“I wonder who leaked.” Rif joined her at the window.
“Hard to say. It could even be the kidnapper.” She’d asked Freddy Winston to follow up with the Greek newspaper that had broken the story, but sources were zealously guarded, so they might hit a brick wall there.
The timing of the snatch couldn’t be ignored. A multibillion-dollar deal that also had political ramifications was about to be decided. Most of the major oil fields in the world had reached their peak output, so their future capacity would only go down. A find like Kanzi could change everything.
She’d overheard Papa talking to top officials in the US government and knew that if he clinched this deal, his influence could reach new heights with the administration. The United States had for decades cozied up to the Saudis because of their oil reserves—just the kind of relationship Christos might enjoy if Paris Industries won the rights to the second largest oil field in the world. Her father’s dream was to support the failing Greek economy through the capitalization of select banks with progressive policies, and this political currency could give him the leverage to do it. Did someone want to stop Christos from saving his home country?
A flash of bulbs and a cluster of microphones around a redhead caught her attention. Helena dodged through the crowds, hurrying into a nearby car. The limelight was probably too much to bear, given her reserved nature.
Rif sighed. “She looks like a scared rabbit escaping a pack of wolves.”
“She has a strong core. I’ve seen the way she handles Papa.”
Remaining on Santorini wasn’t an option; Thea had only stayed overnight in case information came to light about her father’s abduction, but the kidnappers hadn’t left a trace. “We need to head for Athens. There’s a back door we can use to escape the hordes.”
Her phone beeped. She checked the message before explaining the news to Rif. “We have a line on the helicopter that might’ve been used to transport Papa from the Aphrodite. The pilot lives in Athens. I’ll send men to intercept him.”
A gentle knock sounded at the door. “Room service.”
Aegis growled.
“Did you order something?” Rif reached for his Glock.
“No, but I recognize that voice.” A quick check of the peephole provided confirmation. She opened the door while Rif remained in the shadows.
Peter Kennedy stood on the threshold, a room service cart in front of him. He smiled. “I ordered breakfast and got enough for both of us. When I heard about your father, I was worried about you.”
Creepy. Who ordered room service and delivered it to another room? “Come in.” She’d planned on eating a protein bar for breakfast to save time, but maybe Peter’s arrival could be useful.
The CFO’s smile faded when he noticed Rif and the ridgeback, hackles raised. “Oh, am I interrupting?”
“Not at all. Rif’s here as my bodyguard.”
“Nice of you to bring enough for me.” Rif lifted one of the silver domes and snatched a piece of bacon for himself, giving one to Aegis. Peter stiffened beneath his Versace suit.
“Sure, of course . . .” the CFO stammered, blinking as Rif downed a slice of toast.
“Peter, we plan on leaving shortly. Would you like a lift to Athens in the Gulfstream?” she asked.
She wasn’t crazy about spending time with Peter, but she hadn’t felt satisfied by their discussion the previous night. If he knew anything—and she sensed that he did—they needed to get it out of him.
She moved toward the room service cart. “Thanks so much for breakfast. Let’s see what else you ordered.” She lifted the second silver dome.
“Your favorite—” Peter started, then stopped.
Her heart tripped. Instead of breakfast fare, the plate held a watch—her father’s watch, the one he always wore, the one her mother had given him early in their marriage. Proof of life? Hope?
Thea slipped on a pair of vinyl gloves she kept in her kit and picked up the Santos de Cartier Galbée, checking the inscription on the back: TO OUR FUTURE. LOVE, TATIANA.
Rif crossed the room and pushed Peter against the wall, hand on his throat. Aegis’s ears shot straight up, and he paced before the two men. “What the hell is this?”
Peter sputtered. “I didn’t know it was there. I just ordered breakfast. I might’ve mentioned that I was taking it to Thea’s room. . . .”
“Try again.” Rif’s voice was sharp.
“I swear on my life, I had nothing to do with this.”
She considered Peter’s reaction when she’d lifted the dome and heard his words trail off. When he’d seen the watch, his eyes had widened for a brief second, no longer, an indicator of genuine surprise. Now his face showed fear, not guilt. “Let him go,” she said to Rif.
Rif released him, and he slumped to the floor, gasping for breath. Aegis looked as if he wanted to finish the job, so she called him to her side.