Page 27 of Flight Plan

Chapter Eight

Ava

Ava drove down a lane flanked with sweeping lawns and sprawling mansions.

“Whoa,” Jack said, his game paused, phone in his lap as he swiveled his head, staring wide-eyed at the properties.

“This is only for the summer,” she reminded him. “Then, when I find a full-time position, we’ll settle in somewhere new—in a good town—and get a nice place to live.”

Jack nodded.

He didn’t seem worried about an uncertain future, a new school, no grandmother to go home to.He trusts me.In that moment, she felt proud to be his mother. Honored to have his undying love and trust. She desperately wanted to give him stability.

The driveway wound along the side of the main house, toward the garages. She parked her compact car under the shady trees and led Jack toward the service entrance. Before she could knock, Jorge opened the door.

“Welcome,” said the petite man with a million-dollar smile.

“Hey, Jorge. This is my son, Jack.”

“This is wonderful.” Jorge clasped his hands together. “You’ll fit right in with the team. It’s like I’m taking care of my own little family, only they are grown men who often dress like kids.”

Jorge appeared to be in his late forties. From what Todd told her, he had a partner who lived in town, though they didn’t have any children.

They made it as far as the kitchen when Wesley strode in. “You’re right on time.” He fist-bumped Jack and pointed to his shirt. “Nice threads.” Jack wore one of the logo shirts, which he’d been doing since the day he’d loaded up onDragon Rockmerchandise at the event.

“Come meet the team.”

The Seashell room had been transformed. Furniture had been pushed up against the walls to accommodate elaborate desk setups laden with multiple monitors, keyboards, and all the other stuff needed to program a game.

Wesley stopped in the room’s entrance, pointing to a dark-bearded young man. “This is Samir.” He then pointed to a blond, reedy guy wearing a British band T-shirt. “Harry.”

Wesley waltzed over to a large man wearing floral shorts and a tank top, placing his hand on the man’s meaty shoulder. “This guy is Leroy. He’s our sound and graphics specialist. The other two are my main programmers.

“Guys,” Wesley radiated, “welcome Ava, our new team member. And her son, Jack.”

“We’ve got this tricked-out house, and now our own helicopter pilot,” said Samir. “Oh, how you spoil us, Wes. Welcome to the jungle, Ava. Nice to meet you, Jack.”

“Afio mai, Jackman,” said the large man—Samoan, she’d guess—whose big eyes bulged. “Tell me you play DR.”

Jack glanced at his mother, unsure what the man meant.

“Dragon Rock, dude,” Leroy clarified.

“Oh.” Jack sighed. “Yeah, I play.”

“That’s brilliant,” said the blond with a British accent. “Maybe we can use your help to test the game. Show you some sneak peeks.”

“Cool. Yeah, I want to help.”

Though his multicultural team shared Wesley’s Zen vibe, their comradery reminded Ava of her military brothers, who came from all walks of life. Being with this group made it feel a little like home, alleviating that fish-out-of-water feeling she’d experienced here two weeks ago.

“But first,” Wesley interrupted, “I think you might want to see your rooms and get settled. Also, I have a surprise for you in your room, Jack.”

“That’d be great. I’d like to get us settled.” Ava waved at the group of guys, who continued to stare at her in wonder.

“Sure. Follow me.” Wesley led them through the house and up to the same area and room Ava had stayed in previously. “This is you. I figured it would be familiar. And Jack is the next room over.”

She so badly wanted to know whether Wesley occupied the room across from hers, but she couldn’t bring it up. That intimate detail didn’t mean a thing.

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