Now, the question was why the hell had they been taken? These people had shown they would kill without mercy, and his heart ached for what had happened to the police officer. They had tried to save her life, but instead were responsible for her death. Yes, she had given up the pursuit thanks to them, but if they hadn’t been chasing Vida, there would never have been a pursuit. That poor woman would have gone home to her family, enjoyed a long, happy, healthy life.

  But now she was dead, a void left in a family, no thanks to them.

  He wasn’t sure why they always ran toward the trouble. He had certainly never been one to run away. Part of that came from being a professor that took his students to dangerous parts of the world. He was responsible for them, so when one of them got hurt or got themselves in trouble, he’d have to intervene and not show any fear.

  Until the events in Peru, however, there had never been any serious danger in his civilian life. He had seen limited action as a National Guardsman in his youth, but over the past few years, trouble just seemed to find him.

  Or them.

  Laura was as bad as he was with always wanting to do the right thing. His theory was that it had something to do with her brother. She blamed herself for his death. Laura had never shared what had happened the day he died at one of her dig sites. Her desire to rush in to save someone in trouble could be because she thought she hadn’t done enough to save her brother. He was certain it was nonsense, that there was nothing she could have done to save him, but it was a subject only ever referred to peripherally.

  Whatever the reason, they both enabled each other. They really should learn to back off, and had even discussed pulling back from their international escapades and living a simple life as professors in Maryland.

  But they always dismissed the idea.

  Their lives were exciting, and as long as they were helping people, then why stop? People died every day, some from heart attacks because they sat on a couch all their lives, some hit by a bus as they rushed across the street to grab a coffee to keep them going a bit longer. If they died trying to save someone else, trying to do the right thing, then so be it. He just prayed that if Laura died, he’d die with her, because he couldn’t imagine living life without her.

  But today, a police officer was dead because of their meddling.

  He cursed at himself. That was bullshit. A police officer was dead because bad people had stolen a lot of money and had killed her while making their escape. Yes, he and Laura had given chase creating the immediate circumstances, but if everyone went through life stopping themselves from doing the right thing because of what might happen, you might as well shut down every police force in the world.

  Pursuing Vida had been the right thing to do. The blood of the police officer wasn’t on his or Laura’s hands, it was on Vida’s and whomever she was working with or for. He would mourn the officer’s death when he had time, but he wasn’t accepting blame for what had happened. He would make certain any family she might be responsible for would be well provided for when this was all done.

  Assuming we survive.

  The man who had been talking said something, merely a few words, and a strange sound started. It was followed by several different beeping sounds and alarms, then something whined as an engine roared to life. It wasn’t until the thumping started overhead that he realized where they were, and his heart hammered with the implications.

  They were in a helicopter.

  Nobody said anything as they lifted off, though Laura’s body tensed beside him. Helicopters had limited range, and he wasn’t sure why they were in one. He had to guess this was merely transportation to the next stage of the escape plan. He wasn’t sure what their destination might be. His only fear now was what their captors might do to them once they arrived, for these weren’t simply thieves.

  These were proven coldblooded murderers.

  35 |

  Shooting Scene Vienna, Austria

  Reading ended his call with Leroux, thankful there were now experienced people assisting in the investigation, people accustomed to thinking of the big picture, and had the resources to track people internationally. He was certain that’s what was going on here. Vida and the others would get themselves out of Europe as quickly as possible, and the local Viennese police weren’t equipped to deal with something like that.

  This would all have to be dealt with fast. They had to find out what plane they were on, where it was headed, then take them down on the ground with or without the cooperation of local authorities. Likely without, if they were headed for a non-extradition country. It could get ugly, and his friends’ lives could be put at risk, though that was assuming they weren’t already dead by the time the plane landed.

  He sighed heavily. It was all supposition. For all he knew, those behind this were boarding a train and heading for France. With the money and resources that had to have been put behind this, they could be wearing disguises and traveling on new identities.

  “What are you thinking?” asked Spencer, now sitting beside him on the bench.

  Reading frowned. “I’m thinking there’s nothing I can do to save my friends.”

  “You’ve already saved them if they can be.”

  Reading regarded his son. “What do you mean?”

  “You got the CIA involved. If anybody can save them, it’s them. We’re just coppers. Our job is to solve the crimes, so I suggest that’s what we do. Leave Jim and Laura to the CIA. Let’s solve this crime here, so we know who did this and can bring them to justice and maybe even recover the money.”

  Reading smiled at his son and slapped him on the knee. “You’re absolutely right. Enough wallowing in self-pity and blame.” His phone vibrated and he checked the message. It was from his partner, Michelle.

  You are now officially the Interpol liaison for this investigation.

  He smiled and held up the phone for Spencer. “Now we can officially meddle.” He rose and headed over to Winter, who was speaking with several of his colleagues.

  Winter acknowledged him. “Agent Reading. You seemed to be having an intense conversation. Were your sources able to provide any useful information?”

  Reading shook his head, deciding his “sources” should remain anonymous. “No, but they’ll be keeping an eye out for anything.” He wagged his phone. “I’ve just been named the official liaison for Interpol for this investigation.”

  “Excellent. I’d rather be dealing with someone I don’t need to bring up to speed, and someone who hasn’t been a bureaucrat his entire life.”

  Reading eyed him. “Excuse me?”

  Winter chuckled. “While you were on the phone, your son told me you’re an ex-Scotland Yard DCI.”

  “That’s true.”

  “Then I’m working with a kindred spirit with access to more resources than I have, should this go international. Now, as a Detective Chief Inspector with at least a decade more experience than me, what would you do?”

  “I’d be finding out if Meitner is still alive, then interviewing him. He’s a man with a massive amount of resources who is extremely motivated. We need him on our side and working with us.”

  “Agreed. I’ve already found out where they took him. I’ve been assured he’s alive and well, and is eager to discuss the situation with us, especially you. In fact, he’s insisting on talking with you. Do you know why that is?”

  Reading shrugged. “I doubt it’s my charming demeanor.”

  Spencer snorted.

  “If I had to hazard a guess, it would be because we’ve met. He knows I’m friends with Laura Palmer, whom he trusts, and he probably had me checked out before I even arrived in your country.”

  “So, he already knows he can trust you.”

  “That would be my guess.”

  “Then let’s go and take advantage of that trust. We need information, and at the moment, we have next to nothing.”

  36 |

  Unknown Location

  Acton loved the smell of jet fuel. There was just something about it that brought a smile and quickened his pulse. Perhaps it was the fact that throughout his life, it meant he was going somewhere exciting, somewhere exotic, somewhere that held adventure. And an equal number of times, it meant heading home to all he knew and loved.

  But today, it brought none of those sweet memories. Instead, it meant he had been right. They had been heading for an airport, and now, potentially, their final moments should their kidnappers feel they were no longer needed.

  Something was slightly off, however. The helicopter had powered down and the doors had been opened, and though there was that smell of jet fuel, no planes were taking off. It meant one of two things. Either the power was out here as well, which he doubted, or they were at a small airport, which was far more likely. Effecting an escape from a major airport would be difficult for their captors. There was too much security. A small private airport with a charter airplane? He had seen it before, and he had little doubt he’d see it again, should they survive the day.

  “Let’s go,” ordered a gruff voice.

  Acton continued to play possum. If he forced them to carry him, it could delay them an extra minute or two, and a minute or two, in this situation, could make all the difference if their friends were searching for them.

  Something cold was pressed against his temple. “You don’t think I know you’re awake? Your breathing changed, you idiot. Get out now, or I do to you what I did to that cop.”

  Acton opened his eyes and shrugged. “It was worth a try.”

  The man stepped back and Acton glanced over at Laura, flashing her a smile as she climbed out the other side. He stepped out into the night, taking in the scene, confirming they were indeed at a small airport, a Dassault Falcon 7X idling nearby.

  Vida strode silently toward the steps and climbed them, disappearing inside the jet as the men and the chopper pilot led him and Laura at gunpoint. His heart was hammering, and he struggled to control the adrenaline pumping into his system. The good news was that it appeared they weren’t about to be executed and their captors felt having them alive was still useful, though once they were on that plane and in the air, they might never be seen again.

  He just prayed Kane’s people were on the case.

  37 |

  Vienna General Hospital Vienna, Austria

  Meitner sat in his hospital bed, a team from the local office having just arrived, communications gear and laptops being set up that would interface with a large mobile unit now parked outside. After a small argument with Dr. Rainer, it was agreed only two people would be in the room to facilitate things.

  There was a knock at the door and Michelle entered, pushing a cart. “Hey, Grandpa, your food is here!”

  Meitner perked up. He was starving, having refused anything offered by the hospital, knowing Chef Stephan was preparing him something exactly to his dietary requirements. Heavy creams and exotic flavors were no longer part of his life. He had lost the stomach for them years ago. Bland, nutritious, easy on the system were the order of the day.

  Though nothing said it couldn’t still be a work of art.

  She pushed his tray table in position then loaded it with the dishes from the hotel. She removed the covers and was presented with a visual feast, the bright pinks of a seared salmon, the brilliant oranges of baby carrots, the golden browns of fingerling potatoes, and the brilliant greens of string beans bringing a smile.

  “And the others?”

  “Staff from the hotel are serving the first batch now. More is on the way.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Eat, Grandpa, I know you’re hungry. Everyone else will be taken care of, but the founder of the feast shouldn’t be kept waiting.”

  He chuckled. “You’re right, of course.” He attacked his plate, nothing on it requiring a knife, which was just the way he liked things these days, it wouldn’t be long before someone would have to feed him, and once that day came, he wouldn’t be long for this earth. Death didn’t frighten him. He had seen enough of it in his life. He had outlasted his wife, outlasted his son, and in his youth, he had seen more death than anyone should in a lifetime. If everything had gone as planned tonight, he could have died tomorrow a content man, but now with his entire life’s work stolen, he was certain he could never rest in peace until the matter was resolved.

  He wasn’t certain what to pray for. Justice, recovery of the money, or both. If he could have just one, it would be getting the money back. That $22 billion could do so much for so many. Was helping millions of people more important than bringing one, perhaps a few, to justice? He had to believe that helping people was more important, though if God would do him the favor of granting him both, he’d be forever grateful.

  He chewed one of his carrots, pleased they were over-cooked as instructed. They could be mushed with a fork if he wanted, rather than served crunchy as they should normally be, but the flavor was all there. Simple, basic, delicious.

  The door opened and Bernie entered with a huge smile. Meitner swallowed and took a drink of water. “What has you so happy?”

  Bernie wagged his tablet. “Word is out all over social media about what happened.”

  “And that pleases you?”

  “Yes, and I think it’ll please you as well.” He held out the tablet with the breaking news headline from the BBC.

  World’s Billionaires step up to do the right thing.

  Meitner glanced at a list of names that had already pledged donations that more than replaced the amount stolen. He closed his eyes, feeling the burn for a moment as his heart monitor beeped a little faster.

  It had worked.

  A smile spread as he opened his eyes.

  “See, I told you you’d be pleased.”

  Meitner stabbed a potato. “You were right.” He chewed then swallowed. “Now, tell me what you found out about Miss Vida?”

  “Everything your granddaughter told you matches up with the security check that was run against her when we hired her.” Bernie scrolled through the file on his tablet. “She’s been active on the convention scene for years. All of her letters of references checked out, no criminal record, no red flags. Keep in mind, this was a cursory check. There wasn’t any time to really do a deep dive.”

  “Get the security team back on it. I want that deep dive done.”

  “At once, sir.” Bernie tapped away on the display, sending a message.

  One of the people setting up the equipment cleared his throat. “We’re online, sir.”

  Meitner turned his attention to the two-man team. “Do we have a link established with the Control Center at the venue?”

  “No, sir. Power is still out there, and even if it weren’t, no connection is possible for security reasons. We only had one port open, and it was configured to only allow your bank to communicate with our internal network.”

  “Do we have any idea where the money actually went?”

  “No, sir, and we won’t be able to find out until we can get in there. The information should be on the computer that did the transfers.”

  Meitner cursed. “We need the memory stick. It had all the account numbers on it. I need to know if they used that list to do the transfers. If they did, then the account numbers were changed before I handed it over. If they didn’t, then it was done after the fact.”

  Bernie shook his head. “I checked everything earlier today then handed it directly to you. There’s no way those numbers were changed before you handed them over.”

  Meitner nodded. “You know I trust you one-hundred percent, but let’s just reconfirm that the list you were verifying against was accurate and hadn’t been switched out.”

  Bernie paled slightly. “I never thought to check.”

  “Nor should you have. None of us anticipated anything like this. We protected against attacks from the outside. None of us ever considered an inside job.” He growled in frustration. “And we’re still assuming that it is.” He pointed at Bernie. “Get the list checked to make sure it’s the right list. You should only need to confirm a few of the charities because nobody got their money except the first two, and they were the test runs to make sure the system was working. If even one of the other account numbers matches, we know you were working from the wrong list. But your number one priority is finding that memory stick. Talk to the authorities. See if we can get one of our people back in the room just to retrieve it. And get the workstation that was being used to coordinate the transfers while you’re at it.”

  “Yes, sir.” Bernie headed out of the room then reappeared a moment later. “Holly would like to see you, sir.”

  Meitner frowned. He didn’t have the time or patience for another argument, but he had made a promise to himself years ago that family always came first. “Show her in.” Bernie pulled open the door and Holly stepped inside as contrite as he had ever seen her. Her eyes were red, her cheeks were tear-stained, and her left hand clasped two fingers from her right.

  And his heart broke at what he had done.

  “I’m sorry, Grandpa.”

  His chest tightened and he held out his arms. She rushed forward and dropped onto him, hugging and sobbing as he held her.

  “I’m so sorry. I’ve just been under so much stress. I’ve been scared to tell you.”

  He let her go and she stood back up. He patted the side of the bed and she perched on it. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on? The truth.”

  She sniffed hard and squared her shoulders but couldn’t make eye contact with him. “Almost all the money is gone.”

  His eyes shot wide and his jaw dropped, his heart monitor ramping up. But he held his tongue, controlling his anger. “How is that even possible?”

  “My husband’s an idiot.”

  He grunted. “I told you that the day you announced you were marrying him.”

  She sighed. “I know. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have married him, but at the time, I was so lonely, I was desperate for someone to love me. Let’s be honest, I’m not a very likable person, though in my defense, a lot of that is because I’ve been hurt so often.” She gasped, biting a knuckle. “I’m not the prettiest girl out there.”

 

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