The line goes blank.
I shiver. Philip’s tone sounded so different… “Do you think the kidnappers are making him say that?”
Somehow, I think not.
Jack pulls me into his arms and holds me tight. “No way of knowing for sure. We should call the FBI and let them know.”
“But what if what he says is true?”
“All the more reason to go after them, right?” He forces my gaze into his. Like always, my knees go weak and my mouth drops open. I still can’t believe someone as perfect as Jack would fall for me.
His eyes go soft as he kisses me. “Come to bed, then we’ll talk.”
After we share more pleasure, he plays with a lock of my hair and kisses the tip of my nose. “Tell me more about this Philip.”
“This is our pillow talk?” I stroke his cheek, loving his beard, his chocolate eyes, and those strong brows, now furrowed.
“Tell me, hun. This is as good a time as any.” Soft lips find mine and for him, I try to recall more.
“We really didn’t talk all that much. His leg was in a splint and his face was all swollen, like he’d taken a beating. Poor man. We have to find him and help him get free. Besides, if he really has proof the vaccine is a hoax, the American people should know. We need to go back to DC and tell Joe.”
“We? Nothing, doing.You’renot going anywhere.”
I feel the blood rush from my head, my throat gets dry, and I clutch onto him. My heart starts thumping and I swear I can hear Sneer’s footsteps in our apartment, coming for me.
I whisper hoarsely, “Please don’t leave me here alone.”
“You’re not going to be alone. You got Lucky.”
“Really? I got lucky?” I snicker at the play on words, feeling more like my old self again.
“He’s going to stay in New York as your bodyguard.”
I’m trying so hard to be brave and not be stupid. I don’t want to put Jack in any more danger but I can’t imagine staying here without him.
“Okay but I-I need another weapon. I gave mine to Philip.”
“Right… “Jack eyes me knowingly and curses under his breath. “Are you really scared?”
“Maybe. Just a little. I just want to be with you.”
Standing, Jack picks up his phone, dials, and places it to his ear. “Hey, Steve. Fine. She’s fine too. Can you get me Grayson?”
He paces for a while, no doubt on hold, then his eyes go bright. “Hey, Grayson. We just got a call from the whistleblower, Philip. He sounded under duress, told me to back off. You want I should let the FBI know?”
There’s a long pause while Jack listens with his face slowly growing into a glower. “Know what? That fucking sucks.”
He frowns, stares out the window, and back at me. “She was kidnapped. I would think that would be their top priority… Huh? …I know but those fuckers are still out there… Huh? The president? Shit. I don’t give a flying fuck. I have to talk to the senator… Well, try harder. Yeah, I’m pissed. No, I won’t stand down, sir. My wife was kidnapped and the FBI thinks it’s a done deal? National security my ass… Agreed. Uh huh. Fine. Thanks.”
He hangs up the phone, rubbing his hand over his face. “Fucking politics.”
“What? What did Grayson say?” I stand behind Jack’s tensed body and wrap my arms around his waist.
He turns in my arms, eyes still flashing with anger. “Grayson said the FBI is off the case and the CIA has the ball. If Patten Securities continues to investigate, all of our government contracts could be in jeopardy.”
“Won’t the CIA be able to find them?”
“No doubt, but they have their own agenda which probably means letting the little fish go, hoping to catch the sharks.”
“It’s just not right.” My fists clench. “Those men were going to kill me.”
“I know babe. You’re coming with me. We’ll take Lucky too.” I pack and check the news on the TV while Jack gets us all on a flight to DC.
“Shit, did you hear that?” I turn up the volume but it’s too late.
“I missed it. What?”
“Joe’s bill is being watered down. They want to set up an oversight committee and yet continue overseas manufacturing.”
“The Chinese have to be pulling the strings. I need to talk to McAlister. Then, I don’t care what happens to me, I’m going to hand over the blackmail conversation to the FBI. The CIA can kiss my ass.”
