Mr. Solveig rattled off more instructions in Swedish. Aleks continued to translate them until the phone call ended.
Then he discreetly stepped back to where he’d been standing.
They continued to watch the screen in silence until a sleek black vehicle raced over the tarmac.
Portia unmuted the line. “Landry, you’re about to have company.”
“I see them, ma’am. Any instructions?” His voice was calm.
“Turn the prisoner over to them. They may demand proof of identity. Please allow them to confirm that it’s my father if they wish. Non-invasive means only.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Then please have them sign for delivery.” Why yes, she had prepared for this.
Across the table, one of the Solveigs let out a croak.
She ignored them.
There was a pause on the end of the line, then Landry turned away like he was seeking privacy.
“Are you sure about this, ma’am?” he asked quietly.
“Sure about what, Landry?”
He searched for words. “He’s your father, ma’am. He used to run the company.”
Aw, how sweet. She fought to keep a smile out of her voice. “Thank you for your concern. Unfortunately, when he ran the corporation, he made some choices that he needs to answer for now.”
There was a long deep pause. “Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
This time it was Landry who muted the line. Time crawled as the Solveig security team approached the plane and placed her father’s hand on a scanner.
Another phone rang. Mr. Solveig answered.
“ID confirmed,” Aleks translated.
The security guy who held the scanner nodded, then hung up. He grabbed Phillip Tremaine by the elbow and led him off the stairs.
Her father turned toward the camera and glared.
She waited for remorse to hit. It did, but just a twinge. Were the Solveigs right? Was she a horrible daughter?
Dizzie squeezed her hand.
No. She wasn’t. Her father had made his choices and now he needed to pay for them.
“It’s done, ma’am.” Landry’s voice came through the speaker again.
“Thank you, Landry. Get some food and some rest. You and your team can return on the plane when you’re ready.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The audio clicked off followed by the video.
She picked up her phone. “Satisfied?”
The Solveigs glared at her, but nodded.
