"Ken," she said. He peered over the edge of his book, his eyes narrowing. So he really didn't like her, did he? Nicky felt her nerves return. "I just wanted to say I appreciate you helping out on this case. I can tell youre not my biggest fan, and that's fine. But we need to work together, so let's make sure we're on the same page. Okay?"

Ken's eyes narrowed further. He wasn't impressed. But he answered her question, anyway. "I never said I didn't 'like' you, Agent Lyons," Ken said. "But I think you're in over your head. Youre young, and I just think you lack the experience to lead a team like this. Ive led dozens in my career, so I apologize if I feel like they gave the wrong person the job.

Nicky couldn't fight the offense that rose in her. "You might be older than me, Agent Walker, but you know I have a solid track record. I'm more than fit to lead this case. The senator and the chief thought so."

Ken grunted and looked away. "I hope they're right, for those girls' sakes."

Nicky's chest tightened. He'd struck a chord. Of course, her biggest fear on this case was letting those girls down, but she couldn't think like that. Not anymore.

"We'll save them," Nicky said. She looked at Ken's profile. He was clean-shaven with a broad jawline and rough, but handsome features. Black hair and light blue eyes, inky lashes. "But Ken," she said, "I need to know you're with me on this."

He met her eyes. Then, a sigh. "I'm with you. We're gonna get this done. But don't be surprised to hear me speak my mind if I think you're off-base."

"Fair enough," Nicky said. She turned back to look out of the window. The plane was almost on the ground now. It was time to leave the comfort of the plane and get to work.

Nicky was rooted to her seat. The beach they'd flown over was now just twenty feet below. Nicky gazed out of the window at the expanse of golden sand, and the ocean beyond. Sunlight glittered on the surface of the sea. After a few moments, the tires of the plane hit the tarmac with a soft thud.

Nicky and Ken made their way through the busy airport. People talked loudly on cell phones while they walked, luggage hit the floor as some shoved past her. Nicky saw a young girl with a broken arm being carried by her aunt. The girl was sobbing--whether from the pain or the fear, Nicky wasn't sure. Airports had always made her anxious. It was so busy, so crowded, and she was surrounded by so many different people. It all added to the buzzing inside her mind.

Still, she was determined not to let the anxiety show, so she walked on, following Ken to the exit.