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Chapter Thirteen
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Ziva could stay on this island forever with Alex. It was secluded and had everything one could ask for. There was an abundance of fruit trees and fresh water. The only thing it lacked was a proper bathroom. That was where she drew the line when it came to being an outdoors type.
“Alex, I’d love to stay here, but I need to go back. Myla and the other girls need me.”
He lifted a hand and stroked her cheek with gentle tenderness. “I know. We should talk first.”
Ziva agreed. There was a lot she needed to explain to him. “I’m really sorry that... well there’s a lot I’m sorry for. Maybe I should start at the beginning.”
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“I do. Please let me explain everything. It’s important that you understand why certain things happened.” Alex nodded. “My childhood was a good one to a certain age. When I grew older, my father explained to me what happened to some of the women here, things that were out of his control. He hid me away for a few years. It was the only thing that saved me from the fate of the others, well, and that we lied upon my return. Others like my sister, Isa.”
“I’m sorry. I heard she disappeared when you were very young.”
Ziva didn’t know how he knew that. It was many years ago, and she never spoke about it. “How—?”
“Bennett. He does his job well. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I wish he could tell me what happened to her. I could have closure.”
“I’ll ask him. But I can’t make any promises. Although, I wish I could.” Alex reached out and held her hand.
She knew he would do anything if she asked. Ziva wouldn’t take advantage of that. “Thank you. Why I’m telling you this is so you understand why I did what I did. Your father, James, has a name everyone in my country knows. He was feared like no other. I know he was your father, but he was a very evil man. He had no love in his hear for anyone.”
“Not even his own children,” Alex said softly. Sadly, his statement didn’t surprise her. He needed to remind himself that the Henderson clan wasn’t the only ones who suffered at the hands of James.
“When I heard you were here, I needed to know why. When you went to the same hotel James went to all those years ago, I had to try to stop you. Then I saw you talking to the manager. He is the one who makes all the arrangements with the men and brings them the women. The manager is just like James. Cold and evil.”
“Agreed.”
“I was watching you. Waiting for you to make a move so I could stop you from acting on your... what I thought was your sick, immoral behavior. I needed to know for sure, so I broke into your room and—”
“That was you?” Alex had a look of total surprise on his face.
She had a sick sense of pride that she’d been able to pull that off, and he never suspected her. Also, an overwhelming sense of guilt that she’d invaded his privacy. “I wanted to find proof of what you were doing. I thought if I could get the proof and post it on the Internet, your good name would be ruined, and you’d have to stop. I know it was naïve on my part, but I was desperate to stop you.”
“My good name? I’m not sure you know anything about me,” Alex teased.
“I researched you. Well, what I could find on you. There really isn’t much. I’m not sure you have a job, but then again, I suppose with a Henderson bank account, you don’t need one.”
“I have a job. When you’re done, I’ll tell you about it.”
“Sounds interesting. I broke in and found the weapons in the closet. I knew you were up to no good. But I had a feeling there was something good in you. That is why I took you to the prison. I thought I could scare you toward the right path.”
Alex laughed. “You’re barely five feet tall and you took me to a prison to intimidate me. Don’t you think you should’ve been afraid of what I was going to do to you? I mean you found all kinds of weapons, and you thought I was like my father. I’m not sure you’d make a very good spy.”
Ziva wrinkled her nose. “Really? And you think you would?”
“Well, yes. Everyone, yourself included, believed I was just like James. It all would’ve worked out if someone hadn’t broken into my room and taken Myla. Oh yeah, also came back with a gun and tried to muscle me. By the way, don’t ever pull an unloaded weapon on someone. No more guns for you, period.”
Ziva laughed this time. “I couldn’t hit the side of a barn if I tried. You would’ve been safe either way.”
“Definitely no more guns.”
“Well, it got your attention.”
