Free Liberation by Shayne McClendon

discreetly gestured to Tyler who went into action instantly with three other members of his team.  By the time they reached the luxurious lobby, combined security staff surrounded them and they limo waited at the curb. 
    Half an hour after she almost collapsed from physical and mental exhaustion in the middle of a charity ball attended by several hundred people, Fahad and Nuri were settling her between them on the supple leather seats. 
    “It will take more than an hour to get to the house.  Rest, Marci.”  Nuri nudged her gently against Fahad and removed a cashmere blanket from a side compartment.  “Close your eyes and just breathe, kalby .” 
    Already more relaxed than she’d been in too long, she asked, “What does that mean?” 
    “Another time.”
    “Okay.”  Then she was asleep.
    * * * * *
    The sensation of warm hands moving gently over her face and neck stirred her and she blinked against the low lights of the limousine. 
    “Here we are, Marci.”  She struggled to sit up but her body felt like concrete.  “Rest.  We have you.”  Fahad lifted her from the limo and she saw they were in a large garage.  He started to walk but a huge man stepped in front of them and spoke sternly in Arabic. 
    “They want you to be free to move…”  As she said it, the man took her in his arms as if she weighed nothing.  “Hello,” she murmured up at him.
    “Hello, Miss Canfield,” he replied in a deeply accented voice.  “I am Khalib.  I will get you safely to the living quarters.  Do not worry.”
    “I never worry when I’m with Fahad and Nuri.”
    “Then you are even smarter than I have heard.”
    She estimated him to be close to seven feet tall and watched as almost a dozen members of both teams moved them into the main house.  Once inside, the tension lessened substantially.  Tyler walked at Khalib’s side. 
    “All is well, Marci.  We have done sweeps on the estate several times in preparation for your eventual visit.” 
    The huge man smiled at her.  “The house is well fortified.  It is capable of withstanding a tank or helicopter attack.”  He winked.  “We have tested this to be certain.  Even your White House does not have as much security.”
    “Well…that’s distressing for the President.”
    He grinned.  “You must not worry.  The Ghonims have advised additional armaments.” 
    She caught brief glimpses of the rooms they passed and wished she could explore further.  “I’m awake now, Khalib.  You can put me down if you want.” 
    “I would rather not, Miss.  The cousins say you have a warrior’s spirit.  Even warriors must rest.” 
    A few minutes later, they passed through double doors and Khalib placed her gently on a bench at the end of the massive bed.  Fahad and Nuri stood to the side with their hands behind their backs.  Stepping back, the big man bowed regally. 
    “I am the head of security for the estate.  Should you be in need, simply press any of the red buttons located on either side of the bed, beside the shoe rack in the closet, or along the underside of the toilet tank in the bathroom.  Help will arrive within moments.” 
    “Thank you.”
    Gesturing behind him, a young man walked forward with a carved case.  Lifting the lid, he displayed two 9mm handguns inside. 
    “We are aware of your training and your preference for the smaller, lighter 9mm.  They are loaded and will be in the top drawer on either side of the bed.  Safety is engaged.” 
    “Did you know my father?”
    “I trained with your father’s head of security for two years.  When you left Dubai, I traveled with your team to New York.” 
    “I’m sorry…I don’t remember.”
    “You were hurt in your body and your heart.  I give you my word that no harm will come to you while on these grounds.”  He inclined his head.  “However, you will rest easier knowing you are not completely dependent on us for your protection.” 
    Her smile was slow.