft’s words.
He wanted to leave this afternoon. Hours before the raid. Before authorities could seize the shipment and arrest everyone involved.
“That’s very considerate,” Hudson said, knowing Natalie’s father was waiting for his response. “But do you really think Natalie should travel right now? What if those men are watching the airports?”
“I have a private jet. No commercial terminals, no public exposure.” Ravenscroft’s gaze darkened. “And, of course, you’re welcome to join us, Timothy. I’d feel better knowing Natalie has additional protection.”
The offer sounded genuine.
It also sounded like a trap.
Plus, if he left town, how could he help stop this attack? Because that’s why Ravenscroft wanted to leave, right? To get himself and his daughter away from the coming danger? He supposed he shouldn’t be surprised.
“I appreciate that, sir, but I have client obligations this week,” he said. “I can’t just leave the country on short notice.”
“Surely your clients would understand given the circumstances?” He raised his eyebrows and waited for Hudson’s response.
“You can’t ask him to rearrange his schedule last minute, Dad.” Natalie gave her father a look. “Normal people don’t work for their fathers and have the flexibility I have.”
