46

“Why am I taking the flak for something she did wrong?” Ling asked, shoving her clothes into her bag with such force, the seams threatened to split.

Connor stood by her cabin door, arms crossed, as Ling vented her fury on her packing.

“I mean, I was just trying to protect her. And what thanks do I get? None. I might as well walk the plank.”

“You made Matt do that,” Connor remarked.

Pausing a moment, Ling smirked. “Yeah, I suppose I did. Well, he shouldn’t have been on board anyway.” She resumed her fierce packing. “Now the colonel won’t trust me on another operation for months!”

“The colonel’s not stupid. He knows the score. Don’t forget, I was thrown off my first operation.”

Ling glanced up and gave a halfhearted laugh. “I forgot about that, hotshot. Maybe I’ll get to save the day too. Know any terrorists or presidents’ daughters in the Seychelles?”

Connor gently shook his head. “Look, what I’m trying to say is that it doesn’t matter.”

“Not to you maybe, but I have to go back to Alpha team with my tail between my legs.”

Brad stuck his head into the cabin. “The tender’s ready.”

“Good,” said Ling as she grabbed the last of her stuff. “I can’t wait to get off this stinking ship.”

“Hey! Lightning Ling,” said Brad, clamping a hand on her shoulder and giving it a squeeze. “For what it’s worth, I think you were doing a stellar job.”

Ling looked up into Brad’s craggy face. “Then why am I being dismissed?”

“Bodyguards and their Principals can be as close as bread and butter . . . or fight like cats and dogs. Sometimes there’s simply a clash of personalities. I’ve had such moments in my career. You just need to roll with the punches.”

“I’ll roll her with a punch,” muttered Ling, sealing up the bag and heading for the door.

Brad raised his eyebrows at Connor, and the two of them followed Ling up to the main deck.

“Aren’t we risking the girls’ safety by losing Ling?” asked Connor quietly.

“The colonel and I both voiced our concerns to Mr. Sterling,” replied Brad. “But he’s adamant Ling must go. I’m not happy with it. But, since the girls won’t be leaving the yacht before Ling’s replacement arrives, I can’t foresee any real problems. You’ll just have to work double shifts!” he added with a wink.

At the top of the lowered gangway, Ling stopped. “Well, Connor, it’s been a blast.”

“Literally,” said Connor, thinking of the Jet Ski.

Ling laughed. “How are you ever going to survive without me?”

Connor shrugged. “It’s only four days. And we’re at sea the whole time. Besides, the colonel’s sending Luciana from Bravo team to join me in the Maldives.”

“Good luck to her! She’ll need it.”

“What do you mean by that? Protecting Chloe or working with me?” said Connor, feigning offense.

Ling punched him on the arm. “You’re all right, Connor. If a little jumpy.” She started down the steps to the tender. “I’ll catch you back at HQ. Just don’t strain yourself putting too much suntan lotion on the girls.”

Brad started the engine. He was to drop off Ling in Baie Sainte Anne, where she would take a catamaran to the main island and catch a plane home. However, as they were about to leave, Mr. Sterling appeared.

“Hold up, Brad. Change of plan.”

They all turned to him in surprise. Was Ling getting a last-minute reprieve? But Mr. Sterling’s expression was too grave for that hope.