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After I wriggle my pants back up and before we get into the car, he slips the Sig back into my pocket.
I turn back to look into his face as he opens the door of the Land Rover for me. He says, “You’re not going to use it on any of us.”
“You seem very sure. Kidnapping is a capital offense in many states.”
He helps me up into the cabin and I can’t read his expression.
On the drive, he’s silent for a while. Then he says, “You were just softening me up.”
“The exact opposite, I would have said.”
He’s quiet again. I know I really hurt him and I don’t know what I can do about it.
The soaking panties are still knotted tight under my pants. Still, they’re a reminder.
We come up on the house quickly. I get a brief view of the narrow road and the steep mountainside, as we swing upward. Past a high hedge, we turn into a drive and a low, wide, two story modern building with a lot of dark glass, and pale wood finishes. somehow it fits the landscape. The car dips down a ramp into a garage. He parks next to a black van and a shutter comes down behind us.
Inside, he shows me briskly up a wide staircase, through the airy kitchen and back up to my room. The sight of the hospital bed makes my heart sag.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
More footsteps follow behind me as I cross the floor. I turn and see dark clouds on the Emperor’s face, and the Mastermind’s quizzical eyebrow, cocked at my Warrior.
The Warrior scowls back. “She went for a scamper around the hillside.”
The Emperor is displeased. He says, “What?”
The Warrior shrugs. “We had a little chat about it. It’s all going to be fine from now.” Storms brew on his face.
The Emperor commands him, “Wait.”
Too late. He’s already turned to leave. He shuts the door firmly behind him.
The Mastermind lifts a hand. “Leave him. We’ll get to it in time.” His attention turns to me. “Right now, though, did anybody see you?”
I sigh. “It’s unlikely in that weather.” My lips purse. “Anyway, I’m sure you would know.”
“What are you talking about? How?
“Your little flying friend?”
He frowns. “What?”
“The tiny drone above the house?” He and the Emperor lean in. I tell them, “Don’t pretend you don’t know about it.”
The Emperor says, “The fuck.”
The Mastermind already has the door open. He calls out, “Go bags!”
As the Emperor heads for the door, I hold out my bound wrists. He nods.
“You’ll be locked in a trunk for the journey anyway.” He pauses to look in my eye. “After your stunt this morning, the cable tie is the minimum precaution.”
“Where are we going?”
His eyes narrow and he shakes his head as he leaves the room, shutting the door.
I don’t know what I should take. Apart from these clothes I’m wearing — what’s left of them, the gun and a toothbrush from the bathroom, what do I have?
