Page 30 of Degrees of Control
“Chase there’s a frikken army out there,” I say, trying to get a handle on my emotions, but failing miserably.
“I’m sorry, but it’s necessary, Katarina,” he says, pulling me closer to his side.
The flight to LaGuardia is short and the escorting helicopters begin to divert as we head in for the landing. We are accompanied by multiple security guards carrying weaponry as they lead us into the Prestian Corp jet that is awaiting our arrival. Chase keeps his arms around my shoulder as we board and buckle in. The door of the airplane has barely closed before the pilot is announcing our takeoff and we are soon taxiing down the runway, gaining altitude, high above the city below.
“I think I’m going to rest for a while,” I say, excusing myself attempting to avoid the questioning look in his eyes as I head to the back of the plane. I love this man, but I want children. Can I knowingly bring them into a situation like this? Will they live in constant danger? I am plagued by this and everything that has happened, absolutely physically and emotionally exhausted. I climb into bed and drift into a fitful sleep and barely recall transferring from the jet to the limo in Chicago. I am awakened suddenly by the sound of Jay’s voice.
“Send in aerial support. Repeat, send in aerial support now,” Jay says.
“I look around and the car is surrounded by our security and we are driving very fast.
“Chase, what’s happening?”
“We’ve got two cars heavily armed trying to get around our security. The car is secure, Katarina. Jay is calling in support to remove the situation if need be,” he says.
“Oh, my God,” I say, as the shadows of two large helicopters come into view, hovering right above us.
“They’re slowing down, Jay,” says a voice over the speaker system.
“Jay, they’re taking the exit ramp.”
“Aerial, maintain visual and presence until we’re home.”
“Rodger that.”
“Ground support, stay with them until we know where they’re heading,” Jay says.
“Rodger that.”
“Chase, this was too damn close.”
“Rodger that,” Chase says, pulling me close against his body for the remainder of the ride home.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Gaby is busy in the kitchenladling steaming clam chowder into oversized ceramic-handled bowls and tops them with fish-shaped crackers. The sandwich maker on the counter buzzes and she opens it to reveal sizzling, golden browned, overflowing grilled cheese sandwiches. “You must be starving,” she says, as she places them on matching square ceramic plates on the table in front of us while filling us in on the local gossip, blissfully ignorant of any of the day’s activities.
I am distracted with my own thoughts. I look up and Chase is watching me intently, warily. The tension between us is palpable and the silence is almost deafening. I take a sip of my soup and a bite of my sandwich as it cools, but I do not have much of an appetite. Gaby pulls a peach pie out of the oven and while the heavenly aroma of the cinnamon and nutmeg permeate the kitchen, not even Chase has an appetite for dessert today. He finishes his soup and sandwich and gets up from the table. “I have a lot to do this afternoon, Katarina. Try not to worry,” he says before heading into his study.
I finish as much of my lunch as I can and head upstairs to call Jenny. She answers on the first ring.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hi, yourself. How are you feeling?” I ask.
“Much better, my niece is all settled in and I was able to sleep again last night. I had another appointment with my counselor and this time I let her know what was going on,” she says.
“So, how’s New York?” she asks.
“Actually, we’re back at the country house,” I say.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were planning such a quick trip,” she says.
“No, we weren’t. There’s something going on with security and Chase freaked out and flew me back home.”
“Mr. Intense taking control again?” she asks.
“You don’t know how good it feels to have someone to confide in,” I say, kicking off my flats to curl up in the reading chair and beginning to fill her in on the recent drama.
