Page 129 of Depths of Destruction
Kalim crosses his arms. "How would you have taken it?"
"Point taken."
Silence.
"I don't understand why you'd abort a mission with a target."
"Her name's Naomi," Andre growls, his eyes in slits.
I put my hand on his chest, and he exhales.
"Sorry, ma'am. I mean no disrespect. Andre, we need to talk alone," Kalim repeats.
"Naomi isn't leaving my sight."
Kalim points to Andre. "You're being stubborn."
"What are your orders?" Andre asks.
"Deliver Naomi to the U.S., and the boss wants you in France."
"She's not going to the U.S."
Kalim's eyes bounce from Andre to me. "Tell me why."
"She'll be the President's negotiation tool to get custody of Nicolas Gómez. The Belizean government will take her, and what she just went through with Santiago will be just a taste of what they'll do to her."
I shudder at the mention of Santiago, and Andre tightens his hold.
Kalim squints. "Because of the information you have on your leaders?"
"Yes," I whisper.
"Why does the President want..." Kalim's eyes widen.
"Yeah. Now you're catching on," Andre says.
"You think the President would use Naomi for his personal vendetta."
Andre scowls. "You've met the man."
"I'd like to say you've just been hanging out with Malin too long, but I won't deny he's ruthless."
The mention of Malin tugs at my heart. "Have you heard anything about my sister, Emilia?"
Kalim glances at Andre.
"What aren't you telling me?" I cry out.
He keeps his focus on Andre.
I grip Andre's arm.
"What is it?" Andre demands.
"He turned on his tracker."
"And?"
