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It wasn’t that I hadn’t thought about it. Just not last night. She was a mature woman who knew what she wanted, and if I was correct, she went for it, just like I did. There was no hint of regret on either of our parts. If anything, we were looking forward to continuing where we left off.
Continue.That was a tough word. And it hit me what Bennett was saying. After this high that we were both on, there was going to be one hell of a low.
“Bennett, we are just enjoying each other's company. She knows that I’m leaving Tabiq soon. I’ve never kept that a secret.”
“And you think that is going to matter when you board that plane for home and leave her behind?” he asked.
I couldn’t imagine her leaving Tabiq. Not with the way she talked about it. She was as loyal to Tabiq as she was to Reesa. I must commend such loyalty, but it was a wall that blocked us from having a future. At least one together.
“I think we need to focus on whatever Reesa called us here for,” I said as we arrived at her office.
“Agreed. She wouldn’t tell me what she wanted to meet us for. I know Finn arrived late last night. Maybe it has to do with my men at the hospital.”
“Maybe we should just go in and find out,” I suggested.
When we got into her office, Reesa asked, “Where is Nurse Meri?”
I grinned and looked at Bennett.Ya. We should’ve seen this coming.
“She’s safe at the resort,” I said.
“That’s good. I’ve gotten word from Mombo and wanted you to be the first to know,” she said.
She had Bennett’s full attention. “What do you mean you got word from him? Did he come to you?”
“No. This letter did.” She handed a note to Bennett.
“I don’t read Tabiqian,” he said and handed it back to her.
Reesa read it.
You have taken away everything we have built. It will be taken back. You cannot stop it. You are just one woman, and we will not stop until you are crushed, and we are back in power.
That sounded like a death threat to me. And I could tell Reesa was distraught even just reading it to us.
“Bennett, if you and your men stopped them once, you should be able to do so again, right?” I asked.
He didn’t seem to want to answer that question.
“Please, Bennett. Tell me what you’re thinking,” Reesa pleaded.
“I know you don’t have the facts from what happened the first time. But we knew who the enemy was. It was a clear-cut line between the good people of Tabiq and the ones who meant harm. They were bold and overly confident, so it was as though they wore a target on their backs. But this is something different. They are hiding among the people, pretending to want peace and growth, when in fact, they are just waiting for the opportunity to turn back time and instill fear all over again. We can’t wage a war on the people. Innocent people will be hurt. We need to know who they are, and only then, make our move,” he said.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was as though Bennett thought that they might lose. I’d never heard him talk like that before. But if he was right, and Tabiq was about to fall back into the old ways, so many people would suffer.
Meri. You can't stay here. Not if that is about to happen. You’ve got to come with me. I can’t leave you behind.
“Bennett, I must ask you a question. And I would like an honest answer,” she said.
“That is something I can give you. What is it?” he asked.
“Do you think I should step down as president? Will that keep Tabiq safe?” she asked.
“No!” I answered her. Bennett shot me a warning look not to get too involved, but I needed to. “You hired me to help you, then let me do that.”
“Ryker, you’re not a soldier.”
“No. But I do know that when your competitor is feeling weak and beaten, they always take one last stab to bring down the leader before they fall. I believe they are afraid if they don’t act now, then they won’t have another chance,” I said. “That last thing you should do is cower. I know it’s easy for me to say, but this is when you need to be your strongest. This is the time you need to make your speech to the people. Bring them together.”
