by Sofia Grey
“In a minute. Answer the question first.” Jack’s voice was edged with steel.
Yanni rolled his eyes at Juli and sighed. “I met Yves for coffee last week, in Starbucks—”
“You met my father? What the hell for?”
He gave her a patient look. “We meet occasionally for coffee. It’s a free country. Should I continue?”
She bit down a sharp retort and nodded.
“We met in Starbucks. His drink was knocked over by a pretty, young woman. She brought a replacement to our table, and I’m pretty sure it happened then. We were supposed to meet again a few days later, but he didn’t show. When I checked, I was told he’d been rushed to hospital with abdominal pains.”
Juli didn’t know what to think. He met Papa regularly? How—and why—did that come about? As she groped for something sensible, Jack’s voice cut in.
“It’s a big assumption. One spilled coffee doesn’t automatically mean thallium poisoning.”
“True. But if you recall, I’m not telling you everything right now. Explaining how I know this is part of the who-and-why part, when I’m safely out of here.” Yanni looked back at Juli. “Tell them to test his hair follicles for thallium. Insist. They won’t believe you at first.” He licked his lips and smiled. “Any chance of that water now?”
Juli poured a fresh drink for him, and then left the bedroom, Jack hot on her heels. Charlie and Daisy were still on the sofa. They gazed silently at her, with matching hostile expressions, while the doctor stared out of the window.
Juli reached for Jack’s hand and held it tight, feeling his initial reluctance. Through all the confusion swirling around her, one thing was crystal clear. She could not—would not—let this come between her and Jack. He meant too much, for that to happen.
Juli looked up at him, hating the cold look on his face. “What do you think?” she asked. “Could he be telling the truth? And if he is, will they believe me at the hospital?”
Bending down to her level, Jack whispered against her ear. “Who is that?”
She twisted to whisper back. “The doctor Charlie arranged. Should we ask him?”
Jack shook his head in reply. “No.” He straightened and addressed Charlie. “Are you leaving now? We’ll be fine without any medical expertise.”
The doctor looked their way, and Charlie nodded to him. “Thanks. I guess I won’t need that nurse after all. Invoice me in the usual way, okay?”
How was it that Charlie had a tame doctor? Actually, it was none of her business. He’d done what was needed. Yanni was stitched and recovering, thanks to his handiwork.
She needed to think ahead to the hospital. She’d Google thallium first, to be clear about the symptoms and effects, and be ready for an argument with Papa’s doctors. Could she look for evidence of others being poisoned in this way? The name rang a bell. Perhaps she’d read something about it.
And that was another thing—why did Jack come here? He was supposed to be at the hospital with Mum.
“Jack, why did you leave the hospital? How did you find out about this?”
A sombre look flitted across his face, and he squeezed her hand. “Your mom asked me to fetch something from your house. I walked into a robbery in progress. I don’t know how much they took, and I couldn’t stop them, babe. I’m really sorry.”
A robbery? Shit. That really put the icing on the crapcake of a day. “Did you call the police?”
Jack pulled a face. “No. I was worried about you. I didn’t know where you were.”
Which is why he’d called her number so many times. He must have been freaking out. “It’s not been the best day, has it?” She forced a shrug, though she felt like weeping inside. “This is what house insurance is for, right? Nobody got hurt. And everything else is stuff. It’s replaceable. I need to get over there, to see how bad it is.”
“Yeah, but not yet. We need reinforcements first.”
*
Nathan had just finished taking the morning’s riding lessons, when Shaz came storming into the office, brandishing the invoice from the Rhosneigr milkman.
“Bloody rip-off,” she said. “He’s charging us for two pints every day, but only delivering one. I told him he’d messed up the order for this week, but he wouldn’t have it. He still wants us to pay for them.”
Nathan sighed, tossed his hard hat onto the desk, and scratched his head. “How much are we talking about?”
“Five bloody pints this week.”
“Less than ten quid. Is it really worth upsetting the dairy for a tenner? I teach his kids. I can’t afford to lose him as a customer.”
She bristled. “It’s the principle. And besides, every penny counts. I’ve been on half-pay for the last six months, in case you’d forgotten.”
He hadn’t forgotten. He never had the chance; Shaz reminded him on a regular basis. Not for the first time, he toyed with the idea of suggesting she leave, and managing the stables by himself, but it wouldn’t work. He conjured up an appeasing smile. “It’s probably just a mistake somewhere. I’ll call them.”
Shaz tossed the offending invoice onto the desk, and then turned on her heel. Pausing in the doorway, she glanced over her shoulder. “By the way, where did you put Miranda’s blanket?”
Huh? “Haven’t touched it. I thought you were washing and airing them all?”
A puzzled look crossed her face, and she turned back to the desk. “I left three blankets on the line, for Miranda, Podge, and Willow. And now there are only two. Where the hell could it be?”
Nathan was saved any further mystery by the phone’s ringing. It was a lesson, being cancelled for this afternoon. Damn.
With the office quiet again, he sat and stared into the distance. A multitude of problems crowded in. Funds were desperately low, as usual; his fitness was questionable; and he’d won nothing this year. The horsebox needed to be serviced, the vet’s bill was due, and the farmhouse roof was leaking.
The much-needed riding lessons were barely covering the feed bills, let alone wages for Shaz. She lived here—in the middle of nowhere, as she also reminded him on a regular basis—rent free, to make up for it, but she did most of the cooking and housework as well. It was only her long-standing loyalty to him that kept her here.
The middle of nowhere had its attractions, with cost being the major factor. Selling his yard in Cirencester, in the affluent Cotswolds, funded the outright purchase of this smaller yard in Rhosneigr, a quiet Welsh resort. It also provided a dwindling cushion of money.
He hoped the summer tourists would sign up for the day rides and treks he advertised. If they didn’t, he wasn’t sure what to do.
Kate talked about introducing him to her friends, but what were the chances they all wanted to sign up for rides and lessons? So bloody low as to be impossible. He needed a plan.
That felt impossible too.
*
It was times like this that Jack turned to Tanner. They worked together now, running one of the most successful private-security companies in the USA, but Tanner had also been his close friend since their first day in boot camp. Jack, Tanner, and Rico—man, they made a hell of a team.
Within fifteen minutes, Tanner was making plans for a ticket on the next available flight to Heathrow.
The next on Jack’s call list was harder to track down, but not impossible. Aiden Bradley, an agent for a shadowy British intelligence organisation, was a recent associate of theirs. He’d busted his knee badly a few months ago, and although back at work on a part-time basis, he was restricted to a desk job and glad of a distraction. Aiden would go straight to the hospital for a hair sample from Yves. He’d then despatch this to a private lab for independent testing. Swift, secure, and accurate.
They’d soon know whether Yanni’s story held any truth.
Everything had become very complicated. Jack couldn’t risk leaving Yanni alone, so as soon as the hair sample had been delivered, Aiden would come to guard him, leaving Jack free to go with Juli to check out her
house. She called the cops to report the break-in, and they assured her they’d send an officer.
Jack would feel a whole lot more comfortable when Tanner was there to share the load. As to what they did with Yanni… That was entirely dependent on the thallium story. Until the results of the hair sample were known, Yanni stayed put.
The phone calls and planning gave Jack something other than Juli to focus on.
In his head, he kept seeing Yanni touching her arm and smiling at her. How did the guy manipulate her so easily? It was a complete mystery. At work, Juli ran a huge electronics research lab, with almost thirty people reporting to her, and she took no shit from any of them. So how come she listened to Yanni? He messed with her mind before. Or did she forget? Jack took a bullet in his thigh as a result of Yanni’s twisted logic, when Yanni convinced Juli Jack was the enemy.
Jack swore then to kill Yanni.
He still wanted to.
Juli’s hand on his shoulder made him jump.
“Jack, we need to talk. Please don’t shut me out. I need you more than ever.”
He was too tired to watch his words. “I thought you said you needed Yanni, not me.”
It was a cheap blow. He felt mean as soon as he’d spoken. The pain on her face echoed the twist in his stomach.
“You know why I need him. There’s no other reason.”
Her beautiful, green eyes pleaded with him, but Jack shut her out. If he said anything now, he’d likely make things worse, if that was humanly possible.
The silence was uncomfortable, and Jack gave in first. “For God’s sake, why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to. You arrived sooner than I expected.”
He stared at her. As lame excuses went, that was right up there in the rankings. “The trouble is,” he said slowly, “I don’t know if I believe you. I can’t help thinking you were planning to keep him at Charlie’s. I might not have found out until after he’d disappeared into the sunset again. Would the truth have been so hard?”
Her face paled. Her eyes looked huge and shone with unshed tears. “I know I’m in the wrong. I’m not trying to shift any blame—please don’t think that—but since when have you been completely honest with me?”
That stung. “Great response. Divert the argument rather than facing up to it.”
She sighed, ran her hands through her hair and tried again. “Let’s put this to one side. We can argue the details another time. Right now, I need you. Can we call a truce?”
She leaned over him where he sat on the sofa, and her hair brushed against his shoulder. He smelled faint traces of her perfume, and he groaned. He’d not seen her for days, had one bad scare today when he thought he’d lost her, and now he wanted nothing more than to lose himself in her kiss.
“A truce for now,” he ground out. “But you tell me everything later.”
*
Juli’s insides could have been tied in knots. She couldn’t decide if she wanted Yanni to be telling the truth or not. If he was, that opened up a whole new set of questions. She’d drive herself insane, thinking about this. She’d much rather do something, but until Aiden arrived, she had to stay in Charlie’s apartment. Jack wouldn’t hear of her going alone to her house. Not after it had been robbed.
How much had been taken? How much of a mess was there? It was her home, even if she didn’t live there now. The idea of a stranger ransacking it made her want to throw up.
It was a relief to greet Aiden. She gave him a quick hug, and then Jack updated him on the situation. Yanni appeared to be sleeping. He’d lost a lot of blood, and he needed to rest.
And there Juli went again, worrying about him. She wanted to slap herself on the head, to knock out any more thoughts of Yanni.
It was late afternoon when she and Jack finally drove back to her house in Islington. It was a mess inside. Broken glass and china were strewn across the floors, but as Jack pointed out, many of the things she’d expect to be taken were still there. Her flat screen TV, Mum’s jewellery… Weird. Thanks to Aiden’s influence, a couple of officers arrived soon after. They dusted for fingerprints and made notes of the items Juli believed to be stolen, but could do little else.
Jack called for a locksmith to repair the busted lock on the kitchen door, and then they sat and waited, while the police did their stuff.
What would happen next?
Hours later, they drove back to Charlie’s loft, this time with changes of clothing and toiletries, since they might be staying for a few days. Aiden called, and Jack pulled over to a safe place to talk.
His mouth dropped open. He looked stunned as he held out his free hand to Juli. She took it, tangling their fingers together. This was more bad news. She just knew it.
The conversation was short, and Jack didn’t say much. He put the phone down and gazed at her. “It is thallium. Aiden confirmed the initial results of the follicle testing. Yves needs an immediate infusion of Prussian Blue.”
Holy shit. Yanni had—for once—been telling the truth.
Juli was glad she was sitting down. “Will Papa be okay? Did we catch it in time?”
“I don’t know, babe. I guess we need to wait and see.” He hesitated. “There’s something else we need to consider.”
She couldn’t speak.
“If somebody is trying to murder your father, they’ll more than likely try again if he survives.”
What could she say? She covered her mouth with her hand, beyond horrified at the idea.
Jack squeezed her fingers and got her attention. “Aiden has a plan, but he doesn’t think you’ll like it. There’s a secure medical facility in Eastbourne that he wants to transfer Yves to. His details will be kept secret, which means he’ll be safer. Your mom can go with him and stay there while he’s treated.”
“Eastbourne? That’s almost a hundred miles from London. How long will it take to set up?”
“Aiden’s arranging a medical helicopter to pick them up. We should get there in time to see him go.”
“Let’s go. Hurry, please.”
She hated the idea of her parents being further away, but Papa’s health and safety were more important than her feelings. She needed him to get better. A life without her father in it was unthinkable.
They arrived at the hospital in time for Juli to give Mum a hug and promise to visit them soon, in the new facility, and then they headed back to Charlie’s place.
It was late when they arrived, and Juli had to drag herself from the car into the elevator. She needed matchsticks to prop her eyelids open. Jack had to be exhausted too, but he strode by her side, hand meshed tight with hers.
She was desperate for sleep, but went to thank Aiden for his help. She liked Aiden. He fit the profile she imagined for a secret agent. Not just impeccable good looks and absolute confidence, but the crisp Queen’s English voice too.
Aiden greeted Juli with a glass of malt whisky and a sympathetic smile. “This is very difficult for you, I know. It’s all going to get worse before it gets better, I’m afraid.”
“Do you really think he’s in more danger if he survives the poisoning?” Her voice cracked. “If we haven’t caught it in time…” She couldn’t finish the sentence and stared helplessly at him.
“Thallium is the assassin’s choice of poisons. Several high-ranking Russian dissidents have been disposed of with thallium. It’s not something you can accidentally ingest. And until we understand more about what’s going on, we can provide your family with security.”
She nodded. The plan would make more sense once she’d slept.
Charlie’s apartment probably had more space than her entire house. An empty pizza box in the kitchen was evidence of Aiden’s supper, and Juli’s stomach growled. When did she last eat? Dinner last night. No wonder she was hungry.
While she was thinking about food, was Yanni fed, or just left alone? Jack was in the kitchen, in a heated discussion with Aiden, so Juli went to see if Yanni needed anything.
Cracking his b
edroom door open a little, she peered inside. There were no lamps, but the room was bright with pools of reflected lights from outside.
“Your friend doesn’t believe in curtains.”
Yanni’s low voice startled her, and she jumped.
He sprawled against the pillows, half-upright, a smile on his face. “You’re quite safe,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.” He raised his right arm. He’d been handcuffed to the bed frame.
She should have expected that, but it was still a surprise.
There was still a steady rumble of voices from the kitchen, so Juli went into the room and pushed the door closed behind her. “I wondered if you’d been given anything to eat and drink.” It sounded lame. She couldn’t take her eyes off the shiny metal chain.
Yanni inclined his head, the friendly smile still in place. “The prisoner has been fed and watered.” He paused, as though deciding what to say. “I’d appreciate the company, if you’re not busy?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Your friends are cautious. I would be too, in their shoes.” He gazed into her eyes. Even in the twilight, his stare was intense. “I don’t blame you for this, Juli. It was always a gamble, coming to you for help.” He hesitated, his voice soft. “I’m still glad I did.”
Juli heard a noise behind her. The door opened.
Aiden stared at her from the doorway. “I thought I heard voices. You shouldn’t be in here.”
Squaring her shoulders, she walked swiftly into the kitchen, Aiden behind her. Jack met her gaze.
She swallowed and gathered her courage. “Why is Yanni handcuffed to the bed?”
Jack leaned back against the work surface, and folded his arms in front of him. “Why did you go see him?”
“He’s recovering from a vicious knife wound. I wanted to make sure he’d been given something to eat and drink.”
“You don’t need to pay him any attention at all. We’ll be handing him to the authorities soon.”
“I made a deal with him. He’d leave here in return for information, which he’s given us.”
