Jeremiah’s plane was large and comfortable. They tied Jet to a chair near a window. At least Jeremiah’s men were careful with my bad arm, Jet thought. She was also gagged. Jeremiah sat next to Jet.

“I can imagine what you are thinking. ‘Why did Jeremiah kill those men?’” Jeremiah said in a cheerful voice.

He terrified Jet. Her mouth was dry, and it felt like all moisture had evaporated from her mouth.

“I didn’t lie to you—not completely, anyway. My daughter had negotiations with Nigel’s team. She joined them. My men confirmed that she transferred some sensitive information before we revoked her access to our systems,” Jeremiah said.

Jeremiah removed Jet’s gag.

“Why did you kill that man?” Jet asked.

“You mean the one at the airport?” Jeremiah replied. “I have regrets, as he was just doing his job. He was acting on a yellow notice that Interpol issued. They’ve reported you missing.”

“Can you untie me? It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”

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“Will you promise to behave yourself?”

Jet nodded.

Jeremiah untied her, and Jet started rubbing her bad arm. The pain returned.

“Do you have any painkillers?” Jet asked.

Jeremiah made no move to get her painkillers or anything else.

“I need you to do something for me. How much more pain you experience is up to you. If you cooperate and do well, then I will reward you. When the time is right—maybe as early as next week—I will set you free. Unlike the Sultan, I’m a man of my word.

“Do I have a choice?”

“No, but I’m giving you the ability to control how much pain you will receive if I don’t get what I want,” Jeremiah said.

Jet looked out the window for a very long time.

“You must be exhausted. You can rest in the bedroom in the tail section,” Jeremiah said.

Rest sounded good to Jet. She hadn’t slept well since this nightmare began.

Jet started to head toward the bedroom and then stopped. “How did you find out about Nigel?”

Jeremiah gave Jet an appraising look. “He tracked down and infiltrated my most talented hacker. He was worth a second look, don’t you think?”

“Nigel is a great hacker, and a good person. Don’t hurt him.”

Jeremiah smiled. “Let me tell you a little secret. People are like commodities. They are valuable when they are useful, and toxic when they have outlived their purpose.”

Jet went into the bedroom and locked the door behind her.

That man has a talent for deflecting questions, she thought. We’re just pawns in his game. I’m sure he has plans for us all.