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to meetings. More than that — and you of all people should appreciate this — is the security issue. The jet allows us to keep execs safe and the material they carry safe. It’s an ugly world out there.”
    â€œYou’re preaching to the choir about the ugliness of the world.” He set his computer on the table. “I don’t see the printer.”
    â€œIt’s up by the galley. It would just be in the way in the cabin. It’s a color ink-jet. Will that work for you?”
    â€œPerfect. This will take a moment.”
    â€œWe’ve got less than an hour before we arrive in Fresno. I wonder …”
    â€œWhat?” Luke leaned back as he waited for the computer to boot up.
    â€œOur cell phones have been cut off but — ” She nodded to a green telephone handset that sat snug in a cradle in the bulkhead.
    Luke pursed his lips. “It might. Is it on the same cell carrier as your phone?”
    â€œNo. I’m going to try.”
    â€œI wouldn’t. Even if our — employer — has thought of that or couldn’t cut it off, he would certainly have your companyphone tapped, or have bugs placed in your office and that of your assistant.”
    â€œIf I don’t call in, my assistant will slowly go nuts. Sooner or later, she’s going to call the police assuming I’m hurt or have been abducted.”
    â€œI think he wants us cut off from everyone.”
    â€œFrankly, I don’t much care what he wants. He’s not our friend, Luke; he’s our problem. I’ll do what I have to do to protect myself. I’ve gone this far because I have yet to figure a way out of this, but I will not be his puppet.”
    â€œWe are already his puppets. That began when we answered the phone.”
    â€œSo you plan to just go along like a sheep following some sadistic shepherd?”
    â€œDon’t start with me. This morning I was a happy recluse sitting at my computer reading blogs and juggling investments. Now I’m a refugee fleeing my past and on a mission to save a boy who might not even exist. For now we move with caution.”
    â€œWe do? You calling the shots now?”
    â€œWhat?”
    Judith knew from his expression that he understood her. “What is it with men? Do you think this is some movie where a man and woman are teamed up and the man makes all the hard decisions because the woman is just too frail or stupid to make the right choices?”
    â€œI said nothing like that. Sheesh, get over yourself, woman. It’s your life, your jet, your phone, do what you want. Do you want me to step outside while you call?”
    Judith started to snap back but the image of Luke stepping outside a jet traveling four hundred miles an hour and thirty thousand feet above the earth tickled her. She swallowed thelaugh but couldn’t hide the smile. She grabbed the phone before Luke could comment and dialed her office number.
    Seconds ticked by at glacial speed. Judith was about to hang up when the crackly ringing gave way to a familiar voice.
    â€œFind, Inc., Judith Find’s office, this is Terri, how may I help you?”
    â€œTerri. It’s Judith.”
    â€œMs. Find? I’ve been worried.”
    Ms. Find? She only called Judith that in the presence of others. Someone must be in the front office with her. “Terri. I had to make a sudden trip and won’t be in the office this afternoon — ”
    A loud pop stabbed Judith’s ear and she almost dropped the phone. The pain faded in the thundering pounding of her heart as she heard Terri scream.
    The line died.

eleven
    W e have to turn around!” Judith released her seat belt and shot to her feet, then thought about what she was doing. She could contact the captain through the handpiece she held a moment ago. That was one of the reasons it was there. She reseated herself and reached for the phone.
    A hand stopped her.
    â€œWait,” Luke said.