That’s not actually my biggest concern. Daniela would have to be dead for Valentina’s rights to fully vest. That’s what makes my blood run cold.
“Let’s meet in a remote location outside the US.”
“Agreed. Wheels down to make the exchange, and then we’re out of there. Give me a half an hour to figure it out.”
9
DANIELA
When their noses weren’t buried in tablets, Antonio and Cristiano exchanged concerned looks all the way to the airport.
We’re meeting Gray and Delilah on a private island in the Atlantic. From what little I’ve been able to gather, it’s owned by a college friend of Antonio and Gray’s, named Jake, who is some kind of bourbon king.
No surprise that Antonio and Cristiano were tight-lipped and refused to answer questions with more than a yes, no, we don’t know, or an impatient grunt left for me to decipher. It’s also no surprise that as soon as we boarded the plane, Antonio pawned me off on Monica, the flight attendant, with instructions for me to rest, before holing up in a conference room to work.
One minute I’m numb, and the next I’m jumping out of my skin, anxious for news about Valentina. About thirty minutes after takeoff, I’ve had enough.
I pass Monica on my way to the front of the plane. “Can I help you with something?” she asks.
“I need a word with Antonio.”
She’s still smiling, but it’s forced now. “SenhorHuntsman said he doesn’t want to be disturbed. His instructions were clear. It’s been my experience that he means what he says. But I can get a message to him.”
“Thank you. But this can’t wait.” I’m off before she can say anything else.
It’s a good-sized plane, but I go in the direction that he headed when he left me with Monica. As I turn the corner, there are a few rooms along the hall, but only one has a closed door.
I press my ear against the cool door. For several minutes, I listen, but until the boss raises his voice, it’s little more than a din. Once that happens, the chatter gets louder.
“No,” Antonio barks. “She’s been through enough. You need to know something, I’ll ask her. But unless it’s critical, it’ll have to wait.”
“At this stage, we don’t know what’s critical. She might have information that could be helpful,” Lucas chimes in. “She might not even realize she has it.”
“No.” Antonio’s voice booms, as I turn the handle and open the door.
“I’ll answer whatever questions you have,” I say coolly from the doorway.
All eyes are on me. Even Lucas, who’s on the large screen, is gawking.
“Daniela.”
Antonio’s tone holds a warning that I don’t miss. I doubt anyone else missed it, either. A smart woman would hightail it back to her seat, flip through a magazine, and pretend this never happened.
I look straight at him. “I appreciate your concern. But I’ll do anything to keep Valentina safe, and to find whoever killed Isabel. I understand this is a flagrant act of disobedience. You can punish me when we’re done.”
10
DANIELA
“That’s not how it works.” Antonio glares at me, his eyes flaring with anger—or maybe it’s defeat.
Cristiano is busy studying his fingernails, and Lucas is shuffling papers in the background.
“Is there any word on Valentina?” I ask, ignoring Antonio’s glower.
“They’re close. They’ll contact us as soon as they have her.”
“Ask me whatever you need to know. Don’t hold back.”