"I really should leave you here," he said suddenly, a frown crossing over his expression. "You'd be safe with Sahnoun."
She shook her head, "I'll be safest with you. And you need my help. You can't trust the rest of the Murder Tri-" Maura stopped abruptly.
Lifting his head, James looked down at her. "What did you say?"
"Nothing." Her voice was squeaky.
James rolled over on top of Maura again, sliding those calloused fingers down her sensitive sides. "What did you call us?"
"Nothing! Really, let's talk about-"
"Oh, no darling." It was like a shark sensing blood in the water, Maura thought sourly as he started tickling her. "Do tell me. The Murder what?"
"Nothing!" By now, she was writhing around on the bed, getting tangled helplessly in the sheets as he continued to torment her. Seamlessly, James switched to small, sharp bites on Maura's inner thighs. "Nothing!" she squealed, trying to escape his vicious mouth.
"Tell me," he warned, "or this is the next thing between my teeth." Maura looked down to see his even, white smile right next to her defenseless clitoris.
"Ahh! Don't, James!" Watching as his teeth opened threateningly, she caved. "The Murder Triplets! I used to call you the Murder Triplets!"
For a moment, she thought she'd truly offended him, then James gave a low, evil chuckle. "Really..." The one word, drawn out in his low, cultured tone sounded infinitely threatening. Then, James ran his tongue in a long, luxurious lick between her lips. "Just for that, you'll come for me again. And immediately. Come, darling, it belongs to me. I own it." Head falling back as his wicked tongue slid inside her, Maura moaned and obeyed him.
Chapter 26: Plans Within Plans Within Plans…
In which Maura is disillusioned.
Maura didn't realize she was clenching and unclenching her hands on her soft linen pants until James's broad hand covered hers, squeezing gently. She looked up and smiled, looking into his eyes. She didn't recognize the mood associated with the color today, his gaze was a clear, sharp blue-grey. They had rapidly checked back into the hotel they'd used before, and set up a computer station. Nicholas and Maura were glued to their monitors for the next several hours, altering bank transactions, sending out anonymous press reports, and messaging operatives into place. Her green eyes closed gratefully as Maura felt James's warm hand on her neck, rubbing gently. "Is everything in order, Maura-girl?"
Briefly rubbing her cheek against his hand, she nodded. "The sequence is perfectly timed. Everyone's in place on your end?"
James nodded, "Just as planned."
She frowned up at him. "And the other two? Fassell and Kingston? Not a word?"
He shook his head, still absently rubbing her neck. "As far as they know, everything's going according to plan. They won't notice a change until it's too late."
News sites around the African continent were already buzzing with the stories of the greed of the Algerian president- the discovery of secret bank vaults filled with cash and gold. The military was mobilizing, with strong statements from General Nezzar condemning the perfidy of the president, with many vows for "Justice for the People!"
As James, Maura, and their security detail drove through the streets, the unrest was already resonating with the locals. Watching from the car, she could see the aggression and unfocused anxiety: fights breaking out, vandalism, fires being set. Wincing as she watched two groups come to blows, she prayed silently they could finish the coup as quickly as possible. The Mercedes stopped a block from the Presidential palace, and the group made their way through the streets. Ending at a heavily fenced and guarded gate, James allowed the light from the guard post to play over his face.
"Ah, Mr. Pine," said a guard. "Come with me."
Of course,thought Maura,of course, there would be a secret entrance to the Presidential palace, though I suspect it was built for escape rather than invasion.
She was correct, as they entered a huge and elaborate office via a closed panel. President Mahrez stared at them in utter shock."inzar - ma hdha? min hawla' alnaas? taeamul maeahm!"
It was clear General Nezzar had pictured this moment for a long time. Taking out his gun, he grinned happily at Mahrez as the presidential security detail stood aside."la, ya huluf. sawf 'ataeamul maeak bdlaan min dhalka.”Nezzar took a quick and efficient shot, finishing the man with a bullet to the head. Straightening his military dress jacket, he turned to James. "Where are the tv cameras to announce my new position as President?"
James strolled forward, nodding to Nezzar calmly. "The tv crew will be here shortly. Allow me to take the weapon to be destroyed. There must be no connection to you, President Nezzar."
"Of course," the general puffed proudly, handing out the Glock he'd used on the fallen Mahrez.
"Thank you," James said smoothly, nodding to the presidential security detail, who instantly pulled their guns on Nezzar and his military guards.
"What IS this! Where is Kingston!" shouted the general, too stupid to be concerned yet.
The next group out of the secret panel included Mr. Maaziz, who gently smiled at Maura as he entered. "Ah, Mrs. Pine. I am happy to see you well."
Maura smiled back and nodded. "And to you, Mr. Maaziz." Her smile disappeared as the men loyal to James quickly and efficiently shot the General's security detail. Nezzar was held, screaming in rage by three men. James picked up Nezzar's Glock and checked the casing. Turning to Maaziz, he flipped the gun expertly and offered it to the older man by the handle.
