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“No one around to hear the screams,” Sean said softly.
Meeting his eyes, she swallowed the lump in throat and nodded.
“The people who were rescued…are they all right? Healthy?” Sean asked.
“Most of them are. Physically, anyway. We’re working with the health professionals that Kate’s people are providing.”
“So what’s the next step?” Serena asked. “Were there any clues at the empty houses to lead you to where the people there might have gone?”
“Not exactly. But we think we do have a lead.”
“What does that mean?”
“One of the victims told us he overheard the guards discussing a big shipment coming in three weeks to a port in Sicily.”
“What kind of shipment?”
“Didn’t say.”
“You’re thinking human cargo?” Sean said.
“Yes.”
“You trust the intel?”
“Not entirely. Guy seems squirrely, but he’s been through a lot, so it may just be that.”
“But it could be a trap?” Serena asked.
“Maybe,” Ash said. “But we’ll be ready either way.”
“You need me to come back?” Sean asked.
Serena held her breath. Even though OZ operatives were on call 24/7, it was the first time she’d ever resented that requirement.
“No,” Ash said. “I’m grateful for the offer, Sean, but we’re good right now. If things change, I’ll call. You and Serena deserve this downtime to recover and be together.”
The look of relief on her husband’s face told her he hadn’t wanted to leave either, but he was duty bound to offer.
“By the way, Serena, Belle has been doing a phenomenal job for us,” Ash said.
His words lifted her heart. From the moment she’d met Belle Mercer, she had known she had found a treasure. Not only was the young woman brilliant and had the focus of an eagle, but beneath the shy, awkward exterior was a funny, sweet, kindhearted person.
“I’m glad to hear that, Ash. I’m hoping when she finishes her education, she’ll come work with us.”
“I’m all for that,” Ash said.
Sean met her eyes as he asked what had been weighing on both their minds. “Anything on Kingsley?”
“No.” His voice went grim. “We’re hitting a dead end on every front with him. He was well prepared.”
That was no surprise. Kingsley was not only savvy, but his ego would have made self-preservation his top priority.
“I can do some digging from here,” Serena offered.
“I know you can,” Ash said, “but don’t. Not yet. You two need this downtime.” He paused for a moment and then said in a gruff but careful way, “How are you doing, Serena?”
She understood his concern. The last time he’d seen her, Sean had been carrying her to the car to head to the OZ jet and Francine. It was right after she had broken down during her interview with Jules.
