Sue stood by the door, her head tilted to the side and watching me. “What are you doing?”
I shrugged, feeling awkward. “Just looking around.”
She walked over and slid her hands around my waist.
This time I used my hands to frame her face. I looked into her blue eyes and noticed, for the first time, flecks of gold around her irises. She held her breath as my thumb ran across her jaw and grazed her lower lip. I leaned down to kiss her, running my hands down her arms and around her waist. She gripped the back of my shirt and pulled me in.
Every time one of us changed the angle of the kiss, Sue would sigh into my mouth. My hands found skin under her shirt, and she shivered. I yanked off the fabric, suddenly impatient to feel more of her body against me. Dark-blue lace appeared under the basic T-shirt. It looked impossibly exotic to me, and I couldn’t help but stare for a moment.
Sue laughed at my gawking and reached behind her to unhook the bra.
I stopped her. “Not yet.” My voice sounded strained in my ears. “I’ll take care of it later.”
Her laughter turned into a moan as I set my teeth against her neck and shoulder. I could feel her nails grip through my shirt as I unbuttoned her jeans and helped them slide down her hips. My fingers found the matching blue lace, and I traced the delicate designs just to hear her breath catch in my ear. I’d waited years, deep down hoping someday I’d have this opportunity.
“My turn,” she whispered, and reached under the band of my jeans. She found me easily, my whole body going on alert as she used her other hand to work my jeans down my boxers.
I pulled off my own shirt and crushed her to me, desperate to feel her small, strong body against mine.
She hopped up to straddle my waist, diving her hands into my hair. We maneuvered to the bed. She pinned me against the pillows and took her time working my boxers away. Clever hands and soft kisses slowly trailed along my stomach and thighs.
When she reached my mouth once more, I flipped her underneath me. “My turn.” I gave her a nipping kiss and fulfilled my promise of relieving her of the lacy underwear and bra.
Sue arched under my touch. I could see the scars the past years had given her. Her strength, her bravery, her intelligence had been amazing. I ran my finger across the uneven skin of a spot on her stomach. She moved her hand to cover it, but I gently encouraged it away. I kissed each mark on her body, making my way back up above her ear to the largest healed wound, hidden by her hair; the one she’d received in Maui.
When Sue guided me inside, she whispered my name. I could only hang on as our bodies quickly took over, finding their own rhythm in the dim lamp light. She wrapped her legs around me, and I lost myself in wave after wave of heat and electricity. I gripped her hips, pushed deeper, hearing her call out and hold me tighter in turn.
I whispered her name as she climaxed, feeling her spine curve up in ecstasy and her nails rake across my shoulders. I came soon after, every ounce of control gone. I buried my face in her hair, letting the cascade of shudders course through my body until I could think again.
“You’re squishing me,” she said with a grin.
“Sorry.” I rolled off, onto the bed.
Sue slid up against my side, her hand resting against my heart.
CHAPTER 11
May 5, 2003
Pins and needles were running through my left arm. I rolled over to change position and opened my eyes. Morning light was seeping through the slit between the curtains.
I was in Sue’s room, and she was getting dressed. She wasn’t putting on lace panties like she wore last night; these looked sportier. Seeing her reminded me how beautiful my best friend was … or should I call her something else now? “Where are you going?”
“Good morning.” She turned to me as she pulled up a pair of black stretchy workout pants. “I feel like going for a run.” She pulled on a white T-shirt over her sports bra and then went to the closet and took out the powder-blue windbreaker I’d helped her buy years ago. “See you in a while.”
Hmm, nothing about last night? I got out of bed, gathered my clothes, and went to my room. We’d talk about it eventually, and I’d hope to understand her motivation and her feelings now. Last night had been fantastic, but something still didn’t feel right. Yet, logically, why wouldn’t we be together?
I wanted to start the day with exercise too, so I stretched and then lifted weights for forty-five minutes.
While having a shower, I thought about Morgan and how I had to stop grieving. She would always have a special place deep in my heart, but I needed to move forward. I cared about Sue and wanted to focus on the future with her, in whichever way we chose.
Sam was eating breakfast at the kitchen island when I arrived. “Not often I see you here in the morning.”
“Got the morning off for once,” said Sam in his baritone. “Jorge’s covering for me, so I get to chill … not that I’m complaining. Mind you, I’m about ready for some action.”
“Too bad you’re not coming to the seed bank.” Or lucky for you you’re not coming. I pushed that negative thought from my mind.
“Someone’s gotta protect Momma Rose.” He smiled, showing his white teeth that contrasted with his thick dark lips.
I pulled out the stool next to him.
Rose had come from the pantry. “I always feel safe with Sam around.”
“You keep feeding me like this, and I’ll protect you up until I can’t move anymore ’cause I’m so fat.”
To look at Sam, anyone would be intimidated, but on the inside he was a real softy. If there was danger, there was never a doubt that he would protect us. He’d proven that time and again.
“Hey, has Sue eaten yet?” I asked.
“Lorraine went out with her for a run,” Sam said, while chewing on bacon.
After chatting with Rose and Sam over breakfast, I went to the study.
While waiting for my laptop to boot, I picked up the phone.
The line only rang once. “Jack, here.”
“Hey, Jack, it’s Nick.”
“How are yah, son?”
“Good, how’s Texas?”
“Hot. I’d become acclimatized to merry ol’ England. Now I’m walkin’ around sweatin’ all the time. But enough about me; how’s it feel to be free?”
“I was holding everyone back, even Ivan with the Council. There’s too much going on to just sit here, so I’m happy we can move forward now.”
“So, the seed bank then?”
“It’s the logical next move.” I hoped my tone sounded convincing.
“Yep,” Jack said. “You still need to get the Arctic clothes. Also, I’ll e-mail you a few more things I thought of while you’re performing the recon. You have the logistics we’d planned, so y’all should be good to go.”
Sue walked into the room.
“Think you and Sue are ready for this?” Jack asked. “Lorraine and Jorge will be with you, but it’ll still be dangerous.”
I glanced at Sue, who sat down at her side of the desk and opened her laptop. “We’ll be fine.” As we were preparing for the seed bank excursion, I’d repeated an internal mantra—careful and vigilant, and we’ll be fine. I’d convinced myself the premonition was a warning to be extra cautious.
“I just wanted to hear you say it. I think so too.”
I hung up the phone and then said to Sue, “That was Jack. After a few last preparations, we’re set to go.”
Sue nodded. “Good.”
I clicked on the Internet icon.
We should’ve talked about last night. But at that moment Sue wasn’t giving me any indication she wanted to, and I wanted her to bring it up first.
“I’m going to check if any media have mentioned that I’m not charged with the murder anymore,” I said.
When I looked at a number of sites, including GMNN, I couldn’t find anything about me. “Nothing.”
Sue looked up from her screen. “Of course not. A person not suspected of murder
anymore isn’t news.”
“I know, I know. It just sucks that unless someone checks our website, everyone will still think I’m a murderer.”
“It’ll add to your mystique.”
A ping sounded, indicating a new e-mail. That must’ve been from Jack. When I clicked on the icon, right under his message was one from an address I recognized from before. They must’ve arrived at the same time. “Ogden Dundst sent another e-mail.”
“What?” Sue leaped from her chair and came over to my side of the desk to look over my shoulder. “What’s it say?”
I opened it and we read it together.
Hey Nick,
“What, you’re buddies now?” Sue scoffed. “Hey, Nick.”
I HATE losers like you who just hide behind computers.
“Which is exactly what he’s doing,” Sue said.
“This guy sounds childish,” I said.
You better PICK out you GRAVE STONE, because even if you didn’t KILL Dr. Schmidt, which I DOUBT, your shite and are GUILTY of so MANY other CRIMES! The people are anxious and want your BLOOD and I’m the one who’s going to SPILL it for them! And they will rejoice, cheer AND love me FOR it! True JUSTICE will be served and the people will be HAPPY!
THE Time is NEAR. DON’T bother hiding or fighting it. Your TIME IS Up!
Sincerely,
Ogden (the savior)
“What a fucking whack job,” Sue said.
I swiveled in my chair to look at Sue. “He sounds like a guy who has trouble tying his shoes, let alone killing someone.”
“We should still take him seriously, to be on the safe side.” She touched my shoulder, just for a second.
I swiveled back and clicked on the “Forward” button. “I’m going to send this to Jack, Lee, Jorge, and Lorraine, so they know. Oh, and Ivan too. Even though I envision a guy in his thirties, who works at a comic bookstore and lives in his parents’ basement, you’re right—we have to be vigilant.”
“I ran into Jorge when I was coming to the study, and he suggested we go to the shooting range today to practice one last time with the guns we’re taking with us,” Sue said. “What I think Ogden’s face looks like will be etched on the target.”
After practicing shooting, Krav Maga, and then going over the supply list and plan for the trip, the day was over.
Sue and I walked down the hall to our bedrooms, stopping in front of hers.
“So, what do you think?” I didn’t want to wait for her to bring it up anymore. I’d thought about it and knew what I wanted. “Last night was wonderful. However …”
“I know what you’re going to say.” She took my hands. “Last night was fantastic and something I really wanted us to do. However, we’ve got to be on our game and not staring at each other with googly eyes.”
She wanted the same thing. That was a relief. “Let’s just put the warm-and-fuzzy part on hold.”
Sue reached for a hug. “To be continued at a later date.”
I hugged back. “I hope so.”
INTERLOGUE 3
The late-afternoon sun had done its job of providing warmth and growth in the rejuvenation of spring.
Carlo looked out over the treetops and building roofs surrounding the river below that had gouged out the gully over centuries. He enjoyed the four-story home built in 1869 that he had purchased and remodeled over a year ago. Luxembourg City was centrally located for purposes of travel and a hub of European banking and politics, yet quiet enough for him to work without much distraction.
The butler, who’d served the Da Silva family since Carlo was a child, entered the study. “Mr. Lovemark has arrived.”
“Thank you, Charles.” Carlo turned from where he’d been standing at the window. “Send him up. Mr. Lovemark will be staying for dinner, but Mr. Crane will not. Also, make sure the largest guest room is prepared in case Mr. Lovemark decides to spend the night.” Carlo walked over to a table between the desk and couch. “I see the wine is decanted; however, where is the charcuterie?”
“It will be here momentarily,” Charles said and then exited.
Carlo had been very busy, and the algorithms for gathering personal data on virtually everyone on the planet were ready for implementation.
He was curious about the updates from Davis and enjoyed their occasional evenings together drinking his family’s wine, food prepared from his family’s produce, and planning. Though he wasn’t so excited about first meeting with Tom Crane—it was just a courtesy for all his effort.
As Carlo poured two glasses of rich red 1973 Rioja Alavesa, his guest walked into the study. “Ah, Davis. Perfect timing.”
Davis came straight over to take the glass extended to him. “I feel like this is one of my homes, I’ve been here so many times since you’ve purchased it.”
“Please feel as if it were your own.”
“I was in the area anyway. Tomorrow I must leave to go back home to New York where my wife, Gwen, is holding a charity fundraiser of some kind, and then I’m off to the head office in San Francisco.” Davis took a sip from the glass. “Mmm, more of your family’s Rioja.”
“Yes, everything you will drink and eat tonight will come from the Valencia estate.”
“Of course.” Davis smiled. “It always does.”
“Only the best for you, Davis.” Carlo raised his glass.
They both sat down at the table as Charles entered the room carrying a large tray. He placed the charcuterie in the middle of the table.
“Help yourself to some delicacies.” Carlo gestured to the array of cheeses, cured meats, spreadable compotes, pates, pickles, and delicate crackers.
“Tasty.” Davis reached for a cracker, goat cheese, and smoked ham.
“So, you spoke with Jacques?” Carlo reached for a mixture of food as well.
“Yes. He released Barnes.”
“Now what do we do about him?”
“I imagine nothing for now.” Davis shrugged. “We smeared his reputation quite well, which will hold him and Jack back.”
Carlo finished chewing. “That’s inevitable.”
“I think they’ll find their support greatly diminished.”
“Good,” Carlo said. “What else did Jacques say? Any new developments regarding Hendrick’s death?”
“He’s quite sure now that Hendrick Junior caused his father’s death. Jacques planted a bug when he went to see him. There was a discussion between Junior and his chief of security that, while not directly stating it, pretty much incriminated Junior for killing his father. And Otto played a role too. Also, that chap Samson is alive and at the Colombia compound.”
Carlo sat back. “Could Otto have injected the needle?”
“Next to a confession, it would be very difficult for Jacques to prove either of them did it, especially due to the bug being illegal.”
“It’s the knowing that’s most important,” Carlo said. “Does a conviction really matter to us now?”
They both pondered for a moment.
Davis took a drink of wine. “If he were coming after us next, that would be a concern, but if it’s just young Hendrick killing off his dad to take the power …”
“Yes, a fact of life with ruling families,” Carlo said. “It’s natural.”
Davis smiled. “How long before young Sergio kills you off?”
Carlo almost spit food out of his mouth and laughed. “Twelve to fifteen years, I gather. You’re lucky you don’t have sons.”
“I don’t know about that. Rachael is very aggressive and looking like she’ll surpass Emily to take over the family empire.” Davis’s smile always looked more like a leer. “She’s already tiring of me giving orders.”
“Yes, women are becoming more aggressive than men now.”
“Joking aside,” Davis said. “We’ll have to watch Hendrick Junior even more closely, knowing that he has the propensity to kill in him.”
“Yes.” Carlo nodded. “We’ll mentor him and see how he turns out.”
“I’
ll tell Jacques to leave it be,” Davis said. “If Hendrick V screws up again, we’ll handle it ourselves.”
“Agreed.” Carlo brought his glass to his thick lips. “I see great promise in Hendrick IV’s other son, Günter. He’s at Oxford and going to be a scientist as well, in physics. He seems more level headed than his older brother.”
Davis nodded. “We should cultivate him as a long-term backup.”
“I’ve already begun,” Carlo said. “I think he’ll surpass Hendrick V in the not-too-distant future.”
“Then we’ll have a bloody mess when they fight for control.”
“It’s the interim we have to worry about now.”
Davis shook his head. “Convincing Hendrick Junior that he has to answer to someone will be a battle unto itself.”
The butler entered the room, carrying a small basket. He placed it on the table and unwrapped the cloth covering to reveal freshly baked bread slices. The room instantly filled with their aroma. “Fresh out of the oven.”
Carlo and Davis inhaled deeply.
“From your family’s ancient grains, I imagine?” Davis leaned forward.
“Of course.” Carlo took the basket and offered it to Davis. “And it tastes even better than it smells. The yeast starter has been in the family for hundreds of years.”
“Such long tradition.” Davis took a slice and then reached for the loganberry compote.
“Mr. Crane has arrived,” Charles said. “Shall I send him in?”
“Please.” Carlo was taking a slice for himself.
As soon as the butler left the room, Davis said, “We are in agreement as to how we deal with Tom?”
“Fully,” Carlo said.
“One other thing the listening device revealed,” Davis said. “Otto has found where Peter Bail is hiding, and Hendrick has instructed him to make contact. Apparently, he has a job for him.”
That made Carlo pause from adding savory toppings to his bread. “Really? Peter Bail? That can’t be good.”
Beyond Control Page 8