Page 35 of Lost At Sea With A Billionaire

He nodded, then turned to Janet.“Mrs.Black, safe travels.”

Neither of us corrected his assumption.Janet thanked him, her cheeks darkening slightly at the misunderstanding.

The helicopter landed, and a man in a corporate uniform jumped out, hurrying toward us with a ducked head.

“Mr.Black!Thank God you’re alive, sir.”He had to shout over the noise.“We’ve been searching for weeks.”

“Greg,” I recognized my head of security.“It’s good to see you.”I gestured to Janet.“This is Janet Banks.She’s coming with us.”

If Greg was surprised, he didn’t show it.He nodded and helped us aboard.As the helicopter lifted off, I watched the fishing boat grow smaller below us.Janet’s hand remained in mine, her grip tightening as we rose higher.

“Are you okay?”I asked.

She nodded, though the color had faded from her face.“Just remembering why I prefer my feet on solid ground.”

I pulled her closer, my arm around her shoulders.“It’s a short flight.We’ll be on the mainland in less than an hour.”

The cabin was equipped with headsets to allow conversation over the rotor noise.Greg handed each of us one, then leaned forward once we were settled.

“Sir, I need to brief you on the situation,” he said, his voice coming through the headphones.“Your company has been in a holding pattern since your disappearance.The board appointed an interim CEO, but major decisions have been delayed pending your return.”

“And the search for Captain Reynolds?”

“Per your instructions, we’ve contracted a private search and rescue team.They’re mobilizing now.”

I nodded.“That’s good.I want daily updates and accommodations for Ms.Banks as well.She’ll be staying with me during the search operation.”

Greg’s eyes flickered briefly to Janet, then back to me.“Of course, sir.Your penthouse in San Juan has been prepared.”

“San Juan?”Janet asked through the headset.

“It’s closest to the search area,” I explained.“I have a place there for business trips.”

The flight passed quickly as Greg continued his briefing, covering details of company operations, the crew’s rescue, and media interest in our disappearance.Janet remained silent beside me, taking it all in with wide eyes.

“There will be press when we land,” Greg warned.“Your disappearance has been major news.Everyone wants the story of how you survived.”

I felt Janet stiffen beside me.“No press,” I said firmly.“We’ll issue a statement later.For now, I want a direct route to the residence and arrange for a doctor to meet us there.”

“Already done, sir.”

I turned to Janet.“Is there anyone you need to contact?Family?”

She shook her head.“Just my sister, Melanie.She’s been managing my business affairs.”

“Give Greg her number.He’ll make sure she’s informed.”

As we approached San Juan, the city sprawled below us—roads, buildings, people.After a month of isolation, the sight was overwhelming.I glanced at Janet, seeing the same mixture of awe and apprehension reflected in her eyes.

“It’s a lot,” I acknowledged softly.

“Yeah.”She squeezed my hand.“But we’re together.”

The helicopter landed on the roof of a sleek, high-rise building.A small group waited—medical staff and what appeared to be my household employees.Greg exited first, then helped Janet out.I followed, feeling strange standing on concrete after weeks of sand and earth.

“Mr.Black,” the doctor stepped forward immediately.“I’m Dr.Morales.I’d like to examine you and Ms.Banks as soon as possible.”

“Of course,” I agreed.“But privately, please.We’ve been through enough without an audience.”

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