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I was stunned when Z shook his head. More by his reply. “You.”
“Me? I’m hardly qualified.”
Z nodded. “My thought too. At the time, anyway.” He raised a brow. “Now, though, I see the same thing Pinch must have.”
“Sir, you, of all people, know I’m not experienced enough for such a position.” This was my third opportunity to divulge my plan. And for an equal number, I did not.
Z stood and walked toward the door, patting me on the back as he passed by. “I know nothing of the kind.”
Rather than follow, I remained where I was. Was it really only this morning that I’d been named CO of the UK task force? The short-lived excitement I’d felt at the time seemed days ago.
If I were able to rewind the clock twenty-four hours, the conversation I’d just had with Z would’ve left me equally elated. No, more than.
Without Bexli to share it with, I felt no pride in the accomplishment. No joy. Without her in my life, milestones, such as the one Z had alluded to, meant nothing to me.Lifemeant nothing.
I was about to leave the room and go upstairs to talk to my parents. Before I got to the door, Ares and Poseidon rushed in.
“We’ve received something else from the NRO you need to see,” said Ares, setting his laptop on the table. “This is from three weeks ago. They’re on the Malta airport tarmac.”
The photo on the screen was of a man and woman getting in the back passenger seat of an SUV. Even with the graininess of the image, it was evident the man’s grip on the woman’s arm was tight. It was also evident who the two were—Moretti and Bexli. Like her image on the auction site, she appeared gaunt. Her beautiful long hair had been cut short, and she was blindfolded.
“There’s no doubt he’s got her,” said Poseidon.
“The plane is at Gatwick. We’re ready to deploy as soon as you are,” said Ares, closing his computer.
I was more torn than I’d ever been in my life. On one side was my belief that bidding on Bexli was the easiest solution. On the other, the mission.
“Let’s go get her, Cay,” said Poseidon.
I shook my head.
“Cayman?” said Ares.
“I’ve an alternate plan.”
“One you’re just bringing up now?” Ares’ anger was appropriate.
I was stunned to see my father walk through the door. “Winston?”
“Give us a moment, Dad.”
He cleared his throat. “Z Alexander just informed me you’re leaving for Malta.”
The three men looked at me.
“I’m not going,” I finally admitted.
“What the fuck did you just say?” Ares seethed.
“You heard me. I won’t be participating in the mission. Nor will I condone it. Given I’m resigning from both the UK task force as well as MI5, I realize my opinion carries little weight.”
“What’s your plan?” Ares pressed.
“I’m going to bid on Bexli in the auction. Regardless of how high it goes.”
“That’s it? You’re just going to bid on her? What the fuck, Cayman?”
“Mr. Kappas—” my father began, but I cut him off.
