Chapter 16
East Coast United States, International Airport
The two stewardesses smiled as Hayley got on the plane. Hayley did a double take, there was something familiar about the two women but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Perhaps it would pop into her head during the flight. The ticket was first class so Hayley turned left and entered the cabin. “How the other half live,” Hayley commented on seeing the seating arrangements. “Plenty of space, large screens, comfortable seats, maybe some fizz….” Hayley found her seat, settled in and got comfortable. It was a journey into the unknown but as least she would be making it in style. The first-class compartment filled up until it was about half full and they the crew buzzed around making final preparations for take-off. The big jet rumbled across the apron and to the end of the runway. Hayley felt the engines power up and the jet fight against the brakes until it suddenly jumped forward and barrelled along the runway. This was always Hayley’s favourite bit of flying, it felt exhilarating. After the plane had taken off and levelled at cruising altitude one of the stewardesses from earlier approached with a beaming smile and sat down in the empty seat next to Hayley. “Hi,” the stewardess said, “my name is Ainslie Hayes. If you need anything please do let my colleague Hilarie Burton or I know.”
“Thank you,” Hayley replied. “It is too early for a drink.” It was a bit cheeky.
“No problem. I will see to that for you right now,” Ainslie replied. “Our employer wants to make sure you have a good journey.” As the woman got up Hayley gave her a quizzical look. There was something in the phrasing of what she said and then the familiarity. Hayley tried to shake it off and settled back into the seat, closing her eyes. It was a long flight to Heathrow and then there was the connecting flight to wherever The Broker had arranged for her. Just as she was relaxing as Ainslie came back with her drink and handed it over. Hayley smiled a thank you and was about to get back to relaxing when she noted that Ainslie hadn’t moved. It was a bit uncomfortable. “Please give me your phone.” Ainslie held her hand out and smiled.
“Sorry,” Hayley replied perplexed. “Why should I give you…” Then it clicked. “Oh! Your employer is The Broker, not the airline.” Ainslie smiled and nodded. “I don’t suppose I have any choice with this?” Ainslie shook her head. So, Hayley pulled out her phone and handed it over.
“Thank you, please enjoy the rest of the flight.” Ainslie turned and headed down the aisle and Hayley looked out the window taking occasional sips from her glass thinking about what lay ahead.
Heathrow Airport, London
The plane rolled to a stop after landing and Hayley started to get up. “Just sit and wait until the rest of the passengers have disembarked,” Ainslie instructed as she strolled by on her way to guiding passengers off the plane. So, Hayley sat and waited until all of the other passengers had left the plane and Ainslie walked by again. “Wait.” Hayley sighed and slumped back into her seat. It took another ten minutes before Ainslie and Hilarie returned now dressed in their full uniform, including jackets, headgear and carrying a bag each. “Let’s go. You will follow me. Do not attempt to make contact with anybody. Do not draw attention to yourself. Do not get lost. Do you understand.”
“Yes, I understand,” Hayley confirmed as got up. They made their way off the plane, down the gangway and into the airport proper. “What about my bag?” asked Hayley as they bypassed the luggage carousel where other passengers from the flight waited for bags.
“They will be taken care of,” Hilarie confirmed. “You won’t lose anything.” With Ainslie leading and Hilarie just behind Hayley they snaked their way through the airport and through a door that led into a quiet corridor. They were now away from the main hustle and bustle of the airport, behind the scenes so to speak. Through doors and along corridors they went only passing the occasional member of aircrew or mechanic who nodded a silent greeting. Then they went through a set of doors and Hayley felt the temperature drop and felt a soft breeze. They were walking along a gangway with an opening at the end. Glancing out the windows Hayley could see a private jet standing on the tarmac. “I guess that is our destination.” There was no verbal reply but Ainslie nodded. At the end of the gangway then descended a set of stairs onto the apron of tarmac and heading the short distance to the waiting jet. As they approached the jet the fuselage door opened and a short set of steps was lowered. All three women entered the cabin and Hayley looked around. Nice interior and a row of plush looking leather seats.
“Take that one,” Ainslie instructed Hayley by pointing at a seat. “We will be taking off shortly.” Indeed, the pilot had already fired up the engines. Sitting in the seat that had been pointed put Hayley looked down for the seatbelt but there wasn’t one.
“Bit of a hand ladies,” Hayley asked her companions. Ainslie nodded and Hilarie walked across and beckoned Hayley to lean forward. The woman then reached behind Hayley and seemed to pull two sides of a harness, like a racing driver from nowhere. Hayley took the hint and slipped her arms through the slots before Hilarie buckled them in front and tightened them. Tight. Hayley grimaced. “Cheers.”
“Hands on the rests.” Hayley gave Hilarie a look. “Come on, haven’t got all day.” After complying with the instruction Hayley watched as Hilarie put straps around her wrists to hold them in place. Then Hilarie knelt down and put a strap over Hayley’s ankles and another across her shins. Biting back a witty retort Hayley just relaxed as the pilot released the break and the plane started to roll forward. The two stewardesses quickly and expertly stowed their bags before taking seats and buckling in for take-off. The plane rolled to the end of the runway before the pilot stopped the plane and then flared the engines before releasing the brakes and letting the plane jump forward. The speed built up until the nose lifted off the ground and gracefully the sleek jet lifted into the air.
“Where are we off to then?” Hayley asked once the plane had reached cruising height and levelled off.
“We aren’t allowed to tell you,” Ainslie stated. “Please just stay quiet and enjoy the flight. If you do insist on being noisy, we do have permission to gag you. We would rather not have to do that.”
“Consider my lips sealed.” Hayley didn’t really want to be gagged so just kept her mouth shut and played out various scenarios in her mind and how she would deal with them.
Dubrovnik International Airport
The three women were in the same order at Heathrow as they walked through airport. Hayley was pleasantly surprised to find herself in Croatia. It wasn’t what she was expecting. The airport was actually about ten miles away from Dubrovnik city centre, so Hayley wondered where she would end up. They were on the main concourse and heading for the exit so Hayley assumed that there wouldn’t be any more flights. As they closed in on the exit Hayley noted three women standing off to the side. All were well dressed in dark suites with clean, white blouses and black shoes. Each had a pair of sunglasses, one held them in her left hand, one had them dangling by an arm on the neck of their blouse and the third had them pushed up on their head. “I think they are who you are looking for?” Hayley tapped Ainslie on the shoulder and pointed. Ainslie looked in that direction and nodded. The group changed direction and made their way across.
“Did you take her phone?” one of the women asked Ainslie. Obviously, this was the leader. She had the sunglasses in her left hand.
“What? No small talk,” Hayley commented with a smile. Ainslie handed over Hayley’s mobile then turned and left, taking Hilarie with her. Hayley watched them leave.
“Any other electronic devices.” Hayley shook her head.
“We will check.”
“I know,” Hayley replied with a smile. “That is why I didn’t bring any.” Hayley took a good look at the woman and something at the back of her brain said that the woman looked familiar. “Don’t I know you?” Hayley asked.
“Maybe, my name is Valentine Chase,” the woman replied.
“Yeah, you used to work for Elizabeth Crawford.” Chase ignored the comment. “Why aren’t you in jail like the rest of them?” Once again Chase ignored Hayley.
“Your bags have been taken to our vehicle and I suggest that we now do the same.”
“Aren’t you going to introduce your friends?” Hayley nodded at the two people standing just behind and to each side of Chase.
“This is Lucija and Nika,” Chase said with a sigh. “Now. Move.” The small group, with Chase leading, Hayley behind and Lucija and Nika on either side, exited the terminal and a large black SUV with tinted windows pulled up to the kerb beside them. Chase opened the rear door and indicated for Hayley to get in. Once they were all in the vehicle pulled away and into the stream of traffic. The set up in the rear of the large vehicle was four seats in the rear, two facing forward and two facing rearwards. Hayley had taken a seat facing forward with Chase directly across from her. Lucija sat beside Hayley and Nika had jumped into the front passenger seat. Chase picked up an electronic wand form the seat beside her and turned it on.
“Don’t you trust me?” Hayley asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not an inch,” Chase retorted as she waved the wand over Hayley. When the wand didn’t detect any electronic devices, Hayley shrugged her head and smiled. “Look, let’s get this clear Hayley,” Chase said putting the wand down, “I don’t trust you at all. Bad things happen when you are around. I advised the boss not to let you anywhere near her but…”
“What can I say. I have a winning personality.” Hayley put the smile on full wattage.
“Turn around and put your hands behind your back Hayley,” Chase ordered holding up a pair of padded cuffs. Hayley sighed before complying.
“Come on,” Hayley complained. “Is there really any need for this?” Hayley felt the padded cuffs being slipped around first her left wrist and then her right wrist and then being locked tightly in place. “The boss values her privacy so we have to make sure that you don’t know where we are going.”
“There is really no need…” Hayley looked on as Chase pulled out a thickly padded blindfold and earplugs from the outside pocket of her suit jacket. “Couldn’t you have just done something with the window glass?” Chase laughed as she leaned over and place the blindfold over Hayley’s eyes and everything went black. Once the blindfold was in place Chase stuffed the earplugs into Hayley’s ears and it was like Hayley was underwater, alone in her own thoughts. There was still one more surprise for Hayley when a minute later a familiar smell reached Hayley’s nostrils. “Is there any need for mmmpphhff…” the cloth was pressed over Hayley’s nose and mouth. “uuhhrr…hhummdd…” Hayley moaned, shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes voluntarily. Not that she was in a position to resist but Hayley wasn’t going to anywhere. The familiar sensations swarmed over her as she inhaled the fumes until her brain shut down and her head lolled to one side.
Broker’s home, an hour from Dubrovnik
When she came to Hayley knew that she was still sitting in the same place. The bindings, earplugs and blindfold remained in place. However, she was pretty sure. She couldn’t sense anyone close to her in the vehicle, no breathing no accidental touches. Then there was a faint sound and then fresh air against her bare skin. Hayley felt a touch on her ears as the earplugs were removed. “Hey! What’s going on? Where are we?”
“Quiet,” Valentine said as Hayley felt a firm grip in her arm. “We are here. Step down and then straight ahead.” Hayley cautiously obeyed and the two women walked along a gravel path toward the house. With the uneven ground and the blindfold on Hayley stumbled on a couple of occasions before they went through the door and into the house. There was an instant change on the atmosphere. “Hello Jenkins,” Valentine said.
“Good evening, Miss Chase,” Hayley heard a man reply with a hint of a Welsh accent. “An unexpected development. The Broker has been called away on urgent business and won’t be back until the day after tomorrow.” Hayley groaned thought that this may have been a wasted trip. “However, she has asked that we look after Miss King until her return.”
“Good,” Valentine replied. “Is the guest room prepared.”
“Yes, as per your instructions,” Jenkins replied. Something about that line made Hayley apprehensive. Hayley felt Valentine increase the pressure on her upper arm and then a nudge and they were off again a short journey with two turns and no stairs. Then they stopped. Hayley heard the swish of nylon and instantly knew what that meant. People talk about muscle memory but that sound, that unmistakeable sound trigger brain memories. Then the blindfold was whipped off and after a couple of blinks Hayley fears were confirmed. There were two large bags lying on the bed. She had hoped that with Elizabeth Crawford being out of the equation that restraining bags were a thing of the past.
“You do know that I am here of my own free will,” Hayley said as Valentine freed her wrists, allowing Hayley to give them the obligatory rub. “I actually want to be here.”
“Yes, but we can’t have you running around,” Valentine replied.
“The door does have a lock,” Hayley turned around and checked.
“I didn’t think that you would have an issue with this,” Valentine commented, “with all your previous experience.” Hayley sighed. “I mean, if there are going to be issues…” Hayley shook her head. “First things first Hayley you will have to strip.” Valentine walked across to the wardrobe and pulled out a blocky package. “Even have your brand of diapers.”
“Whatever floats your boat,” Hayley replied as she started to take off her clothes and folded them carefully on a chair that was next to the bed. Just then Lucija entered carrying Hayley’s case and dumped it onto the corner of the bed.
“Stay around Lucija. I will need your help later.” Lucija nodded. “No down suits I am afraid so hopefully you brought some appropriate attire.” Hayley nodded and opened her case. Digging around she found a pair of white stain pyjamas with long sleeves and legs. “They will do nicely.” Valentine had been preparing the diaper and changing mat on the floor as Hayley stripped down to her bra and panties. “Come on over then. Don’t be shy.” Valentine nodded and Hayley reluctantly slid her panties down to the floor and stepped out of them.
“Very good,” Hayley replied as she padded across in her bare feet and got down on the mat. “Can we keep this professional?” Hayley raised her head enough to looked on as Valentine finished preparing the large, thick adult diaper. It didn’t bother Hayley wearing a diaper. The situation as a whole was bothering her a little. She was willingly surrendering to be restrained in the bags which meant she would have no chance of escape, assuming there were of the same specification and standard as Crawford’s. She put her head back on the mat and after a couple of seconds Hayley felt a tap on her hip and took this as a sign to raise her bottom from the mat. Hayley then felt her bum and private area being wiped with a wipe and tensed before a cool cream was applied over her delicate areas and then talcum powered was sprinkled over her and then gently patted in.
“Good girl Hayley. Don’t worry it’s just to clean the area and help avoid diaper rash. You can lower your bum back down now,” Valentine said. Hayley rolled her eyes at the chat. When she lowered her bottom Hayley felt her it hit the centre of the soft, thick diaper. Hayley lay perfectly still as Valentine finished the process of putting on the diaper by bringing up the front and securing the sticky tabs to keep it in place. After that process was completed, Hayley stuck her hand out and Valentine gave her a hand to get up. Hayley ran her hands over the diaper and inspected the application. A poor application could spell discomfort and misery. “To your satisfaction?” Hayley nodded and spent a minute putting on the stain pyjamas.
“Hands out in front Hayley.” Valentine produced a pair of finger control mitts and proceeded to put one of each of Hayley’s hands. The mitts had a small buckle at the wrist section which Valentine tightened to lock the mitts in place. Hayley winced as the buckle was secured and tried wriggling her fingers. The mitts were thickly padded and severely limited the movement of her fingers. It was a familiar sensation. That combined with the silky smoothness of the fabric on both the inside and outside of the mitts meant that trying to pick something up almost impossible, rendering her hands useless. Then Hayley watched as Valentine placed padded cuffs on her wrists, just above the end of the mitts, locking them together with not much of a gap, restricting independent movement. It was very similar to Crawford and Hayley was starting to have flashbacks.
“Open your mouth”
“The gag…well…come on Valentine…”
“Lucija, would you get the chloroform,” Valentine, “seems Hayley is getting a little feisty.” Hayley shook her head and reluctantly opened her mouth and watched on Valentine picked up what Hayley recognised as one of those large padded gags with a ball in the middle. The large soft ball at the centre of the gag was forced into her mouth, almost completely filling it. Hayley instantly reacted and closed her mouth around the ball as the pad was pushed against her lips. Hayley felt it push down on her lips as Valentine used the buckle at the back of Hayley’s head to secure it in place.
“Is there any need to make it so tight” Hayley said. Obviously due to the heavy gag nothing more than a mumbled whisper could be heard. Hayley concluded that the materials used weren’t quite of the same quality as Crawford’s. One thing you could never accuse Crawford of was skimping on quality. The woman was very particular about that kind of thing.
“That is better. Very effective gag detective and definitely required,” Valentine commented. Whilst the gag was being applied Lucija had delved into a bag and produced five padded leather straps which she handed over to Valentine. Two of the larger straps were used to bind Hayley’s arms tightly to her body, Hayley grunted into her gag as each buckle was tightened. Valentine then indicated for Hayley to sit on the edge of the bed with the restraining bag on it. Once Hayley had sat down Valentine quickly used three more straps to secure Hayley’s legs together at the ankles, just below the knees and around the thighs, leaving Hayley securely bound. Hayley noted that there was slightly more discomfort around her groin when the thigh strap was buckled so she thought that she must have become unaccustomed to wearing diapers. It was sign of how bizarre Hayley’s lie was that she didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.
“Now let’s get you into the restraining bags,” Valentine said. With Hayley’s movement extremely limited by her bindings Valentine helped Hayley into a standing position next to the bed whilst Lucija manoeuvred the thinner of the bags into position, running her hand over the nylon shell to check the smoothness and loft of the bag. Once the bag was in position Valentine and Lucija manhandled Hayley into position and sat her onto the centre of the bag. Without having to be told Hayley swung her legs up, round and slipped them into the bag. Valentine quickly folded the top of the bag over onto Hayley and zipped the bag all the way up and closed. Taking the opportunity whilst the second bag was prepared Hayley had a wriggle around to get comfortable; she knew there was no chance of getting free. Hayley noted that the thickness or filling of the sleeping bag seemed to slightly less than the last set of bags that she had been restrained in. Once again, Hayley found herself contemplating if that was a positive or negative.
“Could you lie still whilst we put you in the second bag.” Hayley certainly wasn’t going to help them and just lay still as she felt her legs get lifted as they were slid into the second bag. Hayley heard the sound of the two nylon surfaces against each other as the women went about the business of slipping the rest of Hayley’s nylon and down encased body into the larger, second bag. Finally getting the hood under Hayley’s head Valentine with some assistance from Lucija brought the two halves of the second bag together and fighting against the loft of the internal bag managed to get the centre zip up to the top before locking it off. “Just hold still and no squirming for a minute whilst we make you secure.” Hayley wondered what that comment meant but found out when she felt tugging at the sides of the bag round her ankles. Fighting the loft of the bags Hayley raised her head enough to see that they were putting a heavy nylon strap around her ankles. Hayley felt it bite in around her ankles, even with the down, as the strap was tightened and then locked in place. Five further straps were put in place around Hayley’s body. It didn’t take them that long and when they were finished Hayley felt the straps confining against her. It added a slight layer on discomfort which was unusual when being in bags. It was normally the height of comfort. Valentine’s face appeared looming over Hayley from above. “Well, I hope that you aren’t that comfortable. If it were up to me, I would have rammed both of your holes with the most violent bullet vibrators I could find and used old rope for binding and used panties as a gag rather than this nice stuff but the boss did insist when I suggested, no insisted, you would have to be restrained during your visit.” Valentine and Hayley locked eyes for five seconds and Hayley knew that the woman was serious. “See you tomorrow morning.” Then she disappeared from view and Hayley heard the door close and lock. She was left alone with her thoughts and settled in for to wait, using the time to run through the conversation she hoped to have with The Broker.
Broker’s home, 40 hours later
“Miss King, a pleasure to see you again,” The Broker said as she got up from behind a desk. Hayley was feeling fresh. After almost two days restrained in the bags she had been released and allowed to have a shower and put on fresh clothes from her bags. The room where she was meeting The Broker was nice, understated would be a good word. Spacious with minimal furniture and decoration. There was the desk that where The Broker had been sitting behind with two laptops sitting open on it. The only other items of furniture in the room were two modern looking settees sitting either side of a low coffee table in the centre of the room and a large, light coloured natural wood bookcase against the far away wall. The main attraction in the room was the floor to ceiling glass doors behind the desk that looked out onto the garden with the swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court and well-kept lawn. “Please take a seat.” The Broker gesture to one of the settees as she took a seat on the other.
“Thank you,” Hayley said and sat down. Jenkins, who had shown her in, hovered around.
“Can I get you a drink?” The Broker asked. Hayley was a bit dry. Valentine had rationed the liquids.
“Lemonade?” It was an answer and question at once. The Broker held up two fingers and Jenkins scurried off.
“I apologize for being delayed. An important business matter that needed my attention.” Hayley nodded like she understood. “I hope that you were well taken care of.” Hayley’s expression changed. “Yes, well Valentine can be a little protective. And it is not like you can’t say that with your reputation precautions aren’t necessary.” Hayley couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“My reputation?” Hayley asked.
“Yes, people in my line of business seem to fall on hard times when they cross your path.”
“Well!” Hayley was indignant. “I have been kidnapped, drugged, abused, restrained….” Hayley took a breath and realised that this wasn’t why she had come here. Focus. Just then Jenkins returned with two tall, misty glasses of bubbling liquid on a tray. He was wearing a nice, tailored dark suit with an open necked shirt. After depositing the drinks on the table, both on placemats, he left the room. The interruption had allowed Hayley to regain her composure. “I apologise. It was good of you to agree to meet me.” The Broker nodded. “There is something that I hope that you can help me with.” The Broker gave her a squint. “I know that is asking something of you. I wouldn’t ask if wasn’t important to me.”
“If you don’t mind, I would like to ask you a question first?”
“Go ahead,” Hayley replied. I little intrigued about what The Broker could want from her.
“Who did Elizabeth Crawford meet in Bratislava?” The Broker asked.
“I don’t know,” Hayley replied.
“You were in the meeting?”
“I know,” Hayley replied trying to retain her patience, “but I was bound, gagged, blindfolded and earplugged.” The Broker leaned back in the seat and seemed to lose herself in deep thought. “I had assumed that it was you,” Hayley said. As a way of taking a break Hayley reached for the glass and took a long drink. The glass was cool to the touch and the lemonade was refreshing.
“No, it wasn’t me.” That sent Hayley’s brain off on a tangent. Who could Elizabeth have been meeting? Anyway, that wasn’t Hayley’s problem. Elziabeth Crawford would never be Hayley’s problem ever again.
“I am not here about Elizabeth Crawford. I am here about my friend Natalie Twain,” Hayley kept her gaze levelled at the other woman. “She was kidnapped on her wedding day some months ago and there have been no leads, no ransom demands, no attempt at communication from her kidnappers at all.”
“Are you sure? I hear rumours that it might just have been cold feet. After all there have been no demands from her alleged kidnappers.” The Broker looked at Hayley. “The circle of friends that you have now. The people that you know. The access to cash would make you an obvious target for a ransom demand or to use Natalie as leverage to get you to do something. Why would anybody kidnap Natalie and not use her like that?”
“I do have to concede that point but I know that Natalie would never have left Charlotte hanging like that.” Both women drained the last of their lemonade. “I just know that something has happened. I have tried investigating myself but got nowhere. You are the person that I know with the best contacts, the best information network. Do you know anything?” The Broker considered this question like Hayley had asked her the meaning of life.
“I don’t,” The Broker could see the look of disappointment on Hayley’s face. “That doesn’t mean that I couldn’t though. I could make some enquiries and see what comes of it.”
“You promise to get in touch if anything comes up?” The Broker nodded. “Thank you. I really don’t know what I would have done if you couldn’t have helped.”
“I am making no promises.”
“I understand,” Hayley nodded. “What do we do now?”
“Time for your trip home,” The Broker confirmed.
“Why do I get the feeling I might not like this.” As if from nowhere Jenkins returned with the try and a large white cloth and dark coloured bottle on it.
“I believe white is a tradition colour for this sort of thing.” The Broker took both items and Jenkins turned and left. Hayley sighed and rolled her eyes Why did everyone seem to want to render her unconscious with chloroform? “I haven’t done this before.” Why did you want to start now? Hayley watched as The Broker folded the cloth into a thick pad and placed it onto the table. Next, she opened the bottle and started to pour the liquid onto the cloth. Before putting the top back on. “I assume that should be enough.” Hayley nodded as The Broker got up and walked around the coffee table to take a seat on the settee beside Hayley. “Ready?” Hayley just nodded. The Broker moved the cloth forward.
“Wait,” Hayley instructed. “Put your other hand behind my hand. Even though I know it is coming the natural reaction of the body will be to fight and try and avoid the fumes.” Hayley had already caught a whiff of the fumes. The Broker did as Hayley suggested and then applied the cloth. “mmpphhff,” Hayley moaned as the familiar scent invaded her nostrils and began the process of knocking her out.
“When you wake up you will be back on my jet to Heathrow. Ainslie and Hilarie will take care of you again. I do hope that we meet again soon.” Hayley was starting to feel the effects of the drug now as her limbs felt numb. The Brokers words were echoing around her head. “Give me a couple of days and I will try and find out something about Natalie for you.”
Hayley was starting to feel very woozy and then fifteen seconds later the shutters came down and she went out. The Broker removed the cloth and looked at the unconscious Hayley slumped back on the settee. Valentine Chase entered the room and walked across. The Broker stood up to greet her. “Is she definitely out?” Valentine lifted up Hayley’s left arm and let it drop down. Then she lifted both eyelids.
“All the way,” Valentine confirmed.
“Good. Send her home then.”
“Want me to get the word out about Natalie Twain?” Valentine asked. “See if we can get anywhere.”
“Certainly not,” The Broker replied. “I have no interest in that.” Valentine gave her a look. “What is in it for me? Anyway, I just wanted to meet the infamous Hayley King face to face.”
“Alright,” Valentine replied somewhat confused.
“They want her in London in six days so I just have to come up with some kind of pretext. See if there are any jobs going about.” Valentine cocked her head. “Kidnappings obviously.” With a flick of the hand The Broker dismissed Valentine and went back to her desk and started typing away at both laptops in turn. Lucija and Nika entered the room and carried the slumbering Hayley out and through the house toward the same car that had picked her up from the airport. It would be a long journey home.
