Page 43 of The Last Strike

“For now,” Abi said, nodding. “But they will likely regroup under a new name with new goals and objectives—which will have nothing to do with me,” she said softly, looking into his eyes. “There is huge money in trafficking women, so it will always be done. And for some of these men, it’s the only thing they’ve ever known—the only way they know to make money. So they’ll start again on a small scale and slowly build up.” Abi shook her head. “But going back to Madobe ... In the past, we thought it was another name for Lamberi. But this was filmed very recently, and Lamberi is dead, so it doesn’t make sense.”

“No one at the table reacted to the use of the name?” Theodora asked.

“No, that’s what is weird.A gift for Madobe,” Abi repeated. “You only buy gifts for people or a gift for a ceremonial service of some kind, right?” she asked to no one in particular.

They were silent a moment. “Can you play the enhanced audio version for me? I want to watch it again,” Theodora said.

“Sure,” Abi said without pause. She went to load it on her phone, but Theodora shook her head. “Can I watch it on a computer? I’d like to see it on a larger screen.”

Security stepped forward with a laptop. The video played in its entirety, and Theodora asked Abi to rewind it and play the few seconds before the word was spoken and the few seconds after.

“He’s talking to my father,” Theodora said, matter-of-factly.

Abi frowned and Asher was sure his expression mirrored hers.

“Are you sure? Your father didn’t react,” Abi said.

“Yes, he did,” Theodora said without hesitation. “But the problem is you’re looking at his face. Watch his little finger.”

Abi played the video again and this time they watched Khalil’s fingers. When the man spoke, Khalil’s little finger bounced on the table twice, but his expression remained stone cold.

“My father does that ... he moves his fingers in code during meetings and in conversations he wants to keep private. Two taps is a thank you, more or less,” she said.

“Did he teach you this or explain it?” Abi asked.

“Neither, but as a child I loved riddles and games. I would spend hours deciphering codes. I even won some competitions. My father never knew about this little hobby of mine—he never cared to know. I remember sitting at the table with one of his advisors when I noticed my father’s fingers tapping. At first I thought it was some kind of nervous twitch, but over time and observation of many conversations, I realized what he was doing. Eventually I pieced it together.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “Can you show me the communications that have picked up Madobe? I might be able to help.”

Abi looked between Asher and Theodora, her eyes settling on Asher. He nodded.

“I’ll organize the files and we can look through them tomorrow,” Abi said.

Theodora gave a nod. “I’d be more than happy to.”

Abi stood. “I’m going to make a few calls.” She looked back to Theodora. “You may not like what you find out,” she said gently.

Theodora tilted her chin up. “I already don’t like what I do know.”

Abi rolled her lips over one another. “Okay,” she said as she put a hand on Asher’s shoulder.

He looked up at her. “I’ll be done soon.”

“No rush,” she said, giving his shoulder a little squeeze before she disappeared from the room.

Theodora looked to him. “Am I to stay here, in this apartment?”

“No,” Asher said. “Security has arranged for you to move again in a few hours—just to be extra cautious. From there, you’ll move as often as it’s deemed necessary. Until I can let you go, work out what you want to do with your life. Dream for the first time.”

She smiled, but there was sadness in her eyes. “I hated royal life. I hated the restrictions and the way we always had to be perfect in front of the press. But now ... now I don’t know what to do without it. I have been told how to live my entire life ...” Her voice trailed off as she looked away.

“I understand, Theodora, I really do. I never wanted the throne, and I too dreamed of a normal life. But I’ve learned that life will direct our course whether we like it or not, or whether we’re ready for it or not. You just need to find something to give you purpose—to give you a reason to get up in the morning,” Asher said, resisting the urge to yawn. It had been a long day, and now all he wanted was to climb into bed beside Abi and close his eyes.

“I’m going to do that,” Theodora said, determination creeping into her voice.

Asher walked toward the door, mentally preparing for the car ride back to the Bennett’s, which involved an elusive exercise in multiple car changes and detours. So far, Thomas Security had kept them safe, so Asher did what he was told.

He saw Abi at the end of the hallway, holding her phone to her ear. She nodded, hanging up when she saw him. She beamed a smile and he wrapped her in his arms.

“Let’s go home, I just want to close my eyes and sleep beside you,” Asher said in a hushed voice, aware security was lurking close by.

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