Page 96 of Critical Mass
Pressure built in Hudson at the question. This was a subtle test, wasn’t it?
Someone who really cared about Natalie would rearrange his schedule for his girlfriend’s safety. Refusing made Hudson look either uncommitted or like he had other priorities.
Other priorities like a raid on Warehouse 7.
“Let me make some calls,” Hudson said with a firm nod. “I’ll see what I can rearrange.”
“Perfect.” A smile played at the corner of Ravenscroft’s lips. “We’ll be leaving at three. That gives you the morning to sort your affairs.”
Three o’clock. Four hours before the raid. Plenty of time to get Natalie away from whatever happened at that warehouse.
Having her far away from this danger was reassuring. But he didn’t trust Ravenscroft and his associates. When things went south, Natalie would be caught in the crosshairs.
He couldn’t let that happen.
Hudson’s phone buzzed in his pocket.
Probably Colton wanting an update.
But first, Hudson needed to survive brunch without revealing he knew exactly why Richard Ravenscroft suddenly wanted his daughter out of the country on this particular Thursday.
Natalie pushed eggs around her plate, her appetite nonexistent.
Italy.
Her father wanted to take her to Italy.
Today.
Any other time, she would have been thrilled. She’d always wanted to see Florence, the art, the history, the culture.
But the timing felt wrong. Suspicious. Like her father was trying to get her away from Norfolk for a specific reason.
Because something was happening. Something he didn’t want her to witness.
Plus, if she went with him, how would she meet Jonathan Rutter and find out what he knew?
She couldn’t.
“Dad, I really don’t think I can leave on such short notice,” she tried again. “I have meetings scheduled, projects due?—”
“Natalie.” Her father’s voice was gentle but firm. “Someone tried to kidnap you. Twice. Your safety is more important than any work project.”
“But what about after we come back? They’ll still be here, still be a threat.”
“By the time we return, I’ll have dealt with Volkov.” The coldness in her father’s eyes when he said the name made Natalie’s stomach clench. “He won’t be a problem anymore.”
“So you think he’s the one behind these attacks on me?” she clarified.
“I do.” Her father nodded. “He’s the only one who makes sense. He wants to hurt me by hurting you.”
She glanced at Hudson, hoping for some signal, some guidance. But his expression was neutral, the perfect mask of a concerned boyfriend trying not to overstep.
At least Hudson might go with her.
Or would he?
Why take them both to Italy unless . . . ?
