Kainnan: The Prize: The Kainnan series, #1

By Belinda Stott

BOOK 1 OF 9 IN THE KAINNAN SERIES. An epic Christian urban fantasy series, set between two worlds...

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When a group of strangers win a competition they never entered, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Expecting a tropical holiday, instead Noah, Katerina, Alice and Caleb find themselves in the dangerous world of Kainnan. 

To return home is far from simple – they will need to stop the four rebellious children of Kainnan's ruler, King Wilhelm. The catch – not only will they encounter constant danger, they will need to face their own personal demons back on earth too. 

With mutinous priests, deadly drinks, hidden treasure, supernatural rings, bombs and assassins, Kainnan will test the group to their limits. Yet Earth will prove to be no safer...

Weaving between both worlds and combining mental health concepts with romance, adventure and danger, The Prize will captivate, challenge and constantly surprise you.

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Praise for the Kainnan series…

"Like Narnia with guns! And more romance…A parallel world controlled by cruel rulers, and in their defeat, you learn life-changing truths to help you cope in the real world too." Junita.

"Full of unexpected twists and deeper meanings, Kainnan will take you on a wild adventure while communicating incredibly valuable lessons about mental health and emotional wellbeing. The plots are truly unique; unlike any series I have ever come across." Olivia.

"I was hooked from the first page. Beautifully written and powerful, weaving mental health and spirituality through a captivating narrative." Esther.

"Each book provides new twists, new heroes to love and new heart-wrenching battles. Thrilling writing and excellent character development, you find yourself cheering them on." Jenn.

"I loved the element of surprise in the Kainnan series, the cliff hangers, amazing plots and unexpected twists." Ethan.

 "Adventurous, terrifying and riveting. They brought tears to my eyes, made me laugh and gave me great insight into human emotion." Lydia.

"Like an action movie captured in print – fast-paced, exciting, full of twists, unpredictable – but with fantastic character development, romance and fantasy too. If you liked Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games, or Ted Dekker's novels, this will be right up your alley." Natasha.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belinda Stott
• Release date: Jan 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781540120779

Belinda Stott

Belinda Stott is a novelist, counselor and international speaker. With her husband Matt, she runs a course called Soul Tour which combines psychology, philosophy and theology to help young adults better understand their own mind, emotions and behavior.  A prolific traveler (81 countries and counting), Belinda reads obsessively, loves fairs, Jacuzzis, castles and feisty heroines, and watches movies which inspire her to create high-stakes stories that visit other worlds and kingdoms. She is particularly passionate about sagas that bypass the mundane to explore what God and life are really all about, describing her style as a blend of spy stories like 24, Alias and the Bourne novels, with a sprinkle of Narnia and the intensity of a Ted Dekker novel. Belinda lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with Matt and their two creative, adventurous kids, Jasper and Scarlett, (who cameo in Kainnan: The Uncovering).  Find out more about Kainnan and Belinda's upcoming, cult-based trilogy at Belindastott.com.

Book preview

1.  The Prize

Katerina woke in the night to voices in her home. They were muffled yet oddly formal. Her first thought was ‘intruders’ then she laughed at herself. Probably just people there to see her parents. For some reason they often had visitors late at night. She knew that because she had come across them occasionally after returning home from a night out with friends or with Patrick her boyfriend. They were always in her mother’s office with the door shut.

One night she had decided to find out who they were because her parents would never tell her, dismissing them as work colleagues. This particular night she had crept up to the door, placed her fingers carefully on the handle and prepared to shove the door open. But it was locked. The voices within fell silent and her mum called, Is that you Kat? We’re just in a meeting in here...

Her dad had found her in the kitchen a few minutes later. Sorry about that, he had apologized. We needed to meet with some clients of your mothers, highly confidential.

The mysterious visitors weren’t usually so loud though, or so obvious. Or this late.

She was halfway downstairs before she realized it was actually the television. Both parents were immobile in front of it, fully clothed as if they had just arrived home or were about to go out. They glanced at her then returned their gazes to the screen.

What’s going on? Why are you up so late? Has something happened?

Three bombs went off in Washington, Sarah, her mother, replied tersely.

"Here? How bad is it? Who did it? Where, exactly?"

It’s very bad. No one knows who’s responsible yet. One at the Smithsonian, one a block from the White House and the third at a shopping mall an hour before it closed.

Why didn’t I know about this before I went to bed? Katerina took a seat, staring with horror at the footage currently showing — a shaky phone video of an explosion engulfing Lynchgate Mall, people screaming and running frantically away from the fire and smoke.

President Wilson ordered a media clamp-down till an hour ago. CNN had it over-ruled, James, her father, explained.

They sat in silence, watching non-stop footage of all three bombs. Katerina was fighting back tears at the sight of a small, highly distraught girl being carried away by medics when her mother’s phone rang. Sarah left the room to take the call, returning to say, We need to head into work. Katerina, lock the house, keep your phone charged and with you tonight. We can get Aunt Kim to come over...

I’ll be fine Mum. I’m a big girl...Why do you have to go in?

She only saw the quick glance her parents exchanged because she was watching their reflection in the TV screen. But, It’s all hands on deck for this, was all Sarah said.

She watched the disturbing scenes for another hour after her parents left, then crawled back into bed, exhausted and heartsick for the families of those killed.

Her parents weren’t home when she woke. She resisted the TV as long as she could but eventually returned to the sobering footage. While it played in the background, she tried reaching Patrick.

Things had been less than ideal between them since the Christmas party. He had been in a strange mood that night, distant and preoccupied from the moment he picked her up. He had barely spoken to her and disappeared for most of the party. Worse, when she found him near midnight he was talking intently to Nicole, one of her friends. Not that a conversation between the two was a problem, but the way they reacted when they saw her made Katerina question him afterwards. He had claimed innocence and she had chosen to believe him, because in the one year they had been together he had always been devoted to her.

And yet she had felt uneasy about their relationship since and he had certainly been less available.

Or perhaps he was just busy, and she was being paranoid.

He answered on the eighth ring. How ridiculous that she was counting them. Kat — have you seen the news? he asked without preamble.

I saw it last night with my parents.

Do they know anything about it?

She couldn’t help laughing. Since telling him her parents worked for the government, he had constantly grilled her for information about their top-secret jobs, despite her continual insistence they just pushed paper. They’re still not spies, she teased. They know as much as us — although they did have to go into work last night...

I knew it! You need to find out everything the government knows then tell me!

She laughed again. There was a long silence then she admitted, I miss you. I haven’t seen you in ages.

Good, that was my plan. How about I take you out tonight?

She was still smiling when she braved the cold winters day to go to the letterbox. There were three bills for her parents and one envelope for her. It had no return address and the look of a book-club trick: Fill out this form and you’ll be sent some GREAT free books, along with a pile of others you don’t want, will never get around to returning and will end up having to pay a small fortune for. She nearly threw it out with the rest of the junk mail but on a whim, she opened it instead.

It changed her life forever.

It was an official-looking form printed with darker-than-usual blue ink on a crisp white page. It read:

CONGRATULATIONS

Ms. Katerina Scott

JADE ELEKTRONICS

are delighted to inform you that your name

has been drawn from a prize pool of 4 million people.

You have won an

ALL-EXPENSES PAID TRIP FOR TWO

TO LUSCIOUS KAIN ISLAND

All you need to do to claim your prize is email your details, with those of the person accompanying you, to [e-mail]

YOUR WINNING TICKETS WILL BE SENT TO YOU WITHIN A WEEK!!

There were more details in fine print, though nothing riveting. There was also a glossy brochure featuring white sandy beaches and lush tropical jungle framing up the standard family groupings, blond, slim and obscenely happy, chilling out amongst them.

It had to be a trick. It couldn’t possibly be real.

Because she had the day off and to distract herself from the ongoing bomb footage, she went onto the Jade Elektronics website anyway and found herself impressed. If this was a scam it was an elaborate one for the website was sophisticated and comprehensive.

What if it was real though? Romantic time away with Patrick might be just what they needed...

When she called the company number the phone was answered promptly by a professional-sounding male receptionist. While they talked, she could hear him tapping away on a computer at his end before he confirmed that she had indeed won the trip. Despite feeling extremely awkward for it, she asked for the company manager who again agreed politely that she was in fact one of the recipients of this prize. He even gave her the flight details, adding, Providing the airports are still open after these awful bombs. Once she had answered various questions for him, he ended the call with a promise that her tickets would be emailed to her within the hour. 

The day was slipping away from her. She rang a few friends to tell them her exciting news. She couldn’t reach her parents or Patrick. He was in a meeting apparently. As always, she wished she knew more about what he did but most of it was classified company business — like her parents. She was surrounded by secrets she thought wryly, as she settled in front of the computer to look for information on Kain Island.

She was occupied until dinner on this search. It took so long because the island proved elusive. Nothing in her parents’ encyclopedia or on a web-search, bar one reference to it in a listing of resort islands in the South Pacific. Nothing from travel agents. Even her Uncle Tim, who was addicted to travel and read up on it copiously, could not help her. Being naturally curious, she was loath to stop there. However, having exhausted all current options she finally shut her computer down and headed upstairs to dress for her date with Patrick.

She had just got out of the shower, her hair dripping, when Patrick called. He greeted her with, I’m so sorry Kat but work just went crazy...

You’re cancelling?  She hated that she sounded so upset. Hated that she felt instantly nervous. When had she become so insecure with him?

I’m sorry, he said again. I’ll make it up to you.

I have a way you can do that. I won something! A trip to an island, for two people...will you come with me?

That’s great, he sounded preoccupied. When is it? I’ll have to see if I can get off work. It might be difficult at the moment because I have some trips away coming up...

She could hear herself sounding apologetic now, It’s in four days. I understand if you can’t get time off at such short notice. I can take one of my girlfriends. Lizzy wanted to go to Hawaii. I’m sure Kain Island would be an acceptable substitute...

She waited for a response, but he was silent. It made her nervous. He was so hard to read lately. If only she could see him, she might know what he was thinking. I’ll come. Don’t ask Lizzy, he said eventually. I’m owed time off. I’ll make it happen.

That’s great! She filled him in on everything she knew before he had to go. He had plenty of questions but of course she didn’t have many answers. Still, he seemed optimistic about coming with her.

She sat on her verandah studying the stars and writing before going to bed. Patrick was often the subject of her journal entries and tonight was no exception. He was clever, charming, attractive and wealthy. Even her parents finally approved of him despite him being so much older than her. He was also more elusive than she would have liked, often out of town on trips he couldn’t tell her anything about. In some ways that reflected what he was like when they were together too, she mused. Sometimes so attentive she couldn’t believe her luck. Sometimes so absent she questioned where he was, what he was thinking about; whether he even liked her.

It was frustrating, but as usual her journal held no answers. Perhaps the holiday would finally settle her concerns. At the very least it would be bliss to escape the gray coldness of winter and the terrible tragedy engulfing Washington with the bombs.

{

Alice you’ll never believe this! Noah exclaimed, bursting into his sister’s bedroom without knocking. Normally she wouldn’t mind but today she was in front of her mirror trying to disguise the bruise on her cheek. Their drunk father had lost his temper and hit her the previous night. It was the first time. She was hoping it would be the only time, which was why she was trying to hide it from Noah.

She leant forward so her hair hid the nasty mark and asked, What is it?

We’ve won a holiday! To some tropical island, Kain Island. In four days’ time — Alice, it’s just what I need!

That’s great, she tried to sound enthusiastic but winced at how flat her voice sounded.

It didn’t escape Noah. Nothing much did. He was far too tuned into her for that. He spent far too much time worrying about her to overlook this. When he demanded, What’s wrong Alice? she sighed and turned to face him reluctantly. What’s that on your cheek? He was already tensing up.

It’s nothing.

"It’s not nothing. Who did that?"

I just got in Dad’s way when he was drunk last night.

"He hit you?!"

Please Noah, leave it.

"Where is he?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

Out. Mum too. I doubt we’ll see them for a while. She could feel tears coming and turned away, but he saw them of course.

I’m so sorry Alice. What can I do?

Nothing. I’m going out. I have to meet Ella.

She saw the look that flashed over his face at Ella’s name. She knew he disapproved entirely of her helping the girl.

Their father had lost his cool because he wanted to know where Alice had been. Noah could guess. She would have been helping Ella or one of her many other newer, incompetent friends — one of the four or five who trespassed on her kindness and inability to set boundaries. It was probably one of the male ones because that was who their father got most upset about.

That was one thing, probably the only thing he had in common with his father, Noah reflected grimly. One glance in Alice’s mirror corrected him on that score however. Father and son also shared the same chiseled Russian features, the same pitch-black wavy hair, piercing, deep-blue eyes and roguish charm that made women fall for them so easily.

What constantly upset Noah these days was how much Alice had changed as their father had grown more aggressive. Alice had always been so honest and compassionate it had won her many friends. Now she seemed to hide more than she revealed, and her friends were ones that used her for their benefit alone.

But then again, their father had never been a drinker. Before he lost his job, Ivan had never been around much in fact. With the redundancy had come depression and the vodka — a throwback to his Russian ancestry — and a lot of time at home. And with the drinking had come the anger — or maybe that was there all along? Even their fiery Irish mother Maggie did not know how to deal with him these days. She had taken refuge in her job, leaving Noah to protect Alice from her husband’s rages instead.

What is it? Alice interrupted Noah’s reverie. She had given up on trying to hide her bruise and was watching him curiously instead.

I’ll talk to Dad for you.

No, please, that will only make things worse...tell me about this trip you’re taking, she changed tack.

"We’re taking — it’s for both of us — to a place called Kain Island."

But how did we win it?

We were drawn from some giant prize pool. We have four days to get organized then we get to escape for ten whole days.

That’s so great. Tell me everything.

So he did, though he could tell she wasn’t really listening. Looking at the bruise discoloring her cheek certainly didn’t make it easy for him to concentrate either. A trip away might give him a chance to address it — and convince Alice that something needed to change in their family and soon.

{

The next four days seemed to race by to Katerina with study, preparations for the trip, watching ten times more television than normal and seeing friends. Thankfully there were no further bomb attacks but the tension in Washington was at an all-time high. Every time Katerina ventured out people wanted to talk about what had happened, finding reassurance in shared stories of how others were coping.

Certainly everyone Katerina came across seemed to feel the need to be near those they treasured. The bombs had created such an atmosphere of fear it bred a need to check that those they loved were alright; the craving to be around those you felt safe with. Because her parents weren’t home much, and Patrick was busy wrapping things up at work for the trip, Katerina was left visiting friends to fill those needs. It all kept her busy enough that before she knew it Tuesday had rolled around; the local airport was open, and Patrick was picking her up to take them to their flight.

2.  Airport

Patrick was uncharacteristically quiet the whole trip, answering Katerina in monosyllables. She tried to draw him out, managing to evoke the odd smile. But he was so withdrawn it put her on edge and eventually she busied herself staring out the car window instead of questioning what was going on.

Every now and then she surreptitiously studied him, watching and wondering at the tiny beads of sweat that trickled down his face despite the cool air-conditioning. She didn’t want to be a paranoid girlfriend, but something was clearly not right. She couldn’t go on a romantic holiday with this between them. As he slowed to negotiate a roundabout, she asked, Is everything okay?

The question triggered a reaction. It wasn’t the one she expected however. He indicated and pulled over to the side of the road, turning to face her and taking her hands. Kat are you sure this is a good idea? I’ve been thinking, maybe we should head across country to LA for a few days instead. I’ll pay...

"A few days? We’ve won a ten day all-expenses paid tropical holiday. No offense but I would definitely prefer that."

Work really didn’t want me to take so long off. I might get in trouble...but I could easily do a few days...

Patrick, she took a deep breath. Do you not want to come with me?

Of course I want to be with you, he began, just as her phone rang.

To her surprise she saw it was Nicole. She kept her eyes on Patrick as she answered, Hi Nicole.

Her friend said without preamble, Kat I just talked to your mum and she said you’re going on holiday with Patrick?

We’re just about at the airport now.

He’s with you? He can hear you?

Yes...what’s going on?

Can you get out of the car? I need to tell you something.

Just tell me. Dread was growing in her. She turned away from Patrick.

At the Christmas party something happened between us. I’m so, so sorry...I didn’t plan it, it just happened.

Who was responsible? she asked, pleased she sounded so calm when inside she was shaking.

It just happened but he wanted to keep going. Nicole waited for a response, but Katerina was frozen with shock and indecision. So you see, you can’t go on this holiday with him.

Katerina found her voice, I’ll decide that for myself, she said coldly. I have to go. She hung up before Nicole could speak again. When she turned back to Patrick, he was watching her closely.

What did Nicole want?

We’re going to miss the plane, she deflected. He shrugged and started the car up.

She waited till they had parked and he was bending into the boot to retrieve their bags, before taking a deep breath and asking with forced casualness, Patrick, did anything happen between you and Nicole at that party? Despite her valiant attempt at nonchalance, the words sounded flat and accusing.

Patrick stood up with their bags and studied her intently. Is that what she said?

"I’m asking you what happened." She was sharper than she intended because his evasive question was already looking a lot like guilt.

She could almost see him trying to decide what to say. She gave him a moment and when he didn’t immediately answer she grabbed her bags from him and marched into the airport entrance. From behind her the bombs intended for her alone fell.

Kat, it was a mistake, we were both drunk...and we didn’t mean for anything to happen. We were talking about what she’s been going through, and...well...it just happened. I’m so sorry! We both feel terrible...

Furious, Katerina swung on him. At least she told me! Were you ever going to? His guilty look said it all. You weren’t even that drunk either! You were sober enough to drive home — I don’t remember seeing you drink anything!

He caught up to her in a few quick strides and grabbed her hand. She yanked it free as he pleaded, "I didn’t want to lose you! I know I should have told you, but I love you so much Kat."

She paused for a moment, thrown by the sincerity in his voice and on his handsome, familiar face. But then she recovered. Save the clichés! I asked you about that party and you said nothing was going on! You lied to me...why?

Come on, I told you it was an accident. It could have happened to anyone. He seemed surprised his explanation wasn’t convincing her. 

Katerina glared at him. You’re kidding, right? You’re going to act like the victim here? You could have walked away...

It never occurred to me anything would happen.

You didn’t think she was pretty? Or want to kiss her — she’s very beautiful after all.

The guilt that flashed across his face said it all. So angry she was out of words, Katerina spun round and banged violently into a pretty blonde girl, sending her flying. Before she had a chance to apologize or gather herself, the girl’s companion snapped, What are you doing?! You could really hurt someone!

If she had not been so upset Katerina would have taken the rebuke. But she could feel Patrick watching her and her fury at him exploded at the other man, How dare you speak to me like that! It was an accident!

"An accident? You were acting like you own the whole place!" the man exclaimed. He had his hands on his hips, blue eyes flashing, aware he was over-reacting but too wound up to care. For a second the two faced each other — but as they paused for breath the man’s words reminded Katerina of the real source of her anger and she swung again on Patrick. As she did, the girl she had knocked down put her hand on the man’s arm to still him.

I’m done Patrick. I’m going on this holiday by myself.

Look, I said I’m sorry and I mean it, Patrick held up both hands in mock surrender. The action caught Katerina by surprise for a moment and she paused, mouth open. But with sudden discernment she realized he was doing it for the benefit of those watching — quite a crowd now — trying to save face. With another spurt of understanding she realized just how selfish Patrick actually was; his world revolved around him. What he wanted, what he needed, how he looked to others, his work, his social life, whether he was available, never mind if she needed him. A flaw which made him moral only when it suited him. A flaw that suddenly felt like it cancelled out the charm and glamour that surrounded him. A flaw she abruptly could not live with any longer.

With that realization, all the anger fled. Forget it. It’s over. Go be with Nicole. We’re done.

Katerina...

She shook her head, lifted her bags and chin, gave the other girl a small apologetic nod and walked away. The three remaining studied each other for a moment then Patrick grinned suddenly, as if at a private joke, and walked away too, bags in hand.

Spineless, Noah thought wryly to himself as he watched Patrick’s retreating back. Eventually he looked at his companion. Alice was smiling at him, waiting. Big brother, you don’t have to fight every battle for me. You know that really was an accident...

She wasn’t even sorry...

You didn’t give her a chance to be sorry.

They both knew what was really bothering Noah. He was still furious with their father. As it had been for Katerina, the exchange was merely a distraction. They hadn’t seen Ivan for four days, although a friend had texted to tell Noah she’d seen him at a bar rotten drunk. It had left Noah with no way to discharge his anger. But just as the taxi pulled up to take them to the airport that morning, their father had arrived home. Seeing Noah’s face Alice had planted herself in front of him and begged, We need to catch this taxi or we’ll miss our flight and I really, really need to have this holiday.

What are you saying? He was barely listening, trying to see past her to the front door.

I’m asking you to come out the back with me so we don’t see Dad. We’ll deal with it when we get back. If we need to.

We need to..

I really just want to forget about it Noah. He won’t do it again.

And if he does?

We’ll do something then. Please Noah... she pleaded.

Eventually he had given in and they escaped out the back door as their father came in the front.

Now Noah sighed. At least we don’t have to see her again. Come on then, let’s find the gate.

But when they did, the first person they saw waiting was Katerina.

The plane was leaving from gate 38. It was at the farthest reaches of the airport terminal, tucked away from sight or sound of anyone or anything else. There were five others waiting there too. 

Katerina had avoided eye contact and was sitting rigidly, apart from them all. She kept her face deliberately turned away so no one could see the tears beginning to make their slow, determined path down her face. She could not stop thinking about how easily Patrick had taken her rejection. He had let her walk away without even attempting to reason with her. And she had walked away without demanding more from him.

Not that she was sure what that would be. What did she want from him now? Anything or nothing? Was she really done?

She wasn’t sure.

Regardless, she was left taking a tropical holiday by herself.

From his seat opposite, Noah watched the play of emotions on Katerina’s face with interest through half-closed eyes. What he saw, now he was calmer, he grumpily admitted as extremely favorable. For Katerina had lovely clear hazel eyes, a beautiful face and long, wavy hair of a nearly undefinable cross somewhere between walnut and auburn. She was wearing an apple-green, pleated silk dress which accentuated her slender waist and swirled softly around her calves revealing long slim limbs.

Yet the very fact that she was so attractive irritated Noah all over again and after a few minutes he forced himself to lean right back and close his eyes completely instead. The knowledge that this was the first time since things had soured with Kaia that he had even noticed another girl, let alone one he considered so rude, weighed on him. After a few moments, to distract himself from his musings he sat up and stretched out his hand to introduce himself to the guy sitting across from him.

Hi. I’m Noah. Are you going to Kain Island?

I am. I’m Caleb. Did you win a trip there too? At Noah’s nod, he introduced the girl sitting beside him. This is Madeleine, my aunt’s boarder. Visiting from New York and bored so she’s coming along for the ride.

Both Noah and Katerina surreptitiously studied Madeleine. She would have been ordinary but for her gorgeous ringleted black hair. It was cut to her shoulders and clipped back to reveal bored, brown eyes, and exquisitely done makeup. Everything about her: makeup, hair, clothes, expression, screamed wealth.

Nice to meet you, she told Noah and glanced pointedly at Alice.

Noah explained, This is my little sister Alice. It made sense to Katerina — brothers were more likely to defend their sisters than boyfriends, as Patrick had just proved.

Caleb was asking, So what do you guys do?

Alice paints and she’s training to be a nurse, Noah sounded proud.

Alice took over, And Noah’s an awesome photographer and in his final year of training as a counselor.

Katerina found that amusing. How could someone so quick-tempered imagine they would be a good counselor? Although she had visited two counselors in her teens and both had seemed to have more issues than she at the time.

How about you? Noah was asking Madeleine.

I’m a fashion designer with Ayane Brooklyn. Katerina was impressed — very prestigious.

Caleb joined in. I’m a lawyer, just getting started. How about you? This last addressed politely to an older lady and a much younger guy sitting together.

I’m Claudia. The lady had blonde bobbed hair and kind eyes. Katerina judged her to be in her sixties. I’m at Bible College, a late starter, she continued. Noah laughed.

I’m David. The young guy. I just moved here from Australia. He was tanned with blue eyes, blond hair and an insinuating air.

The final one offered, I’m Josiah. I’m an electrician and wannabe sound engineer.

You’re holidaying by yourself? Alice asked.

No, I have a friend coming along — he should be here soon.

Katerina had the sinking realization it was her turn next. They were all going to focus on her and see her tears. She couldn’t face them. Instead she got up and walked to the airport stewardess who had just arrived. The woman said they had fifteen minutes till boarding, so Katerina left her luggage with her and hurried from the lounge in search of a bathroom, more to get away from the inquisitive faces than from need.

In the bathroom she splashed cold water on her face wishing she could wash away her emotions as easily as the blotted mascara. She looked stressed. Even her natural golden tan appeared washed out, leaving her pale and uneasy. After a few minutes of studying herself she sighed deeply and forced herself to move, to head back to the gate lounge. She was going on a free holiday after all. She would enjoy herself; make some new resolutions. Without Patrick, half the old ones would be redundant now anyway.

She stepped out of the bathroom into pandemonium. A woman crying unashamedly, people arguing loudly. There was a group gathered around something or was it someone? on the ground. Despite her better judgement, Katerina’s legs carried her to the scene. People naturally parted for her till she was staring down at a man’s bloodied figure, awkwardly splayed on the floor. The blood seemed disproportionate to the size of his body, pooling under his arms where it flowed from a chest wound and forming a halo around his head from the neat hole straight through his forehead.

What happened? she asked weakly.

Someone answered. It was men, or women — couldn’t tell which, two of them, shot him from real close and ran.

Ran where? Did anyone catch them?

Don’t think so...but some guards ran after them.

He’s...definitely dead? she asked, though it was blatantly obvious. Her brain just couldn’t seem to process what she was seeing.

Definitely. Her informant didn’t seem surprised by the unnecessary question.

The noise had receded and now the group stood silently, looking down on the body, almost as if they were keeping a vigil. Or honoring the dead man. Indeed, it was hard to look away, gruesome though it was.

Some official airport people arrived after what seemed like half an hour but was really just a few minutes and began to move them back. One had a blanket which he placed carefully over the body. As if this was the cue they were all waiting for, the group began to disperse. No one stopped them, the airport staff obviously out of their depth. Katerina left then too, heading back upstairs.

Despite her chosen studies in criminology, Katerina had never seen a dead body in the flesh before. It had been theory till now. The experience was far more horrific than she had expected. His face felt burnt into her mind. Even his eyes, which had been shut, she vividly pictured. It made her stomach turn and her head spin. As she re-entered her departure lounge, she had the distinct impression she was about to faint for the first time in her life. Even as she felt darkness start to embrace her, her eyes caught Noah’s. They must have held an unspoken plea because Noah abruptly dropped his bags and rushed forward to catch her as she collapsed.

When she came to, Noah, Alice, Madeleine and Caleb were grouped around her. She was lying on the floor, her head on someone’s coat. They were kneeling beside her. The rest of the lounge looked empty except for the stewardess who had her back to them.

Are you alright? Alice asked for them all.

But the image of the dead man filled Katerina’s vision immediately and she closed her eyes again, feeling ill. The silence told her they were waiting for her answer, but she had no words for what she had seen. When she opened her eyes again, she saw Josiah this time, standing beyond the group around her, right behind the stewardess.

Josiah hadn’t intended to listen to the stewardess’ conversation. He had gone to ask for help for the girl who had fainted. The woman didn’t seem to have noticed, her back to them all, nor did she hear his approach, for she was speaking quietly into the strangest looking phone he had ever seen. It almost looked military. She was asking, Is it worth it? All this terrible risk and for so few? I tell you, I’m scared...has someone already got to them? There was a pause while she listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. "No, the Baders aren’t here...I know we need them...nor Simon Silcock, Josiah started at that. Simon was the friend that was supposed to join him. Nor the Tate girl and her friend, the conversation continued. And Katerina is here alone... Another pause. I know, her voice dropped even lower, Maybe we need to wait a little longer? I know we’re running out of time but what if this is our last chance?"

Josiah must have made a sound because she swung around suddenly and glared at him. Only for a second, but long enough for Josiah to know that she really had not wanted to be overheard. She masked it quickly, smiling warmly at Josiah though her eyes remained unfriendly.  She said deliberately into the phone, Thank you for informing me of that Captain. We will finish boarding now. Sir, addressing Josiah now, please go on ahead. We need to board. The plane will be leaving shortly.

My friend isn’t here yet, he said. Simon Silcock.

If he’s not here in the next few minutes he’ll miss his flight. Now please, you need to board now sir, she indicated the corridor behind him. For a moment Josiah wavered, uncertain, but she had already turned away to go to the group around the girl who had fainted. Josiah mentally shrugged and dialed Simon’s number again as he headed on through. As had been the case for the last few hours, it went straight to answer phone.

The world had finally stopped spinning so Katerina was sitting up. She couldn’t bring herself to talk about what she had just seen. Instead she mumbled something about feeling unwell and breaking up with her boyfriend. As the stewardess reached them the group had already lost interest and were preparing to board their flight.

Except Noah, who waited, his expression skeptical. Are you sure that’s all? he asked quietly.

To her own surprise the words spilled out of her, her mouth betraying her, No, it’s not...it’s...I don’t normally faint...just — there was a dead man by the bathrooms...

"Did you say a dead man? What happened?"

He was shot twice, in the head and chest, by masked people. She paused to swallow back bile. He was looking so intently at her she had to look away. I don’t...I can’t talk about it. She got awkwardly to her feet saying, Thanks for catching me. He was in her way and for a second it seemed he did not intend to move. Then he stepped aside and together they followed the others through the departure gate to board their plane.

3.  Landing

It was a small plane . Apart from David and Claudia, they were all seated at the back by the time Katerina and Noah boarded. Katerina was in the aisle opposite Claudia. It was a relief to avoid the rest of the group.

She looked out the window while they waited for takeoff, hoping to avoid conversation with the older woman too. It was a clear, cloudless day, the sun’s reflection off the plane blinding. It made the figure by the plane-wing beneath her difficult to see. Obviously an employee, dressed in an orange uniform. He was standing by the hose fueling the plane. She watched idly as he pulled a small can from his jacket, glancing around quickly. She averted her eyes with a sigh. It was going to be an interesting flight if she couldn’t even make eye contact with a stranger who was simply working.

When she looked back, the figure had gone, the hose still in place pumping unsupervised. Not a nervous flier normally it worried her, bringing the dead man in the airport instantly to mind. To her relief, less than a minute later another worker appeared to monitor it, a different one, much stockier and taller. She was obviously on edge over nothing.

They had