Page 60 of Taylor’s Warrior

“Look, you need to go into this with a clear mind. Don’t overthink it. Livingston will have a strategy for dealing with this. Do what he tells you to do, and be ready to obey any instructions you’re given.”

“You make it sound so simple.”

“In a way, it is. Look, we’re almost there.” He shot her a glance and winked. “It’ll be okay.”

A few minutes later, they arrived at the cluster of disused buildings outside the perimeter of the airfield, where they were to meet with Livingston and his team. He was standing by a pickup, deeply engrossed in conversation with the three men, when they pulled up alongside. The men disappeared as Taylor and Rhys exited their vehicle.

Livingston’s greeting was brusque and brief. “You’re early.”

“Blame me,” Taylor said. “I couldn’t stand waiting around.”

Livingston nodded. “Understandable. I’ve just given my team a final briefing. They’ll be in position before the jet lands.”

As if to illustrate the fact, two vehicles, obscured by the building, set off to cover the remaining distance to the airfield. Livingston watched them go, then reached through the window of his pickup and produced an attaché case. He turned back to Taylor and Rhys.

“It’ll take you approximately seven minutes to drive to the rendezvous point. Proceed along this road—when you reach the fork, take the left. You’ll see two, maybe three buildings in the distance—the largest is the hangar where the rendezvous is to take place.” He checked his watch. “The jet should be landing in ten, maybe fifteen minutes. Their timing is perfect for an after-hours arrival.”

“What does that mean?” Taylor asked.

“The airport’s unstaffed. The main terminal building closed maybe ten minutes ago and the staff will be on their way home now. I would guess they’re carrying enough fuel for the return flight, so they don’t need to interact with a refueling crew.” Livingston explained. “Once they’re down, they’ll taxi over to the hangars, and we’ll be waiting for them.”

“Makes sense,” Rhys agreed. “It restricts the possibility of witnesses.”

Alarm skittered down Taylor’s spine. “Restricts it but doesn’t eliminate it. My father, his… friend. They’ll be witnesses. So will I. Do you think they intend to kill all of us?”

“We won’t let that happen,” Livingston asserted.

“That’s why I’m going to be there.” Rhys made the statement in a manner that made it clear it was not up for debate. He stepped forward, planting himself between Taylor and Livingston. “I can help. I have experience of situations like this.”

Livingston nodded. “Thanks. Are you licensed to carry?”

Rhys lifted his jacket just enough to reveal his holstered firearm.

“Okay. Do me a favor and only use it if you have no choice. Got that?”

Rhys looked straight at Taylor. “I’m here to protect my woman, and if I need to use this to do that, then I’m doing it.”

Taylor shivered. When he referred to her like that, the warm fuzzies turned into something considerably hotter. Was she ever going to jump his bones when this was over.

Livingston looked from Rhys to Taylor and back again, then his expression underwent a subtle shift, as if he’d had some sort of epiphany. “Okay, I get it. I’ll take you through the plan, then we’d better get over there and take up our positions.”

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