Page 122 of Red Queen (Red Thorns Crew 3)

Dani’s soft voice came from the bed. “Everything okay?”

I peeked out the window before I let the curtain close. “Yeah, everything’s okay.”

“Please stop freaking out. You freaking out is freaking me out.”

I looked over at her lying in bed. “Have you called your parents at all?”

She shook her head. “I told them I’d call once we actually got there.”

“It makes me nervous that captain keeps pushing this travel date out on us. It’s been an entire week. What the hell’s going on?”

“You know she’s got our best interests and our safety in mind. If she says it still isn’t safe to travel, then we listen. Plus, it’s not like any of this traveling expense is on us.”

I sighed. “I need some of your cool right now.”

She giggled. “Trust me, I’m panicking on the inside. But I’ve had a lifetime’s worth of practice covering things up from my parents. I’ve gotten good at it.”

My phone started buzzing against my bedside table and I practically sprinted for it. I saw the captain’s number flashing on my screen and I hoped with all my might this was the phone call we needed. I placed the phone to my ear and listened to her rattle off. She spoke quickly and with urgency. Which lit a fire under my ass.

Dani whispered. “What’s she saying?”

I held up my hand. “Uh huh. Yes. Thank you. We’ll let you know when we’re on the plane.”

She squealed. “Eek! I have to get changed!”

I nodded. “Thank you, Captain. I appreciate it.”

I hung up the phone and rushed to get ready. Dani and I had been packed for damn near six days now. We stayed low at my place. We followed the captain’s orders to the letter. We didn’t leave my house, we didn’t go on bike rides, and we sure as hell didn’t go anywhere near the part of town where my father’s estate was.

Especially since everything regarding his estate had been handed over to me.

“You got your toiletries?” Dani asked.

I nodded. “Yep. You got your phone charger?”

She held it in the air. “Packing it now.”

“You rolled your outfits like I showed you so it all fits in the saddlebag?”

“Uh huh. You remembered to pack the cash we’ve already drawn out, right?”

I patted my leather jacket. “Got it safe and sound against my chest.”

She heaved her bag over her shoulder. “Then, tell me what the captain said and let’s get the hell out of here.”

“The plan is still in effect. We need to get to the airport and check in like we’re taking the flight. Then, after we board the plane, we’ll be privately escorted off and seen back to where we parked. From there, we stick to the map of safe roads Cap sent me three days ago. We make our way to California, and we live it up until we get the call that it’s safe to return.”

She sighed. “Well, I’m ready whenever you are. How do I look?”

I grinned at her leather jacket. “You look outstanding, as always.”

The only thing we’d been doing in this house was eating, having sex, and sleeping. Even John was getting nervous for us, and that man never panicked until there was a reason to. Mostly. I saw the look of relief in his eyes when we came out with our bags. He gave us each a massive hug, then slipped me an envelope.

“Here. Take this with you,” he said.

I shook my head. “I ca

n’t take that.”

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