Page 65 of Gwen's Delta
“What’s the real reason you came with me? I know they wouldn’t send a Delta team to help with a kidnapping. Something else is going on.”
“You’re wrong about that part; we conduct rescues all the time. But we’re also looking for the people behind the kidnapping. If we can find them, we can take them out before they hurt anyone else.”
“Okay, I understand. I’m just grateful that you’re able to help me. I don’t know how I’d have gotten through all of this alone.”
The intercom beeped, then one of the pilot’s voices said, “We’re on our final approach. Secure any loose items and put on your seatbelts to prepare for landing.”
“Party time is over,” Jangles said as they gathered the coffee cups and stowed them in the galley kitchen.
“How are you holding up?” Luke asked as he sat in the seat next to her and buckled his seatbelt.
“I’m okay. Is it weird that I’m excited about being in Egypt, even though I’m worried about my parents?”
“Not at all. I’m sorry you won’t be able to go sightseeing.”
“It’s okay. I should have figured you’d keep me locked down somewhere.”
Luke smiled, and it warmed her heart. “If you look out the window, you’ll be able to see the pyramids as we make our approach.”
“Really?” She hadn’t thought about that. This would be the closest she’d probably ever see them.
Sure enough, as they made their approach, Gwen could see the pyramids. They were impressive even from the airplane. Maybe someday, she’d be able to see them from the ground.
* * *
After they landed, Luke spoke to the pilots. Then, as planned, they made their way through security without issue. Gwen couldn’t have been more relieved. She’d dreaded the thought of leaving Woof behind.
They stepped outside of the terminal and into the desert heat. Luke hadn’t been kidding when he’d said Egypt was hotter than Texas. It wasn’t just the temperature. It was the extreme dryness that instantly sucked the moisture out of her skin and made her thirsty for anything cold and wet.
Their driver leaned against a dust-covered minivan in front of the Cairo Airport. They climbed in for the ride to the safe house. The inside of the van was a lot cleaner than the outside, but maybe that helped them blend in. Gwen had a lot of questions but didn’t want to say something she shouldn’t in front of the driver. So she kept silent and gazed through the window.
Cairo was dirtier than she expected, and as they moved through the city, it was interesting to see the old and the new sections. Lost in thought, Gwen didn’t realize they’d stopped in front of the apartment building until Luke murmured into her ear.
“We’re here, princess.”
Gwen stepped out of the minivan and looked around. It was kind of exciting to know she was actually in Egypt even if it was because she had to rescue her parents. A shiver slid down her spine.
“Are you okay?” Luke asked as he took her elbow and led her into the building. The air conditioning in the lobby was a welcomed relief, although the guys didn’t seem to notice.
“Yes,” she said.
After crowding into the elevator, Zip pushed the button for the eighth floor. Woof and Jangles were the first ones out, followed by Duff and Zip. She and Luke were last. They waited by the elevator while his teammates checked out the floor and apartment. A few minutes later, Jangles signaled the all clear.
The apartment could have been in the middle of Houston and looked brand new. Not at all what she expected when they’d said safe house. Gwen had expected some little studio apartment tucked into a back alley somewhere. Like the plane had been, this was like a first-class vacation property.
Luke’s arms slid around her waist, and he pulled her against his chest as she stood in front of the large windows overlooking the city.
“Not what you expected?”
“No, not at all. You don’t even want to know what I was expecting.” Gwen leaned back into his warmth, her skin suddenly cold.
He chuckled, and she smiled at the rumble in his chest.
“Like the plane, these are not our usual accommodations.”
“I figured. But I’m grateful to whoever arranged it.”
Luke didn’t respond, but his arms tightened, and she wondered what he was thinking.
