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Note- Hope you enjoy this one! I liked writing it, I think because of all that is brewing and where I know the story is going.  I wish I could hurry up and finish it for you all!  I also wanted to say thank you to all of you who leave feedback, reading your thoughts means so much to me.


~Chapter 37~


The flowing river was calm, or maybe it was the sheer size of the yacht that kept Elizabeth from feeling the waves lapping against the craft as it effortlessly cut through the current. Whatever the reason, it made reclining on her deck chair appear natural and easy – even though it was anything but. It had been a long day of touring. They’d stopped multiple places along the way to see destinations on the island but they had never lingered long before returning to the yacht and moving on to the next stop. King Sumra had apologized for the seemingly rushed nature of the tour, but he said that he wanted to give her an overview of the island so that later she could make day trips to explore the places that interested her.

There had been waterfalls, breath-taking cliffs, beautiful villages built into hillsides, a desert area that even in its starkness was strangely beautiful, and jungle-like vegetation that made her skin crawl. She could sense people watching her from the banks even though she couldn’t see them. The King had talked with obvious pride about his island. He also confessed to wanting to witness her reactions to his unique country which was why he’d arranged this expansive tour – and she hadn’t disappointed him.

Now they were nearing the marina from which they’d left and their day was coming to a close. Elizabeth was doing her best to give the illusion of relaxing, even though in actuality she was attempting to listen to the conversation taking place a few feet away. She couldn’t understand what Ruiz and Sumra were discussing since they were speaking in Arabic, but she was trying to gauge the tone and gravity of the conversation. Thankfully Brenda was on the deck chair next to her, catching every word and filing it away for the team check-in later.

As the day progressed, Elizabeth noticed that they had not seen another vessel the entire time they had navigated the main river and its multiple tributaries. She found it strange that the waterways were the country’s main form of transportation, yet the only boats they had seen were the King’s six security boats that had surrounded them the entire day. Their presence was disconcerting because she knew they served multiple purposes; the protection of the King was only one.

After dismissing the unwelcome thoughts, she focused instead on the lack of other boats. She finally concluded the yacht was akin to Air Force One: When it was in use, there was a distinct no-fly zone around it – or in this case, a no-float zone. It must have been staggeringly difficult to organize today as they’d spent nearly five hours touring various locations around the country. Just like when the President visited a U.S. city and the entire area came to a standstill to accommodate his motorcade as it passed through, this friendly excursion must have wreaked havoc on Kafiristan’s transportation system.

Whatever the topic Sumra and Ruiz had been discussing, they were through now. Elizabeth watched Sumra turn his back on the smaller man and walk toward Brenda and her with clipped movements, catching himself before he got to them and slowing his pace. Elizabeth quickly closed her eyes behind her sunglasses, just in case he could see them in the bright sunshine.

She knew the second he reached her side because his six-foot form cast a shadow over her. He lingered a moment longer than necessary and she knew he was looking at her body. After their last shore excursion, he had said that they could change into bathing suits if they chose since they’d be making no more stops, only returning to the marina. Elizabeth declined his offer, citing her respect for the Kafiristan culture and the natives who were staffing the yacht. Eventually the two women compromised with him and changed into the short-sleeved shirts and shorts he offered as an alternative. He insisted they would not be culturally insensitive if they wore the garments; after all, they belonged to his wife and she regularly dressed this way when they were out on the boat. He acknowledged that it would not be acceptable for them to walk around the country in these clothes, but in private there was no harm. Elizabeth had politely accepted his offer, even as she squelched her revulsion. Even though it was abundantly clear that Sumra picked and chose which customs he adhered to, Elizabeth certainly wasn’t going to argue with him.

Knowing she could no longer pretend that she hadn’t noticed his presence – his dominating shadow having blocked the sun and its warmth from her skin – she raised a hand to shield her eyes should he move as she smiled in welcome.

“I apologize if I disturbed you, Miss Webber.” The look on his face implied that he was anything but sorry as his eyes raked her body.

Elizabeth glanced quickly at Brenda who was feigning sleep on the deck chair next to her. Raising her finger to her lips with a conspiratorial giggle, Elizabeth implied that they should probably whisper so as not to disturb her friend. Pushing herself to sit upright, she swung her legs over the side of her chair and motioned for the King to sit facing her on the neighboring chair – an invitation he accepted.

“No need to apologize, and again, please call me Elizabeth, Your Majesty.” She playfully emphasized the exalted title to remind him that he had told her not to use that formality.

With a deep chuckle and a nod, he responded, “Okay, if you insist. If you will do me the honor of calling me Basaam, I will call you Elizabeth. This is acceptable?”

Elizabeth returned his smile and nodded as if happy with the arrangement, then they sat awkwardly in silence for what felt like a full minute. He seemed nervous, which was strange given that they’d spent many hours in each other’s company – even though this was the first time they had been somewhat alone. The entire day they’d both been accompanied by their entourages.

Finally he began. “I hope you have found your day… pleasurable?”

Elizabeth nodded enthusiastically.

“Good. I want nothing more than for you to enjoy your time here.” He paused, once again as if considering his words carefully. “I hope you have felt at ease since your arrival,” he looked pointedly at Ruiz before looking back at her, “I want you to feel at home.”

Interesting. Had he noticed the way Ruiz had been looking at her as well? Perhaps he wasn’t into sharing all of the women he brought to his island. “Everything has been wonderful so far, Basaam.”

His shoulders appeared to relax in relief as did his facial features, making him even more attractive. Had she not known what she did about this man, it would have been easy to fall under his spell. His voice was deep and rich; his accent and easy smile alluring. His green eyes, tanned skin, and slightly windswept black hair made him all the more appealing. Add in his power and wealth and it was a potent equation many women would find difficult to resist.

Several times during the day she’d been reminded of her initial impression of him when Scorhouse first showed his picture to her. She had thought he looked like someone who belonged in a Ralph Lauren ad draped across a yacht, and she’d been dead on. Good thing she knew he was a repulsive psychopath.

He was staring in her eyes again, occasionally taking in her facial features as if committing them to memory. She was doing everything in her power not to squirm and instead to appear shyly flattered. Eventually she cleared her throat and giggled as if to remind him that he was staring.

Casting his eyes downward, he laughed at his own behavior but stopped short of apologizing for it. “I will let you return to your sun-worshiping in just a moment. My point in coming to speak with you was to inform you of a few things. The first is that despite the itinerary you were sent, I would like for you to feel free to move about the country at your leisure.”

He looked briefly at Ruiz with mild irritation before meeting her eyes again, “I was advised against this, but I hate the idea of you having to be dependent on a guide or host to do any sightseeing. You should be able to visit anywhere you wish on your time schedule, not ours.”

Aw, thank you very much for the help, King Crazy.

“Second – although it may seem to contrast – is that I wish to confirm at least one event. The formal dinner in your honor at the Palace will take place in two nights. From what my staff has told me, it should be beautiful.”

Elizabeth looked appropriately honored as she covered her heart with one hand and reached out to cover his hand with the other, “That is so sweet of you, but please don’t go out of your way for me.”

Sumra looked momentarily paralyzed as he stared at their touching hands. The unsolicited contact of her bare skin on his was both startling and highly gratifying. He lifted his eyes to hers, his desire evident.

Elizabeth pulled her hand back as if electrocuted, covering her mouth with a mixture of surprise and remorse. “Oh no, I am so sorry. I never should have touched you liked that. Please forgive my lapse of discretion.”

His lips curled in a lazy smile, his words coming out in an almost husky whisper. “No need to apologize, Elizabeth. I did not mind.” Remembering his place, however, he added reluctantly, “Although it would be best if you didn’t do that in public. Here on my ship where everyone works for me and understands… privacy, it is acceptable. I would never reject your… affections. In fact, I welcome them.”

Elizabeth blushed, looking away as if embarrassed yet intrigued by the invitation in his message, even as the contents of her stomach churned and begged for release.

Clearing his throat, he continued on, sensing that he shouldn’t push any further. There would be time for that later. “I also wanted to let you know there is nothing planned for you and your companions tomorrow. You may relax by your pool or wander the island and Palace to your liking. Of course if you come to the Palace, you will have minor restrictions there but only for your own safety; one of my staff can give you a guided tour.”

Elizabeth was quick to respond, laying it on thick. “Oh thank you so much, that’s very sweet of you. Today was fantastic and only whet my appetite. I can’t wait to explore more of your beautiful country. I also must say you’ve been both a gracious and informative host. Today was spectacular.”

He nodded at what he knew would be her inevitable conclusion of a day spent with him, but her words pleased him. “That is wonderful to hear, Elizabeth.”

Again he stared at her a few seconds too long for comfort before one corner of his mouth lifted in what should have been a very appealing, almost boyish, gesture. “Also, if I may be so bold, while it is not on your itinerary, I would love for you to join me tomorrow night for a private dinner.”

Elizabeth sat just a bit straighter, appearing somewhat surprised by his invitation and unsure what the appropriate response should be. Pig.

As if sensing her hesitation, he added, “Of course my wife will join us,” he inclined his head to the chair behind her, “and you may bring Brenda if you wish.”

Elizabeth’s posture relaxed with a smile. She was supposed to be the girl next door, tempted by the King but feeling conflicted since he was married. “That sounds lovely. I’d really like the chance to speak with the Queen in a more intimate setting before the formal gathering.”

With a nod the King rose, taking his wallet from his pocket and handing her a card. “This is my direct line. Call me tomorrow to confirm dinner. If you don’t feel up to it, feel free to cancel.” His voice became hopeful, “But if you do, seven o’clock is acceptable, yes?”

Elizabeth motioned her agreement and then let her eyes wander quickly to Ruiz across the deck. His stare was piercing; he’d been watching the exchange between the King and her intently. A shiver of warning shot down her spine.

Returning her attention to Sumra, she asked, “Will Mr. Ruiz be joining us as well?”

Sumra’s gaze flickered quickly to the man in question before returning to hers. “No. No, he won’t.” He chuckled at the relief he clearly saw on her face, “He can be a… difficult man sometimes, Elizabeth. I am sorry if he has done anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”

She shook her head as if to dismiss the notion since his last words were spoken as more of a question than a statement.

Sumra leaned toward her, his voice and stare taking on a harder edge. “Your comfort is my first priority. Ruiz works for me, Elizabeth.”

His message was clear. If she felt that Ruiz crossed any kind of line, the King wanted to know. Sumra was the man in charge, and he wanted her to understand that.

After inclining her head to acknowledge his words, she decided since he had opened the door she may as well try, “If you don’t mind my being forward, I noticed that Mr. Ruiz is not native to Kafiristan. How has a foreigner earned such an elevated position in your government?”

His responding laugh was loud as he straightened, drawing the attention of all the people on deck with them. “That would take a lot more time to explain than the remaining time we have on board.” He shrugged, “Perhaps another time.”

Easily discerning that she felt a level of discomfort with his second in command, he teasingly finished in a whisper, “If it makes you feel any better, I like to remind him of his place,” he winked, “and to keep him there.”

With those parting words, he turned and walked to the stairs that would carry him to the spacious living quarters of the expansive lower level. It was a security precaution she’d heard mentioned before. Whenever the yacht had docked during their few stops today, his secret service had preferred for him to be below deck until they had completely secured the area.

Finally alone, she casually looked about the boat in case Ruiz was still watching, noting that he had disappeared. She didn’t know where he was on the monstrosity of a yacht, but she was happy he was gone.

That was when she noticed the placement of her team. Each of them had been nearby in a formation she recognized, but it would have seemed completely benign to anyone else. They all had appeared to be completely disinterested in her conversation with the King; Brenda had even pretended to lightly snore while she raptly listened. On the surface they were fatigued tourists, weary from their long day in the blistering sun. In reality, coiled readiness lingered beneath their façade.

Turning to lie back in her chair, she nearly jumped as her eyes clashed with Ruiz’s dark and unblinking stare. He had somehow materialized a few feet away seemingly out of nowhere. Her throat constricted at the intensity of his gaze. She could almost feel his fingers closing there.

As if he could read her mind, he suddenly smiled. Unfortunately it was the kind of smile that only magnified her fear.

~


Joining the rest of the team in the living room of the Villa, Elizabeth noticed the spot between Jason and Stan on the couch was vacant and she gratefully headed for the seat.

Having returned from their day-long excursion through the waterways of the country, Elizabeth had felt the need to shower before the team meeting – which everyone understood. She had an overwhelming desire to get clean, both physically and emotionally. Ruiz’s focus had been jarring, and Sumra’s attention unnerving. Since sand-papering her flesh was out of the question, a shower would have to suffice.

With her hair still damp and wearing so much clothing that only her hands showed, she sat between the two hulking men and pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around her shins as she held them in place. Jason instantly noticed the protective way she held herself, her legs providing the physical shield she mentally needed after her day. He hated that she had expose herself this way, but he also knew that it was most likely going to get worse.

With a cough to clear his throat and mind, Jason turned to Elizabeth. “While you were showering, Taggart gave John and me an overview of what happened today. He mentioned your observation of the incident between Ruiz and the Queen,” he looked slightly uncomfortable. “Nice work.”

If Elizabeth hadn’t been so burnt from the day, she would have laughed at his obvious struggle complimenting her. Instead, she slightly smiled.

Looking down at his folded hands so no one would see the darkness in his eyes, he finished, “And Brenda told us about your… conversation with Sumra at the end of the day.”

“Right, here it is. These guys were all over,” Stan interrupted with a complete topic switch as if he’d only been half listening to Jason. He had been looking for something on his laptop and had apparently found it.

Since Elizabeth was sitting between the two men, when Stan turned the computer to show Jason what he was talking about, she was afforded a clear view as well.


Stan was pointing at what looked like simple jungle vegetation. As he zoomed in and the picture became clearer, he stopped when the image of two men in camouflage took up most of the screen.

He continued, “There were so many different tributaries it was hard to keep track of exactly where we were, but with our phones and the satellite dish talking to each other, we mapped the route. This is footage from a piece of the riverbank I took about two hours into our tour; we were on the southwestern side of the island.”

The men on the screen were heavily armed and were using binoculars to scan their surroundings.

Stan continued, “We saw at least three other stations like this during the day. At first Jagger and I thought they might be like transit cops who keep an eye on the public transportation system, but then we saw patrol boats on the water whose job that was. These guys were tucked too high up in the hills to be of any immediate service to people on the water.”

Stan scanned further into his footage and brought up another image similar to the first. As he zoomed in, Jason leaned closer to the laptop, brushing against Elizabeth as he did.

“Our next guess was that they are secret service for Sumra, but something didn’t add up. Each pair we saw were in front of a barely discernable structure that was also camouflaged, like a lean-to of some kind – and they were too heavily armed for secret service.”

Jason was looking intently at the pictures, “Pull the image back a bit, maybe twenty feet. I want to see where they are in relation to the river and your passing boat.”

Stan complied.

Squinting at the screen as he concentrated, Jason seemed to find the angle he was looking for. “Stop right there.” He pointed to the screen and Stan paused it.

Jason continued, his tone that of someone working through a problem out loud. “Their King is going right past them, but they act as if they don’t even see him; they’re too busy staring off at something in the distance. They don’t appear to be scanning for threats against him; they’re completely uninterested in him.”

Jason straightened, deep in thought. A few moments of silence passed before he said, “Nice work, Stan.” He inclined his head toward Jagger, “You too.”

Addressing the group at large, he said, “This is something to file away. Maybe these guys are protecting Sumra, or maybe they are guarding the openings to the caves sheltering our Most Wanted. Either way, it doesn’t matter. Our job is to uncover the system they’re using to traffic these people, not engage in any kind of conflict. We’re here to collect evidence and that’s it. Just stay sharp and be aware these guys are out there.”

Everyone acknowledged their understanding, even though everything in them wanted to eliminate any threats they could while they were here.

With a deep breath, he pushed on, “Let’s talk about tomorrow. After Taggart briefs you in the morning about what we want you to do, Stan will turn on the cameras at the pool. You’ll go out there and put on a little show. While you are doing that, John and I are going to be working in the Palace, learning the lay of the land and doing some poking around in the offices. We stole some staff uniforms today, and with some of the other cover we brought, we’ll be able to blend in with the workers setting up for the formal dinner the following night. ”

Shifting slightly in his seat to face Elizabeth, he lowered his voice, not liking what he was about to say. “I’m going to ask you to give Sumra a call and accept his dinner invite,” his throat felt thick, “We’re going to send you alone.”

Elizabeth didn’t flinch, didn’t cower, she simply nodded. She’d been expecting as much. As long as she was keeping the King and Queen occupied, no one would particularly care what the rest of her entourage were doing. They’d finally get a chance to use their skills and do what they came here for.


Because Jason hadn’t been expecting her cool reaction, he wasn’t sure she understood. “If you’re alone–”

“The rest of you will be free to conduct a search while Sumra is focused on me. I know. I get it. It’s fine.” She smiled half-heartedly, letting him know that she was in agreement.

His brows pulled in confusion but he went on. “You’ll be wearing a camera. We’ll see and hear everything that is going on. Several of us will be in the Palace the whole time you are, and at least one of us will always be very close by. You won’t actually be alone; he’ll just think you are.”

Again she nodded, and for some reason Jason didn’t like it. At all. He knew this wasn’t the time or place to question her though, it would have to wait.

Addressing the group again, he continued on. “Everyone needs to be very careful. Security is tight up there. I had a few near-misses today, so be on your guard. Taggart and I will work out the details when you all go to bed, but we’ll probably have at least two of you here putting on a show for the cameras when Elizabeth first joins the royal couple for dinner. We need to keep them looking in all of the wrong places so they don’t see the rest of us moving around; the more distractions the better.”

Jason turned his attention to John who took the cue and started laying out more plans, “If we don’t find what we are looking for tomorrow, then Jason and I will continue the search the next night while all of you are at the formal dinner. There will be so much attention and security focused on the big event, we’ll have even more freedom to work that night. We plan on doing a room to room search of the residence then.”

Elizabeth watched as everyone seemed to silently agree with the current plans. She couldn’t help but notice the one thing no one was talking about. What else had Jason done today? Certainly stealing a uniform wasn’t the only thing. He had a secondary purpose for being here and everyone knew it, but apparently no one was going to talk about it.

Jason asked, “Anyone have any questions?”

When no reply came, he finished, “Okay, last thing to talk about tonight is the report on Ruiz’s guards. Robert sent us the Intel Spinelli got on them today. The three drivers are all former members of a Columbian drug cartel that imploded a few years back when their leader was,” he paused, “assassinated by someone.”

Jason’s eyes flickered briefly to Taggart who now knew who had killed that drug lord and why.

“Knowing what I do about Ruiz, these guys would kill you without asking any questions. Be very, very careful when you’re with them.”

When he saw the understanding register with everyone in the group, he straightened to stand, “Get some rest. Taggart and I are going to go over the information you gathered today. You all did a great job.”

Needing no further encouragement, the group stood and began disperse.

Stan – like everyone else – knew this was difficult for Elizabeth because she had no background in this kind of work. She was opening herself up to the vileness of Sumra and he wanted to make sure she knew they all had her back.

In a tone similar to that of someone making an announcement, he said, “May I just add that Elizabeth did an especially kick-ass job today. She kept those men nice and distracted; they didn’t even notice the rest of us doing recon of the island and every inch of that boat. My girl is quite the actress, she even had me jealous with those coy little looks she gave Sumra.”

Stan’s smile was contagious and Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh. Everyone else joined in the teasing of the actress extraordinaire save one team member. He’d spent the last hour before they returned reining in his erratic thoughts and temper over the very thing Stan was praising her for. He wasn’t mad at her – she’d done a great job and had he not been so desperate to avoid the subject, he might have told her so himself. The problem was, every picture or update Taggart that sent him had magnified Jason’s urge to break shit.

He spent four hours watching Ruiz’s compound today; observing the guards and starting to learn their habits. While he felt that he had accomplished what he’d gone there for, he could have done it in about half the time. The problem was that he kept checking Taggart’s updates and watching Elizabeth’s locator light as though he could will her to stay safe.

The rage he felt at seeing the pictures and video from Taggart had nothing to do with jealousy and everything to do with fear. It was an emotion he hadn’t felt since he died eight years ago.

The rest of the team needed to accomplish what they came here for and get the hell out, fast. He wasn’t going to complete his goal while they were still in the country. They’d be royally pissed when they realized he wasn’t on the plane with them, but he didn’t have a choice. This was something he had to do alone.

Bringing himself back to the moment, he somehow managed a small smile at Stan’s words.

Before he could think it through, he reached out to still Elizabeth by grabbing her wrist. Finally feeling her silken skin in his hand, he released a breath he’d been holding for what seemed like hours. He needed that physical reassurance, no matter how insane he knew it was. He’d seen that she was safe, having spent the last twenty minutes sitting next to her, but something in him had to touch her. He slowly let her hand go, caressing the soft underside of her wrist and palm with one finger as he did.

He was grateful the rest of the group had broken up and gone their separate ways. No one would see the way he was focused on her beautifully haunted upturned face. Taggart had the courtesy to turn his back.

Looking at her now with no distractions, he could see the worry in her blue eyes – no matter how hard she tried to mask it. Knowing her the way he did, he realized the probable cause of her fear was concern for his safety, not what Sumra had planned for her.

Resisting the urge to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear, he softly said, “I’m going to be in your room in about half an hour. If you fall asleep before then, great. If not, I promise to bore you with more of my stories until you do.”

Something in her instinctively knew that he needed their conversation as much as she did. “I’ll be up; I’ll need to unwind a bit before I’ll be able to fall asleep tonight.” Her voice became teasing as humor shimmered in her eyes, “I’m sure your scintillating conversation will do the trick.”

Outwardly he laughed at her sarcasm while inwardly he felt a depth of relief he wasn’t expecting. Seeing her genuine smile and the spark that returned to her eyes smoothed his rough edges.

With much lighter steps she turned and walked to her room. It was good to see him laugh; he carried far too much on his shoulders.

She hadn’t realized how concerned she had been about him until she finally saw him after they’d returned. He walked out from the Villa’s kitchen and the relief she felt had been overwhelming, washing over her like a wave. She knew he saw it; she hadn’t been quick enough at hiding it. Instead of scowling at her, the corner of his mouth had lifted ever so slightly before he shook his head and looked away.

That was only after she saw the same look of relief mirrored in his features.

Today had been difficult, even more so whenever she thought of Jason and what he may be doing. Judging by his reaction earlier to seeing her walk through the front door, she was relatively sure he’d spent the day with similar thoughts.

It was a good thing he’d be guarding her at night. It seemed they both needed the unspoken reassurance of ending their days together.

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