The naked edge

12

Cavanaugh admired the Gulfstream's interior, the last time he would see it.

"The jet needs to go back to its base in New Jersey anyhow," William said. "The expense is the same whether we're aboard or not, so we might as well take advantage."

"It never occurred to me to ask how much it costs to fly this."

"Four thousand dollars an hour."

"And we crossed the country several times. No wonder the company's going bankrupt."

"When you're protecting a Saudi prince, the fee's high enough to earn out," William said.

"But when I'm fighting to stay alive, it's too expensive."

The powerful engines whispered as the jet reached its scheduled altitude, streaking through clouds.

"Less than a week ago, you didn't want anything to do with Global Protective Services," Jamie said, "and now you hate to lose it."

"Yes," Cavanaugh told her bitterly. "Because of Carl."