Because of the low lighting, Gage dropped to a crouch and continued to move forward, utilizing the island as his cover. Following the kitchen was a wall with openings toward the front of the mansion, and one to the right that led to the rear. Gage checked the rear first, finding the open space communicated to a living area. Although it was quite dark, he was able to see casual furniture and an extremely large television on the wall, evidenced by the blue ready light. Gage retreated and crept into the area at the front of the home.
Here, beside the broad double doors, were two vertical windows. Gage peered outside, eyeing the guard at the front gate. He was in his guardhouse, sitting still. Gage checked his watch—11 minutes. He needed to hurry.
Beyond the entrance hall was what appeared to be a formal dining room. To Gage’s right, a striking stairway built of glass and chrome. It climbed ten steps before turning 90 degrees to the left and disappearing into the second level of the high-ceiling house. Testing the first step for any sort of noise, Gage began to climb. Halfway up, he heard a sound that definitely didn’t come from his feet.
A woman. Saying something.
All was quiet again. Then…
Moaning. More moaning.
A few grunts.
Sex.
Gage took two more steps before the smell of scented candles touched his nose.
Although he hadn’t anticipated Boden having a guest, his being distracted by sex carried a bonus of sorts. Gage reminded himself to be cautious—he didn’t know exactly what was going on, yet. He maintained his speed, climbing the stairs with the pistol outstretched. At the top, he encountered a broad living area with a billiards table. The open room was surrounded by shelves and doors. Three doors were closed. Straight ahead was a glass wall and, beyond it, the low blue light of what appeared to be a second floor swimming pool or hot tub. To the right was an open door—this was where the sound came from.
For the moment, Gage could only hear grunting and heavy breathing. He slid closer, putting his back to the wall outside the door, holding the pistol at the ready as he pondered how to proceed.
“Fick mich,” came the throaty command from the female. She said it again and again.
It sounded as if she was building to something.
Sheesh.
Gage chanced a peek into the bedroom, not surprised at what he saw. For starters, the room was at least twice the size of a normal bedroom. Perhaps the bed was a king, but at first glance it seemed to be oversize—maybe 25 percent larger than a king. Behind the bed was a mirror, as well as one on the ceiling. Candles were burning all around.
And near the center of the bed was the amorous couple. They were facing away from Gage. The blonde haired woman was on all fours, her head dipped under her mane of unruly hair as she rhythmically pushed back into her paramour. Behind her was Hessen Ministerpräsident Michael Boden.
“Nimm mich richtig!” she shouted, lifting her head to eye them both in the mirror.
Though large and athletic looking in his suit, the Ministerpräsident didn’t look like much from this angle as his old ass tensed in an effort to obey the commands of his much younger lover. Gage stopped watching, satisfied that their continued sounds signified they weren’t stopping anytime soon.
After readying more zip ties, Gage removed his mobile phone. He typed the five words of text. The message was simple, predetermined and sent in English, though it could have been sent in French:
Contact. You are FULL GO.
He watched as the text was sent. After only a few seconds, the iPhone’s three gray dots briefly bounced, signifying his contact was typing a response. It came back as a single beautiful French affirmation:
Oui.
Pistol outstretched, Gage pivoted into the room. It was a shame he interrupted them because it seemed the young woman truly was on the verge of an important moment.
Tough shit.
“Stop what you’re doing,” Gage barked.
The woman let out a piercing shriek, scurrying under the covers on the far side of the bed. Gage’s presence startled Boden, too, as he yelled out in alarm before whirling to face Gage who held the pistol steadily on him from a distance of three meters.
“You,” Gage said in German to the woman. “Come here.”
“No,” she whimpered from under the duvet.
“I won’t hurt you. Come here now.”
She slid out from under the duvet and stood on the far side of the bed. Gage didn’t chance looking at her, although from what he could see in the mirror, she was certainly worth a long glance. Rather tall and lean, she was less than half Boden’s age.
“Can I slip on my robe?”
“Keep your hands where I can see them.”
The woman retrieved her robe from the floor and warily walked to Gage.
Tensing the pistol in a menacing fashion, Gage said, “Boden…don’t move a centimeter or I’m shooting you dead right here.”
“What’s the meaning of all this? Have you gone mad?”
By now, the girl was just to Gage’s left. Boden was on his knees, on the large bed, facing Gage. Nude, of course. It was definitely a scene Gage didn’t care for.
It was time to rattle this motherfucker’s cage.
“Have I gone mad?” Gage demanded with full crazy face. “Have I?” He pivoted the pistol to the right and fired it
