Page 38 of Quinn

“We estimate at least thirty.”

“Why the fuck am I just finding this out now?”

“We had to walk in from Hanuabada. No car remember!”

“Yeah, sorry.” I jumped to my feet and dragged both hands over my scalp. “Fuck.” I turned to Logan. “How fast can we get back there?”

“I’ll contact the airport and file a flight plan. Get your shit together.” Logan left the room and headed to his own to make the call.

I placed a call to Connor. “We’ve got shit.”

“Hello to you too, Quinn. It would be nice to be greeted in some way other than telling me we have shit.”

“Connor, a police officer told Tchokai he received a call saying Arabella was in Popondetta. The Sangumala men are on their way.”

“Fuck. How many?”

“At least thirty. Where is Arabella?”

“Up at your house as far as I know.”

“As far as you know! Arabella and Jake were at the hospital this afternoon, are they safe?”

“Yes, I saw them both myself a couple of hours ago. Arabella is either at your place or at Jake’s. I’ll go and check, organise the men and let Alex know to ready his men to help.”

“Logan’s…” Before I could continue, Logan returned to the room.

“Wheels up in forty.”

“We’re on our way.”

“I heard. I’ll send cars to the airport to meet you.”

“Thanks, Connor, and get Arabella to your place please.”

“I’ll bring both her and Nat here while we get ready. I’ll get in touch with our contacts and see what they can find out about where the Sangumala men will be staying.”

I hung up the phone and while Logan and Daly returned to their rooms to grab their suitcases, I threw my belongings into mine and closed the zipper.

Returning to the phone, I called Anatoli and advised him we needed to be taken to the airport immediately. Fortunately, his vehicle was a seven seater so there was room for Olimar and Kent.

***

Waigi and Mala greeted us at the airport with vehicles at the ready. I felt a sense of relief to be back on home ground where I could help protect my family.

Waigi drove the first car with me, Olimar and Kent, leaving Mala to wait while Logan and Daly secured the aircraft before following.

I was on edge during the journey back to the compound, wondering if our enemies had discovered my true identity. Thankfully, our trip was uneventful and before long I was striding into Connor’s home where Waigi said my family were gathered.

Connor was seated on the couch in the living room with Tania on one side of him and Alex Bonello on the other. Jake was in a chair with Natalie on his lap and Arabella sat in another opposite. When my eyes locked on hers, she smiled apologetically.

I strode across the room, pulled her from the chair and gathered her in my arms. I didn’t care that everyone else was watching when I lowered my face and took her lips in a crushing kiss. When she drew back to take a breath, I whispered in her ear.

“Thank fuck you’re safe.”

“You too,” she murmured.

“Okay lover boy, put your dick on hold and sit down. We have things to discuss.”