Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“My actions are not of consequence to you,” the man answered, biting off his words.
“Oh, I get it. You don’t plan to smuggle them into Japan yourself. I bet you’re on the official watch list there.”
The Japanese man’s hand shook as if Phoenix had struck a nerve.
Lyra leaned forward, chanting in her head, Get out of there, Daddy. Get out of there, Daddy.
Phoenix continued, “I could be of assistance. Ms. Bloom isn’t interested in continuing to smuggle diamonds, but I’m always looking for opportunities. How much would you pay me to visit your lovely country?”
“Continuing to live would be your pay,” the man snapped.
“Oh, that wouldn’t keep me from passing the guard a note that I was being coerced to bring in contraband,” Phoenix said smoothly. “I would think ten thousand and all expenses paid would suffice.”
“You’re delusional. I’m not going to pay you that much.”
Magnus covered his microphone as he turned to look triumphantly at Lyra. “He’s good. He’s got the man negotiating.”
“Then, regale me with your best offer,” Phoenix suggested.
“I let you live and pay your ticket and minimal expenses. You get the diamonds into the country, and I’ll give you money after the second trip you make for me.”
Shaking his head, Phoenix declined, “That doesn’t work for me. Well, it was worth a try.” He shifted to stand straight, and the man extended the gun toward him.
“Go ahead and shoot. That gun’s good for one shot, and that’s iffy. It’s probably going to explode in your hand. I’m sure you don’t need those fingers. You’re left-handed, right?”
“That is not the only threat you face,” the villain threatened.
“Oh, you mean the man on the roof? He’s been disarmed for about two minutes now.”
As if on cue, gusts of air blew up dust, leaves, and small bits of debris from the pavement around them. Both men shielded their eyes. Lyra jumped to her feet as the picture blurred out. Clapping her hand over her mouth to keep from making noise, she tried to figure out what was happening as she hovered behind Magnus’s chair.
He reached back with his left hand and threaded his fingers with her free hand as he flipped controls with his right. The squeeze of his hand reassured Lyra that everything would be okay. He wasn’t panicking. Magnus and the guys had it under control.
As she watched, the stuff flying around settled back to the ground. The monitor now showed the two men from the car stretched out on the ground with their wrists fastened. The one who had been talking to Phoenix suddenly jackknifed his body off the pavement and pushed up to stand. Lyra opened her mouth to alert them but felt a gentle squeeze on her hand a second before a foot whisked out to scoop the fleeing man’s polished loafers out from under him. The man crashed back to the parking lot, and Hawking knelt by him, appearing for the first time on camera as the large man fastened the gymnastic bad guy’s legs with his shiny leather belt.
Hawking looked into the camera and winked. “It’s okay, Lyra. We have this handled.”
“Is Daddy okay?” she asked, leaning close to Magnus so her voice would carry to the team.
“I’m fine, Crash. We’re going to deal with these bozos, and then we’ll be back. It will probably take several hours. Don’t start dinner without us,” Phoenix said from somewhere off-screen.
Magnus cut off the video feeds and turned to Lyra. He squeezed her hand one more time before releasing it. “You did good, Little girl.”
“How did you know I was going to talk?” she asked.
“You squeaked. Quietly.”
“What are they going to do now?” she asked, sure that he was making that up but willing to let it pass without further comment.
“There’s a plan. Your Daddy will explain later. Want to go practice your cello while you wait?”
“I can go up there alone?” she asked.
“Yes. The threat is contained. You’re safe for at least now. We’ll see what the guys report when they get back.”
“Should I tell the other Littles everything is okay?” she asked, knowing she would want to be informed if she were them.
“I’ve already messaged them. Magnus pointed to two screens. Sadie waved with a big smile, and the two scientists high-fived in the lab. Juniper danced around under a large tree, obviously celebrating.
Lyra nodded at Magnus and whispered, “Thanks for letting me be here with you.”
“Anytime, Little girl.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hearing Phoenix’s voice in the gathering room outside their apartment, Lyra quickly set down her bow and balanced the cello on its side. Standing, she burst through the door to see him coming through the big room.
“Daddy!” Lyra ran forward to throw herself into Phoenix’s arms.
He caught her easily and hugged her tightly before capturing her upturned lips in a sizzling kiss. “Now that’s a proper way to greet your Daddy,” he teased before kissing her lightly this time.