Page 112 of Final Approach
“Easy. Your mother’s life insurance paid out two million, and Imade some wise investments over the past few years. I live simply but comfortably. And you will too.” He set aside his iPad and leaned toward her. “The island is very nice. I’ve built a home there where you’ll have your own private suite. It’s filled with books and games and various ways to entertain yourself. And when Emily and Ethan get there, it will be even better. We’ll be a happy family once more.”
He was living in some twisted fantasy world, and she hadn’t recognized how much he needed help.
He glanced at his watch. “Vinny should be here soon and we’ll be on our way.”
“People will look for me.”
“I’m sure, but they won’t find you. Especially since your phone is now smashed to bits in the men’s bathroom with no way to still track you.”
His icy certainty chilled her to the bone. “Dad, you were a cop. You arrested people for kidnapping and other bad stuff. Do you not see that you’re doing the exact same thing you put people in prison for?”
He grunted. “It’s not the same at all. I’m simply protecting my kids from a world gone mad.”
“No, by doing this, you’re apartof that world gone mad. Please, it’s not too late to stop this and get help.”
He slapped a hand on the table. “Shut up. You say one more thing like that and I’ll assume you’re past the point of redemption.” He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “Stupid pilot,” he muttered. “What’s taking him so long?”
She sat back. There was no reasoning with him. None. And that was downright terrifying. So, since she couldn’t talk sense into him and she had no idea if Andrew had gotten her message, she had to find a way to get off this plane before it took off.
ANDREW PULLED INTOthe small airport’s parking lot and ran inside the hangar. There was one plane on the tarmac, engine running.A man hurried toward it and Andrew guessed he was the pilot. He went after him, using his badge to get past security. “Hey, hold up a second,” he called to the pilot.
The man glanced back, his eyes went wide, and he broke into a jog to hit the steps. Andrew ran as fast as he could and managed to jump onto the bottom step just as it started to retract into the plane. He bolted up them, stumbled, and fell into the plane with a grunt.
“Andrew!”
Kristine’s cry mobilized him and he rolled to his knees, only to freeze when he found himself facing the barrel end of a gun. The hand attached to the weapon belonged to Kristine’s father. The pilot stood at the entrance to the cockpit gawking at both of them.
“What do you think you’re doing?” her father demanded.
Andrew rose to his feet, hands held so the man could see them. “I wasn’t sure at first. It’s crystal clear now.”
The man gestured with the gun. “Sit down, and if you make me mad, I’ll shoot Kristine.”
Andrew walked into the cabin and took the seat next to Kristine. Her body heat soaked into him and he gazed at her. “Got your message. Backup’s on the way.” He made sure to speak loud enough that her father heard. Andrew looked out the window to see blue lights flashing in the darkness. Talk about perfect timing. His hand itched to go for his gun.
Greg saw the approaching law enforcement and looked at the pilot. “This is your fault. You took too long to get us going! Get this thing in the air. Now.”
“But—”
“Do it or I shoot one of them. Understand? And if that doesn’t work, I’ll make sure you’re dead before I’m caught. But if you get me to Norfolk safely, I’ll make sure there’s a bonus in it for you.”
The pilot didn’t say another word. He went to the cockpit and took his seat, put his headphones on, and started taxiing. Seconds later, they were in the air.
Greg looked at Andrew and Kristine. “Now, we have about an hour and fifteen minutes to figure out how this is going to play out.” He looked at Andrew. “Give me your weapon and don’t play dumb. Give it to me or Kristine will suffer.”
Andrew slid his gun across the table to the man, who took it and shoved it into his waistband. Then he sighed and frowned. “I don’t think having you along will be beneficial to what I need to happen with my children, so you’ll have to be disposed of.”
Andrew blinked. “Disposed of. Like I’m not a living, breathing human? Like I’m the trash you need to take out?”
“No, of course not. It’s all regrettable, of course, but you know too much, and you and I both know that you’re going to do whatever it takes to bring me in.”
“What if I said a life with Kristine was worth more than putting you away?”
Greg paused, tilted his head as though he didn’t quite know what to make of that question. “You mean if I let you two live, you’ll forget about all of this? That I was in part responsible for an entire planeload of deaths? And almost was again?”
Andrew shot a look at Kristine, and white lines around her mouth told him how hard she was biting her tongue. Andrew searched for words while realization dawned for Greg.
“Oh, you didn’t know.” He shot an approving look at Kristine. “You didn’t tell him. Interesting.”
