Page 36 of Warlord’s Empire

Shaun gave her a tight smile. “It was like he was going through the motions of grief without actually feeling anything for his poor assistant. The woman worked closely with him for the past five years.” She fussed with the curtain, pushing it back further, letting more light into the room. “He seemed far more concerned for Saskia.” She paused, then added, “No, he wasn’t concerned for her, just concerned that she’s disappeared and no one knows where she is.”

Leeza frowned. “That sounds pretty normal to me.”

“It does,” Shaun admitted. “But it felt… I don’t know… like he was probing me. Trying to find out if I knew more about Saskia’s whereabouts than I was letting on. He was very adamant that I should call him right away if I hear anything.”

Leeza didn’t know what to make of it. “Do you think he’s involved somehow?”

“I don’t know. He seemed genuinely annoyed that she’s disappeared without a trace.”

Leeza’s lip curled in disgust. “Annoyed but not concerned.”

“Exactly,” Shaun said. “The whole conversation felt off. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.”

“Thanks for meeting with him,” Leeza said. “I know Jozef won’t approve if he finds out.”

Shaun laughed. “When, not if. Jozef always knows when I’ve done something he doesn’t like.” She shrugged and smiled. “It’s good for him to be reminded that I choose to retain my independence in our marriage.”

“Talk like that is going to get you locked in a closet,” Leeza joked. It felt good to release some of the tension that had built up over the past week.

“Who’s getting locked in a closet?” Ayyan asked, striding into the room and snatching up a cookie from the tea tray set out on the coffee table. “What wouldn’t Jozef approve of?”

On Ayaan’s entrance, Leeza’s lighter mood vanished. “I need your help.”

“I’ve already told Jozef, I have no idea where my brother is, nor why he took Saskia. I can only assure you, he wouldn’t hurt her.”

Leeza picked up the box and set it on the sofa next to Ayaan. Taking off the lid, she pulled out Welcome to the Congo and handed it to Ayaan. “Flip to the last page and read the message.”

Ayaan frowned and dusted her hands on her pants before taking the book. Opening it, she loosely flipped through the pages, murmuring, “Lovely,” before going to the last page. She gasped and stood up, dropping the book on the sofa. “Where did you get this?”

“In Saskia’s closet, along with these other gifts.”

Ayaan quickly rifled through the box then yanked her hand out like she’d burnt it. “Oh no….”

“What’s going on?” Shaun asked, concerned.

Leeza asked Ayaan, “Is that his writing? Is this the same Radik I think it is?”

Ayaan nodded. “It’s him. My brother.” Her eyes moved between Leeza and Shaun, panic making them look darker. “He’s not going to let Saskia go.”

Chapter Seventeen

A bang drew Radik’s attention, startling him. He was standing in the middle of his room, his gun in hand, no memory of getting out of bed. Sweat was streaking his face and head.

The bang sounded again, followed by the faint sound of a voice calling him. “Muhammed!”

Saskia was in trouble!

He rushed to the door separating their rooms and yanked it open. Saskia was standing on the other side wearing a pair of brief shorts and a sleeveless top, her face pale and stricken.

“I’ve got you,” he said, dragging her into his arms.

She clung to him, said something, but he couldn’t hear past the buzzing in his head. He shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs. Dragging his phone from his pocket, he pulled up the house’s video feeds. There, he could see them outside the house. They were surrounded by enemies.

He had to act quickly.

Dragging a blanket from his bed, he wrapped it around Saskia.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the door. “Come with me.” He yanked it open and scanned the hallway.