Captured in Croatia Read Online Free PDF Page A

work. My mother realized that she was nearly out of coffee and was going to pop over to the market to pick some up. She walked out the door and was never seen again.
    My father was frantic, assisting the police for months and months during their extensive investigation. Things like this simply did not happen in our tiny Georgia town of fewer than fifteen thousand. Her station wagon was found behind a dairy two miles from her destination. There were traces of her blood smeared on the driver’s seat, but unfortunately nothing in the way of fingerprints that might lead to a suspect.
    My father was nearly destroyed . She was his world. The structure the military had given him and the knowledge that he had a duty to raise his only child kept him level-headed and strong. The day after my fourth birthday, he took me to the top martial arts school in our area. He wanted me to be prepared for any threat. And I am.
    After applying a final sweep of Sephora baby doll pink gloss, I pull in a calming breath and head toward the door. Here we go … show time.
    As I s tep out of the safety of the restroom, I notice that Zoran is lightly touching his earpiece and speaking in Croatian. His words are low and quick, too fast for me to catch. His eyes sweep over me in a full body scan that makes my arm hairs stand on end right before he clasps my hand and rumbles, “Mr. Juric is waiting. Let’s go.”
    The music is thumping hard with a fabulous techno beat. Gorgeous bodies grind against one another on the heaving dance floor. A few sexy, latex-clad dancers hang from suspended cages. Wicked cool. Now this is the way a club should be set up.
    We make our way back to the V IP area and once Zoran steps aside, slowly releasing my hand in the process, I see that Juric is standing, obviously ready to depart.
    He addresses me confidently . “I trust that you have made your decision, Sonia?”
    I clos e the distance between us, clasp my fingers together, and say sweetly, “I would love to be your companion for the night, Vasilije, but on one condition.”
    A dark brow arches in question. “And that would be?”
    “I t’s a bit embarrassing, but I would feel more comfortable following you home in my rental car. I’d like to know that I can leave whenever I choose. Call it being vigilant, I suppose.” I look down shyly at my heels.
    He gives a short, amused laugh . “You are a delightful little minx, aren’t you? Yes, of course. My car will lead and my additional men will follow you, to make certain that you do not get lost. Sound fine, darling?”
    “Oh yes, that works for me.” I give him a serene smile and hope that he gives up the weird romantic banter soon. It’s just creepy.
    I purposefully keep my eyes averted from the lone person who seems intent on gaining access to my secrets … Zoran. I bet that man is a stellar poker player. Too bad I won’t be around long enough to find out. After this evening I’ll simply disappear, never to be seen again by either of them.
    Juric’s hand reaches around my waist and lands softly on my lower back. “Shall we, then?”
    I flutter my lashes and allow him to lead me past the two hulking men guarding the back door. The cool evening air sweeps across my bare arms and legs. I can’t help but long for the black cashmere wrap that I left back in my hotel room. There is a chill in the early April air. No matter, I’ll crank the heat once we’re en route.
    I know that his sprawling estate lies just on the fringes of Zagreb , perhaps five to seven miles from this bustling area of town. I don’t want him to pick up on the fact that I know where he lives, so I remain quiet on the brief walk over to my car. Zoran is a few steps behind us and I dutifully ignore him. Juric rubs my back in slow, small circles as we walk.
    Once we reach my silver compact, he lifts the keys from my hands and takes charge, opening the door and holding my hand with care as he helps me into my ride.
    “Please wear your