Page 9 of A Second Dawn

All I’ve got are these weird feelings. No, I need to wait until Claudette returns and see what she discovered.

Dropping the phone back into my bag, I resume my pacing. I need more facts before acting. What if it’s my fear of Tiero catching me that’s made me have these visions?

Hushed voices in the corridor make me stop by the door. They’re male, and they don’t speak English.

Oh god.

My stomach drops.

It’s Tiero’s men, isn’t it? They made it onto the ship and are now looking for me.

Shit, shit, shit.

What am I going to do?

I press my ear to the door and listen. I try to make out what language they speak, but can’t understand a thing.

My senses are hyperaware. There’s laughter, then shuffling and what sounds like the unlocking of a door. Did they go into my room? Claudette’s? It’s only a few doors down.

Sweat breaks out all over my body, and I wipe my forehead with my sleeve.

Then there’s silence.

They’ve gone inside a room. It could be theirs or they’re searching for me.

Panic grabs me once more. I want to get out of here.

But I need to be smart about it.Act in haste, repent in leisure.

Where is Claudette, goddamnit?

She’s been gone for half an hour. What if they caught her and use her to get to me?

I sit on the bed, afraid to make too much noise pacing the room. My eyes are fixed on the door.

Come on, Claudette. What’s taking so long?

Every creak around me makes me jump. Finally, I hear footsteps approaching, and I shoot up. The lock turns and seconds later Claudette’s face appears in the doorway.

She looks flushed, forcing a smile. Her eyes lock with mine.

“Tiero, he’s here, isn’t he?”

“Well, I didn’t see anyone who fitted his description. But when I left the ship and browsed the shops outside the terminal, I spotted at least six burly Italian looking guys. They were casually waiting around. At least two of them wore an earpiece.”

I feel a lump in my throat. I can barely speak. “It’s them… Tiero’s men.” I’m more convinced than ever.

Oh god, I’m dizzy.

Don’t you dare faint now, Ella Rose O’Neil.

I collapse onto the sofa and hide my face in my hands.

Tiero has found me.

Now what?

My gaze falls onto my bag. “I consider this an emergency, don’t you?”

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