Page 108 of Critical Mass
“That’s a terrible idea. I don’t want you anywhere near that man.”
“But I want to understand why he would do something like this.”
“He’s doing this because he’s investigating me. He was using you to get close, to gather intelligence, to build a case.” Her father moved to his desk, pulling out a small black device. “He planted surveillance equipment in my study. Who knows what he’s found out about me, what he’s reported back to his handlers.”
Natalie stared at the bug. She needed to play it cool. It wasn’t time to admit the truth—not yet, she decided.
Her eyes widened with fake confusion as she peered up at her dad. “Why would he investigate you?”
“Some people think I’m a terrorist.” Her father’s laugh was bitter. “They think I’m planning some kind of attack. And they sent that man”—he gestured toward Hudson’s photo—“to use you to prove it.”
“Are they right?” The question burst out before Natalie could stop it. “Dad, are you?—”
“No.” Her father’s voice was firm, certain. “I’m not a terrorist. I’m a businessman who’s made powerful enemies. I have competitors who want to destroy me, who’d like to frame me for crimes I didn’t commit.”
Could that be true? Could her father be innocent?
Natalie wished she could say yes with 100 percent certainty.
But she couldn’t.
He moved closer, taking her hands in his. “Natalie, I need you to listen. The people Hudson works for are dangerous. If they think you’re compromised, if they think you know too much, you’ll become a target.”
She scrambled to come up with a response. “No, Dad. Timothy, or Hudson, wouldn’t?—”
“He was using you. Everything about your relationship was a lie designed to get close to me. You were a means to an end, nothing more.” Her father’s grip tightened. “Which is why we need to leave. Now. Before his people come for you.”
His people? His people were trying to stop this terrorist attack.
Hudson wasn’t a bad guy.
Her dad needed her to think Hudson was the enemy so she’d leave with him, so he could take her somewhere safe. But leaving felt like the ultimate act of cowardice.
She should be helping stop this attack.
Her mind drifted through the faces of people she knew who would be affected. Her assistant who was planning her wedding. Her elderly neighbors who brought her a poinsettia every Christmas. The woman at the coffee shop who had plans of opening her own place one day—but first she needed to raise her three young children.
All innocent people who would be harmed. Who would suffer.
How could she turn her back on them?
Natalie looked at her father—at the concern in his eyes, the protective grip on her hands, the genuine fear for her safety. This was the man who’d raised her, who’d never let anything harm her.
But she also remembered the evidence Hudson had shown her. The Dubai trip. The warehouse. The plans for “Critical Mass.”
He was involved. She couldn’t deny that any longer.
She swallowed hard before asking, “What about Hudson? What will you do with him?”
“He’ll be released once we’re safely away.”
Or he’d simply be left here to suffer the effects of the chemical attack.
She felt sick even thinking about it.
“Released?” Her voice sounded strained. “What do you mean released? What have you done with him?”
Her father’s expression softened. “He’s detained but unharmed. I’m not a monster, Natalie. But I can’t have him interfering while I’m trying to protect you.”
