Inside the black military helicopter, the man in command heard Chris’s cool voice come through the shared comms line.
“Is there only one ship?”
“There are two more about three nautical miles out.”
The real threat was probably on those two ships. Fabian would never come here without a backup plan.
“But don’t worry, Mr. Xander. Even if things turn hostile…”
Out of the corner of his eye, Chris caught sight of Winter heading downstairs. In his mind flashed the image of her from two nights earlier, held at gunpoint in the wind, her eyes empty of all light.
He cut the man off coldly. “Things won’t turn hostile. Since Mr. Kane is being such a gracious host, it would be rude not to meet him. Let them through.”
Zac had already told him the truth about Winter’s abduction. It had been Eugene’s doing.
And through a twist of bad luck, Eugene had connected with one of Fabian’s informants hidden among the mercenaries. The ship that met the yacht two nights ago had belonged to Fabian’s people.
Chris strode to the staircase, caught the hood of Winter’s puffer jacket, and pulled her back before walking past
her.
“Stay upstairs.”
Outside, Fabian stepped down from the helicopter. Several men followed behind him, carrying fancy food boxes.
Fabian laughed easily. “Mr. Xander, you’ve come a long way, and I failed to welcome you properly. I hope you won’t take offense.”
From where she stood at the top of the stairs, Winter heard Chris answer in his usual cool tone.
“You’re too kind, Mr. Kane.”
From her angle, Chris was sitting in the only chair on the first floor that had been repaired. He looked completely at ease, calm and untouchable, every bit the man in control. Fabian was older, but somehow Chris still made him seem smaller.
Fabian did not appear bothered. “I wanted to invite you back to my place for a small gathering, but I was afraid that might be too abrupt, so I had my men bring a little food and wine instead. I’d be honored if you’d share a drink with me.”
And those five armed helicopters outside were not something Fabian could ignore.
Fabian glanced around and said lightly, “My men told me you brought a woman here with you. You really do know how to enjoy yourself, Mr. Xander. I’m guessing it’s that girl from back then. Coming back to the same place, picking up an old flame. Very romantic.
“Since you’re preparing to leave, I won’t keep you. But the next time you come to the border, you have to give me the chance to show you proper hospitality.”
At the top of the stairs, Winter’s fingers tightened. Sunlight streamed through the glass and fell across the side of her face, and for a second it felt as if all the blood in her body had drained away.
She turned and glanced toward the room behind her, a heavy weight settling in her chest.
As Fabian turned to leave, his eyes flicked toward the staircase. He laughed coldly to himself.
As the helicopter lifted off, Fabian looked toward a white civilian helicopter flying in from the distance.
“Who’s that?”
One of his men raised a pair of binoculars, looked for a moment, and answered, “It’s William Zeller. Heir to the Zeller family in Liono City.”

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