“That will take longer, but I’ll find it. Do you need backup?” Lauren’s voice brightened perceptibly.

“Not yet.” He wanted to track Agent Taylor on his own. He’d waited a long time for this moment, and he fully intended to savor the chase. “If I do need reinforcements, no one is to take her out. Is that understood? That is for my pleasure and my pleasure alone.”

“Of course, Professor.”

“Thank you. I’ll wait for your call. The reception’s spotty. If I don’t answer, text me at this number.”

“Why don’t you use the sat phone?”

“SIS could trace that in a heartbeat. I don’t want anything to lead back to me. We’ve been careful and will continue to exercise extreme caution.”

“Yes, sir.” She rang off.

Once he destroyed Agent Taylor, Gilmont had a new identity waiting for him on the isle of Šolta on the Dalmatian coast. Initially, he had planned to turn over his organization to Danny. But after the last few months, wielding power after his prison experience had become his life’s elixir.

Danny could continue his day-to-day operations, but Gilmont fully intended to pull the strings. With his exceptional employees, no one could stop him now.

And while he grew his infrastructure, he’d take action on his plan to regain his family.

Elise’s 4x4 rattled across the bridge as it crossed the Forth estuary.

“There’s the Forth Bridge, Sammy. Have you seen it before?” Elise nodded toward the red cantilevered railway bridge running parallel with theirs; it linked the villages of South and North Queensferry.

“I’ve got to wee,” Sammy said, not the least impressed.

She held back an eye roll. So much for pointing out a UNESCO world heritage site to a boy of eight.

“Can you hold it a bit longer?”

“I’ve been holding it ever so long. Please?” The lad squirmed on his seat, a pained expression wrinkling his brows.

Why hadn’t he said something earlier when they’d stopped for petrol in South Queensferry? Elise sighed. If she pulled over, she’d lose the possible lead she had gained between herself and her adversary. Undoubtedly by now, Gilmont had her plate number and was tracking her via CCTV. The man had a wide reach.

Her own body ached from bouncing across her father’s estate without her special pillow. A minute of stretching would do her good.

“Fine. I wouldn’t mind a break. I’m a half-melted welly myself.”

They exited the bridge and entered the village of North Queensferry.

“What is the Kingdom of Fife?” Sammy asked, reading the sign outside the window.

“Fife was one of the major Pictish kingdoms.”

“The blue people?” By now Sammy was bouncing in his seat. “Can we stop here?”