Page 75 of Missile Strike

“Dark hair, dark eyes. A beard? He was dressed like every other man here—in a dress shirt and slacks.”

He looked to Lamar, who’d stepped out from behind the security desk to join them.

The man nodded. “Mid-thirties, around five-eleven, short black hair, a trimmed beard, olive complexion.” Precise and thorough.

When Danny looked at Talia, she shrugged. “I don’t have anything to add. I saw him hassling Izzy when I came back from getting us some ice cream. The guy bolted once Lamar showed up.”

Bella pulled in a shaky breath. “I think he’s Miran Hassan’s son.”

Omar Hassan.

Danny’s jaw set.

Nathan had been right.

According to Nathan’s background report, Omar’s mother had cut all ties with Miran Hassan after Bella’s kidnapping, relocating to northern California with Omar and his younger sister.

Apparently, Omar hadn’t.

If he had, he wouldn’t be standing in Charlotte threatening Bella.

“What did he say?”

“He said his father went to prison eighteen years ago.” Bella’s voice wavered. “And that his family was destroyed and, if I wasn’t careful, my family would be destroyed, too.”

Danny pulled up the photograph on his phone that Nathan had texted him. “Is this the man?”

Bella glanced at the photo, then at him, color leaching from her face. “Yes.”

Danny stepped closer, ready to sweep her back into his arms if she swayed.

Talia crowded next to Bella to look at Danny’s phone. She raised shocked eyes to Danny. “How do you already have this guy’s photo?”

“His name is Omar Hassan. We’ve been keeping tabs on him since his father died.” He showed the photo to Lamar, who nodded.

“He looked unstable,” Talia added. She looked pointedly at Danny. “Thank goodness Lamar was paying attention.”

The dig slid home like a stiletto between his ribs.

“Talia, you’re going to be late for your meeting.” The color had returned to Bella’s cheeks, and her voice sounded stronger. “Go.” She gave her friend a reassuring smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll call you later.” Talia hugged Bella and gave Danny an inscrutable look before heading to the elevators.

“Let’s go.” Danny held out his left hand, his shoulders loosening when Bella took it without objection, twining her delicate fingers with his. He kept his right hand free and undid the button of his jacket to make it easier to reach his weapon.

“You parked in the garage?” Lamar asked. At Danny’s nod, he said, “I’ll escort you.”

Danny liked how the other man kept his head on a swivel as they crossed the pedestrian skybridge to the garage and took the elevator to the floor where Consuela sat parked. “You former military?”

“Yessir. Army. Served time in the sandbox as an MP.” Lamar smiled at Bella. “Military police. Decided I’d had enough of that—you?”

“Navy.” Danny made a mental note to get Lamar’s information in case Dìleas was looking to expand resources in the Charlotte area.

After they reached his Mustang and said goodbye to Lamar, Danny drove Bella home.

She stayed silent, staring out the passenger window.

“Call your boss. You’re not going back to work. Not until I know it’s safe.”