Page 16 of Companion Required

“Everything on the cruise is either included, or can be signed to the cabin. Understood?”

“Okay.”

Finally, Kennedy took a playing card out of his shirt pocket and handed the item over. After hesitating for a moment, and with one eyebrow raised, Kieran took the card.

“I don’t understand. What am I supposed to do with this?”

“What card is it?”

“Jack of spades.”

“Otherwise known as a Black Jack. Yes?”

“Yes. But why do I need it?”

“Usually I hand these out for a very different reason. But for you, let’s say that if things are getting a bit too much and you need time out, or help—or as a last resort, to quit and come home, or…whatever. Just hand me the card and I will sort things out.”

“Like a ‘get out of jail free’ card.”

“If you like,” said Kennedy, before staring pointedly at Kieran, concern in his eyes. “But please tell me you’ll do your best to stay away from foreign prisons.”

After that they barely spoke. From time to time, Kennedy noticed Kieran marvelling at the delights of business class. An hour into the flight, on hearing whirring sounds, he turned to see Kieran discovering the functions of his business class seat by pushing buttons to make the chair contort into a variety of positions. At other times, he smiled to himself at Kieran’s enjoyment, such as when he bolted upright, eyes wide, as the pick of four choices of main course rolled up on a trolley, or when he lounged back with the large headphones perched on his head, laughing a little too loudly at a movie on the entertainment system. When the cabin lights finally dimmed, Kennedy switched on his reading light to continue scanning the financial reports Karl had provided. Every now and again, in between research, he peered over at Kieran, who lay curled on his side in the bed, sleeping soundly. A tiny smile tugged at Kennedy’’s mouth. Going back to his reports, he shook his head and swatted away the tiny bud of affection forming there.

This holiday partnership would be strictly business, Kennedy reminded himself.

Strictly business.

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