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“Let’s talk again. Outside,” Peter insisted.
“Unlike some half-rate bodyguards, I refuse to leave Elizabeth’s side.” Hays grinned even bigger. “Though I would enjoy talking again, I’m sure our previous interaction is sufficient.”
Peter’s jaw clenched.
Her father ignored their interaction and stepped up to her. That Clive Christian cologne made bile rise in her throat. “Doll.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you as well, Father.” She smiled, knowing her fake smile was as convincing as his.
Jarom released her hand to shake with her father. “Jarom Love. A pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“You as well. The man who has captured my doll’s heart.” Benjamin smiled. He held onto Jarom’s hand and started walking across the pool patio, tugging the younger man with him. The heat from outside warred with the nonstop air conditioning, fans, and misters from the patio. It was dark beyond the patio and pool area. Elizabeth hated the darkness and the unknown.
“I don’t like this,” Aiden said in her ear. “Jarom, stop walking.”
Jarom obeyed.
Her father turned back toward her. “Come, doll. We have much to discuss.”
Elizabeth also didn’t like this, but she didn’t know what to do except cross the distance to them. Hays, Peter, her father’s bodyguards, and a bunch of Aiden’s men followed. Why did her father want them away from the house? One glance at Hays showed he didn’t like the move either.
Her father grasped her hands, glanced at the pulse in her neck, and smiled. Before he could say anything, there was a flurry of footsteps and people exclaiming and backing out of the way. They all turned to see men in suits who were obviously FBI agents approaching.
“Benjamin Oliver,” the lead suit confirmed when they reached them.
“Yes?” Her father didn’t appear concerned.
“You are under arrest.”
Elizabeth’s heart soared. Death would be better, but arrest would at least let her sleep at night. If she was in Greenland and her siblings in Antarctica or Point Nemo.
“Pardon me?” Father’s voice was silky. “On what charge?”
Everybody stared as Quaid materialized from behind a group of people. “Murder, extortion, tax evasion, fraud, kidnapping, assault. Take your pick; there’s a long list.”
Elizabeth’s heart raced out of control. She didn’t want Quaid here. Worrying about Hays was more than enough.
“Thomas.” Her father beamed. “It’s wonderful to see you, son. It’s been years.”
How could their father act like nothing was wrong? There were cameras everywhere, news media pressing in, and enough FBI agents to take down a dictatorship. What did he have planned?
“I’m not your son,” Quaid said, striding up to them. She felt proud of her handsome, brave, tough brother, but she didn’t want him here. “And you will rot in the darkest prison cell they can create for you.”
Father never stopped smiling. “Not possible.”
“On the contrary. We have the testimonies of your own men. James Truman and Vance Neff.”
Father’s eyes reflected concern for the first time. “Unfortunately, the men you speak of were killed.”
“They survived.” Quaid’s grin widened. “And to add to their incriminatory testimonies of all they have seen and how you ordered their deaths, we also have the witness and picture-perfect memory of your daughter, Elizabeth. You will be locked up for a very long time.”
“Elizabeth would never ...” Her father looked at her.
Elizabeth would normally quake at that look, but she stood strong despite her pulse point thrumming at her neck. “You have no idea what I would do, Father.”
“You and I. Together, doll. Always.” Her father smiled.
The smile. What was coming? Something nefarious. She’d sacrifice herself for Hays and Quaid.
