‘That’s not important,’ snapped Miller, aggrieved. ‘Chase, you get on the midday flight to Queenstown tomorrow. We’ll meet—’ Another interruption from his other phone. This time, he was sufficiently wound up that his side of the discussion was audible. ‘Are you sure? You really can’t wait one more day— Okay, all right, okay.’ A huff of surrender, then he returned. ‘We’ll arrange a business jet to bring you to Queenstown today. Go to the NjetZ offices at the international terminal; they’ll be ready for you. You’d better be on the plane, though.’

‘Oh, I will be. Can’t wait to see you fist to face,’ Eddie said.

‘Remember, you bring us the key first. Then we let her go.’

‘Yeah, I remember. Nina, I’ll see you soon.’

‘Stay safe,’ Nina managed to reply before the call was cut off.

‘What happened?’ Cheng asked, having only heard one side. ‘Is she all right?’

‘For now, yeah. But they want the key before they’ll let her go. I’m going to fly to Queenstown and make the exchange.’ He had already dismissed involving the New Zealand authorities; he couldn’t risk being arrested for the trouble at the Sky Tower, and Miller was powerful and well connected, which would make the police hesitant about storming in to carry out a hostage rescue.

Cheng nodded. ‘I’ll come with you.’

‘No you won’t.’

‘But I—’

‘No.’ Eddie put a firm hand on his shoulder. ‘Thanks for everything, but this is as far as you go. I’m sure Nina’ll give you an A – if she gets back to the university.’

‘But I can help you!’ Cheng protested. ‘I’ll find out where Miller will be taking her in Queenstown, and—’

‘I’ll just have to play it by ear. Usually works out – I’m not dead yet. Give me the key.’

Cheng reluctantly produced the pouch. ‘I really can help, you know.’

‘I’m sure you could.’ Eddie checked the ancient artefact was inside it, then shoved it into his jacket. ‘But I don’t think you’ll be able to give me the kind of help I’ll need. Now if you could bring me a gun, that might be handy . . .’

‘I can’t do that right now, I’m afraid.’ The student sounded genuinely apologetic.

‘You get back to New York – and hopefully Nina’ll be back in class soon. I need to get to the airport too, so we’ll share a cab.’ He held out his hand. ‘You’ve done a good job, mate. Thanks.’

Cheng gave him a surprised look, then shook it. ‘Thank you, Mr Chase.’

‘Call me Eddie. All right, let’s get going. Those arses won’t kick themselves.’

Chapter 17

17

Queenstown,
New Zealand