“If Hobb’s still aboard—”
“Then time is of the essence,” Ranger said, finishing his thought. “That’s why we’ve sent a discreet back-channel alert to the Policía Nacional. We didn’t give them too many details, it would raise too many questions, but the message was urgent enough that I’m confident they’ll get eyes on the yacht shortly.”
Caspian agreed it was the right move. “If Hobb’s alive, the local authorities are indeed his best shot,” he said.
“They are.”
“So ... I guess you want us out of here?”
“I do. But I need a bit more time to make sure you and Liesel aren’t compromised,” Ranger said. “So far, your pictures haven’t popped up anywhere, but that doesn’t mean the authorities haven’t circulated them internally. Getting out of Mallorca on a commercial flight is too dangerous at the moment. It would be a different story if I could get my hands on an air asset, but right now none are available.”
“What do you want us to do?”
“Get some rest while we continue to monitor the situation. I’ll check in with you again in the morning.”
“Understood. What about Westcott?” Caspian asked before Ranger could end the call. “Did you find anything?”
“No, but what did you expect? We just started working on this. The man has powerful friends and a halo around him the size of a solar flare. If we poke too hard, too fast, we’ll draw attention.”
“We need to get our hands on Hobb. He knows something. Something that may have concerned Westcott,” he said.
“Careful, Caspian,” Ranger warned him. “Ask anyone in the street what they think of Westcott, and they’ll all tell you the same thing. Everett Westcott is a stand-up guy that put his money where his mouth is. Heck, I would have told you that, too, three hours ago.”
“Liesel’s sister was convinced otherwise.”
“Maybe. But the good that man has done is undeniable. Even you have to admit that,” Ranger said.
“Well, Hobb could clarify all of it. But someone got to him,” Caspian said.
“I’ll keep working back channels, of course. And if tonight’s operation near Cabrera Island bears fruit, I might get a shot at seeing the reports, but no promises.”
“That’s not good enough.”
“Then give me something better,” Ranger snapped. “Because if Sofie was right, and Everett Westcott isn’t the demigod people think he is, there could be trouble. You have no idea how much reach Westcott has.”
Well, I’m starting to,Caspian thought.
Behind him, Caspian heard the bathroom door open. Liesel stepped out, steam curling around her in the dim light. She wore a white towel wrapped snug around her.
“Did you hear what I said?” Ranger asked.
“Yeah,” Caspian said absently.
“Get some sleep. I’ll contact you tomorrow morning,” Ranger said, then ended the call.
Liesel crossed the room slowly. Her gaze was clearer now. Tired, yes, but steady. There was something raw about her posture, something vulnerable and unguarded, but also unmistakably strong. And it was intoxicating.
My God, she’s beautiful.
“Ranger?” Liesel asked.
He nodded.
“Do we need to leave, or do we have until tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow.”
She dropped the towel and pressed her body to his.
