Page 137 of Severed Rivalry
They’re still airborne so it’s a lead she doesn’t know I already have.
Angel: I love you.
Me: We’re coming for you.
Me: Thirty minutes behind you.
Angel: ...
Bubbles bounce, but nothing comes through.
Liam’s alarm sounds. The ticking timeclock has begun.
“They’re on the ground,” my brother states. “Taxiing.” He pauses. “Stopped.”
I wait with bated breath for each single word he offers.
Christian stands and walks toward the cockpit, opening the door, and speaking to the pilot. He returns in silence, sitting and kissing his wife on the neck before whispering something in her ear.
My sister is pissed. She will be for a while if I know her. But she will also not do anything to jeopardize her family.
She tilts her chin to him and holds his eyes. I’m so thankful she’s come back to us. Our father’s revelations were huge. The fact that he and they have been tossed on the back burner only highlights how fucked up this situation is.
My sister grabs Christian’s hand and he pulls it to his mouth kissing her knuckles.
I look away. The depth of their bond is tangible. The intimacy shreds my insides. I need Sariah back. We’ve had too little time. Too few carefree days. Too little opportunity to just be us.
“On the move,” Liam states to the cabin before addressing Christian. “ETA?”
“Let me ask.”
Then what was he doing before? Fuck. This waiting game is killing me.
He returns, dragging a hand down his face. “Thirty-six minutes if the wind cooperates. There’s a car waiting for us.”
Liam has us download some off-channel messaging app. It’s encrypted and will allow us to speak and text freely without the carriers having the same access.
I can only assume he wants discussion of illegal activities mitigated.Appreciate the forethought,I think, but hate the assumption.I also can’t help but notice he doesn’t have to download it.
“I’m not usually the emotional type.” My brother and sister share a look before I go on, “But thank you. I owe each and every one of you. More than some favor or marker. But a debt. I’ll be honored to repay it.”
No one adds to my sappy moment.
That’s good, because I’m fighting for control.
Control of my future.
Control of my fears.
Control of my emotions that run alongside a car that’s “on the move” somewhere north of us according to my brother.
What feels like eons later, a disembodied voice comes through the speakers. “We’re beginning our final descent into Pierre regional airport. Please make sure your seat belts are tightly fastened. We expect some light turbulence upon arrival. We’ll be on the ground shortly.”
My relief is short-lived.
“Trackers are offline.” Liam’s mouth is a hard line as he stares at his computer. “Gone.”
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