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“I do.” Roger Pitcher appeared in the open doorway, a slick smile on his face. She’d thought he was a distinguished older man when she first met him. Now he looked like a sleazy salesman.
This man had attempted to kill almost two hundred people last night—royals, wedding guests, media, staff, and even children like Princess Sunny. He’d have no qualms about killing her or Faith. How could she keep her sister safe?
“Take me,” she demanded, using her ‘control the board room’ voice. “Use me for whatever scheme you have, but leave my sister out of it.”
“Ah, Hope. So self-sacrificing. That is admirable. Unfortunately, we need your sister to motivate you. and we needyouto motivate Major Chad. You understand. So touching, his devotion to you and his mum.” His smile widened. He shut the door behind him and tilted his head. “Let’s get cozy, and I’ll explain what’s going to happen.”
Hope bit at her cheek and prayed desperately in her head. She hated the terrified look in Faith’s eyes. These monsters had to be stopped. She couldn’t let them hurt or kill her sister.
Faith’s bright light had to keep shining.
How in the world could Hope stop them?
Chad could stop them. If he came. He might not be faithful, but he would always protect and care for her and Faith. He was a brave and accomplished military man and he could rescue them.
They all walked slowly through the entry and into the large living area. Every one of Faith’s careful steps and her sister’s stiff bearing made Hope feel like a hot poker was jabbing at her gut. Her sister looked petrified. Nobody could blame her.
Please comfort Faith. Please keep her safe. If someone needs to die, please, please let it be me this time.
“Are you working with Naomi Rindlesbacher?” she asked, darting a gaze to how tight that gun was pressed to Faith’s forehead. Too tight. Her stomach pitched.
“Naomi and I have a long history.” He smiled. “She wants vengeance for her husband’s and son’s deaths, but she and I have been close for many years. Very close.” His wink was lewd. “Let’s just say that you should be honored to be hosting the future king and crown prince of Augustine in your living room.”
Hope stared at him. He was insane. She’d heard from Chad a little about the Rindlesbachers’ schemes to take the crown, and she’d seen different views of the situation on the news. It appeared Naomi still wasn’t giving up. She had another pair of men willing to do her dirty work, and she also wanted vengeance. That made her even more unstable.
Roger gestured, and they settled into the couch.
“What do you want from us?” Hope dug her fingers into her palm to stop her hands from shaking.
“We need to lure Major Chad here, and then you’ll convince him to fly you to the castle. All you have to do to keep little sis alive is insert these capsules into the heating system in the lower level. You and Major Chad will leave as soon as that is done. When the heaters kick on, toxins will be released that will make the royal family and their guards very sleepy. Don’t worry,” he hastened to assure her, “they won’t die. My men are waiting below the castle walls to climb to glory and capture the royals. Your mission is only to help them sleep through the takeover.”
Hope sucked in a breath. He was insane. “I won’t be party to killing anyone.”
“No, no, of course not. Takeover, dear. Takeover. They’ll simply be shipped to a tropical island. Exiled. Taken very good care of.”
She stared at him. She didn’t trust him.
“You see, I’m smarter than William or Treven Rindlesbacher. They kept trying to use bombs to take out the royals. Too messy and easy to intercept. I tried Naomi’s way last night, and it failed. I love the woman, but her imagination is a little lacking.” He shrugged. “Now we’re doing this my way, and it will be brilliant and effective. As if they’d planned this day for me, the royals have a brunch planned. The entire family will be together—isn’t that fortuitous?—before Prince Malik and Sophie depart on their honeymoon. All you have to do is follow the simple instructions included in this package.” He picked up a small satchel. “You and Chad can then fly back here, where little sis will be waiting. We’ll be on our way as soon as the royal family is knocked out. Simple.”
Simple.
Drug an entire family like he had Madeline last night. Little Sunny. All the princes and princesses and the king who had been so kind to her and Faith. Guards and staff and whoever else might be in the castle. Exiled to an island, or more likely murdered. She could bet he was lying to get her to do his appalling bidding.
Simple.
“So text your loving major.” He gestured to her. “We know he’ll be at your beck and call.”
Helicopter rotors sliced through the morning sky. Hope’s pulse sped up, and tingles covered her skin. Chad, or the helicopter she’d requested from Bern? It wasn’t even close to ten, maybe eight at the latest, and she was certain she recognized those strong, decisive rotors.
Please let it be Chad. Please.
She might not trust him to be faithful, but he would protect and rescue her and Faith. He adored Faith like the little sister he’d never had.
If it was Chad and not simply the chartered helicopter arriving early.
Hope prayed harder.
“He’s already coming?” Roger asked, his brows lifting.
