Julian stared at me for five long seconds.
The room held its breath.
Then a ghost of a smile touched his lips.
“You’re braver than half the men I employ, Rachel.”
“I’m protecting my family,” I answered without blinking.
Julian turned back to the tactical map.
“The plan hinges on Sterling believing I am utterly desperate.”
“He thinks Noah and you are still in Dallas.”
“He thinks the fire broke my resolve.”
Detective Miller tapped the warehouse marked Section B on Pier 14.
“Federal snipers will take positions on the abandoned crane rigs four hours ahead of time.”
“Julian walks onto the dock alone with the briefcase.”
“The second Sterling confirms possession of the bonds, our team cuts the power grid and swarms the pier.”
I looked at the layout of the riverbank.
“What if Sterling doesn't show up in person?”
Carter Davis leaned in.
“Richard Sterling’s ego is his greatest weakness.”
“He spent twenty years in exile nursing a grudge against Julian’s father.”
“He won't trust an underling to collect the final payoff.”
“He will want to look Julian in the eye.”
Noah stirred on the couch, rubbing his little eyes with chubby fists.
Julian walked over, lifted him into his arms, and cradled him gently against his chest.
“Rachel stays at Love Field under federal guard with Noah,” Julian declared, leaving no room for argument.
“If anything goes sideways at Pier 14, the jet wheels up immediately for Switzerland.”
I didn't argue.
Noah needed me safe.
At eleven o'clock that night, heavy rain began lashing the hangar roof.
Julian put on a dark raincoat and picked up the silver briefcase.
He walked over to where I stood holding Noah.
Noah reached out, grabbing Julian’s wet sleeve.
“Da,” the baby murmured sleepily.
Julian’s eyes glistened in the hangar lights.
He leaned down and kissed Noah’s forehead.
Then he looked directly at me.
“If I don't call you by twelve-thirty, Rachel... open the blue envelope inside Carter’s safe.”
“You will call me, Julian,” I said firmly, using his first name for the first time.
“You’re coming back to us.”
He nodded once, turned on his heel, and climbed into the armored vehicle.
The convoy rolled out into the midnight rain.