Pulling on my PJ pants, I grab my phone and exit the bedroom. Perhaps some Chopin or Bach will soothe me.

As I sit down at the piano, I check my messages, and there’s one from Welch, left at midnight, that catches my eye.

Welch

Sabotage suspected.

Initial report first thing this morning.

Fuck. My scalp tingles as the blood drains from my head.

My fears have been confirmed. Someone wants me dead.

Who?

My mind rolls through the few business associates I’ve outplayed over the years.

Woods? Stevens? Carver? Who else? Waring?

Would they stoop to this?

They all made money; lots of money. They just lost their companies. I can’t believe this could be connected to my commercial activities.

Perhaps it’s personal?

There’s only one person who looms large in that regard and it’s Linc. But Elena’s ex-husband already took his revenge on her, and that was years ago. Why would he act now?

Perhaps it’s someone else. A disgruntled employee? An ex? I can’t think of anyone who would do this. Apart from Leila, they’re all doing well.

I need to process this.

Ana! Shit!

If they’re coming after me, they could hurt her. Fear steals through me like a ghost, leaving goose bumps in its wake. I have to protect Ana at all costs. I text Welch.

Meet this morning.

8 am Grey House

Welch

Copy

I text Andrea so she can clear any meetings I may have, then e-mail Taylor.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Sabotage

Date: June 21 2011 05:18

To: J B Taylor

Welch has informed me that Charlie Tango may have been sabotaged. The initial report will be with us later this morning. We’re meeting at Grey House at 8 am.

Reinstate Reynolds and Ryan if they’re still available. I want Ana accompanied at all times. Sawyer can stay with her today.

Thanks.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I need to release all my pent-up nervous energy and decide on a workout. Sneaking into my closet, I change quickly and quietly, not wanting to wake Ana.

While I run on the treadmill, I watch the markets on TV, listen to the Foo Fighters, and wonder who the hell wants to kill me.

Ana smells of sleep and sex and a fragrant orchard in the fall. For a moment I’m transported to a happier time, when I’m hassle free, and it’s just me and my girl. “Hey, baby, wake up.” I nuzzle her ear.

She opens her eyes, and her face, already soft from sleep, glows like a golden dawn. “Good morning,” she says, and runs her thumb across my lips, then gives me a chaste kiss.

“Sleep well?” I ask.

“Hmm…you smell so good. You look so good.”

I grin. It’s just a well-tailored suit. “I have to go into the office early.”

She sits up. “Already?” She glances at the radio alarm. It’s 7:08.

“Something’s come up. Sawyer will stick close today and keep the press at bay. You okay with that?”

She nods.

Good. I don’t want to frighten her with the news about Charlie Tango.

“I’ll see you later.” I kiss her forehead and leave before I’m tempted to stay.

The report is brief.

FAA Accident and Incident Reporting System (AIRS)

GENERAL INFORMATION

Data Source: ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT DATABASE

Report Number: 20110453923

Local Date: 17-JUN-11

City: CASTLE ROCK

State: WA

Airport Name: PORTLAND HELIPORT

Event Type: INCIDENT

Mid Air Collision: NOT A MIDAIR

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

Aircraft Damage: SUBSTANTIAL

Aircraft Make: EURCPT

Aircraft Model: EC-135

Aircraft Series: EC-135-P2

Airframe Hrs: 1470

Operator: GEH INC

Type of Operation: AIR TAXI/COMMUTER

Registration Nbr: N124CT

Total Aboard: 2

Fatalities: 0

Injuries: 0

Aircraft Weight Class: UNDER 12501 LBS

Number of Engines: 2

Engine Make: TURBOM

Engine Model: ARRIUS 2B2

ENVIRONMENTAL/OPERATIONS INFO

Primary Fight Conditions: VISUAL FLIGHT RULES

Secondary Flight Conditions: WEATHER NOT A FACTOR

Flight Plan Filed: YES

PILOT IN COMMAND

Pilot Certificate: COMMERCIAL PILOT

Pilot Rating: ROTORCRAFT/HELICOPTER

Pilot Qualification: QUALIFIED

Flight Time Total Hours: 1180

Total in Make/Model: 860

Total in Last 90 Days: 28

EVENT REMARKS

ON JUNE 17, 2011, AT APPROXIMATELY 14:20 PT, AN EC-135, N124CT, OWNED AND OPERATED BY GREY ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS INC, HAD A MAJOR INCIDENT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS STABLE WHEN THE AIRCRAFT SUDDENLY PITCHED AND THE #1 ENGINE FIRE-LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PILOT SECURED THE #1 ENGINE WITH THE FIRE BOTTLE AND ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO SEA-TAC ON THE REMAINING ENGINE. #2 ENGINE FIRE-LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING AT THE SOUTH-EAST CORNER OF SILVER LAKE. ON LANDING THE PILOT DEPLOYED THE SECOND FIRE BOTTLE AND SHUTDOWN AND EVACUATED THE AIRCRAFT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE PILOT DEPLOYED THE ONBOARD PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER IS EXAMINING THE AIRCRAFT ENGINES AND THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT IS THAT THE DAMAGE IS SUSPICIOUS AND MAY BE A RESULT OF MALICIOUS INTERFERENCE. THE NTSB WILL REQUIRE FURTHER REVIEW.