Poseidon's Ransom

Chapter Eighteen

The rest of the day was spent with Nicole and the twins. After supper Svetlana, the nanny, took the girls off to bed, leaving Jack and Nicole out on the big patio overlooking the lake. It was a warm evening and, even at this distance, the dragon-flies could be seen skimming across the still silvery water.

‘What time are you leaving, darling?’

‘Mathew’s sending a car. Should be here about nine o’clock.’

She looked at her watch, it was a few minutes past seven. ‘You’d better go on up and get ready then?’

‘There’s plenty of time yet, babe.’

She stood up, came over and sat on his lap, then wrapped her arms around his neck. Her voice had a husky timbre. ‘I really do think you should go up, Jack.’

He looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled. ‘I think you’re right.’

The car pulled up to the front of the big house a few minutes before nine. Nicole had wanted to come out to Heathrow with him, but Jack had said, ‘It’s fine baby. No need for you to schlep all the way out there.’

The young driver took Jack’s small wheelie and put it in the boot, then opened the rear door.

‘I’ll sit up front, son.’

‘Okay, sir.’

Jack turned to Nicole and held her face in his hands. ‘I’ll call you before I fly, and once I land.’

‘Be careful, darling. I love you.’

‘I love you too, baby. See you soon.’

She watched as the car drove to the gates and then returned his wave.

‘Take care, my love,’ she said quietly.

The Polish Airlines flight to Montenegro was delayed. The aircraft had developed a ‘technical problem’ but this was expected to be resolved within the next hour. He’d flown many of the world’s airlines and was used to such issues. Where once it never worried him now, with a family, he was more concerned about putting his life in the hands of faceless entities.

The Business Class Lounge was busy, and it was clear the flight would be full, that said he was tired and hoped to get some sleep once onboard. It was almost midnight when the announcement to board eventually came.

The flight took a little under three hours, and after what turned out to be a decent meal, served by the two very attentive and attractive stewardess, Jack did manage to sleep for an hour or so.

Golubovci Airport is one of two international airports in Montenegro and is situated about seven miles south of the city of Podgorica. The new Terminal 2 which opened in 2006 was to say the least impressive. Jack’s transition through immigration and customs was not swift, but, as no visa is required for British subjects, hassle free. He quickly made his way to the exit and was pleased to see dozens of taxis readily available for the short ride into the city.

As part of his cover, Jack had asked Mathew’s secretary to book him a suite at the elegant Nova Varos Hotel, on the West bank of the Ribnica River. This area, referred to as the ‘New Town’ district, was inhabited and frequented by the more prosperous and influential citizens of Podgorica. This area was also the hub of Montenegro’s banking and financial system.

The drive from the airport was swift and, although the early morning traffic was building, the driver still managed to get Jack to the hotel in a little over ten minutes.

The taxi came to a stop under the elegant portico. A young valet rushed to open the door as Jack climbed out. ‘Good morning, sir, Welcome to the Nova Varos.’

Jack nodded. ‘Good morning,’ then added, ‘It’s fine,’ when the valet attempted to carry his luggage.

After checking-in, the same valet escorted Jack to his room and, in excellent English, gave the customary spiel about the suite’s facilities.

Jack nodded, said, ‘Thanks, son,’ then handed over a ten euro note.

After the kid had gone, Jack checked his Rolex, and although it was still only 4am in the UK, made the call to Nicole.

‘Jack?’ her voice was thick with sleep.

‘Hi, baby. I’m at the hotel. It’s early so go back to sleep.’

‘You okay, darling?’

‘I’m fine, baby. Going to see if I can get a couple of hours sleep myself.’

‘Okay. Good night.’

‘Good morning, baby.’

He heard her chuckle and the line went silent.