A few scattered gunshots ricocheted off the windshield as what remained of Antonovich’s people tried to stop them. Madison gunned it down the drive, picking up enough speed that it would seem as if it were the SUV that took out the front gate when in reality, Trevor used his telekinesis to break it open. They peeled out of the driveway and into the street, Madison deftly handlingtheSUV.
“I have CCTV looped showing feed from a different day and am currently in the process of wiping you from Antonovich’s servers,” Katie said, her voice coming crisp and clear through the SUV’s speakers. “Good afternoon, Mr. Wolcott. I’m terribly sorry your dinner with my CFO was interrupted last night. I do hope you’ll reconsider another meeting with my company in the nearfuture.”
Sean wearily closed his eyes before saying, loud enough to be heard over the roar of the engine, “Did we interrupt your meeting intheUK?”
“Can’t believe you talk business right now,” Alexei muttered under his breath. He took a couple of seconds to switch on the safety of his stolen weapon before shoving it between his leg and the side of the SUV to keep it out of the way but within reach, just in case. He lifted his hips to grab the extra magazine out of his back pocket and wedged it between the seat and theSUV’sside.
Katie took the information Sean had casually given her and ran with it. “Alexei kept me informed of the situation. I knew he would have it well in hand and figured I’d do more good over here with a hack than flying to NewMiami.”
“You’ve been monitoring us the entire time?” Adrian wantedtoknow.
“I broke through Antonovich’s security measures around the time Alexei arrived at the villa. We do a lot of cybersecurity work, so we know what holes to look for. Don’t worry, Mr. Wolcott. My people will see you safely to yourdestination.”
“Whichwouldbe?”
“I understand you are staying at a resort in New Miami. We were going to take you there, but if you prefer a different location, just inform our team.” She paused for a second or two before continuing with, “I don’t think I need to tell you that going to the police about this incident is probably not in your or our bestinterest.”
“I want to gohome, Adrian,” Chloe rasped in a brittle voice as Trevor finished tending to the bruises on her throat with quick-healpatches.
Adrian leaned forward to rest his hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner. “Then we’llgohome.”
“Rerouting to New Miami International,” Madison said to the vehicle at large. “Might want to let your security personnel know where we’re going and why, Mr.Wolcott.”
“Antonovich’s people burned out our comms at thevilla.”
Alexei’s scowl deepened at that tidbit of information, gaze snapping over to Sean. The agent had his eyes closed against the sunlight, mouth twisted in agrimace.
“If you give me their contact information, I can link you,”Katiesaid.
Adrian relayed the information and it was mere seconds before a different voice came through the line. “Yes, Mr. Wolcott?” the deep voiceasked.
“We’re heading to the airport. Call to get our jet ready. Do whatever you have to do to ensure we aren’t hassled on our way through security,” Adrian ordered. “And Reynolds? We’re discussing what happened with mybrother.”
The two-second pause was noticeable to everyone in the vehicle. “Yes, Mr.Wolcott.”
Alexei figured they’d be out of a job soon. Losing the people under your protection was neveracceptable.
Wolcott’s people got off the line and Katie came back on, staying with them for the drive north up the highway back to New Miami International Airport, their small, three-vehicle convoy slipping away from the scene of the crime. Madison led the way, pulling into the short-term parking garage when they finally arrived and driving all the way to the top, where more spots were available. She parked in a center row as the other two cars carrying the Wolcotts’ security personnel found spotsnearby.
Several of them rushed to the SUV, having gotten rid of their tactical gear and weapons on the drive to the airport. They opened the door, intent on ushering their charges out, but Chloe angrily waved them off before submitting quietly to Trevor’s care as he checked her over onelasttime.
“Thank you,” Adrian suddenly said, staring at his wife. “I don’t know what we would have done withoutyourhelp.”
“It’s no problem,” Sean replied, cracking open hisgoodeye.
“You should visit us in Las Vegas. Come out and stay at one of my casinos. I’ll make sure you’ll enjoyyourselves.”
“Ekaterina won’t be able to make it, but Alexei and I wouldn’t mind joining you. We can finish up the business dinner that wasinterrupted.”
“I think you’ll find I’m a sure bet where your company is concerned at thispoint.”
Adrian extended his hand. Sean gamely shook it. “I’ll reach out to you in a day or so. Have a safe flight, Mr.Wolcott.”
“Please. Call meAdrian.”
“Then it’sRiley.”
Alexei helped Sean get out of the vehicle, allowing Adrian to exit it as well and be ushered away with Chloe by their security. Alexei followed the group’s movements with his eyes until they were out ofearshot.
