He woke with a start when he heard the door being opened. He instinctively reached out for Kenann. She was awake and watching him. Angelo stood glaring at them from the foot of the bed. Danny Mac sat up against the headboard and pulled Kenann close to him. He was sending a clear message that ‘this woman is under my protection’.
“She wants to see you.”
“Let’s go Kenann.”
“No. She said to leave her here.”
“Not an option. She will not leave my side.”
“Danny Boy, you can come easy or you can come hard. It makes no difference to me.”
“Angelo, I’m not trying to play hard ball. Kenann is my responsibility. She is in this mess because of me and I am not leaving her. Now I’m sure whatever Katerina has in mind for me doesn’t include me having knots all over my head. At least not yet.”
Angelo considered this for a moment. “Then you can deal with Katerina. I’m tired of her tongue taking the hide off my bone.”
“That is one thing we can certainly agree on.” Kenann observed a hint of a smile play at the corners of Angelo’s mouth and mentally filed it away. Danny Mac noticed it too and drew hope from it.
Danny Mac continued, “Well, let’s get this over with.” Taking Kenann’s hand, he pulled her with him out of the bed.
As they made their way back down the hallway, Kenann lowered her voice to a growl, “I am not your responsibility. I can take care of myself.”
‘You know what, I believe you can. But I’m still going to look out for you so deal with it.”
Before she could reply they had arrived at Katerina’s suite of rooms. She was lounging on the couch when she called for them to enter. She had changed into an oriental number designed to entice. No question what she had in mind when she had summoned Danny. The fury on her face at being thwarted was also clearly evident. She came off the couch with a flourish.
“I gave explicit orders, Angelo. Are you such a fool you cannot do even this without failing?”
“You cannot blame Angelo, Katerina. Like the good soldier he is, he weighed the options and chose wisely.” Angelo’s only reaction was a slight lifting of one eyebrow.
“And what were these options, Danny Boy?’ Her soft voice belied her anger.
“Either I came with Kenann or I didn’t come.”
“You are pushing me, Danny. I will not tolerate this for long.”
“And as I explained to Angelo, I plan to cooperate with you fully as long as I am assured of Kenann’s safety. Wasn’t that your reasoning for bringing her into this?”
She glared at him in response. He was using her own strategy against her. He had her in a box and she knew it. Danny Mac went on.
“I will not give you any resistance except where Kenann is concerned. If I don’t feel comfortable about her, I will dig in and fight. Now, can we get down to business?”
“I give the orders here, Danny Boy.” An awkward silence ensued until she whirled and led the way into the dining area of the suite. Large windows overlooked the city. Kenann felt a thrill despite herself at being back in Egypt. Danny Mac pulled a chair out for her and sat down close to her. It was obvious he was not letting her get two feet away from him. Danny Mac could feel the tightrope he was walking. If he played it too hard or too soft, he could lose the delicate balance and Kenann would pay the price. He remembered all too keenly what cruelty Katerina could dish out if he so much as blinked. He waited for her to speak.
“We have been very busy since we last saw you, Danny Boy.” He acknowledged this with an imperceptible nod of his head.
“Angelo had the foresight to join forces with us. Unlike you, he realized there are no good guys or bad guys. Only smart ones. You Americans make so much of groups like Al Qaida, the Taliban and ISIS. We have discovered an organization so powerful it defies description.”
Katerina’s face glowed. “All of civilization is being controlled by the people of whom I speak. You see terrorists in turbans and robes, when your real enemies walk among you daily in suits carrying laptops and mothers who drive children to soccer practice.”
“Katerina, spare me the social lecture and tell me what you want me to do.” Danny hoped to keep her off balance and somehow maintain an edge. He could tell he had broken her stride, but not for long.
“Oh, you think you have the upper hand, don’t you Danny Boy? We traveled half way around the world to bring you to us. That makes you valuable. In that you are right but think ahead lover. You are mine now. No going back. And no escape now for your little girlfriend either. If you remain useful to me, she lives. And when you stop being useful, I will take great pleasure destroying both of you slowly and painfully.”
“Yeah, Katerina I get it.”
Her eyes narrowed to slits. She could not shake him or make him show an ounce of fear. But isn’t that why she had sent for him? She had always desired his steely courage and sharp mind. So be it. But he would not always be so bold. She would make sure of it.
“We have discussed enough for tonight.”
“But we’re just getting started.”
“Enough!” She could feel her control slipping.
“Maybe you’re right Katerina, you seem a little tense. Perhaps a little rest will do us all some good. Could I prevail upon you for some clothing and toiletries for myself and Kenann?”
“See to it.” She gestured to Angelo and then waved them all away in sharp strident movements.
When they were back in the hallway Angelo scoffed, “You have more guts than brains, Danny Boy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t try that innocent act with me. You were deliberately antagonizing her. That is very dangerous.”
“Are you worried about me, Angelo?”
He barked a laugh. “This is not about you. She is like a viper. When she is riled, she strikes at whomever stands closest. For years I have dreamed of your undoing. I will relish watching Katerina sink her fangs into you.”
He switched to Arabic and his voice purred, “And when she has had her fill of you, I will take my fill of your little lion cub.”
Danny replied in Arabic. “If you have any decency, you will not dishonor her in any way.”
Angelo faltered a moment and seemed embarrassed but quickly shook it off laughing nervously. “Don’t you know, Danny Boy? There really is no honor among thieves.”
They had reached the room and Angelo ushered them in. “I’ll send a woman to get your sizes. Tell her anything you need.”
“How will we pay for them?”
“Oh, it’s all on Katerina. She has big plans for you Danny Boy. And don’t bother trying to bribe the lady. She works for us.” He backed out locking the door with a key. Danny and Kenann both stood staring at the door, deep in their own thoughts. Kenann was the first to move. Putting the length of the room between them she turned and asked, “How do you know Katerina?”
She saw his back muscles tense ever so slightly beneath his white shirt. He turned and looked at Kenann debating how much to tell her and decided.
“She and I worked together as an assassins’ team.”
“And?”
“We were lovers.”
“She hopes to renew your acquaintance, you know.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Tempted?”
“Did I look tempted?’
Kenann suddenly burst out laughing and flopped on the bed.
“No and I have to say that warmed the cockles of my heart - whatever cockles are.”
Danny felt the grin spread across his face. “Why so chipper?”
“Oh, get real?” She effected a perfect impersonation of Katerina’s throaty voice, “Hello Danny Boy. I’ve missed you.”
Kenann giggled. “She expected you to form a puddle at her feet. Way to go, man. You shut her down big time - like a big block of ice.”
“Thank you, I think.”
He sat down next to her on the bed and leaning next to her ear and whispered
, “I haven’t had time to search the room, but we have to assume we are being listened to and probably videotaped. She started to bolt off the bed looking up at the ceiling. Danny caught her in his arms and kissed her before she could get up. He meant to merely distract her but once he started, he took it deeper despite himself.
He felt her go limp against him as she responded to him. When he finally broke contact he laid his forehead on hers.
She mumbled, “If that was supposed to calm me down, it failed.”
“What did it do?” Danny Mac asked quietly, pulling back to look her in the eye. She looked back for several seconds and then shook her head as if to break the spell she had been about to go under.
Kenann affected her best southern drawl. “Why Danny Mac, I do believe you are trying to flirt with me.”
Before he could respond, the key in the lock turned and a tall raw-boned black woman entered, sporting the hotel concierge name plate and notebook in hand. She was followed by a man pushing a cart covered in white cloth. She quickly and efficiently took their sizes and a list of their personal needs. She left without any indication this process was out of the ordinary. They heard the now familiar click of the door being locked from the outside.
They both dashed to the cart and were pleased to find smoked salmon, roast beef, cheeses and something Kenann couldn’t identify but dove into, nonetheless.
When they were sated, Kenann asked Danny Mac, “What time is it anyway?” He checked his watch.
“Well, it’s 9 o’clock Memphis time but to tell you the truth I don’t know if that’s pm or am. I am about to drop so I say we go to bed until we are summoned again.”
They turned as if on cue to look at the one king size bed dominating the room. Kenann sighed, “I suppose we better establish some boundaries.”
Danny moved to her quickly and pulled her into his arms lowering his voice against her ear. “Don’t give our platonic relationship away, Kenann. They think we’re lovers.”
“Is that why you keep kissing me?’ she whispered.
“Partly.” He gave her a wicked grin that had served him well with women all his life. Kenann felt her heart flip. He really was flirting with her. Why? Was he relieving stress, using her as a diversion? She knew their relationship had grown into a loving friendship, but this new behavior was throwing her a curve she wasn’t sure how to handle. When all else failed her, she reverted to humor.
“At last. I was born to be an actress.”
Danny Mac felt irritation rise. Did she have to manufacture sexual attraction for him? He pulled back and gripped her shoulders tighter than he realized.
“Yes, darling by all means let’s do that.”
He turned and called over his shoulder. “I’m taking a shower.” He jerked one of the hotel robes off the hanger and stalked into the bathroom.
Kenann looked after him. She stopped herself from speaking out loud but questioned herself silently, What’s his problem?
When he returned wrapped in the soft white robe towel drying his hair, he seemed calmer.
Kenann took her robe from its hanger and adopted a light tone, “Next.”
“Watch the water. It gets pretty hot.”
“Thanks.” She hesitated, wanting desperately to return them to their easy footing but didn’t understand what had changed, so she just went in and shut the door. When she came out the overhead light was off, replaced by the lamp on her side of the bed. Danny was already asleep. She sat down and watched the rise and fall of his even breathing. She was puzzled by his sudden change in mood. But she decided to cut him a break. He was under a lot of pressure and even though he seemed cool and confidant she figured he was entitled to be a little testy at times. She turned the light out and crawled under the covers. Since Danny was hugging the edge of his side of the bed, she followed suit and was soon fast asleep. When her breathing evened out Danny turned on his back and stared at the ceiling.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
When Judy had called her parents, they knew instantly she was different. She sounded like their little girl again. They had learned not to press her, so they didn’t ask what had happened to prompt this call and a return to her easy affection. She told them she was going on a trip.
“Who will you be going with honey?” Her mom wanted to know.
“Oh, it’s one of those group things.”
“That’s good dear. They are much safer. Where will you be going?”
“The Mediterranean.”
“I’m so glad, sweetheart. You work so hard. Will you call us when you return?”
“Sure, Mom.” She paused. “I love you.”
“Oh baby, I love you too.”
“Is Dad there?’
“Yes, would you like to talk to him?’
“Yeah.” She could tell her mother covered the phone and called urgently to her Dad who was probably kicked back in his recliner watching Wheel of Fortune.
“Hello, cupcake.”
Judy felt a lump constricting her voice. “Hi Daddy.”
“Is anything wrong?”
“No, Daddy. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Thank you for always being there. I know I haven’t always been the easiest person to deal with.”
“We’ve worried about you.”
“I know. And we’ll talk about it soon, but I wanted you to know I’m getting some things sorted out. I’m going on a trip. Mom will fill you in. When I get back, I’ll come home and we’ll talk okay.”
“We’ll be here, cupcake.” After they said their good-byes and hung up, Judy sat there for a few minutes. She felt energized. She was reclaiming her life. A smile spread across her face.
Mrs. Gage looked up from her desk when Judy came in. “How did it go?”
“Great.”
Mrs. Gage beamed. “Is your work agreeable to your sudden departure?”
“They were ecstatic. They’ve been trying to get me to take a vacation for eons. And I spoke with the Director of Kenann’s counseling agency. I think you were right about telling him the truth. He deals with confidential information as his livelihood, so he can keep a secret even one as unbelievable as this. He knows me from my work next door, so I had credibility. He agreed to cover for her with other staff and assured me her job would be secure when she returns.”
“Good. Everything is proceeding smoothly. We will leave in the morning.”
“What do I need to pack?”
“Bring your own personal items. You will be traveling as yourself. I did not have time to get an altered Passport.”
“Mrs. Gage! Who do you know that alters Passports?”
“There’s a lovely little man in Jackson, Mississippi who does excellent work.”
Judy shook her head in amazement. Mrs. Gage continued, “Once we are settled in Alexandria, I will outfit you with your new persona.”
“You’re the boss. After I get my things, I think I’ll go to Kenann’s. When we get her, I think it will be comforting for her to have some familiar things.”
“How considerate and insightful of you dear.”
Judy smiled shyly. “What are you going to do?”
“Oh, there are plenty of last-minute details to tend to. You run along, dear. We’ll all spend the night here if that is agreeable?”
“Sure.’ Judy let herself out through the kitchen and walked the few blocks back to Kenann’s to pick up her car. She had her key in the lock when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned and was stunned to see Granny James rise from one of the wicker chairs on Kenann’s porch.
“Granny! What are you doing here?”
“Kenann was supposed to call me yesterday. I waited until this morning and when she did not answer her phone, I knew something was wrong. I took the earliest flight I could get out of Charleston and used her address to get a taxi from the airport.”
“How long have you been sitting out here?”
“Oh, about an hour. I figured the preacher who Kenann said lived next door would be h
ome eventually.”
“Oh, Granny.”
“Judy, tell me what’s happened.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Is Kenann alright?”
“She’s not hurt but she’s been taken.”
“Taken! What do you mean taken?”
“Kidnapped, I guess. That’s where it gets complicated.”
“Can we go inside? This heat has about drained me.”
“Of course.” Judy used her key to let them into the main entry hall and on into Kenann’s apartment. She got Mrs. James a glass of tea from Kenann’s refrigerator.
“What happened, Judy?”
“Well, Kenann went to Mrs. Gage’s party Saturday night. While she was there, she was grabbed by a man in the garden but Danny Mac, the preacher, he rescued her but later on both of them were taken.”
“Judy, this is unthinkable. Who would want to kidnap them?”
“Some group that knew Danny Mac from his military days. They took Kenann, I think, to make Danny Mac cooperate.”
“Do you know where they have taken them?”
“We think its Alexandria, Egypt.”
“What?”
“I know it all seems pretty bizarre, but Mrs. Gage has taken charge and organized a rescue party. We are going after them.”
“Take me to Mrs. Gage.”
“Okay.” Judy drew the word out with a sinking feeling.
“I’m going with you.”
“Now, Granny.”
“Don’t you now Granny me. If you think I’m going to sit by and let someone else go after my baby you’ve got another thing coming.”
“Okay, okay. Just let me get some things from Kenann’s room.” She packed a small bag and helped Granny carry her own small suitcase out to her car. She ran by her place for a few things and then drove them the short distance back to Mrs. Gage’s mansion.
“Oh my,’ was the only thing Granny said when they pulled up in front. Judy had planned to take Granny’s elbow going up the wide front steps, but she skipped up them while Judy tried to catch up. Granny rang the doorbell before Judy could tell her to go on in.
Once, a Long Time Ago Page 9
