“He did.”
“Then you are aware of how things lie?”
“I’m aware, but that’s not the same as understanding.”
She let her gaze slowly roll over him; Nash found her penetrating look to be disquieting.
“My mother told me of your bravery and skill in rescuing her.” She paused and glanced down at her hands. “She seemed quite taken with you, in fact.”
“I did my job. I’m glad she was unharmed, and I’m happy that the two of you have been reunited. And I would be dead except for Thura. He saved my life over there.”
“She wants you, and Thura, to be her personal bodyguards. And I agree.”
“I’m sure your current protection detail is more than adequate.”
“That is irrelevant,” she said brusquely. “My mother desires the two of you, so that is how it must be.”
“And I have no choice in the matter?”
Her lips formed a firm line. “You either work for me in protecting my mother, or you do not go on existing. The same for your comrade.”
“And yet Rhett Temple gets to go home?”
“But he still works for me.”
“How long will this arrangement be for?”
“At the very least it will be for the lifetime of my mother, and though she is old, she is remarkably resilient.”
“So years,” said Nash dully. “And we stay here then? As prisoners?”
“You will be amply paid. Amply paid,” she repeated, her imperial manner dissolving somewhat and her gaze softening. “Your every need will be fulfilled. That includes women, when you want and however many you want, day or night. Quite beautiful women who know how to please men.”
“That’s quite a strange offer for a job interview,” noted Nash.
“You are a man,” she replied simply. “Men need these things. I’m sure your friend Thura will not complain. He looked quiterobustin that regard.” She paused. “As do you.”
This comment made Nash look away. He was inwardly trembling with rage. On the one hand he had achieved what he desired: a way to stay next to Steers and company in the hopes of bringing her to justice or, as a last resort, killing the woman. But the manner in which he had gained this access, by becoming her pawn and prisoner, angered him to his absolute emotional and mental limits. He composed himself, conscious that she was watching him closely, and said, “I will let you know when and if I require such. . .services. I will tell Thura as well.”
“You will be paid two million American dollars per year. Thura will be paid half of that. Accounts will be set up and the monies deposited on a biweekly basis. You will have full access to the funds. And you will live here for free.”
His eyes widened. “That is an extraordinarily generous compensation package.”
“You saved my mother. I am feeling generous.”
“Do I get a telephone as one of the perks?”
“You will be provided one, yes. For yourjob.”
Right, one that will have surveillance software embedded in it, so you’ll know everyone I call, email, or text, every site I access, every keystroke I make.
“You will also be fitted for new clothes, shoes, accessories, and whatever else you may need. The same for Thura. Your meals will be prepared for you, and your apartments cleaned by my staff. There is also a gymnasium on the basement level. My protection detail trains there. You are welcome to use it.” She ran her gaze over his physique. “In your profession, I know that you need to keep fit.”
“I’ll need my weapons returned. They took them when we arrived back.”
“Of course. You shall have them.”
The two stared at one another. All Nash could visualize was raising a gun, aiming at her forehead, and pulling the trigger.