Page 96 of Acting on Instinct
“I heard.” Kira’s face lit up. “Isn’t that amazing?”
Fatima stepped off the jet, and Kira opened her arms.
Aunt and niece hugged long and hard.
Fatima pulled back. “Kira, my sweet, I didn’t think I was putting you in danger.” Her aunt squeezed Kira’s hands. “I thought I was saving the world. I was waiting for Nadir to leave the country so I could come and visit you and explain to the U.S. government what was going on, so they might stop it. But Nadir refused to give me permission to leave, and he had his security watching me. I thought that things had calmed for a time. I was wrong.” She shook her head. “I was wrong.” She turned her focusto Ty. “I’m glad to know you had Rory and Ty to watch over you.” She turned back to Kira. “But I see how strong you have been yourself. I am very proud of you.”
Lula walked over, holding up her phone. “Fatima,” she called, and Fatima stepped away from Kira. “Fatima, I have the Qatar consul on the phone. He wishes to speak with you.”
Fatima frowned deeply.
She reached for the phone and introduced herself.
She listened in silence, finally ending with thank you before she swiped the line closed and handed Lula’s phone back to her. She cleared her throat. “This might be difficult to hear. When Nadir’s plane landed, it was surrounded by soldiers. Apparently, when Nadir looked out the window and realized his situation, he used his gun to commit suicide. He died instantly.”
Kira gasped, bringing her hand to her throat. “Dead?”
Fatima seemed to regain her poise. “He said dead. Yes. Dead.”
“What can I do for you, Fatima?” White asked, reaching for Fatima’s hand.
“The man tortured me for weeks; all I can think is that I am grateful. How do you say, Kira?” Fatima focused on her niece. “Just desserts? The world is a better place,” she said on a sigh.
“His death and William’s will complicate your coming to Washington because of London and your family duties. But I need you to come to Washington, Fatima,” White said.
“The women in my family will handle everything.” She turned to Kira. “They will take care of London. She’s family, too.”
“How are you feeling?” Ty asked Kira.
“Honestly? Expansive and amazing. It was Uncle Nadir who was the anvil around my neck all this time. It wasn’t just me who was endangered by his ego and power hunger. Part of me thinks I’m wrong, but this is elation. I’m not going to lie tomyself, I’m glad we’re all freed from his grip. Now we can start a life together free of his shadow.” Kira looked deep into Ty’s eyes.
“Does that mean?” he whispered.
“When I was in the hotel room, drinking the drugs, everything was so clear to me. The only thing I wished was that you were my husband. Ty Newcombe, I am very much hoping you would do me the great honor of marrying me.”
Ty wrapped her in his arms and vibrated with the enormity of his emotions.
Ty didn’t think he’d ever get over the fear he’d been through with Kira in danger. But here she was agreeing to be with him forever.
Tipping her head back, Ty brought his lips down to brush hers as he said, “Being your husband, Kira, and walking through the years hand in hand is my life’s great miracle.”
White put a hand on each of them. “Congratulations to both of you. But let’s celebrate on the plane.” She made a shooing motion with her hands. “It’s time to go home.”
Epilogue
MAY
The Cerberus Tactical Training Center was made festive for the occasion.
Chairs were lined on either side of the aisle. In front of the room, the podium was bright with an enormous spray of flowers.
On the screen, they ran a compilation of photos and videos from Rory’s military life. Ty and the Echo brothers took turns telling their favorite stories about Rory’s exploits with their unit to the great amusement of the crowd.
Then came the moment when Trip Wire and his wife, Dani, and their baby were called to the front of the room.
There, Ty officially handed over Rory’s lead.
Rory was going to his forever home.
