Young offered his hand to Sinclair, which he took. “I’ll look forward to it.”
“We’ll put an end to this era of fear in our world,” Sinclair said. “Good day, Mr. President.”
Sinclair resisted the urge to smile as he strode toward his limousine. However, when he reached the door, J.D. Blunt was waiting for him, leaning against the side of the vehicle and chewing on a cigar.
“Mr. Sinclair, what a surprise,” Blunt said. “I had no idea you were even acquainted with the First Lady.”
Sinclair stroked his chin. “Surprised? I hardly believe that since you helped secure this invitation for me.”
“I don’t trust people who struggle with sarcasm.”
“That’s the difference between you and me,” Sinclair said. “I don’t trust anyone.”
“Whatever your end game is, I advise you to leave President Young out of it. He’s not to be messed with.”
“And how are you going to stop him whenever he decides that partnering with me is in the best interest of his country? A coup? A revolt? I advise you to stay in your lane. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business elsewhere that I need to attend to.”
Blunt didn’t budge. “No, you have some business with me that needs your attention right now.” He held out his cell phone. “Call that number and give the order for my niece to be released.”
Sinclair furrowed his brow. “Why would I do that?”
“I upheld my end of the bargain.”
“I don’t bargain, Mr. Blunt. I command. And when we’re done, you’ll get your precious niece back.”
“So help me, when I—”
“I’d stop right there if I were you,” Sinclair said. “I’ve found that nothing makes a man look weaker than issuing empty threats. And I doubt you want to appear any weaker than you already do.”
Blunt glanced around to make sure no one was looking at them. Satisfied that their conversation was private, he pulled back his jacket revealing his gun and glanced at it.
“Another empty threat,” Sinclair said. “You’re weak, and you’ll never get this close to me ever again.”
He pushed his way past Blunt and stepped inside the limo. “When President Young accepts my invitation, I’ll release your niece if I’m in a generous mood when I receive the news. If not, I might hold on to her for a few days just for fun. Good day, Mr. Blunt.”
Sinclair pulled the door shut and exhaled. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
“I need someone to watch Mr. Blunt,” Sinclair said. “He’s going to be more trouble than I first thought.”
CHAPTER 5
Berlin, Germany
HAWK PULLED HIS HOOD over his head and tugged on the drawstrings. He took Alex’s hands as they strolled along casually. The Spree River flowed gently through the center of the city, creating an interesting juxtaposition between the serene water and the bustling metropolis. Even at 1:30 a.m., Berlin was abuzz with activity.
As they veered down Köpenicker Street toward Tresor nightclub, Hawk could already feel the pulsating base rhythms vibrating in his chest. He took a deep breath and caught a whiff of cigarette smoke mixed with marijuana. They strode toward the entrance, passing several couples engaged in unashamed makeout sessions.
“How can someone who watches Bollywood movies enjoy visiting this kind of dance club?” Hawk asked.
Alex smiled and winked at him. “Work assignments.”
“All of a sudden, that raises all kinds of questions.”
She yanked on his arm and dragged him toward the door. “Come on,” she said. “I promise not to make you dance. Just let me do all the talking here. And put on your sunglasses, okay?”
Hawk nodded and complied with her requests. He remained silent while studying the club’s clientele.
They waited in line for ten minutes before reaching the door of the three-story industrial building that used to be a heating plant, according to Alex. The bouncer at the door had a shaved head except for a strip of spiked hair, proudly displaying the intricate symbol tattooed across his brow.
“Who are you here to see?” the man asked in German.
“My favorite DJ, False Witness,” Alex responded in crisp German.
The man eyed Hawk. “And what about him?”
“He’s with me and a little too stoned to talk.”
The bouncer held out his hand. “Twenty Euros each.”
Alex forked over the cash and rushed inside before the man changed his mind.
“What was that all about?” Hawk asked.
“These clubs are notorious for discriminating at the door, oftentimes for no good reason. And if you’re American or British, your chances of getting inside aren’t great, even on a night when the bouncers are feeling generous.”
“Did you ever get turned away?”
“Bouncers are like cops,” she said. “Just bat your eyes and make a sad puppy dog face. Works every time I get in pinch.”
Hawk rolled his eyes. “Can you use your superpower to find Helenos-9 so we can get out of here?”
“What? I thought we might stay and dance some.”
Hawk shook his head. “This isn’t my scene.”
She drew back. “Why not? I’ve already seen at least three people sporting cowboy boots.”
“You’re not nearly as funny as you think you are.”
Alex chuckled. “Follow me.”
She led Hawk up to the bar where she called for the bartender.
“Peter,” she said.
He turned around, and his eyes widened as soon as he recognized her. “Alex? Is that you?”
She nodded. “In the flesh.”
“You’re an angelic apparition,” he said. “I never thought I’d see you again.”
“Well, here I am.”
“Yes, you are,” Peter said as he cut his eyes over at Hawk. “And who’s this?”
“This is my boyfriend, Carlos.”
“Oh, Carlos, what a lucky man you are,” Peter said. “Alex is fabulous.”
Hawk nodded. “I’m starting to believe that’s the case.”
Peter turned toward Alex. “What are you doing back here?”
“I need a little help.”
“With what?”
Alex glanced around the room before looking back at Peter. “Have you seen Ian tonight?”
“Oh, he’s in the back corner up there,” he said, pointing at the third floor. “But better catch him before he
