Page 138 of Wicked

Finally, a clear path to payback!

“Good,” I say, reaching a large leather chair. I put my bag down, pull off my jacket and pat a leather chair.

Tito lays down as I walk down the back of the jet and pour myself a whiskey. Nico drinks the same as I, and it’s some of the best in the world.

“Do this and do it fast,” I say, swirling the golden liquid and dropping next to Tito. “Find out when she’s at the next travel conference. She is likely to be doing many, and it’ll be part of the business. Wait for her to be on stage speaking and fire her on the spot via email. Sixty seconds later, have each of our six media company partners leak the news she’s been fired for illegal activities, and she’s being investigated. No one messes with my girl.”

“I’m on it, and we’ve just pulled her schedule up. She’s speaking at one tomorrow in Dallas. That is when you land in Thailand.”

I think fast as I sip. “I like it and do this too. Have two of the media announcements pinged to Raven’s email. It’s good she sees there is justice in the world. And do not let her know we did it.”

“Just like Batman would do, or Bruce Wayne rather.”

“Screw you,” I say.

“No, really.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I say.

“It’s good to have you back. I missed having you on deck.”

“Screw you,” I say with a grin. “Now, get things tied up, wait for my message in five, then get some sleep!”

I end the call and glance at Tito.

“No one messes with your mom.” Tito barks at me, and I lean into him. For whatever reason he seems to like me now. I rubhis head as we look out the window. Outside, our passports are handled by the crew and officials. Private jet users don’t get too shaken down, and the officials likely saw me head inside.

I brief the pilot on our destination, and I tell him time is key. He heads quickly away, and I type out what I need done for Thomas to stall Raven’s movements and keep her mine.

More accurately… give me a chance to get her back.

I finish and toss my cell aside as we take off into the sunset. I now have time to think about what I did wrong, what I said that was wrong, and what I need to change. Raven is the only woman in the world for me, and she will be the only woman I ever need.

I know the flight will be around nine hours, and it will be hard to sleep. I will use the time to get my shit together or at least work out how toget her back.

57

RAVEN

After the perfect sunset, I reluctantly head back to the beachside hotel as if in a dream. Even if I’m still messed up, my spirit or soul feels like it’s finally letting go or giving up on men…

And Dante.

I start to plan my travel day tomorrow as I potter around in my hotel room. I love the island of Koh Samui, but I’m excited about leaving in the morning. Traveling to Tahiti and Bora Bora to write without any form of distraction will be divine.

I need a week alone to massage the book into the zone. Hitting the road again will be spectacular, and it’s time my adventure continues.

As I drop by the hotel lobby to pay for the room’s extras and get my passport from their safe, I notice the manager acting a little nervous. I’m unsure why, and it’s no big deal. That is until I ask for my passport.

None of the thatched roofed hotel rooms have safes in them, so I did what they advised. I gave my passport to the manager for their hotel safe.

As I wait in the lobby, I see the manager start to sweat.

“Madam, we’re sorry, but we are having trouble locating your passport.”

What the hell?

“It may have gone to the airport with a group for stamping.”

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