Kate Donovan - Exit Strategy

“It’s criminal that your company didn’t pay your ransom right away. Especially because Ray says your research probably earned them zillions of dollars.”

“It was criminal. They assumed I’d be killed, and they could keep all the profits. Unfortunately for them, Ortega saved me. Then I sued them for half of their net worth.”

“And then you moved here.” Miranda tried for an innocent tone. “Why didn’t you just come home to the United States?”

“The U.S. betrayed me. Did nothing to help me when I was captured. So I renounced my citizenship.”

“And now you’re Swiss?”

“I have no country. No such antiquated allegiances. The era of nations is over, Jennifer. That’s what I learned in that cage. If your country can’t protect you, can’t save you, what good is it to you?” He flushed and added quickly, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to preach.”

“It’s okay. It’s kind of inspiring, actually. But most of us can’t afford to think that way. You’re rich. So you can be your own country in a way, right? You have your own guards here to protect you. People like me have to rely on our governments to do that.”

“Except, your government is too big and bloated to protect you efficiently. And it’s too corrupt to even try.”

“That’s depressing,” she told him with another sigh.

“I agree. But times are changing. Nations are collapsing under their own weight, and another form of protection-a smaller, more efficient one-is forming. We live in an amazing time. Frightening, obviously, but also amazing.”

“You think the big countries are breaking up into little ones?”

He shook his head. “It’s not about geography anymore. Not with supersonic travel and global communication. The next era of human history will be about mobility, power and response, not geography.”

She smiled. “Where did you get these ideas?”

“I told you. They were born in that cage in South America. The corporation that employed me didn’t rescue me. My huge, wealthy country didn’t, either. It was one man who saved me, where all the power and money in the world had failed.”

“You make Ray sound like a hero,” she murmured.

“He was. Probably still is. If you knew what I knew, you’d feel privileged to be his girlfriend.”

“Then help me have sex with the poor guy in an elevator. It’s really all he wants.”

Kell burst into laughter. “When you put it that way, how can I refuse?”

“So?” She smiled impishly. “You’ve found something new, something more effective? I knew it! Once Ray told me what a genius you were, I knew that in ten years, you’d find something better than stupid breathing exercises. Is it hypnosis? That makes more sense than breathing.”

Kell laughed again. “I investigated hypnosis for years, but with no success. I finally came full circle and discovered a pharmaceutical solution. Unfortunately,” he added more soberly, “it’s a new drug, so the long-term side effects are unknown. I can give you a couple of doses-enough for you and Ortega to have some fun together. But for sustained relief, it’s still the breathing exercises, I’m afraid.

“On the other hand,” he continued, his blue eyes sparkling, “you will be amazed at what the drug can do for you for a few hours. It won’t just alleviate your claustrophobia. It will empower you in ways you can’t imagine. For a few hours, you’ll feel invincible. And in many ways, you’ll be invincible.”

“Wow.” Miranda stared into his eyes, thrilled to have confirmed what they all has suspected-Kell’s usefulness to the Brigadier was rooted in a new discovery. One with military applications. And she was going to get her hands on it.

“Can I try it now, Jonathan?”

“I want you to get a good night’s sleep first. The drug is very powerful. And I’ve never tried it on a woman.”

“Okay. First thing in the morning then? And tonight, you can tell me bedtime stories about the new form of government you’ve dreamed up.”

“I beg your pardon?”

She winced, realizing she had gone too far and aroused his suspicions. “It’s just so fascinating for me, talking to a genius like you. The men I know don’t have these kinds of big, bold ideas. The men I know,” she added with a mischievous smile, “spend their time dreaming up sex fantasies, not new forms of government.”

“Ortega doesn’t talk to you about government? Current events? None of that?”

“Why would he? He’s not really into politics.”

Kell gave a harsh laugh. “Since when? He’s probably the most political guy I’ve ever met. It’s interesting that he claims to love you, but lies to you the way he does. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t deserve you.”

Miranda licked her lips, then said softly, “He saved your life, Jonathan.”

The scientist immediately flushed. “Excellent point. I didn’t mean to sound critical of him. I meant it as a compliment to you. You’re a very intelligent woman, you know.”

“Usually men compliment my hair. Or my body. It’s sweet that you actually respect my mind,” she said, biting her bottom lip as though confused and flattered. “It means a lot, especially from you.”

He stared at her for a moment, then caught her off guard by asking, “Do you think Ortega would mind if I slept with you?”

“Hmmm?”

“I’d pay you, of course. I mean, it’s what you do for a living, isn’t it?” When she didn’t answer right away, he held up his hands and insisted, “Forget I said it. Obviously I’ve offended you.”

“No, sweetie.” She grabbed his hands in her own and squeezed them gently. “You asked me if Ray would mind, and I’m pretty sure the answer is ‘yes.”

“Oh. I see.”

She nodded. “The other men don’t matter to him. But you’re like a brother. He says that all the time. And even though I’m a professional, I’m also his girl. He pays me, and puts up with my clients, just to keep things from getting too serious. But in his own way, he loves me. A lot, I think. And he loves you, too. It would seem icky to him. See what I mean?”

Kell’s cheeks were scarlet. “Absolutely. I despise myself for suggesting it. You won’t tell him, will you?”

“No. I promise I won’t. And I’ll tell you a secret.” She leaned forward and kissed his lips. “I wish we could do it, too. And not just because I’m grateful that you’re going to cure me. You’re very attractive. Handsome, smart and rich.” She smiled impishly. “I love those qualities in a man.”

“Never mind,” he scolded, but he was clearly relieved that she was flirting with him as though his gaffe had never occurred. Then he insisted, “If you’re going to take the power pill tomorrow-”

“The what?”

He flushed again. “That’s what I call it. You’ll find out why. Anyway, you need to prepare yourself so that the hangover will be less intense. Do you take vitamins?”

She nodded. “For my hair.”

Kell chuckled. “They work very well. I’ll give you some extra vitamin C to take. Some calcium, too. You’ll eat a high protein dinner, then get some sleep. I can give you a sedative-”

“No thanks. I feel so safe here, I’ll sleep like a baby, I’m sure.”

“I’m glad you feel safe. It’s nice having company.” He cleared his throat. “Can you stay for a few days?”

“Maybe even longer.”

“I’d like that,” he admitted. “But I’m afraid you’ll need to leave by Friday. I’m expecting guests on the weekend, and they aren’t the sort of men you’d want to meet. Believe me.”

Miranda’s instincts jumped to attention. “Really? Business or social?”

When he hesitated, she suspected it was because his visitors were political. Did that mean the Brigade was getting together? Probably not the Brigadier himself, since he didn’t meet with them in person. But maybe the rest of the group?