“No, my friend, it’s called teamwork,” said Ham. “Something we’re very good at.”
“My people will never be able to repay you for what you’ve done here,” said Pikut. “We have no riches other than those the land and sea provide for us. But our traditions and culture are important to us, and we almost lost that.”
“You owe us nothing,” said Patrick. “If Myer or anyone comes to you about drilling rights off the island, be sure to let the authorities know and contact the U.S. and Australian agencies on drilling rights.”
“We will be certain to do that. All but one small article has been returned, but it is insignificant compared to these. I’ve just learned this morning that there will be a summit in Papua New Guinea with Chinese and Russian officials on global warming and the use of alternative fuels.”
“Russia and China?” frowned Chief. “I can’t say I’m happy about that. Will you be going?”
“No, but we know to be cautious. The Australian officials will be there as well as others in the Pacific rim to protect their rights.” Pikut looked at Sadie, shaking his head. “You have had quite an adventure, and yet you came back to save your fiancée and my country. Our people will always welcome you here, Sadie Jordan. In fact, we will always welcome all of you.”
“Perhaps we’ll return for our honeymoon,” smiled Sadie.
“We should like nothing better,” laughed Temuk. “Safe travels to you all.”
Gathering their luggage, the team headed to the small runway with the charter plane to take them to Papua New Guinea. Arriving, they immediately spotted Evie and Savannah.
“It’s good to see all of you,” smiled Evie. “Everyone okay?”
“We’re good,” grinned Patrick, kissing her cheek. “Evie, when are you gonna leave Grant and run away with me?”
“Boy, you couldn’t handle me,” she smirked. “Besides, I’m old enough to be your mama. That ain’t appealing to me.” Savannah laughed, shaking her head.
“Let’s go, kids. We have a long flight home. Oh. We were supposed to tell you that Myer reached out to Robicheaux Oil and Gas requesting a meeting about drilling offshore in a geothermal area.”
“Are you kidding?” said Sadie.
“Not kidding, honey. Remy, Cade, Bodhi, and Magnus are meeting him in Los Angeles. It’s a public place, so we have no reason to believe that he knows that we’re connected.”
“He shouldn’t,” said Sadie. “I never once mentioned what my family did or Robicheaux Oil and Gas. Honestly, I don’t think he’s smart enough to figure it out. What about the mercenaries that we let go? Do we think they’ll disappear?”
“I hope so,” said Ham. “I’d hate to have to kill them. They had no clue who they were going up against. Savannah? Any word on Myer’s wife and kids? I know she was taking all her things and leaving him, but it does worry me that he might do something stupid. I’m not sure he even gives a damn about his own children.”
“Wes checked up on them a few days ago,” said Savannah. “Her folks got the house cleared out, and she filed for divorce. Myer didn’t even contest. Told the judge she could have everything, and he would sign the papers. She got everything in the bank accounts and has the house up for sale.”
“That’s suspicious,” frowned Sadie.
“What do you mean? I’d think it’s good for her,” said Ham.
“It is, but knowing what we know about Myer, why would he give all that up? Why would he let her have the house, the money, all of it? I have to believe it’s because he thinks he has a much greater prize waiting for him, or he has accounts she’s unaware of.”
“I’ll call Jean and the finance team,” said Chief, stepping to the back of the plane.
Sadie curled into Ham’s side, stretching out on the reclining seats. The soft, supple leather warmed against her skin, and she closed her eyes.
“All I know,” she whispered against his shoulder, “is that I cannot wait to be back at the island mansion with you.”
“And us,” smirked Christopher. “Don’t forget us. We’ll be there twenty-four-seven for the foreseeable future.” Sadie opened her eyes, staring at her brothers.
“You know what,” she grinned. “That would have made me angry two months ago. Right now, I can’t think of anything better in the whole wide world.” Ham frowned at her, then growled at her two brothers.
“Family or no, if you two assholes interfere in my love life, I’ll hang you from the rafters.” Both men laughed, shaking their heads.
“Can’t happen, brother. Claudette likes watching us undress,” said Christopher.
“Claudette and Tony are a hot item,” grinned Sadie. “She’s hardly ever at the mansion any longer.”
“What? No. She’s broken my heart,” said Patrick.
