City doesn’t allow rooftop helipads, but this one has special permission and we’ve been cleared to land there today.”
They followed him to the large helicopter and climbed inside. This was not like the bare-bones cargo jet. The inside had a couch and chairs covered in ivory leather. It was spotless and everything was state-of-the-art. “Is this one of the president’s helicopters?” Peter asked as Crew strapped in.
“Yeah, but it’s just a spare. We hardly use this one. Now, strap in and let’s get you to New York.”
“Who the hell is Miles and how did he and Ryker pull this off?” Skye asked Trent as the blades to the helicopter began to spin. “And where the heck is Rahmi?”
“Uncle Miles was Special Forces and I guess he still has contacts in that world. I’m also thinking I need to ask Ryker more questions about his businesses,” Trent admitted as they all looked out the windows when they lifted off the ground. “My cousins in Kentucky are friends with the Rahmi royal family. It’s a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, so I know that part.”
Skye had met plenty of rich and powerful people. She was America’s Sweetheart after all and that put her in the path of many such people. However, getting diplomatic papers and the president’s spare helicopter? That was a type of power she’d never encountered before.
“Are you ready for court?” Karri asked once they’d been in the air for a while.
Skye took a deep breath and looked up from her phone where her notes were typed out. “I think so. Are you ready to be called if necessary?”
Karri looked to Peter who gave her a silent encouraging smile. “I think so. Peter helped me prepare last night.”
Nerves rattled Skye’s body and she bounced her knee to try to cover for them. “Then let’s do this.”
The New York skyline was familiar to Skye. She’d signed her contract with Jim here. She’d auditioned for numerous roles here as well. For as big as Hollywood was, she and New York were twin entertainment powerhouses.
The helicopter began to approach one of the tallest buildings along the skyline. As they grew closer, it was clear they were landing there. “What’s this building?” Skye asked, but no one knew as they landed on the large helipad.
“Welcome to New York City,” Crew told them as the blades slowed to a stop. “I’ll be staying here and will be at the ready for a quick departure.”
“Thank you, Crew,” Skye told him as the door to the helicopter was opened. And waiting at the base of the stairs stood Ryker. His suit was dark and expensive. The rising sun cast a glowing light over his darkness, but there was no hiding that the man haloed in light was no angel. While Ryker might be her angel, he clearly danced with the devil and that devil stood about four feet behind him.
“What’s up, Seb?” Crew smiled at the devilish man and slapped him on the shoulder.
“Good to see you again, Crew. How’s that girl you were dating?”
Crew rolled his eyes. “You know I can’t be tied down long. Just like you.”
The devil gave a small shrug and then turned his penetrating stare at her. “Skye Jessamine, welcome to my building. I’m Sebastian Abel and this is SA Tech headquarters. I have a private car downstairs to transport you, Miss Hill, and the private security that Mr. Faulkner arranged for you to the courthouse. I have a floor here set aside for your private use. Agent Castle, Sheriff Fox, Crew, Ryker, and Mr. Faulkner can wait there. If there’s anything else I can do for you, please ask one of my assistants who will be sitting at the front desk on the main level.”
“Thank you, Mr. Abel. You didn’t have to go through so much trouble, but it’s very appreciated.”
Sebastian stared at her seriously and gave her a short nod. “Ryker told me you were a fighter. That’s the only reason I agreed. Good day.”
The man turned on his heel and strode inside the automatic glass doors before disappearing into an elevator.
“How did you get Sebastian Abel to agree to this?” Trent asked Ryker before turning to Crew. “And how does a pilot know the world’s largest tech giant?”
Crew shrugged and headed inside.
Ryker didn’t bat an eye as he told them, “We do business together.”
Ryker led the way inside the luxurious office tower. They were greeted by an attractive woman who asked if they wanted anything to drink