Page 133 of Risks of Temptation
25
Emilia
We landin Panama City and are on our way to the embassy when Gustave's phone beeps.
"What in God's name," he mumbles.
Malin's body stiffens. "What is it?"
Gustave holds his finger in the air and reads. The color drains from his face. "The President has ordered a person of interest on Naomi and Emilia. He's claiming it's in connection to the War on Drugs."
"What," Malin barks.
My insides flip. "What does that mean?"
"He's issued an international search and wants countries to turn over Naomi and Emilia."
"He can't do that, can he?" I cry out.
Malin tightens his arm around me. "Over my dead body."
Gustave's phone rings. He answers it. "Louis."
My chest tightens. Bernadette's eyes widen, which only makes me feel more panicky.
Gustave converses in French quickly. I can't follow it and glance at Malin. His eyes are in slits, and his cheeks are red. He watches Gustave intently.
We pull up to the embassy, but Malin locks the doors on both sides. The driver knocks, and Malin yells, "Get back in the car until we tell you otherwise."
Gustave hangs up.
"This is a direct violation of the bylaws," Malin blurts out.
Gustave nods. "The Global Leaders are not happy, and especially not the Prime Minister. Louis said there is a private entrance. William instructed him to tell us to use it."
"What if it's a trap?" Malin asks.
Gustave opens his briefcase and removes a handgun. "Then we go in prepared."
Malin takes his Glock out of his bag and knocks on the divider window. It goes down. Gustave gives the driver directions, and we pull through the parking garage and into a gated area.
"You stay with me at all times," Malin says.
"Has that ever not been the plan?" I tease.
His lips twitch. "Not a time for jokes."
I wince. "Sorry?"
He pecks me on the lips.
Malin and Gustave put their guns in the back waistband of their pants. They step out of the car and put their suit coats on. I get out first then Bernadette.
We step inside, and a tall man with a scowl on his face greets us. In an English accent, he sneers, "That American twat. He thinks the rules apply to everyone except him?"
"It's not the first time, William," Gustave replies.
"Time to make it the last."
