The yacht. She felt a ripple that was both unease and excitement. “You understand I’m no longer in a position to return to Cordina?”

“This is understood.” He gestured toward a small motorboat. “Your needs will be seen to.”

As before, she had a choice. She could draw her weapon now and take him in. If luck was with them, he would trade his own freedom for Deboque’s. She couldn’t risk Bennett’s safety to luck. Without a word, she stepped into the boat and sat.

Her life was in her own hands now, Hannah thought, and folded them. However the night turned out, Deboque would be ruined.

Her contact didn’t speak again, but his gaze shifted back and forth over the dark water. They were all waiting and watching now. Because the night was clear, Deboque’s yacht stood out white and stark on the sea. She could see three men on deck, Ricardo and two others. It was Ricardo who assisted her onto the yacht.

“Lady Hannah, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

There was something in his eyes, something smirking and self-satisfied. She knew then, as surely as if he’d held a knife to her throat, that she wasn’t meant to leave the Invincible. Her voice was cool and calm when she spoke, and she hoped, clearly received across the span of water.

“Thank you, Ricardo. I hope this won’t take long. I’m forced to admit I’m uneasy in Cordinian waters.”

“We sail in an hour.”

“For?”

“A more comfortable climate. The radio has announced the tragic deaths of several members of the Royal Family. Prince Armand is grieving in seclusion.”

“Of course. Cordina is left without its heart, and without its heir. Monsieur Deboque has been informed?”

“He waits for you in his cabin.” Ricardo reached out a hand for Hannah’s bag.

“Are employees always searched, Ricardo?”

“We can dispense with that, Lady Hannah, if you will allow me to hold your weapons.” He drew out her pistol and pocketed it. “And your knife?”

With a shrug, Hannah lifted her skirt to her thigh. She watched Ricardo’s gaze dip and hold there as she drew out the knife. She pushed the release. On either side of her guns clicked.

“An admirable weapon,” she said mildly as she held the blade up to the light. “Quiet, stylish, utilitarian.” She smiled and sent the blade sliding back into place. “And one I would hardly use on the man who is about to give me five million American dollars.” She dropped the knife into Ricardo’s palm, knowing she had only her wits as defense now. “Shall we go? I enjoy the smell of money when it’s still warm.”

He took her arm in his surgeon’s hand and with considerable panache, led her belowdeck to Deboque’s cabin.