“When have I ever taken—?”
A man’s voice, in the background.
“Hey, Pop,” Holly called, sounding like she’d put a towel over her mouth.
Samira strained but couldn’t work out the man’s words.
“Shit,” Holly whispered. “He’s on the phone.”
“Take your time.” Rafe, again. “No risks.”
After a silent few minutes, a man’s voice murmured again.
“Headache,” Holly croaked. “Came home early.”
Samira’s computer beeped. A news alert. Her mouth dried. “Local radio is reporting that Laura has cut short her signing. She’s on her way back.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
APHONETRILLEDDISTANTLY, in Samira’s earpiece. Holly swore. “Hyland’s taken another call.”
“Get out of there, Holly,” Rafe rumbled.
“Couple more minutes.”
As they continued a whispered argument, Samira checked an online map. “Guys, Laura will be here within six minutes. We have to get our car out, at the very least. The second the real Prius pulls up outside they’ll figure it out and we’ll be trapped.”
“Can you drive it out?” muttered Rafe.
Samira eyed the key in the transmission. There was nothing she’d rather do. “I have to stay in the hotel to upload these files, if we manage to get this damn phone. We’re running out of time.”
“I’m going nowhere until Holly is safe.” Rafe paused. “That leaves you, Doc.”
“Merde,”Jamie said.
“Leave me your weapon.” Rafe, again. “Park around the corner, out of sight, then come back in through the security tent. You have the pass. Let’s hope it works.”
“God, this is the last thing I want to do,” Jamie said, breathless. “Samira, I’m on my way down. Is there somewhere you can hide?”
She brought up the hotel plans and checked security camera positions. “The gym and pool are at the other end of the basement. I’ll go there.” She’d have to walk past the drivers but they’d have no reason to be suspicious. The laptop beeped. Her jaw dropped. “Oh my God.”
“Samira?” Jamie, again.
“I’ve found Charlotte.”
A door beside the elevators opened. The north stairwell. Jamie strode out, eyeing the Land Rovers, his open suit jacket flapping. He opened the Prius door and landed on the driver’s seat.
“Where is she?”
Samira loaded an internet map and input the coordinates. She switched to satellite mode and zoomed in. “A commercial property.” She did a web search. “A former paint factory. I don’t suppose you have the kind of friends who could rescue a woman from a platoon of armed goons near London?”
“Texas should be in London by now but he couldn’t do it alone. We’ll have to risk involving the police. I’ll call him from a pay phone, while I’m out. He’s a resourceful guy. He’ll figure it out.”
Samira blew out her cheeks and wrote the address on Holly’s notepad.
“I’ll return as soon as I can,” Jamie said.
“We’ll be out of comms until you’re back.”
