Ziva was glad to put a face with the name. She’d heard Doug talking to him, and from what she’d gathered, he was also the man behind the long-range rifle. A good man to know.
She turned her focus back to the woman Bennett had in tow. “And her?”
“Probably best I don’t tell you.”
Ziva shot her a warning look. They had much to work through. If they had been honest from day one, they might never have been held captive. Ziva wanted a fresh start. He’d asked her to trust him. That would require trust from both of them; it wasn’t something that came easily to either one.
Her voice pleaded with him as she said, “No more secrets, Alex.” He looked her in the eyes, and she hoped he saw the need for the truth.
Alex nodded. “She’s the sick bit—person behind all the horrible things happening to the women in Tabiq.”
“Her?” Ziva couldn’t believe it. She looked prim and proper and maybe thirty-five years old, at most. There was no way she could order such brutality to the people here. Ziva said, “Please put me down.” Alex did as she requested.
She walked over and stood face to face with the woman. “What’s your name?”
She didn’t answer the question but instead said, “How disappointing to see you’re still alive.”
Ziva knew then Alex hadn’t exaggerated. She couldn’t believe the woman’s audacity. “My name is Ziva Gryzb. I’ve waited a long time for this moment. She curled up her fist, and with all her strength, brought her right arm up and rammed it directly into the woman’s left cheek. The woman’s head snapped back, her eyes rolled back, and she fell to the ground. “That’s for all girls I couldn’t save.”
Ziva couldn’t believe she’d physically assaulted someone. Bennett had a big grin on his face. Alex wasn’t moving either. She went to check for a pulse when Alex stopped her.
“Leave her.”
“Is she...”
“Dead?” Bennett answered.
Ziva nodded. She never wanted to hurt another human. No matter what they’ve done. I want to be the best me I can be.
Alex pulled her close. “She’s not dead, Ziva, just out cold.”
“Nice right hook. I think you left a lasting impression on viper lady. She won’t forget your name,” Bennett said as he bent down, scooped the woman up, and placed her over his shoulder. “I’ll go and pretend I care what happens to her. You two commence your reunion.”
When Bennett was out of earshot, Alex lifted her off the ground, squeezed her tightly, and said, “You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”
She choked out, “Not as happy as I am to see you.”
“I say we take one of the choppers and debate this privately.”
Her pulse raced for an entirely different reason as he slipped an arm beneath her legs and carried her away from where everyone else had been waiting. “Your brothers. They’re waiting for you.”
“Let them wait. Right now, you’re the only person I need to see.”
Alex placed her gently into the chopper he’d just disembarked. “Where are we going?”
Alex gave the pilot instructions. It was a place she’d never heard of. “We’re heading to an island not far from yours, but far enough away not to be disturbed.”
Since they weren’t flying commercial, Alex bypassed the travel restrictions commonly faced when coming and going from Tabiq. It was a reminder that his name still carried power. Something she didn’t have. It was something she didn’t want to focus on now. If they only had a short time to escape from reality, she was going to grab that opportunity with both hands. And make any happiness I find carry me through with some sweet memories later.
“As long as I’m with you, any place is perfect.” She found the island of Tabiq beautiful, but she didn’t want to be there with him now. Someplace neutral was perfect. And someplace private is even better.
He didn’t takeher far, only out of the reach from anyone wishing her harm. As they flew, Ziva slept snuggled in his arms. It was wonderful holding her quietly for hours. He dozed off himself. His body was tired, but he couldn’t relax completely. There was too much he wanted to ask and needed to say.
When they walked down a lush green path, he held her hand so she didn’t slip. He hoped she wasn’t disappointed by not being at some fancy hotel with an ultra-soft bed. That wasn’t his style.
He heard crashing water as they neared the site. He turned and peeked at Ziva, who smiled. I guessed right.
They turned the bend and came upon a waterfall that ran into a secluded pond. He’d found this location years ago by accident. He knew he’d return someday and purchased the small island right then. Unfortunately, the opportunity to return hadn’t presented itself. Until now.