Page 62 of The Geek and the Sheikh

Jameel threw the covers back and slid from the bed. Grabbing the towel off the floor, he wrapped it around his waist as he strode to the door. He peered through the gap.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Gilbert held out a neat stack of freshly laundered clothing. Jameel took the pile, noticing that the shirt was the one he had stripped off of Junebug last night. He wondered how and when Gilbert had retrieved the clothes.

“Allison and her companions are on their way. I'm sorry, she's smarter than I anticipated. Fortunately, your ride should be here before they arrive,” Gilbert explained.

“Damn it. I’ll get ready. How much time do we have?” he asked.

“Your ride will be here in fifteen. I’ve requested help from the locals. They will delay Bronislav’s team as long as they safely can,” Gilbert added.

“Will you and Agatha be alright?” Junebug asked.

Gilbert chuckled. “Of course, dear. Don’t you worry about us. We may be old, but we aren’t defenseless. Besides, Bronislav doesn’t want two old cronies like us.”

“We’ll be down in five,” Jameel said.

“Agatha will give you coffee and a hot chocolate to go along with a snack for your trip. You should never have to deal with assassins on an empty stomach,” Gilbert teased.

Junebug shut the door and leaned against it. “I love the way Gilbert and Agatha think.”

Jameel paused mid turn and stared at Junebug with a bemused expression for a second before he shook his head. He headed for the bathroom. In under two minutes, he had refreshed himself and dressed. He ran a rueful hand over his jaw, wishing he had time to shave, but that was a luxury that would have to wait.

He exited the bathroom and glanced around the room. Junebug had already packed up the few items they had with them. She was wearing the same outfit from yesterday, only she had her long hair in a ponytail.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded. He took her backpack from her and they exited the room. Gilbert and Agatha met them at the bottom of the stairs. Gilbert’s eyes glittered with anticipation while Agatha looked like she was ready to go to war.

“The helicopter is two minutes out,” Gilbert said.

“Here are your drinks, mes petits choux, and a nice snack for the road. It was absolutely lovely to meet you, Junebug,” Agatha said, handing the drinks and small insulated bag to Jameel.

Junebug hugged Agatha. “I wish we had more time to visit,” she said.

Agatha pulled back and smiled. “Next time. Jameel, you tell your father to send his army to get rid of that dreadful man chasing you.”

Jameel smiled and leaned down to kiss Agatha on each cheek. “We’re working on it, Agatha.”

“Well, you need to work harder,” Agatha chided.

“If you need any help, let me know. I still have a few contacts,” Gilbert added.

“I’ll let you know,” Jameel promised.

They all turned when the familiar noise of a helicopter approaching alerted them that it was time to go. Jameel handed one of the drinks to Junebug. The chirp of an alarm startled him. Agatha released an unladylike curse while Gilbert’s expression turned grim.

“Ah, the delay in town did not hold them for very long,” Gilbert said, hurrying forward and opening the front door.

Jameel placed his hand on Junebug’s lower back and they followed Gilbert outside and down the steps. An Agusta A109 Power Elite helicopter was landing on the other side of the curved driveway. A man jumped out of the aircraft and opened the door.

“Safe travels, Jameel. Junebug, you are always welcome,” Gilbert shouted above the noise of the aircraft.

“Thank you, Gilbert. Thank you, Agatha,” Junebug said, giving both of them another quick hug.

Jameel nodded his appreciation to Gilbert and Agatha before he guided Junebug to the helicopter. He helped her in before climbing in behind her. The co-pilot closed the door behind them and hurried around to the other side of the aircraft.

“If you could both buckle up. It looks like we are about to have company,” the pilot warned.

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