Page 16 of Spring Break with a Pilot

I sit lost in thought, stroking her hand, thinking of all she gave up for me, her struggles. How she deserved more, but she chose to isolate herself to be a loving mom.

I don’t know how long I sit there stroking her hand in mine, lost in all my childhood memories. Too soon a warm hand slides down my back. Rhys kisses my cheek then places his other hand on Mom’s where they’re stacked on her stomach.

“Momma, I’m Rhys. We haven’t met properly yet, but we will soon. I promise to take care of our girl and you. As soon as you get well you can help us find a home big enough where we can all live. A place where you’ll always be safe and free to do what you want. We need to leave, but we’ll be back as soon as we can. Remember sissy Roja is watching over you. You do not need to be afraid. You’re safe. Rest and heal. We’ll see you again soon.”

I feel lost in a haze of sadness as he leads me from the hospital. I remember him hooking me into the seat and nothing after that.

11

Silk

Istand in the hall where I can see Melia and her mom. Agent Roja is next to me and I ask, “Any indication they’ve located her here?”

“No. You know I’d pull her in a heartbeat. I have everything I need to disguise her and get her away in a hearse out back. Thankfully all the bells and whistles she’s hooked to are just to monitor. Nothing is controlling her life force. The team has two game plans in place if we need them. And I have personal backup in town I could call on.

“Don’t worry about us. I’m more concerned about you and Malia. Detective Ford reported there are some secret meetings going on at the department that he’s been excluded from. He, we, never kept it a secret that he’s worked with HARDCORE in the past. He may have his own man inside and will let us know as soon as he can. He’s pulling in a couple IOU’s, too. Watch your six. This is starting to feel like Jenga. Just hope we’re pulling the right block, and their side is going to crumble.”

“You and me both. I’m gonna hit the head. You good here?” She gives me her battle smile that’s always a little too much like a cobra ready to strike. This is the soldier I want guarding what’s precious to me or mine.

Walking back from the bathroom I cross in front of the waiting area, glancing at the overhead TV.

“Breaking news. Lieutenant Governor, Neil Book has indicated in the past his concerns regarding the excessive restrictions on some businesses in the Love Beach area. He plans to present his new proposal to the governor tomorrow whom he’s publicly stated is dragging his feet on something that would be great for the state’s economy. Some constituents say it’s just another effort by Mr. Book to pad his own pocket.” Three images appear on the screen of Book glad handing crowds.

That’s him. Mr. Big. The man we’re looking for.

“In other breaking news another female body has washed ashore last night…”

Pulling my phone, I dial the office. I-Tee answers on the second ring. “Big Tipper is Lieutenant Governor Neil Book. Just saw a side view. Have Dax work with that forensic artist.”

“Got it. I was just going to contact you. The dead body that washed ashore was another girl who worked for a short time at Mescal. We’ve also found two warehouses that belong to Melia’s sperm donor. Both seem to have a lot of activity for being empty. Thought you should know. Pax and Dax are going to check it out tonight.”

“I’m in. Do we have anyone who can watch the women? They aren’t trained yet.”

“No. Normally I’d say Ford. But he’s not responding. Jed’s working on more backup as we speak. Nyla’s a good shot. Make sure the three are together. One of you may need to stay back.”

“We’ll figure it out and let you know,”

Heading back to the room I update Roja and go in to get my woman and say goodbye.

“…Remember momma, sissy Roja is watching over you. You do not need to be afraid. You’re safe. Rest and heal. We’ll see you again soon.”

Melia is exhausted and half out of it. I get her into the helo and strap her in. She sleeps the whole flight back to Love Beach. I’ve no more landed than my comm unity goes off. As I-Tee comes over my headset, a half dozen flood lights pointed at my helo come on.

“Don’t land!”

“Too late. What’s going on? I’m surrounded by spotlights.”

“Warrant for your arrest in the death of the woman who just washed ashore. Ford gave us the head’s up as soon as he could.

“I saw the announcement, but didn’t hear who.”

“They’re trying to say it was Trish. But we’ve confirmed she’s safe. They have photos of you leading her out of Mescal. We figure they’re going to try to pin them on you and set up shop somewhere else. Reggie and Jed are on the way. Gunner and Reba are with them.”

I vaguely hear a bull horn. “Rhys Oliver, come out with your hands up. Come out or we open fire.”

“They’re calling for me to come out. I’m not risking Melia. I’m putting her in the secret hold. Tell Dax to get over here and get her. I’ll put in the mini earbud. Good time to check it out. I just hit the outside camera. You getting the feed?”

“Roger.”

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