Felix stared across the table at Ryan as they enjoyed their takeout from Curry Palace. He wore his poker face, which she tried not to read into. It was an expression he used often, but she hated to think he was feeling anything but satisfaction at what happened in the kitchen. He had been doing his best to protect her delicate state of mind, which really wasn't that delicate. She didn't want him to think she was a weak, over-emotional female. Sure, she had come to him for help, but what choice did she have? Somehow, Felix would find a way to prove her competence.

"I noticed you had Halo," she said, gesturing toward the Xbox tucked under the television stand. "Do you want to play co-op?"

Ryan looked skeptical. "I take it you've played before."

"Yes. It's kind of what nerds do."

His skepticism turned into amusement. Was he thinking about their seriously hot encounter earlier and the fact that she didn't exactly fit the description of a nerd? "Okay."

After an hour of killing Promethean knights and lancers, Felix felt recharged. She enjoyed kicking the virtual asses of her enemies. Too bad they weren't her real enemies. If only she could get her hands on a few plasma grenades, she would show Carlos how a puta got revenge.

Across the room, her phone rang. There were only a handful of people with her number, and she didn't want to talk to any of them. Ryan paused the game, and she walked to the kitchen counter, releasing a long sigh as she looked at the screen.

"It's Andy."

Ryan watched from the couch, waiting for her to make her move. If she wanted to prove she had a backbone, this was her chance to do it. She picked up the phone, calling on the adrenaline still flowing through her veins as she answered. "Hello?"

"Hello, Miss Taylor." The voice on the other end was completely unfamiliar, and she felt her backbone turn to jelly.

"Who is this? Where's Andy?"

"One question at a time, please. I assumed you were unconcerned about Andy's whereabouts, since you have made no attempts to contact him in several days." The man spoke every word with purpose, his deep voice resonating through the phone like a stalker who had finally cornered his prey. Ryan got up from the couch to join her as the man continued. "You and I have met before, Felicity. Or should I call you Felix? That's what your friends call you, right?"

"You can call me Felix if you tell me who you are." Felix tried hard to keep her voice steady. She had a sinking feeling she knew who she was talking to, and she held the phone away from her ear so Ryan could listen in.

"You can call me Donovan. I thought we could chat for a moment about your little disappearing act. We're all very worried about you. Andy claims he has no idea where you have run off to, in spite of my repeated attempts to jog his memory. He's resting now, but I'd hate to see him come to more harm, wouldn't you? From what I understand, you and he have a history."

Felix felt her knees buckle, and she nearly dropped her cell. She knew this man was a badass, and any confidence she felt before she picked up the phone made a dash for the window. Ryan wrapped his arm around her waist for support, reigniting her courage. She refused to let these lowlifes drag her down again.

"What do you want, Donovan?"

"I want you to tell me where you are so someone can come get you and take you home."

"What home? My home got torched."

"Oh, yes. That was an unfortunate incident, but I believe one of my associates has offered to give you shelter - Carlos. I believe you're familiar with him."

Why the hell had she answered the phone?

"Carlos and I are not on speaking terms."

"Hmm. It seems you're not on speaking terms with anyone, at the moment. You realize the difficult position that puts us all in. You pledged your loyalty to our cause. I don't mind admitting, you and Andy have contributed immeasurably, and I expect you two have more to contribute as technology advances. I would hate to see that relationship...die. How would it be if I sent one of my personal assistants to collect you? You're going to need new accommodations, perhaps in another city with less distractions. Your family lives in Chicago, correct?"

"No. They moved before I left for college." Felix hoped her abrupt answer didn't give away her lie. Sweat had formed on her forehead, and her curry lunch was burning a hole in her stomach.

"I see. I expect you haven't sought refuge in their home. You're an intelligent girl, after all. Top of your class, from what I hear. I can't see you dragging your family into such a precarious situation. So, I will halt my efforts to locate your family's home if you tell me where you are. Then we can put this whole sticky mess behind us, no questions asked."

Ryan walked Felix to a chair, probably because he noticed her knees wobbling, and she closed her eyes as she lowered her head to the table. Her vision had begun to blur, and she was hyperventilating into the phone. Donovan was looking for her fucking family.

"Are you feeling okay, Felix?" Donovan said, his voice sounding more annoyed than concerned. "You're breathing sounds erratic."

"I'm thinking, that's all. I need a minute to think."

Ryan nudged her, and she opened her eyes. He scribbled something on a notepad and stuck it under her nose.

Ask where he wants to meet.

Felix narrowed her eyes at him. What the hell was he up to? Did he think she had intentions of meeting this man? Donovan would have her killed as soon as his thugs got their hands on her, just like Jenny. Ryan quickly wrote something else when she hesitated.

Trust me.

Felix sighed. How could she say no to Ryan's suggestion after everything he'd done to help her? "Okay, Donovan. Where do you want to meet?"

"I'm thinking someplace out of the way, but close to the county airport. Are you familiar with that airport, Felix?"

"Yes." She was also familiar with the abundance of ditches near that airport where a body could be dumped.

"There's a nice forest preserve off highway sixty-four near there. Do you know where that is?"

Yep. That's exactly what they were planning to do. Kill her then dump her in a ditch. "Yes, I know it."

"Good. Listen very carefully, because this is important. I understand you own a unique motorcycle – a powder blue Harley Softail. Is this correct?"

"Yes."

"I want you to drive that motorcycle to the forest preserve. Take no other mode of transport. My associates will be expecting to see you with that bike. When you arrive, I want you to engage your GPS. Someone will call you when we pick up the signal, and we want to hear your voice on the other end. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes."

"You will then be escorted to my private plane. I thought it would be nice for you and Andy to take a little vacation together, perhaps to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. I apologize for neglecting the two of you. Clearly, you've both been under a lot of stress, and I want you to experience the perks of working for a generous man like myself. However, if you fail in any way, if you alert the authorities or try to run again, Andy will be dead before you can say fractal equation."

Felix tried to swallow the lump she'd been talking around, but it was no use. Her life was fucked in so many ways, and she couldn't see a single way out. All she could do was hope Ryan knew what the hell he was doing.

"Okay. When should I be there?"

"Tonight at one AM. If the time changes, someone will let you know."

Felix sighed, feeling completely defeated.

"I know you're convinced you have no chance of surviving this," Donovan crooned. "Especially considering the unpleasant business a few nights ago, but I assure you, you have nothing to fear if you cooperate. You are a valuable asset to our cause, and it's all due to that brilliant mind of yours, Miss Taylor. I trust you will use it to make the right choice."