The Freedom Broker (Thea Paris #1)(40)

He noticed a slight tightening around Max’s mouth. So, it was like that. She did look like she’d be a tiger in bed.

He shook Max’s hand, giving it a solid squeeze. The Greek inspector returned the pressure and then some. Nikos ignored Rif. “Any news about Papa?” he asked his sister.

“We were just getting to that,” Thea said.

Gabrielle stepped closer. “The HRFC can offer your family intel, support, access to government databases.”

“It’s a multi-agency group, right?” Thea asked.

“Absolutely, which gives us the ability to compile information from many sources. We’re following several leads, monitoring online chatter. Have you received a ransom demand?” Gabrielle’s penetrating eyes studied Thea’s face.

“No ransom.”

No mention of the Latin texts. His sister’s determined expression told him that Ms. Hostage Rescue wouldn’t be getting her full cooperation. Brava.

“Well, keep me posted if you do receive any demands. We have access to resources that could help bring your father home.”

“Please skip the sympathy. I don’t mean to be rude, but I do this for a living.” Thea’s voice held a steely edge.

He was enjoying this—two strong-willed women trying to find out what the other knew. His stalker was wily and sharp, but his raven-haired sister wasn’t known as Liberata for nothing.

“We respect your intimate knowledge of this industry, and we really do want to help. We’ve located the plane used to transport Christos out of the country. Max used his influence, and we discovered an interesting connection.” Ms. Hostage Rescue let the words hang in the air.

“Don’t keep us in suspense,” Nikos said, knowing Konstantin had come through.

“Airports are meticulous about maintaining accurate records of flight plans. One plane at a nearby airport didn’t have one. The tail number of the plane links back to a shell corporation that serves as a front for an international arms dealer called Ares. I’m sure you know he has a history of abducting prominent CEOs.”

“He’s a legend in Africa, supplying dissidents with arms to fight repressive regimes.” Rif stepped closer to Thea.

“If the money’s right, he’ll sell arms to anyone,” Gabrielle corrected.

Nikos bristled. Not true.

“And why would Ares want to kidnap my father?” he asked. Thea was no fool. He had to be careful.

“His agenda isn’t clear yet, but he’s rumored to be the puppeteer working the strings of the Kanzi government,” Gabrielle said.

“Is your real concern my father, or is this more about making sure the Kanzi oil rights don’t fall into the wrong hands?” Thea asked.

A large group of tourists entered the hotel, buzzing with excitement.

“Christos Paris is a prominent American citizen who has been kidnapped abroad. The HRFC wants to help bring him home.” Gabrielle raised her voice slightly to be heard over the crowd. “Can you please join us in my suite so we can compare notes?”

“I need to make an important call. In twenty minutes?” His sister gave Ms. HRFC a tight smile. Thea worked best alone, a Paris family trait.

Nikos was tempted to invite Gabrielle for a drink later to make Max squirm, but he didn’t have time for dalliances today.

“Room 604. Thanks for making the time. I’ll order some food for us, as I’m sure you haven’t had time to eat.” Gabrielle headed for the elevator bank.

Max Heros grabbed Thea’s hand and squeezed. “Your father is a memorable man and a friend. I will do everything in my power to bring him home. You have my word.”

She gave the policeman a wary smile, like Aegis when he was trying to decide if he liked someone. Little Thea, never one to trust—except when it came to her brother. The irony didn’t escape Nikos, but he appreciated her loyalty.





Chapter Twenty-Nine



Thea stood next to Rif in the lobby of the hotel, the two of them checking e-mail for any fresh leads. As she scanned her phone for updates, she processed the theory of Ares being involved in Papa’s kidnapping. All kinds of stories floated around about the elusive arms dealer, an ominous shadow who hovered under the radar. Some factions looked at him as a hero, a modern-day Robin Hood, while others saw him as the devil personified. He was brilliant, wealthy, and had executed several high-profile kidnappings. And he was based out of Africa. A possible link to Ares was one more sign that the answers to Papa’s kidnapping rested in that part of the world.

Max Heros and Gabrielle Farrah had taken the elevator upstairs, and Nikos had begged off, saying he needed to run an errand. She couldn’t imagine the emotions her brother must be feeling, with accounts of his own kidnapping resurfacing in all the papers. One kidnapping in a family was newsworthy; two created a media frenzy. The press was eager to establish a connection between the events, even though twenty years separated them.

She turned to Rif. “What do you think about this HRFC operation in the Middle East?”

“When a man as influential as Christos is taken, the kidnapper needs to have extensive resources and connections. Could his abduction have to do with terrorists? Sure. There could be a link through the oil business to an OPEC nation, they could be fund-raising for themselves, or maybe they’re planning on making a political statement.”