Page 244 of The Sinner: James

A light bulb just went off in my head.

I swivel my head and glance over my shoulder.

The kitchen.

They must be having breakfast.

Their things must be already packed, and a yacht or a plane must be waiting for us somewhere nearby.

I veer toward the other side of the house, scanning the terrace while pacing across the place.

Except for the luscious plants, there is nothing on the patio, either.

Where are they?

I push through the kitchen door.

A pot of fresh coffee sits on the counter, and a round table awaits me not far from the patio doors.

The food––hard-boiled eggs, a cheese platter, and ripe papaya, peeled, de-seeded, and cut into cubes––looks delicious and is ready to eat.

I’m hungry.

I spot a platter of pastries and a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade as well.

Turned to stone, I stare at the table, conflicted thoughts spinning in my head.

He couldn’t possibly do that. He didn’t just do that.

I have a hard time moving my feet before I finally find the strength to spin around and dart back to my room where I search for my phone.

I call him. No answer.

I call Ed and Lex. Neither of them answers.

I text him, although I expect nothing from him at this point.

Me: James?

The minutes feel like strings of painful hours.

“Miss?”

A soft voice floats in the air.

I flick my eyes in that direction.

A tanned woman with a mane of dark hair and a floral print dress flashes a bright smile.

“I’m sorry. I was on the other side of the house, watering the plants. That’s why I didn’t see you. The food is ready,” she says, reading my eyes briefly. “And Lenny is waiting for you.”

“Who is Lenny?”

“The man who’ll take you back to land and put you on a plane.”

“Plane?”

“Yes. A private jet is waiting for you.”

---