“I have a feeling Romney liked the ponies, too,” Levi added. “And show me a gambler who doesn’t have debts.”
Cantara served coffee and they continued to mull over the question of Romney, and his motivation, while waiting for Mark and Karl to report back on their findings. They did so in person toward the end of the morning.
“Romney’s constantly in debt,” Jordon told them. “About the time of Cantara’s abduction he was in big time with some heavy dudes who don’t play nice with guys who default. Then, suddenly, there was an influx of unexplained cash into his account and his problems went away.”
Raoul clenched his fists. “The bastard! Let me at him.”
“Easy, partner,” Zeke said, looking only fractionally less thunderous. “What else, Karl?”
“He’s in deep again right now.”
“Wonder who he’ll betray this time to claw his way back,” Raoul muttered.
“Is he still married to the colonel’s daughter?” Cantara asked.
“Yeah, and their kids are in grade school.”
“It has to be him,” Raoul said.
“I agree,” Zeke replied. “But what are we gonna do about him?”
“Other than break his fucking miserable neck, you mean?”
“Don’t do that, Raoul,” Cantara said, smiling sweetly. “They’ll lock you up if you do.”
“Even though it would be a public service?”
Cantara perched a buttock on the arm of his chair and leaned in to kiss his brow. “Even then.”
“Does Colonel Hassan think you’re guilty?” Zeke asked.
“Actually no, he had a real hard time with that. He told me when I went to jail that they’d soon have me out again, once they’d investigated and cleared me of any wrongdoing. He knew me well enough to accept I wouldn’t cheat on my wife.” Levi flashed a mirthless smile. “He also knew that if I did I was too good with computers to leave evidence of an affair in such an obvious place.”
“Have you spoken to him since you arrived in the States?” Raoul asked.
“No, I was often tempted, but once I absconded I figured he would assume I was guilty, so I couldn’t take the risk.”
“What are you thinking?” Zeke asked Raoul.
“I’m thinking we should talk to Hassan on a secure line to start with. We know he’s in this country right now, waiting to talk to Cantara.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to invite Agent Parker, Colonel Hassan and Colonel Pool down here?” Cantara asked. “All three of them want to talk to me. They keep ringing to ask if I’ve remembered anything. Tell them I now remember everything, including talk of who betrayed me that I overheard during my captivity. That ought to bring them running.”
“That will be dangerous, darlin’,” Raoul said, touching her hand. “I’m not taking a single risk with you again.”
“If they come here to the ranch, I won’t be in danger. It’s home ground and you hold all the advantages since you don’t let anyone past the gates if they have weapons. We can spring Mr. Levi on them and let Pool explain his way out of it.”
Raoul and Zeke looked at one another. “I guess it would be the best way,” Raoul said. “If we tell Hassan in advance that Levi’s here, he might put duty before friendship and the next thing you know we’ll be inundated with military police enforcing a search warrant.”
“How do you feel about it, Levi?” Zeke asked. “There’s every chance they’ll throw your ass in jail first and ask questions later.”
“I’m prepared to take that chance. I’ve had enough of living on the run.”
“We’ll get you fixed up with a decent lawyer, if it comes to it,” Raoul said.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“You sure you wanna do this, babe?” Zeke asked.
Cantara nodded. “Perfectly sure.” She shared a smile between her two men. “We need closure, gentlemen,” she said, glancing significantly at the door to the yellow room. “I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of why.”
“Okay, Levi,” Raoul said. “You’ll be our guest until we get this sorted out. Mark and Jordon have a spare room in the barn. They’ll take care of you.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He stood up, looking resolute. “One way or another, I want my life back.”
Chapter Fourteen
“It’s almost over,” Raoul said to Cantara the following morning. “The colonels and Parker will be here soon and we can hit them with what we know.”
Cantara nodded, and reached up to cover Raoul’s hand, resting on her shoulder. All three of them were on edge, excited about settling the big mystery surrounding her capture, because it would free them up to live the life they’d always envisaged for themselves. Raoul, she knew, was especially screwed up about the risks, worried the strain would be too much for her. But once the call had been placed to Parker, the die was cast. There was no turning back now. Cantara was glad. She needed closure.
I know,” she replied. “Don’t worry about me. I can do this. I want to do it.”
“Do you think Pool will ’fess up, bud?” Zeke asked.
“Bet you ten bucks he doesn’t.”
“You’re on.”
Zeke prepared breakfast for the three of them, and the guys sat over Cantara, making sure she ate something. She almost elevated from her chair when the buzzer sounded, and Karl’s voice came through the intercom.
“They’re at the gates,” he said.
“Go get ’em,” Raoul replied. “You know what to do. Levi, in that room there,” he added, pointing to the small den off the great room. “Keep the door closed until I come to get you.”
“Good luck,” Levi said.