Sarah leaned back against the headboard. Dylan held her hand. “But I still don’t understand,” she said. “Why’s Natalia dead?”
“Mikhail was saying that she was some sort of double-agent. She married Orlov so she could spy for a Russian anti-government group.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I guess Orlov found out her true identity and panicked. Apparently she was screwing me for information.”
Sarah chuckled. “God, it’s like James Bond.”
“I don’t feel much like James Bond.”
“So what were you going to tell me about Ivan?”
Dylan ran his fingers through his hair. Sarah could see he was trying to be strong and hold everything together. He gazed deeply into her eyes. “Brace yourself, Sarah… Ivan’s not really dead.”
Reality warped around her. “What?”
“Yeah, I know… Look, he had these Saudis trailing him, because he and this other guy invented a device… Did you ever meet Tariq?”
Sarah’s memory raced back in time. “I’m not sure… I can’t think straight…”
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. So, the only way they could shake off the bad guys was to fake their own deaths – which is what they did. But now it seems the Russians have managed to find a little piece of the blueprint for the device. I need Ivan’s guidance on this. I’m going to go see him first thing in the morning.”
“Where is he? In the UK?”
“Yeah, he’s staying in Essex. In hiding, obviously. You’ll come with me. And Joseph, too. You’re both involved in this and I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I can’t Dylan – I need to get back to work.”
“No, Sarah, you’re coming with me.”
She rankled. “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do.”
“Your life could be in danger here, sweetheart – I’m not trying to oppress you. Jesus.”
“Sorry, I know… But what about the hotel? I can’t just leave.”
“Surely you must have some annual leave? Call your boss and tell her that you urgently want some time off. Tell her the future of humanity depends on it.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure she’ll believe that, won’t she?”
Dylan leaned over and kissed her. “The truth is, I need you by my side, Sarah. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too. But I don’t know… me and you? Maybe the past should be left there.”
“Well, at least you’re open to negotiations. I will win you, you know.”
“I’m not a business contract.”
“No. But it could be kinda cool if we gave it another shot... just think about my offer, okay?”
“Offer?” She smirked. “You’re so sentimental, aren’t you?”
He wrapped her up in his arms. “Sarah, everything you want will be provided for. But I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “Okay, I’ll tell my boss I need a holiday. I’ll say I’m helping the police with their investigations after what happened to Natalia. The deputy manager can take over for a while. I guess that’ll have to do.”
“Alright, good. Now come here.”