I unpacked the small bag that had been taken to my room by a helpful butler. Pulling out my long black dress, I gave it a shake to try and lessen the crinkles. Reaching up to hang it in the wardrobe made me wince. My stitches were starting to throb again. Considering Peng was in her bedroom with her bodyguard outside the door, I reckoned I could risk taking a little downtime before resuming protection duties. I took a couple of painkillers, eased myself up onto the bed and lay back on the pillows.

I thought of the lurking Coyote.

If Peng was my target, how would I do it?

I stared up at the ornate four-poster’s red velvet canopy as I ran through everything. All the information we had. All the locations she had gone to. What would I do? How would I kill her?

By the time the painkillers had kicked in and the ache in my side had dulled, I knew exactly what I would do. And I couldn’t believe we had missed it from the start. I sat up and radioed Geraint, asking for a small item to be delivered to my room.

I got up off the bed and changed into my black dress. I might be lacking the glittering diamonds and designer labels the other women would undoubtedly be sporting, but my accessories were a little more special. I slipped on my favourite black stilettos with heels that dislodged to reveal three-inch blades. Then a gaudy necklace with a large green stone that with one click unfastened and upon being thrown to the ground set off a smoke bomb. Large rings on each hand with gems that slid back to reveal a needle with a fast-acting sedative.

There was a knock on my door. It was Geraint with the item I’d requested. He quickly handed it to me and disappeared back down the corridor. I placed it in my clutch bag alongside my Glock. Just in case I was right. Just in case this assassin thought exactly like I did.

I walked to my bedroom window and admired the formal gardens below. Gigi would be impressed. Here I was. A princess in a castle. Heavily armed and prepared to take down an evil king to save my underground kingdom. Making my own happy ending.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

TONIGHT’S DINNER WAS for a hundred and fifty people. All the great and the good of the aviation industry would be in attendance, along with a healthy sprinkling of politicians and a few titled locals. Peng was guest of honour. Everyone wanted to curry favour with China.

The Coyote could strike at any moment.

Champagne was being served in the drawing room. I looked around the grand room with its high ceilings and old Masters on the walls.