Page 246 of The Sinner: James

I’d find this hilarious in different circumstances, but now it doesn’t make me smile. Quite the opposite.

So let’s see if I got this right.

James has a plane on standby for me, yet he’s abandoned me on an island without an explanation?

Struggling to make sense of this, I take a long breath and try to calm down.

The man reads my expression, his eyes heavy with concern.

I’ll figure this out later because I must leave now. I don’t want to spend another second on this island.

“Is there any other way you can get me home? I don’t want to use Mr. Sexton’s plane.”

The man’s eyes slant down, disappointment flashing through his gaze.

“I’m afraid not, Miss. His instructions are very clear. He wants to make sure you get home safe.”

“What if you get me back to land, and I check into a hotel and book my flight home instead of following his plans?”

The corners of his mouth point down with distress.

“You can do anything you want, Miss… After you reach your residence in New York. As long as you are on Mr. Sexton's property, and I’m his employee, I must follow his instructions, or I’ll lose my job.”

He pauses while I ponder.

Spotting an opportunity to compel me, he speaks again.

“You wouldn’t want me to lose my job, would you?” he asks softly.

Ughh.

He got me.

“Of course, I wouldn’t. I’ll be ready in less than an hour,” I say, irritated, starting to turn around.

A few seconds pass before his words sink in, and I twirl back to him.

“Wait.”

The man freezes.

“Yes?”

“You said his property.”

He nods.

“Did you mean this is his island?”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“I thought he rented it.”

He looks at me like a swarm of bugs just landed on my face.

He slowly shakes his head.

“No. This is his island,” he says, somewhat embarrassed that he can’t give an answer to my satisfaction.

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