“You’re a brave woman,” Hawk said. “You’re just trying to help your family, and I find that to be an admirable trait. However, I’d also like to help you if you would be willing to help us.”
Jahedah cocked her head to one side. “What would I have to do?”
“We want to place a tracker in you so we’ll be able to tell where you are at all times. So, if you’re coming into a country, we’d know it and would prevent you from going through this type of interrogation again. You would be placed on a clearance list and could spend your time in peace wherever Evana sends you. How does that sound?”
“I might be willing to do that, but Evana is extremely suspicious. She has me scanned every time I meet with her. I’m not even allowed to see her until I’ve been approved by some of her men.”
Hawk sighed. “Let me think about this for a minute.” He explained the situation to Alex, who came up with another suggestion.
“What if you gave us a signal each time you entered customs?” Hawk asked.
“A signal?”
“Yes, a subtle gesture with your hands that wouldn’t be natural so we could tell it was you. That way we could still track your entry into foreign countries but Evana would never know it. It’d be our little secret.”
Jahedah rested her chin on her knuckles and studied Hawk and Alex. “And what exactly will you do for me?”
“For starters, we can give you a monthly stipend in an account overseas that Evana would never be able to learn about,” Hawk said. “We also could get your daughter that surgery she needs with some of the best doctors in the world. How does that sound?”
A faint smile crept across Jahedah’s lips. “That sounds most kind and generous, certainly not what I was expecting to hear from you.”
They discussed what the signal would be. While checking in with a customs agent, Jahedah was to rub her left arm and form a circle with her thumb and index finger while doing so. It was just unnatural enough that anyone watching surveillance feeds would be able to identify her as the double.
Hawk and Alex then went over their contact protocol and how they would make plans very soon to pick up Jahedah’s daughter and take her to the United States. Jahedah suggested her brother also go on the trip.
“We will need to verify all of this first,” Hawk said. But once we do, we’ll arrange for everything.”
“Thank you,” Jahedah said. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”
Turkish officials reunited Jahedah with her luggage and escorted her out of the office.
“Do you think that will work?” Alex asked.
Hawk shrugged. “Time will tell, but I think that was our best option given the circumstances. If that woman is telling the truth, she’s been through more than any one person should have to endure in a lifetime.”
“I just hope she’s sincere.”
* * *
JAHEDAH LUGGED HER suitcase behind her along the cobblestone streets as the sun dipped beyond the horizon. The streetlights flickered on as she hustled toward her hotel.
She felt relief over having survived the first encounter that Evana warned her would happen. However, Jahedah had a choice to make: Report the offer to Evana or keep it to herself. Jahedah thought she might be able to negotiate a new deal with Evana after informing her of the Americans’ offer. Or Jahedah could play both sides to get what she ultimately wanted—her independence.
As she pondered what to do, she heard footfalls echoing behind her. She quickened her pace before darting around a corner and breaking into a sprint. Yanking her bag off the ground, she clutched it against her chest and raced around another corner. She spotted a dumpster to hide behind and waited.
Moments later, two men dressed in suits came to a stop in the intersection of the alleyway. They craned their necks as if they were searching for someone. After a few seconds, they both dashed off in another direction without saying a word.
Jahedah’s eyes widened.
What have I gotten myself into?
CHAPTER 5
Puyuhuapi, Chile
TITUS BLACK PALMED his gun as he crept out of bed. The alarm clock across the room displayed the time in glowing red letters. It was 4:37 a.m., far too early for any activity in the hotel hallway. Black had become acquainted with the resort’s schedule for a time such as this. With the way his mind worked, he wouldn’t be able to go to sleep until he understood the lay of the land—or in this case, the daily itinerary.
The flight out of Puyuhuapi occurred every morning at 8:30 and was a small prop plane. Passengers were only required to arrive a half-hour before takeoff. No other tours in the area started before 7:30, and breakfast wasn’t served until 6:30.
The creaking along the floorboards outside Black's room persisted. He stuffed pillows beneath his cover and fluffed up his beanie to give the appearance of his head. Meanwhile, he settled into a prone position at the foot of the bed and waited for his room door to open.
A key slipped into the lock and turned, releasing the deadbolt. Clad in dark-blue uniforms, two men crept in, guns trained on where Black would’ve been asleep. Rolling over on his side, Black watched as the two men fired off several rounds at the bed. By the time they realized they’d been had, Black had fired a few shots. One man took two bullets, one to the chest and the other to the head. The other assassin dodged the headshot but had been hit in the chest.
Black rose from his position to make sure both men were dead. One of the men staggered backward before slumping against the wall. The other one who’d only be shot once grabbed his chest and growled as he made a run at Black. Caught off guard by what seemed like a sudden resurrection,
