Page 67 of Degrees of Power
“I’m already on it, Kate. I need to confirm the legitimacy of the call first though. It’s going to be a few minutes before we get arrangements in place.”
“Do what you have to do,” I say, trying desperately to hold myself together as I head upstairs to pack. I am just about finished when I receive Sheldon’s message.
Message:Kate, helicopter is ten minutes out and the jet will be on the runway waiting. We need to move.
Reply:On my way.
I sift through the messages one more time frustrated that I can’t let Chase know where we’re going in case he is in an area that can be picked up. Instead I hit the contact for Chase’s dad.
“Hello.”
“Don, this is Kate. I’m sorry to disturb you this evening,” I say.
“It’s no bother. Is everything all right?” he says.
“No, not at all. The New York police just called to tell me my parents were in a car accident and were transported to New York City Trauma Center. Chase is gone for the next few days, and I know how close you are to Carlos, so I wanted you to know. Sheldon has arranged to take me to the hospital and we’ll be leaving shortly.”
“Kate, while this could certainly be an accident, we need to make sure it’s not a ploy to draw you out of the complex while Chase is gone. Do you mind if I speak with Sheldon?” he asks gently.
“No, of course not,” I say, walking into the kitchen with my bag and handing my cell to Sheldon.
“Chase’s dad wants to make sure the accident is legitimate and that they are at the hospital,” I mouth quietly to Sheldon.
He nods and takes the phone. “Mr. Prestian. Nice to speak with you sir,” he says, pausing briefly to listen to Don.
“I contacted the New York City police department and confirmed the accident and connected with the trauma center. I also spoke with the head of Carlos’s security team and he confirmed that they are both there, and our team was able to corroborate this with a little search,” he says, looking at my raised brows and pausing to listen to Don.
“The helicopter just arrived and we should be at the airstrip in twenty minutes, up in the air no later than thirty. I sent a secure message to Jay, but it’s been silent to this point, sir. A team is securing the perimeter of the hospital as we speak and will maintain security during the night. Yes, sir. We’ll meet you at the hospital,” he says.
“Everything okay?” I say.
“Yep, we’re good to go. Have everything you need?” he says.
“Here, take this for later,” Gaby says, tucking a little plastic bag into my handbag.
“Thank you, Gaby,” I say, hugging her close to me.
“Okay, ready as I’ll ever be,” I say, following Sheldon out the door to the awaiting helicopter.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The trip to the airstripis uneventful and the pilot and crew are awaiting our arrival as the helicopter puts down. There are two cars with security guards already on the ground and Sheldon and Dereck escort me to the plane and up the ramp, introducing me to the pilot and crew. Once we are settled in I reach for my phone and call Jenny.
“Kate, how are you? I was wondering when I would receive my next call,” she says, jokingly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier. Chase is gone and I just learned that Mom and Dad were in a bad car accident. Jenny it doesn’t sound good. They rushed them to the trauma center,” I say, unable to stop the tears and thankful the guys are busy talking with the crew and I have a little privacy.
“Kate, Brian is with me and I’m putting you on speakerphone. Are you going to see them?” Jenny asks.
“I’m on my way right now. We just boarded the jet and will be taking off in a few moments,” I say, trying my best to sound stronger than I feel.
“Kate, this is Brian. I’m sorry to hear about your parents. Sheldon is your security point, correct?” he asks.
“Yes, he’s been great. He contacted the hospital and the police department to confirm the accident and has security blanketing the perimeter of the hospital. We should take off in a few minutes,” I say, trying to sound calm although my emotions are at the point of screaming.
“Kate, I know you aren’t able to contact Chase right now and I want to make sure you’re okay while he’s gone. Don’t trust anyone, and don’t go anywhere on your own. I know it’s hard to think about safety while your concern is for your parents, but you need to understand that Alfreita’s team may know that you’re out of the complex,” he says.
“I understand, Brian. I called Chase’s dad and he pretty much told me the same thing and talked to Sheldon, too. I really appreciate you both looking out for me,” I say.
