“Once I clear out the site and drop the bomb, things are going to move fast. Are we sure no one wants to change their mind? There’s no going back once I do this.”
We all looked at each other. Tiffany was the first to speak.
“We don’t have a choice. It has to be done.”
Rush and I nodded in agreement.
“Alright. Let’s see how this goes. You two get ready to get out of the car. Our new security is waiting to take you to the airport. Once the SUV leaves the garage, the FBI will follow. You know where to go. Don’t leave the security’s circle. Stay as hidden as possible within them. If any agent approaches you, you know what to say.”
“Yes.”
Did I argue? Pout? Give him one last jab? I sure as hell wanted to, but I knew where that’d get me. My tantrum in the room already got me banished to the airport. What happened to me and Tiff being the getaway drivers? What happened to us going along? I ruined it. Punishment or love? It was clear why Jase had insisted on this path; I just didn’t like it. I wanted to be there. I wanted to make sure he was safe. I also could see just how much my presence affected him. We couldn’t risk making a single mistake. We had too much to lose.
“Alright…here we go.”
Typing was the only thing that filled the interior of the SUV. Tiffany grabbed my hand, holding tightly as the moments dragged out. Jase was whispering. Cursing? The first time it’d been easy for him to get in. Breaking in didn’t seem to be going as easily this time.
“What do you need? Talk to me, Colter.”
Hearing his last name had Jase’s shoulder’s squaring. He sat straighter. Became more focused. He seemed to calm as he continued.
“They upped their game. Almost in. Get ready, Rush. We can’t miss this trace if he calls.”
“No way I’m missing it. I’m ready. Just keep him on the phone as long as you can.”
“Will do.” In….” Time. “And.” More time. “Boom. Dropped.” He smiled, glancing to Rush, but turning his attention to me. I leaned forward, kissing his lips as my heart thundered through my entire body.
“Come on, you son of a bitch.” Rush’s gaze to his screen was sharp. His eyes were narrowed. Sweat was forming at his brow. A good minute passed, then two, five…We all took in each other’s nervousness.
“He’s not calling.”
“He will, Tiff. He doesn’t know yet. His phone has to be blowing up from calls of people close to him. Any time now.” She nodded at me, but I couldn’t deny my own doubt.
“Another two minutes and we head to the airport.”
“Together?”
Jase nodded, but I could tell he was uneasy. He didn’t like this any more than I did. Not hearing from V wasn’t good.
“Are we leaving or just waiting for them on the plane?” Rush’s jaw flexed as his head shook. “I can’t leave my brother behind. He’s safe, but I just can’t do that, Jase.”
“Let’s not get in over our heads and complicate matters. One moment at a time.”
“If they don’t call, I say we fly out. We’re safe away from here. At least in the meantime.” Tiffany let go of my hand to cross her arms over her chest. “I just want to leave.”
“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Just…wait. He’s going to call. He has to.”
My stomach knotted with anticipation. This was my plan. I was so sure Vitor’s temper would cause him to lash out and react. How had I been so wrong?
“Kody, what do you think of Vegas?”
Jase casually leaned against his seat, turning his head to look to the back towards me. There was no fear. No anxiety. It was as if the question wasn’t surrounded by panic and possible death.
“What’s in Vegas?”
“Lights. Gambling. Chapels.”
Tiffany’s hand latched to my thigh and her gasp got cut off by her slapping her hand over her mouth.