An Errant Prince

How It Started

"Are you kidding me?" Starling snarled, watching Jasmine make her way through the security gauntlet without a hitch. Great! She must have discovered the carabiner I slipped into her luggage.

A minute later, the alarm went off and two Greek security guards with scanning batons pounced on him. "Sir, will you please step to the side." After a thorough body search, he was allowed enter to the main concourse, but Jasmine was nowhere to be seen.

~~~~~~~

Across the airport, Jasmine removed her bright headscarf, tying her hair up in a ponytail as she made her way out of the terminal. She wanted to be as far away from Starling as possible when he was killed. The Queen will be distraught when she hears her number one is dead, but I'll be there to comfort Her Majesty. She smiled, anticipating the moment she would assume James Starling's coveted position which included intimate access to the crown. As she passed the food court, she experienced the distinct feeling she was being watched. Rounding a large white column, she stopped beside a cafe to scan the milling crowd. A balding man with sunglasses caught her attention. She backed further into the cafe, which was in the process of closing. She ignored the barista who called out to her, and headed for the back exit. Without warning, a hand closed over her mouth and chloroform filled her nostrils. The last thing Jasmine remembered was hearing a man's voice. "Get her on the plane!"

Starling had begun to fear Jasmine had evaded capture when a text appeared on his phone.

Package has been returned to sender.

He breathed a sigh of relief. With Jasmine on her way back to England and out of his hair, he could complete the assignment and make sure any trail leading to Princess Diana was eradicated. The next text regarding Sam and Kash's apprehension took him by surprise.

Targets have dropped off the map. Will update when they're located.

He quickly responded. Bloody hell! How is that possible?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The tunnel ended at an underground storage facility. Angel motioned towards a lift that would take them to the surface. Above, a few dock workers were loading cargo and various supplies onto a luxury cruise line ship. The workers pretended not to see them. They had been paid and intimidated by The Magician into looking the other way.

There was a sudden commotion at the warehouse door. A man waving a gun was yelling, ""Come back here you little shit!" The rest of his words were snatched by the wind. Angel motioned for them to hurry, then sprinted towards a pallet of Brazilian Bannanas about to be lifted onto the ship. 

"What does that man want? Did you pay him enough?" Kash asked Sam as they jumped onto the banana pallet next to Angel.

"Bloody hell, yes! Nobody crosses the magician and lives."

Sam turned and looked at Angel. "What have you done?"