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“Do you intend to continue consulting with K19 Allied Intelligence?”
“As long as I’m needed.”
She smiled. “You’re needed, Tryst.”
Jaicon walked me to the door, and just as I was about to say good night, we heard a scream from one of the second-story bedrooms. She raced up the stairs with me, along with several others, behind her.
Seraphina and Jada rushed over to Luisa at the same time I spotted a cell phone on the floor in the corner of the room. I picked it up and gave it to Jacy.
“What is it?” I asked.
She handed the phone back to me. On the screen was a grainy image of a naked woman. Her arms and legs were bound and spread, tied to four hooks protruding from the wall she faced. Crisscrossing marks on her back appeared to be bleeding. The only other thing visible in the photo was a man’s hand holding a whip.
The accompanying message read, “Your punishment awaits, my Luisa. Next time, you won’t escape before we’ve had our fun.”
“I’m going to ask Press to return,” Jaicon whispered. “Can you update the team while I do?”
“Of course.” I followed her out of the room and downstairs. While she placed the call, I briefed the five K19 operatives, Laird, and Sorcha on what had transpired.
“My God,” Sorcha gasped.
“He’s on his way,” Jacy said, approaching us. “Let’s take this outside.” As we made our way to the front porch, I saw her hand Laird the phone. “Please see if you can trace where the message came from.” Zeppelin followed him in the opposite direction we were headed.
I wasn’t surprised she’d asked. He would be able to get the information she requested faster than anyone else.
“We won’t know much until we can trace the call,” she began. “However, my prediction is Luisa will not want to remain here, regardless of whether this is the safest place for her.”
I agreed with both statements. I doubted the White House had security in place on par with Butler Ranch.
“I’d prefer to wait until Press arrives to discuss other options. Luisa is most comfortable with him, even over her mother and sister.”
Within minutes, Zeppelin joined us with an update. “The message originated from the Middle East. Specifically, Egypt. The device used to contact Luisa was immediately destroyed. However, we’re reaching out for help from our friends at the NRO.”
Less than an hour later,Jaicon was proven correct in assuming Luisa did not want to stay here. After several options were discussed, including my own ranch, she and Press chose to return to Napa.
One of Laird and Sorcha’s sons, Naughton, who lived on the estate with his wife and son, was a helicopter pilot and kept one on the property. He offered to transport them immediately.
“I will remain here until you request otherwise,” I told Jacy when she was preparing to board the helicopter along with Zeppelin, Press, and Luisa. Tank, Magnet, Blackjack, and Atticus were traveling via SUV with Martin.
“I appreciate it,” she said, stunning me when she stepped forward and embraced me.
When I returnedto the house, I found Laird seated on the front porch, smoking his pipe. “May I join you?” I asked.
“By all means.” He motioned to one of the chairs.
We sat in silence for several minutes. I was sure, like me, he was thinking about the events of the last few days.
“You and I have been friends for many years,” he began. “However, you are closer in age to my eldest son than to me, so please forgive me if I offer some fatherly advice.”
“Your advice will always be welcome in whatever manner it is given.”
“It will not come as any surprise to you to hear I have intervened with my wife about her penchant for matchmaking.”
I chuckled. “I appreciate it. My niece—your daughter-in-law—does her best to fill in whatever gaps Sorcha leaves.”
He laughed, pulled a tobacco pouch from his pocket, and refilled the bowl of his pipe. “I fear you will soon lump me in with the two of them.”
“No, Laird! Say it isn’t so.”
