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“You’re good to go,” he eventually says, and I let out a deep-rooted sigh the moment I leave his desk behind.
Now what? Is there anybody here to greet me?
I scan the crowd of people and the signs that are being held up. None of them say Ash Morgan.Or am I going by Riley James now that I arrived on this continent? But I can’t spot that name either.
Okay, what now?
I go to the information desk and wait in line. What am I going to ask them? And what if they don’t have anything for me?
I needn’t have worried because as soon as I told them my name was Ash Morgan, they produced an envelope which they gave to me after verifying my identity… yeah, right.
I step outside the harbor building and soak up the sun. It’s a brilliant day. That has to be a good sign for my new life, right?
Remembering to stay away from security cameras, I cross the street and enter a park, finding myself a bench in the shade. Opening the envelope, I scan the information.
It’s an address and a note from Gary that a Marni Rodriguez will meet me at that secure location at eleven o’clock.
Checking the time, it’s already after ten o’clock. I better get going as I have no idea how long it will take me to get there.
Scanning the area for a taxi stand, I locate one near the harbor building with a few cars waiting in a row. Making sure my hat and sunglasses are in place to obscure my face, I rush over and jump in the first one.
Forty minutes later, the taxi drops me off at the address Gary has given me. It’s some swanky private, resort-type place with high walls and a huge gate.
It’s patrolled too, and I have to give them my name, the fake one, which the sturdy-looking guy meticulously ticks off his list of allowed visitors.
Gary said this would be a secure meeting place, but it really seems over the top. There are cameras everywhere, and I’m glad for my new disguise.
I’m escorted by a man who looks like a secret agent with his suit and severe expression. This set up reminds me of Tiero’s requirements when staying anywhere.
Tiero.
My hands automatically cradle my stomach. If he knew I was carrying his child…, what would he do? Even though it’s a girl, I’m sure he wouldn’t let me out of his sight. And I’d be forever caught in a golden cage.
No, little peanut. We’ll have to do this on our own… without your daddy. And pray to God, he’ll never find us.
My escort and I walk down a long path lined with tall oak trees toward a large, cream-colored mansion. A man in a butler’s uniform is already waiting for me on the stairs.
Jeez, they are very efficient here.
Our progress is momentarily halted when a gracious-looking black swan waddling slowly crosses the path.
A black swan.
Is my life becoming that predictable?
What did Claudette tell me about them? There’re a sign of good things to come.
Hurray!
Still, I hold back, watching the creature cautiously. After being chased by one on my Scotland trip with Rhia two years ago, and then again by a pair in Monza with Tiero, I’ll keep my distance. This swan might look harmless, but it could turn vicious at any moment.
And whatever happened to the white swans? How come I don’t see those anymore?′
The man by the door greets me with a polite smile and guides me through a restaurant, up a set of stairs, and into a private sitting room.
“Is there anything I can get you while you wait?” he asks kindly.
I shake my head. “No, thank you. I’m good for the moment.”
