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  An abrasion darkened the side of Sam’s face and his lower lip looked swollen and cut. She ducked behind a marble pillar, waiting until the three men strode past her toward the front door.

  When they stepped into the sunlight, the second man fell back, shooting a wary glance over his shoulder. Something was tucked into the palm of his hand.

  “Oh, my God!”

  Kate’s fingers flew to her mouth, muffling the words. The stranger had a gun. . .and it was pointed directly at Sam’s back. They approached a black Suburban with tinted windows as she watched in silent horror.

  Her mind raced as she struggled with what to do. If she ran after them, Sam might be shot, or they could both be kidnapped. She closed her eyes against the onslaught of panic. When she opened them, the men had shoved Sam into the back of their vehicle and sped away.

  She started to shake, casting a helpless glance around the bustling lobby. No one had even noticed Sam’s kidnapping. Kate’s heart was pounding as she made her way to the elevator. She needed to notify someone of Sam’s predicament...but who?

  The police would never believe she was being stalked by terrorists, and certainly not a wealthy American named Conrad Buckman! It might take days to convince them of the truth. If they didn’t admit her to the mental ward first.

  She waited in a dazed silence for the elevator doors to open. It seemed like the ascent to the their floor took hours. Kate gazed through the thick glass encasement without seeing, lost in a web of conflicting thoughts and emotions.

  Jeff promised no harm would come to them if she gave him the lockbox. Why would he and Conrad kidnap Sam? Were they trying to use him as leverage?

  She straightened, sucking in her breath as the truth dawned on her. They had come after her, not Sam. If she had been in the room, they would have most likely killed Sam.

  The elevator’s door opened and Kate stepped into the hallway. A terrible sense of foreboding settled around her like a shroud. Sliding the card key through the magnetic strip, she pushed open the door and froze. The room had been ransacked. A few drops of blood dotted the carpet. Sam’s blood.

  Kate felt her knees buckle and slid to the floor. Sam’s life was in real danger...and so was hers.

  “Focus,” she commanded through clenched teeth.

  If she could locate the phone number for Greg Morris, he might be able to help. He had arranged a meeting with the CIA. Surely he could help her find Sam. Kate glanced around the room, uncertain of where to look.

  She searched through Sam’s belongings, pausing to look at each piece of strewn paper along the way. Nothing had Greg’s name or phone number. Kate sank onto one of the beds. She considered calling Jeff to bargain for Sam’s release but quickly dismissed the idea. He had betrayed her multiple times. She was not about to give him the opportunity to do it again.

  There was only one other person who might be able to help. Sharon Grant. Her father had trusted her and that was enough of a reason for Kate to do the same.

  She stared at the phone, realizing Sharon’s phone number was in the knapsack. Kate paced the floor, biting her thumb nail. If she returned to the lobby, she might be recognized. What if Conrad had his men waiting for her? She dialed the front desk and asked for security.

  “This is. . .Mrs. Holden in 5015. I believe my husband placed a bag in your safe. Could you deliver it to my room, please?” She wasn’t sure if they would do it but it was certainly worth a try.

  “One moment, Mrs. Holden.” She waited in silence until the guard came back on the line. “Yes, I see that you have a knapsack. Is that correct?”

  “A small canvas bag with shoulder straps. It has some papers and a lockbox inside.”

  “I’ll have it sent to your room in a few minutes. Will you be available to sign for the delivery?”

  She assured him she would, and hung up. Fifteen minutes later she received the bag at the door, spilling its contents on the bed once she had signed the receipt. After locating the phone number, she picked up the handset and dialed.

  To her disappointment, an answering machine picked up. “Miss Grant. . .its Kate Merrill. I . . . need to meet with you right away. There has been a terrible turn of events and a friend of mine is in danger. I’m in Atlanta . . .”

  “Kate?”

  A wave of relief washed over her as she recognized the concerned Southern drawl.

  “I was in another room. When I heard your voice, I rushed to the phone. You sound distraught, my dear. What’s the matter?”

  She didn’t know where to start. “The plane you chartered was attacked. They know about the formula my father was sending to you. A friend brought me to Atlanta but I think Buckman’s men have kidnapped him.” Her voice cracked as she spoke. “I don’t know who to trust. Can you help me?”

  “Of course I can.” Her calm, soothing tones placated Kate’s fears. “I work for a very powerful organization. We’ll make sure nothing happens to your friend. Now stop worrying. I’m sending a car for you. Can you meet my driver in the lobby?”

  “Yes. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Nonsense, it’s the least I can do. Bring your things with you, including your father’s papers. I need my lab to start preparing the vaccination as soon as possible. I want you to stay with me until we get this matter resolved. It’s safer.”

  Kate began to relax. “I do feel a little disoriented at the moment. Thank you for your kindness.”

  “Go to the front entrance. My driver will be there within half an hour. And Kate...” she lowered her voice, “don’t tell anyone about the formula. I must warn you that this involves national security.”

  “I understand. You can count on me.”

  “Good! Now gather up your things and remain calm. Everything will be fine.”

  Kate hung up, feeling much better that she had found someone to rescue Sam. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves.

  This was no time to fall apart. Sam’s life depended on her remaining strong.

  Thirty minutes later Kate sat on a bench in the lobby, nervously eyeing each person who walked through the door. Glancing at her wristwatch, she approached the front desk.

  “Has anyone sent a car for me?” she inquired hesitantly.

  “I’m afraid not, Mrs. Holden, but we‘ll let you know as soon as one arrives.”

  She thanked the clerk and returned to her lookout near the front entry. A black limousine pulled up to the covered entry and parked. The uniformed driver strode through the entrance, glancing at her as he passed by.

  “Miss Merrill?”

  “Yes. . .that’s me!” Kate’s expression brightened.

  “Miss Grant has asked me to chauffeur you to her location. Are you ready?”

  She nodded, following him to the waiting vehicle. Kate settled into the seat as he closed the door. Her gaze traveled across the plush leather and velvet interior, noting the elegant design in the fabric. She had only ridden in a limo once, and that had been at a friend’s wedding. This must be her personal driver, judging from the fully stocked bar.

  She relaxed her grip on the knapsack, laying it beside her feet on the floor. Her fingers ran over the dove grey seating as she marveled at the exquisite detail. Kate glanced up when the privacy window between the passenger and driver’s compartment slowly lowered.

  “Please feel free to enjoy a beverage, Miss Merrill. We’ll be traveling about forty five minutes to your destination.”

  “Thank you, Mr. . .” She realized she didn’t know his name.

  “Phillipe. You can call me Phillipe.”

  “Thank you, Phillipe. I appreciate your hospitality. Are you Miss Grant’s personal chauffeur?”

  She caught his reflection in the rear view mirror. His lips twitched with suppressed amusement. She suddenly felt foolish for asking the question.

  “I’m an independent contractor, Miss Merrill. I was hired to deliver you to this address.” He raised a small slip of paper with a series of scribbled numbers. “I’ll raise the wi
ndow now. If you should require assistance, please press the buzzer to your left.”

  She glanced at the small white button recessed into the armrest. The barrier rose, shutting her off from further communication. Just as well, she sighed, resting her head against the soft leather. She didn’t feel like casual conversation, anyway.

  It was not until the limousine eased to a stop that Kate sat up and took notice of her surroundings. She must have dozed off because she didn’t recall leaving the highway.

  Peering through the tinted windows, she became increasingly uneasy. The area appeared to be an older industrial district. She didn’t see any cars on the street, or in the small parking lot next to the brick warehouse where the Phillipe had stopped the car.

  The door opened, and the driver waited patiently for her exit. Kate shot him a worried glance, accepting his hand as he assisted her from the vehicle.

  “Are you certain this is the correct address?”

  “Quite certain,” he confirmed in even tones, though his tawny eyes expressed thinly veiled doubt. “My instructions indicate you are to go to the west entrance.”

  Kate summoned all her courage and stepped on the sidewalk. It must be a remote location for the Center for Disease Control. Perhaps Sharon was trying to keep her in hiding until Buckman could be apprehended.

  The thought bolstered her confidence. Kate smiled at the driver and eased her way through a half open gate. Her self-assurance quickly faded as she watched the limousine disappear around the corner. She scanned the empty parking lot for some sign of life.

  At the same time, Kate realized she had left her knapsack in the limo.

  “Damn!”

  She stamped her foot angrily, berating herself for such carelessness. No matter. She would simply explain the situation to Sharon. There shouldn’t be a problem with having the driver return with her belongings.

  As she approached the warehouse, Kate fought off a convulsive shiver. Her gaze flew over the dirty brick exterior and broken glass windows, and for a moment she almost turned and ran.

  She edged closer to the steel door tucked under a small alcove on the side wall. Stepping into the shadow of the overhang, she raised her hand and knocked on the dented metal surface, scampering back into the sunshine as she waited for a response.

  After a few seconds, she knocked again, this time louder. Once again, her knock was met by silence. Kate jiggled the door, twisting the handle slowly. To her surprise, it swung open with a loud creak.

  “Hello? Is anyone here?”

  The only sound was her footsteps echoing against the cold concrete floor as she eased into the dark interior. She paused and listened, hoping to hear something that would indicate another person in the building.

  A low rustle came from the dark hallway to her right. It stopped, and then increased in volume. Biting her lip, she felt her way down the corridor, her fingers trailing along the cool stone wall as she followed the sound into the darkness.

  “Is anybody there?”

  Her voice reverberated with a hollow ring, sounding eerily unnatural. Blinking several times as her eyes adjusted to the dark, she spied a small beam of light from a broken window. Kate picked up her pace until the subtle warmth of sunshine shone on her face.

  Suddenly, the rustle came from behind her. Kate whirled around to see a large rat scurrying from the shadows. Her scream echoed throughout the vacant building as she pressed herself against the wall. She stood frozen as it ran past her feet and disappeared around a corner.

  That’s it, I’m out of here!

  Kate shuddered, her anger masking the terror creeping along every muscle and tendon. The driver must have made a mistake. There was no one here.

  She began turned and followed the corridor toward the entrance. As she reached for the battered door, a hand reached out of the shadows and snared her arm. She was jerked backwards and slammed against the cold brick before she realized what had happened.

  “Where you going, my lovely?”

  Kate stared at the face in front of her and screamed.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Kate was certain she had come face to face with an unearthly demon. A long scar ran down one side of the man’s face starting near his eye. His lips curled back in an evil grin, exposing a silver tooth that looked more like a vampire’s fang.

  “Who. . .who are you?”

  “It doesn’t matter, Miss Merrill. All I want is the lock box.” And you. “Where is it?”

  She felt as if a hand had closed around her throat. “I don’t have it.” Instinct told her not to reveal its location.

  The man’s smile disintegrated as he pressed his face close to hers. “Then you need to tell me how I can get it.” He ran a finger down her cheek.

  Kate turned her head away as his rancid breath washed over her. “It’s in the hotel safe.”

  Uncertainty flickered in the dark eyes as he stared at her in silence. The pounding of her own heart drummed in Kate’s ears as the seconds ticked by. Finally, he stepped back, his eyes narrowed to thin slits.

  “Then we’ll have to find a way to get it, Miss Merrill.”

  His fingers dug into her arm as he dragged her along the narrow hallway to the back of the building.

  “Let me go!” she screamed as panic overtook her senses.

  Kate tried to kick him but he was too fast and sidestepped the arc of her foot. She wriggled unsuccessfully to free herself until he snatched her other wrist and pressed her against the wall. He paused, grinning down at her with his silver tooth. His expression seemed to drip with pure evil. Lustful eyes wandered over her, leaving no doubt about his intentions.

  “You’ve got a lot of spunk, Kate. I like women with spunk.”

  “Yeah? Well, I hate men with bad breath and body stink!”

  To her surprise, he laughed loudly. It didn’t sound like Sam’s sexy, throaty growl but a cold hissing threat that sent a terrified shiver racing up her spine.

  “I’ll teach you to like it,” he grinned. “I’ve waited a long time to taste you. To touch you. To fuck you.” His hand ran between her thighs as his breathing increased. “But there’s plenty of time for that later.”

  He pulled a key from his pocket and inserted it into the lock of a metal door. After pushing it open, he shoved Kate into the musty shadows. Before she could protest, the metal barrier slammed shut with an echoing thud, and his footsteps faded away into the darkness.

  Kate waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. She spied a small window near the ceiling on one wall. The glass had been painted dark green, but time and weather had dulled the finish.

  She glanced back at the door and shuddered. Her head was spinning with anger, frustration, and fear. Unable to contain herself, she rushed to the door and began beating it with her fists.

  “Let me out of here! Do you hear me? Let me out!”

  “That won’t do any good.”

  Kate jumped, whirling around as she searched the murky shadows for the voice. A crumpled figure lay in one corner, curled against the concrete wall.

  “Sam?”

  She peered through the haze and saw a movement. With the excitement of a small child, Kate ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. He sat up, shifting into a beam of muted green light. Kate immediately noticed a dark stain trickling from his temple.

  “You’re hurt.”

  He touched his head, wincing as his fingers came in contact with the bruised area. “Now I know how you felt after the plane crash,” he mumbled in slurred tones.

  Kate tore off part of her sleeve and gently dabbed at the wound. “I’ve been so worried about you,” she babbled nervously, her breath coming in short, raspy gasps. “I saw those men taking you from the hotel. After seeing the mess in our room, I didn’t know what to think.”

  Sam eased himself into a more comfortable position. Kate impulsively captured his face between her hands and claimed his mouth. She felt him tense then miraculously pull her into a tight embrace. When at l
ast he raised his head, she was thrilled to see his eyes darken with emotion.

  “Sam, I. . .”

  Kate wanted to tell him she loved him. That she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her days with him but before the words could form, his finger pressed against her lips.

  “Sssh! We have a lot to talk about, but this isn’t the time, honey. We have to find a way out of here first.”

  She nodded. He was right, of course. Again. “I don’t understand what happened,” she murmured dejectedly. “I thought I was being taken to the CDC.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “After you were kidnapped, I wasn’t sure what to do. I tried to find your friend’s phone number, but everything was such a mess. I knew I couldn’t trust Jeff any longer.” Her voice trailed away into a feeble whisper.

  “Didn’t Buckman’s thugs bring you here? I overheard them say they were going to wait for your return.”

  Kate shook her head as confusion dulled her eyes. “I called Sharon Grant. She sent a limo for me. She said she could help me find you.”

  His expression went from shock to grim understanding. “Sharon Grant?”

  She nodded. “I knew my dad had trusted her. When you disappeared, I didn’t know who else to call.”

  “Does she have the knapsack?”

  His tone was piercing as she felt a chill creep along her limbs. “No, I accidentally left it in the limo. I didn’t tell that man. He thinks it’s still in the hotel safe.” She dropped her gaze when she saw the angry storm brewing in his eyes. “I shouldn’t have called Sharon. I’ve just made things worse. . .again.”

  Sam slumped against the wall, squeezing his eyes shut as his fist knotted at his side. “Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!”

  His raspy accusation cut her to the bone. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I realize it was a mistake to call her but I didn’t know what else to do.” She inched away, curling into the shadows.

  Confusion sliced across Sam’s face until he understood her reaction. He reached across the distance separating them and pulled her back into his arms. Planting a kiss on the top of her head, he murmured, “You’re not stupid, darling. I am!”