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About the author
1
Rob Krane desperately wanted to relax, but he couldn’t. Something felt wrong.
Ever since his arrival at the plush resort, deep in the forested mountains of the Oaxaca region of Mexico, the staff had been on edge – and so had he. For four days now he had suitably filled his time exploring, but had not been able to relax. Okay, he was by himself, which hadn’t been the plan, but that wasn’t it.
Relationships are so bloody difficult! he thought bitterly as he lazed in the late afternoon sunshine beside the swimming pool. The guidebook for his planned visit to Monte Albán remained untouched beside him as he toyed with his iPhone.
Only a few weeks ago he had invited Laura Harding to join him on holiday. They, and some others, had been celebrating their success of preventing an attack on Canary Wharf in London when he made the suggestion. At the time, amidst hugs, kisses and tears, Laura had declined to join him because of previous commitments, promising that once back home, they would agree on dates to go away together. However, that did not happen; work had got in the way.
A year ago, while in Slovenia, Rob had unwittingly become involved in a power struggle between the billionaire kingpin of an international criminal network, Burak Demir, and one of his henchmen, Emilio Arroz. Laura, an MI5 agent, had coordinated Rob’s rescue, and he had been assisting the domestic British intelligence service ever since.
Now, the two of them had departed on separate holidays. Laura had replied to his texts but only briefly to acknowledge them. Keeping me dangling, he thought sadly. Maybe it was the alcohol that made her so positive. What is life about? I now have so much, but still cannot find a meaningful relationship!