Wulf von Hannover
Wulf leaned against the bulkhead in the Gulfstream jet, watching everyone strap into the wide leather seats while the jet engines whined, idling. Rae was in the back row, gazing out the round window and chewing on a strand of her auburn hair. The window overlooked the tarmac, a secure area within the airport, so it was safe for her to be so near the glass even though he did not like her visible to anyone aiming at the plane.
Wulf crossed his long legs at the ankle, making sure that his posture looked relaxed. He had set the example for decorum all his life.
Georgiana was in the third row, and he was relieved to see her there. Leaving people behind was anathema. They were delaying the Gulfstream’s takeoff to allow more people to arrive from the hotel and to ensure everyone was safe before either plane left Europe.
Wulf muttered to Dieter in Alemannic, the Swiss dialect that he spoke with his friends from those days, “Have we recovered Lizbeth and Theo yet?”
Dieter nodded. “Luca Wyss assures me that they have been picked up by the Welfenlegion and are at the hotel. They’re shaken up, so they’re going to rest for a few hours. We’re going to be full here, anyway, when the rest of the cars arrive. They’ll have to take the Challenger.”
A full report from Dieter. The day of wonders was not over. “Good.” It came out with more of breath of emotion than he had intended. “Is there anything they need?”
“Nope. Some food, some rest, a stiff drink, and they’ll be fine.”
“Make sure Luca knows that they’re to have anything they want.”
Dieter smirked at him. “I don’t think anyone has ever complained about your hospitality, Wulfram.”
“Just make sure he knows, Schwarz.”
The stiff professionalism returned to Dieter’s posture. “I’ll make sure of it. We should take off as soon as possible, Herr von Hannover. Once we’re in the air, we’ll all be safer. It’s the only way we can assure your safety at the moment.”
Wulf nodded. “How many more people are en route from the hotel?”
“Ten. They should arrive within the hour.”
“Thank you, Dieter.”
Wulf passed the rows of empty seats as he walked toward the rear.
Georgiana, belted in and reading on a tablet, caught his eye. She asked, “Lizzy?”
“They’ve found her, and she’s at the hotel. She’s fine. She’ll be on the later flight.”
Relief washed over Georgiana’s pale face, and her cheeks flushed pink. “Oh, my God. Thank God.” She clutched her chest. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.”
Wulf smiled. “Indeed.” He continued to the back and sat beside Reagan, pulling her away from the transparent glass where anyone with a sniper’s scope could settle crosshairs on her.
“Did they find her?” Rae rested against his broad chest.
Wulf wrapped his arms around his wife and glanced out the window, absently watching for lens flare. “Yes. Both of them are at the hotel with Luca. They’re safe. We’re safe. Everything is fine.”