Chapter 78

**Torin POV**

As the jet begins its descent, the vast expanse of turquoise ocean below comes into view, dotted with the lush greenery of the privately owned island. The island, a secluded paradise, is encircled by a pristine white sandy beach that contrasts vividly with the deep blue of the surrounding sea.
The jet glides gracefully over the water as it approaches the island's private runway flanked by palm trees. The pilot maneuvers the jet, aligning it perfectly with the runway.
With a soft thud, the jet's wheels touch down, the landing gear absorbing the impact smoothly. The engines roar as the aircraft decelerates, rolling along the runway until it comes to a complete stop.
“Enjoy the vacation, boys. You have earned it.”
A mirthful rumble ripples through the cabin.
Disembarking from the jet, we are greeted by the gentle caress of the oceanic breeze and the inviting brine of the sea.A queue of safari-styled automobiles is prepared to convey us to our lodgings. The boys force out the stubborn pilot as we follow the flow down to the asphalt. From one of the vehicles, one of my dearest friends hops out of the passenger seat, wearing an all-white ghutrah on his head with a thick black cord secured around the circumference. As he makes his approach, the white shroud flutters like seraphic wings, a stark contradiction to his hideous eye-exhausting tropical shirt.
“Kayfal-ḥāl?”
“Better with you here, Abu.”
Hadassah flares a brow at the nickname.
“Pet name for his pet monkey,” he says to explain the inside gag. “Torin tells me to jump, I say, how high?”
I chide him with a head shake as I pull him into an aggressive side hug. “You didn’t see me throwing jabs when you asked to reside at the presidential suite of my ski resort. For the whole winter.”
He concedes a bumbling nod. “What can I say, Halima loves the snow. And I love making her happy.”
I give him a vigorous shake before I draw back. “You look good.”
He tugs his shirt. “I know you hate this shirt.”
“I never said the shirt looked good, did I?”
A grin brightens his bronzed skin. “You and your men are welcome here. These cars will take you to your chalets. There’s an electromagnetic field over the island, impenetrable to sonar, making it virtually invisible. As long as you’re here, you’re safe.”
I clap a thankful hand on his shoulder I pass him. We all board the vehicles, and Abdul joins our vehicle, until everyone one is filled, the entire line moves out in unison. As the SUVs wind their way through the island's lush foliage, the ultra-modern chalets come into view. All of them are perched on stilts above the crystal-clear water, connected by a series of wooden walkways. The chalets' exteriors feature a harmonious blend of natural wood, sleek glass, and thatched roofs, creating a perfect balance between modern luxury and traditional island charm.
When the line stops, from the rear to beyond— I watch a stream of black pooling outside the cars, gathering their equipment and bags before they file into their chalets. Abdul makes it a personal point to escort me to mine with Hadassah in tow.
“Do I even want to know?” he asks with business-like formality.
I stay silent for a while before I reply with a rigid head shake.
“Even this far out from the world, I hear whispers—talk of anarchy, coups, massacres and betrayal.”
“Sounds like a good TV series recommendation.”
“I’m serious, Torin,” he says with a stern voice, the creases in face deepens.
With a laborious sigh, I nod. “I know, I’m not here to bring trouble. I just need to lay low for a bit to figure out my next move. Trust me, we’ll be out of your hair before week’s end.”
His hands fly to his shoulders. “I have an entire island at my disposal, it’s not like you're encroaching my space. I’m just worried is all.”
“Don’t be.”
“Not for you,” he says with an amused glance. “You’re an eagle, my friend. You always end up on top.”
I nudge my shoulder into his, sharing a knowing smile. “That’s why they won’t see me coming.”
Abdul stops and addresses Haddassah with the courteous smile of a warm host. “In-land, my wife has a sort of boutique. It’s a place where all the imported clothes from all around the world are shuttled to. She goes and peruses like she’s shopping, takes what she wants and leaves what she doesn’t. The store is filled with all kinds of fashion. When you are ready, I’d love to give you a tour.”
Hadassah manages a gremlin-like grin, her effort visible, but the swelling and bruising contorts its beauty.
Abdul nods awkwardly, his smile suddenly uneasy. “I will have someone send you something to eat. I’m sure you are both starving.” He extends an extravagant hand to the front entrance. “Please.”
Hadassah retreats to the oak door.
Abdul turns away and I swivel so we’re aligned.
“Torin,” he says in a conspiratorial voice and I already know what he’s insinuating.
“No, I didn’t hurt her.”
Relief washes over his face with a dramatic inhale.
“But if you could send in a medic to examine her that would be greatly appreciated.”
He clasps a determined hand on my shoulder. “Of course. I will do the same for your men, some of them looked a little banged up.”
I nod gratefully, smiling even. “Thank you, Abdul. I truly have no words.”
“Finally.”
I elbow him lightly and he drops his hand away with a snicker.
He straightens and pats a comforting hand on my back.
“Anything else any of you need. Just ask.”
A curious thought buds in my mind. “Though I am hurt that you think I’m capable of such an atrocity.”
“Atrocities are your brother’s forte.” He hefts his shoulders to drop them heavily. “But you’re also a Moon, so I put nothing past you, my friend.”
I push him away playfully, it triggers a small laugh as he stumbles forward and I make my way to the chalet.
“What you want to eat, eh?”
“None of that new age, modern-art crap you fed me the last time.”
“You asshole!” he shouts to my back.
“Love you too.”