“He had some things he wanted to look into,” Cate said. “He’ll be along later. Seriously, I’d rather ride alone.”
“You’re not going to the restaurant, are you?” Draco’s forehead creased in a heavy frown. “Where are you going?”
“That’s my business.”
“Cate,” Marta said. “I’d hate for you to go off alone in a foreign country, especially after what happened in London.”
“Teuling is behind bars,” Cate said. “I’ll be fine.”
“You’re not going alone.” Draco’s words came out between clenched teeth.
“Why not?” she asked. “You left for Texas alone. Why can’t I leave for my hotel alone?”
Marta shot a glance toward Crusher. “At least let Crusher escort you.”
“I’m not a child,” she said. “I know how to look out for myself,” she insisted.
“And that’s why you were kidnapped.” Draco shook his head.
Before either one of them could say another word, two vehicles pulled up to the curb. One driver was looking for Crusher, the other for Cate.
Crusher held the door open for Marta.
Marta hesitated.
Cate yanked open the door to the other vehicle and slid in.
Before Draco could get in with her, she slammed the door shut.
The car took off.
Draco spun toward Crusher and Marta. “Get in,” he said. “Now!”
Crusher and Marta slid into the back seat. Draco yanked open the front passenger door, jumped in, and said to the driver, “Follow that car.”
The driver grinned. “I’ve always wanted someone to say that.” He shifted into gear and stomped on the accelerator. The vehicle shot out, following the other vehicle.
Cate’s car made a fast right turn, fishtailing before it straightened.
Crusher’s driver did the same, grinning like a fool.
Ahead, the car in front of them swerved right, then left, then right, crashing into a lamppost. Steam shot up from the crushed radiator. The driver’s door swung open, and the driver fell out, scrambled to his feet and took off.
“Holy shit,” Draco cried.
Their driver slammed on his brakes, coming to a stop behind the disabled vehicle.
Draco was out of the car before the driver could shift into park. He ran to the other car and yanked open the back door.
Cate practically fell into his arms.
Marta and Crusher hurried over.
“Cate,” Marta called out. “Cate, are you all right?”
“I’m okay.” Cate leaned into Draco, her entire body shaking, belying her words.
“What happened?” Crusher asked.
