Page 13 of Hostile Extraction

“I’ve never been on one before.”

“Don’t be nervous. Captain Marcos is an excellent pilot, and the flight is only a few minutes.”

Nico helped her into the helicopter with the assistance of the pilot, and she was given a headset to wear. Once they were all strapped in and the engine whirled to life, the rotors turned overhead.

Nico reached over and squeezed her hand, and she gave him a smile.

Then they were off, and the helicopter lifted off the tarmac. Good to his word, the flight was short as they flew over the azure blue waters until they reached the smaller island of St. John. Captain Marcos set them down on a helipad marked off on an area of what Nico said was his estate.

The place was huge and took up a great deal of land from high on a bluff down to the rocky beach area.

“It’s much larger than I thought.”

“Yes, dear. It’s over seventy acres, with a helipad, a private dock, two pools, the main residential compound, four guest villas, three private beaches, a gym and a tiki hut.”

“Impressive.” She studied the pink stone structure and red tile roof. There were multitudes of balconies and terraces.

“I bought it off a Saudi prince.”

Once the engine was shut down, they disembarked, and Nico put his arm around her and helped her across a stony path to the main building. She also had a cane he’d given her that she leaned on heavily.

A smiling island woman came forward.

“Marta, this is Asia. She’ll be staying in the princess suite.” He turned to Asia and kissed her sweetly. “Marta will get you settled and help you with anything you need. Isn’t that right, Marta?”

“Yes, sir. Miss Asia, follow me, please.”

“I’ve got some phone calls to make. Lie down and rest, and I’ll see you at dinner.”

Asia followed Marta down the hall, limping until she reached a beautiful suite with an open balcony that overlooked the blue Caribbean waters.

“Oh, Marta. It’s breathtaking.”

Marta moved to the large canopy bed and turned down the fluffy white comforter. The carved dark wood of the frame was in the tropical British Colonial style, with white netting above.

A Lacquered double-door wardrobe and rich hardwood floors gave the space instant class, while greenery and a multi-hued rug keep the room from becoming too heavy on the eyes. Gilded mirrors gave light to the room.

A pair of rattan sitting chairs framed the balcony, with breezy window treatments and an oversized tropical plant completing the space. The room felt upscale without becoming stuffy.

“Would you like some tea, Miss?”

“Yes, I’d love some.”

She indicated a side room. “The bath is through there. If you’d like, I can run some water in the tub.”

“Perhaps later. I’d just like to sit on the balcony and take in the view right now.”

“Of course. I’ll bring the tea while you rest.”

“Thank you, Marta.”

Asia took a seat on a thickly padded chaise while a palm fan circulated above her.

The estate overlooked a good portion of the island, and Asia could see boats at anchor in a cove in the distance.

Soon Marta returned with a tray and a lovely English tea set. While she poured, Asia pointed at the harbor. “What’s that?”

Marta passed her a porcelain cup. “Cruz Bay, Miss.”

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