CHAPTER TWO
Kirk received the call from Declan as soon as he got off the plane. The Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport was crowded.
“You’re cutting it close,” he said, inserting his earpiece. “I’d thought you would call sooner so I could chart some strategy here.”
Being a fixer was all about the strategy, especially in something that involved hostage negotiation. He had already read up on all the files included in his assignment folio, but this wasn’t an ordinary negotiation and extraction. He had traitor operatives who could jeopardize the whole deal.
“I had to finalize a few things after my meeting with McNeil,” Declan said. “Also, Dad wanted a family meeting about wills and personal stuff. Mom left something for you, he said. A book you’ve been hunting for. So you’d better get this done ASAP.”
Kirk almost stumbled in surprise. He swallowed. That sweet woman was just incredible. “I…don’t know what to say.” He finally got the words out. “I’m sorry, Dec. I can’t think about that right now. I’m going to need to concentrate on making sure I get those bastards who were part of this.”
“Yes.” Dec’s voice was gruff. “I wanted to tell you before we continue. Didn’t want that to be the last piece of information, you know? You’re family, Kirk.”
Kirk picked up his carry-on and stepped on the escalator. “I know.” He cleared his throat. He couldn’t afford to feel any sorrow right now. Anger. That was a good emotion for revenge. Changing the subject, he said, “Security is tight here. Too many VIPs coming and going. Dec, is McNeil in or out? I need to know who the players are to make sure whose side everyone’s on. I’ve studied the files and know the operatives who have done work for MacKenzie Securities before and shouldn’t be here. If I see them—”
“Yes. If you see them, I did not send them. McNeil’s agreed to help but I still need to coordinate certain details with him, with Hawk and his team, and with Shane. I’ve had to talk down Brady’s arguments. Let’s just say I have my hands full because everyone wants to do your job.”
“Yes, I’m sure the NSA would love to hear about a bunch of SEALs in an unsanctioned extraction showing up with enough firepower to alarm a nation hosting an important Interpol meeting,” Kirk said wryly. He could just imagine the international hullabaloo that would cause. “Tell me about McNeil. I’ve heard he’s a tough devil. How did you get him to see things your way? Did you sell your soul?”
Dec gave a short bark of amusement. “Thanks for that laugh. Much needed.” His sigh came through over the phone. “According to him, there’s a nest of traitors out there. He’s been chipping away for five years. Five fucking years, Kirk. I’m not going to let that happen. This isn’t just about national security. This is about getting my mother’s killers. That’s the main thing. McNeil understands where I’m coming from and even offered his services. Besides, his inside connections with foreign governments allow him certain freedoms. He can move in and out without interference. I can’t be there nor can any of my brothers or people, so I accepted.”
He sounded tired. Kirk wondered when was the last time Dec slept. “Hey,” he said, understanding the other man’s need to be with family and also run an international operation. “You know I got this. You should be spending time with the family. It’ll take at least another twelve to twenty-four hours of laying out the groundwork. As soon as I get the call from NSA that the kidnappers have contacted them again, you’ll be the first to know, I promise.”
“Right.” Dec’s tone of voice returned to business-like. “Everything is ready. Your name has been added to the hotel guest list. It’s full and security is tight everywhere. The GEM operative, Surya, is waiting for you in her suite, so that would save the need to meet in public. She has agreed to be a translator if there are any language problems. Remember, she’s on vacation, or was, so you’ll have to act as a good friend joining her. Be casual and bring some flowers, she said, because you’re coming to celebrate her birthday and she’s told the hotel front desk she was going to go sightseeing with you. That would be a good cover for both of you traveling around. I’ve read her file and she seems very capable. I’ve never had the need to use them for my ops before so you’ll have to play it by ear. Jade assured me they are top-notch at what they do.”
“Okay.” Playing it by ear. He wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing when it came to a GEM operative, but he didn’t say anything for now. “I’ll call as soon as I have everything lined up.”
“Good luck.”
After going through Customs and a visit to the bathroom, he was met by a driver holding up a sheet of cardboard with his name on it. He greeted the man and made a beeline to a flower stand to pick up a bouquet. Outside, the humidity hit him like a heavy slap of hot towels. It was like breathing in water.
Kirk studied the bustle of airport traffic, taking a few moments to adjust. He felt a trickle of perspiration running down his neck. He was going to need lots of refreshment today. And lighter clothes.
The drive to the hotel was mind-boggling, to say the least. He’d planned to read up on files and do some quick research on the GEM operative during the drive, but that flew out the window the moment they hit the main roads. Everyone appeared to think they had the right-of-way, with helmetless drivers on scooters zipping alongside cars and across lanes in front of oncoming traffic. Several times he had to stop himself from shouting out to the driver, who seemed unperturbed by the near-accidents. Instead, he just gripped his briefcase handle a little tighter and concentrated on not gritting his teeth.
The driver turned around at one point and said, in broken English, “You relaxed, ya? I take care of drive, no problem. Sit back and relax, ya? Be at hotel quick, quick, quick!”
Sit back and relax! Kirk pointed frantically at the windshield. “Bicyclist!” was all he could get out as he watched a young couple, the woman perched on the handle bars of a bicycle, merrily cross the intersection.
His driver wasn’t even fazed by the near-miss. To Kirk’s relief, he did return his attention to the road. “Don’t worry, Sir. I drive faster so you get to hotel.”
That didn’t sound comforting at all. On the other hand, getting to the hotel faster might be good.
Kirk leaned back against the seat. He didn’t need refreshments. He would need a whole bottle of whiskey after this ride. He made a mental note to make sure they hired a driver. There was no way he could ever drive around this area and not hit something.
By the time they reached the hotel, he felt even more tired than the usual jet lag-induced malaise. His check-in went smoothly, thank goodness, and within minutes, he was on the way to what he hoped was a quick introduction with Surya Tangers and then excuse himself so he could take a nice shower.
The suite was on the highest floor. There was a fantastic view when he emerged from the elevator. If he were the woman, he’d be annoyed at having his nice vacation interrupted by an assignment. He looked down at the flowers in his hand. They looked slightly wilted. He should just chuck them in the waste bin since they’d already done the job of giving the desired impression to the staff in the lobby. The clerk had given Kirk a knowing smile as he accepted his tip. The bellboy had offered to help take care of his carry-on so he could “quickly go up to the room to meet his lady friend.” He’d declined the offer, of course, and just tipped the man.
Quickly there. Quickly up. Quickly done. That appeared to be the mode around here. As a fixer, he preferred thoroughness over speed. The way to get things done right was in the details.
Using his key card, he opened the double door to the suite. He stepped in and surveyed the whole place.Jaysus. It was like entering a secret doorway to a mansion. It looked like one of those movie star houses featured in magazines. Marble floor living area. Lush silk brocade curtains. Gold couches with mahogany tables. Deep carpeting leading to other smaller areas. Even a damn baby grand piano. Girl was serious about her vacation.
A sumptuous meal was set up on the dining table, the delicious scent of local spices tickling his nose, reminding him he hadn’t eaten. His attention followed the soft music coming from one of the rooms. He turned toward it, wondering if he should announce himself. Maybe she didn’t know he was here. That couldn’t be. He was sure someone had already informed her of his arrival.
“Come on in,” a voice called out from the room with the music. “I’m just getting your room ready.”
Kirk walked into “his” room, flowers in one hand, pulling the briefcase on top of his carry-on with the other. The rollers hardly made a sound over the thick, soft cream carpet.
