nothing better than to help you get these people. But at least he’d know how to keep you safe.”
“What makes you think I can trust him? Some of these organized crime guys have money too. And they’re connected.”
Andy leaned forward on the table, reaching for Kiley’s hands. He squeezed them. “He’s been trying to recruit several of us from the Team to form a kind of Posse Comitatus.”
“Now who’s talking illegal, Andy?”
“I’m not doing it. Some are considering it. That’s probably not the right term, but what I mean to say is he wants to create a force for good. If it can be done, he’ll do it the right way.” He sat back, removing his hands. “You know what they say…the enemy of my enemy is my friend? He hates those guys with a passion. He’d like nothing more than to help others now that he’s got his daughter back.”
Finally, Aimee agreed.
Andy placed the call to Brandy, Tucker’s wife. She gave him Riley’s contact information and the number for a former San Diego policeman who was starting to train to work for Riley, Bryce Tanner. Andy said that Brandy was very reluctant to give out this information.
“But she trusts me. I said it was a matter of life or death, and that you were in love with one of our guys. That was what she cared about the most, just for your information.”
“Sounds like someone I should meet, if I get the chance,” said Kiley.
Aimee stepped into the conversation. “You put any of this in a newspaper when all this blows over, I’ll be coming for you as well.” The stare she gave Kiley scorched her toes.
The three of them headed for Tampa airport in plenty of time to catch the plane. It had been arranged that Colin Riley would send a driver and a car to pick her up at the airport. She said her good-byes and promised to pick up a burner phone in one of the airport shops and give them an update when she landed.
At last, seated by herself in the only open seat she could get, a first-class ticket that cost as much as most people’s mortgage payments, she relaxed and fell asleep.
It was raining when she touched down, which she’d totally expected. It matched the way her insides were feeling. She turned on her cell and left a voice message that she had landed and was headed to the exit outside baggage claim, which was the arranged pickup location. She asked that they forward her new number to Jason and to Mr. Riley and his team.
She decided not to call her editor until she’d had a chance to discuss her situation with Riley. She was one of the first passengers to exit. She traveled down the gangway, approaching the concourse, her computer bag and case strapped over her shoulder. It gave her no joy to be home. It really didn’t feel like home.
A crowd was waiting to board the next flight. There was an airplane representative waiting just outside the entrance.
“Miss Worthington?” the attendant said. Her accent was Russian.
“Yes.”
“Hi, I’m Amanda,” she said, extending her hand. As they shook, the woman continued. “We’ve made some special arrangements for you to exit the terminal with private security for your own safety. Do you have other luggage?”
“No, this is it.”
“Great. Now, if you will follow me.”
Kiley started to walk behind the young woman, and then asked, “This was arranged by Mr. Riley, is that correct?”
Amanda turned and gave a nod. “Yes, ma’am. He wanted to be sure you were kept safe. It’s all been arranged.”
“But what happened to the driver I was to meet down by baggage claim?”
“Oh, we’re working on the approach. The drivers and pickup areas have had to be moved due to the construction. We didn’t want you to have to walk to the other terminal, so he’ll meet you downstairs instead. Much safer.” She wrinkled her nose.
Kiley was surprised Mr. Riley had agreed to come himself.
They walked through a security door and down a stairwell to a private parking lot designated for personal jet travel. Several expensive vehicles were waiting, some attended to by uniformed drivers. She appreciated not having to walk in the rain.
“Can I carry any of your luggage?” Amanda asked.
“No. Thanks. I’m fine.” Kiley clutched her computer bag tight against her body and continued.
“Here we are.”
A black Bentley with blackened windows sat with its motor running. Waiting to open the passenger door was the driver in uniform, including