Page 34 of Storm Warning

“Anything else you want to tell me, Riley?”

“The weird thing about this whole situation is we don’t know why the kidnappers wanted me so much they risked all to take me down in the middle of a mission. For that matter, how did they know where Artemis would be?”

“That is an excellent question to focus on. If you can answer that question, it might lead you to answers for some other issues you’re facing.” Marcus glanced over his shoulder and said something to someone, then turned back. “I’m afraid I’ll have to go for now, Riley. I have another counseling session in fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you for taking so much time for me on short notice, sir.”

“If you need me, call me. Day or night. I’ll be glad to listen and hopefully offer advice that might help. For now, remember you’re a well-trained operative. You are not a helpless victim anymore. The best security company in the business has trained you to defend yourself and your principals, and you have the skills and weapons to do the job. Not only that, you have your team and your man. Andre has your back, Riley, just as you have his. Together, you’re a formidable team.”

Some of the tension and stress dissipated as he spoke. Marcus was right. She wasn’t helpless anymore. She could protect herself and others. Even in the room where she’d been held captive, Riley could have escaped her bonds and defeated her captors. Three against one meant a hard fight. She’d trained for combat against more than one opponent, though. The drug they used to knock her out had slowed her reflexes and wouldhave made defeating the men who held her against her will more difficult.

“Thanks, Marcus.”

“I’ll talk to you later, Riley. Andre?”

“Sir?”

“Take care of your woman.”

“Copy that, sir.”

Marcus ended the call.

Andre helped Riley to her feet and eased her into his arms. He said nothing for several minutes, waiting until her body melted against his. “We need to talk to Maddox before we return to the airport. I don’t want Christopher to overhear this conversation. Do you need a minute, or are you up to seeing the boss?”

She stepped back. “I’m ready.” She’d have to be. Riley wanted to get out of here and back on her home turf as soon as possible.

Andre sent Maddox a message, then returned his phone to his pocket.

Maddox arrived two minutes later. He walked into the room and closed the door. “I received a message from Zane a few minutes ago. You won’t like it.”

Cold chills surged up Riley’s spine. “What did he say?”

“Based on everything he’s found online, there is no proof of abuse in the ambassador’s home. From all appearances, Christopher is an adored and happy child.”

Andre’s hand fisted. “Brent….”

The Fortress CEO held up his hand to stop him. “I know. I’ve seen Chris’s responses, and I recognize the signs of abuse. His responses are like my daughter’s before Rowan and I married, and I adopted her niece as mine. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do without proof unless Chris speaks up. I know he’sspoken to Dr. Sorenson. Do you think he’d be willing to speak to Marcus Lang?”

“I don’t know. All we can do is encourage him to be honest with Marcus.”

Riley straightened. “Chris might be more willing to talk to Marcus if he met him in nonthreatening circumstances.”

“I agree with Riley.” Andre threaded his fingers through hers. “Is there a way to delay Chris’s return to his father long enough to get Marcus to Nashville so he can talk to Chris?”

“It’s possible. I’ll ask. In the meantime, I’ll work on an excuse to keep Christopher with me for a few days.” He walked to the door and twisted the knob. “The jet’s fueled up and ready. Jordan will fly us home as soon as we’re ready.”

Andre glanced at Riley. “Give us a couple of minutes, sir. Then we’ll be ready to leave.”

After a quick nod, Maddox left the room.

“What’s wrong?”

Her breath caught. So, he’d been paying attention to everything she told Marcus. Should have known he would. Andre was a sharp man. “It’s nothing.”

He shook his head. “Don’t downplay it. I know something is wrong. I can’t help if you won’t talk to me.”

She froze. Holding back was not the way to build a relationship. Wisdom from Angie from years ago.