Chapter 31 - Fog over Heathrow
|
The private Gulfstream jet touched down on the rain-slicked runway of London Heathrow Airport just as dawn was breaking over the grey horizon.
Through the double-pane window, the city looked like a watercolor painting washed out by heavy mist. I sat in the plush leather armchair, gently burping Clara against my shoulder while Ben looked out the window, his expression grim and vigilant.
"You're sure about this, Lyd?" Ben asked, turning his head to meet my eyes. "Once we step off this plane, we are on Lord Alistair's turf. We won't have Marcus or our Phoenix security detail."
"We have Tessa on speed dial, and we have the truth," I replied softly, placing a soft kiss on Clara’s warm forehead. "My mother spent her life running from these shadow games. I'm not going to spend mine hiding in Phoenix."
The jet door hissed open, allowing the cold, damp English air to fill the cabin.
A sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom was waiting directly on the tarmac, flanked by two men in tailored dark three-piece suits. As we descended the airstrip steps, one of the men stepped forward, removing his umbrella to shelter Clara and me from the drizzle.
"Welcome to London, Mrs. Sterling," the man spoke with a smooth, refined British accent. "I am Julian Ross, personal secretary to Lord Alistair Sterling."
"Where is my uncle?" I asked, keeping my tone guarded and cool.
"His Lordship is waiting for you at the family estate in Surrey," Julian replied with a polite, enigmatic smile. "He felt it best to meet in private, away from the prying eyes of the London press and the remaining Apex board members."
May you like
Ben stepped in between Julian and me, his tall frame imposing. "And who are those Apex board members, Mr. Ross?"
Julian's smile faded slightly, his sharp eyes glinting with unspoken secrets. "People who would prefer Lydia Sterling remained a quiet rumor, Mr. Vance. Please, step inside. His Lordship does not like to be kept waiting."
