Sawyer’s cell buzzed in his pocket. “Damn it.” He yanked it out and jabbed at the screen. “Hayes.” He paused, listening. “Can’t I fax it to you?” A growl tore from his throat. “Fine. I’ll be there within the hour.”
He slipped the phone back into his pocket. “For some reason, the airport is requiring my signature on the flight plan for the guys’ return flight, and they won’t accept a fax.” He jutted his chin at Hunter and Oz. “I’m going to go down to the airport and then come right back.”
She yawned as she followed the guys to the door. “I’ll be fine. I’m still pretty tired, so I’m sure I’ll fall asleep five minutes after you leave anyway.”
The guys said their good-byes, Hunter giving her a hug, Rowan giving her a curt nod, and Oz kissing her on the mouth, trying to slip in his tongue before Sawyer punched him in the arm.
When they left, Sawyer kissed her thoroughly, as if he’d never see her again. “Do not open this door for anyone, do you hear me?”
“I won’t,” she promised, smiling against his lips. “I love you.”
She watched him as he got onto the elevator before shutting the door. Then, after taking a bite of another piece of toast, she got into bed and slipped beneath the sheets.
The moment she closed her eyes, her phone chimed, signaling a text had come through. She snatched it off the nightstand and read it. Although the phone number was listed as unknown, she knew from the message it was Sawyer.
I forgot my wallet, and the key to the room is in it. Can you let me in? I’m in the hallway.
She laughed as she rolled out of bed and crossed the suite to the front door. He should’ve just had Oz break in again.
When she got to the door, she swung it open, expecting to see her husband’s face.
Her laugh was suddenly cut short as her eyes fell on the last man she wanted to see.
“Mitch.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
HER BROTHER HADN’T improved with age. Although he was only in his thirties, he looked as if he was much, much older. His olive skin had an unhealthy grayish tint to it, and his eyes were bloodshot.
The scent of alcohol slapped her in her face. It was only nine in the morning, and he was already drinking. She remembered him always having a beer in his hand, but she’d never considered that he might have a drinking problem.
She went to shut the door, but he wedged his foot inside. “Moving up in the world, aren’t you, sis?”
“Hello, Mitch.” Her heart was beating so quickly she felt as if it was going to jump out of her chest.
His face contorted into a half smile, half sneer. “Aren’t you going to invite your oldest brother in?”
Could she say no?
One way or another, she needed to find out why he was here and what he wanted from her. With the exception of causing her car accident, he hadn’t hurt her. She had to believe he wouldn’t harm her now.
She held the door wide open for him and swept out her hand in welcome. “Come in. What are you doing here? Did Asa tell you where to find me?”
His eyes turned dark, fury emanating from him. “Asa? You’ve been in contact with him all this time?”
“No,” she said, trying to keep him calm. “He found me from the newspaper. Just like you did, I’m assuming.”
Trapping her inside, he leaned against the door, his back up against it and his arms folded in front of him. “I got tired of waiting for Hayes to find you. Kept track of him for years, thinking maybe you’d think it was safe to go back to him or his investigators would find you. Never thought you’d be stupid enough to get your photo taken. You’ve gotten lazy in the past few years. But that’s all going to change now that I’ve found you.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked in a shaky voice, unable to conceal her fear.
His smile broadened, displaying yellowed teeth. “You’re going to give me that black list, and then you’re coming with me.”
She shook her head, wondering if there was another way out of here. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
He pushed off the door and stalked to her. “Where is it, Annaliese? You got it here with you? Couldn’t find it in your condo or your office.”
She took a giant step backward. “You’re the one who trashed them?”
“Trashed them?” He laughed. “Looked good as new when I was there. Busted through your locks, though. You really should invest in better ones.”
She pointed at the door. “Get out.”
His brow shot up in amusement. “Tell me where it is.”
“Somewhere you’ll never find it.” She squared her shoulders and spoke with a confidence she didn’t feel. “And don’t think for a second I don’t have a contingency plan in case something should happen to me. If I die or disappear, the black list goes straight to the Feds.”