Page 77 of No Way Home
“Forty-five minutes if I take back roads and pretend I’m in my Formula One era.” She added avroom-vroomfor effect.
“Don’t hold your breath,” I said. “It’s just lunch with Charlie and Cash.”
“Whatever you say.”
I pressed end, lowered my window, and typed the code that Charlie had sent. The gate opened, and then I was officially on Dupree Land.
I crept over the paved driveway, taking in the view. It was exactly how I remembered—rolling hills, horses’ tails flicking while they grazed. I swear the grass was greener here. Knowing Ford, he paid a ridiculous amount of money to have the fields fertilized.
My eyes focused back on the road ahead…and my heart tried to climb out of my throat. Because off in the distance, I could clearly see Ford’s house up on the tallest hill. And there were balloons. So many balloons. A hundred at least. And a bouncy house? No, not a house. A full-on castle. And…I squinted…a banner…that I couldn’t read.
Why would Charlie skip out on a family party to have lunch with me at her RV? Weird.
I turned left down the road that led to Cash and Charlie’s, only to slam my brakes. Why was a gate blocking my way? That hadn’t been here two years ago. A poster-board sign greeted me.
Hi Maggie!
We’re so happy you’re here! Change of plans. Head up to Ford’s.
Everyone’s so excited to see you. —Charlie
I stared at the sign, my pulse pounding in my ears. I was just supposed to drive up to Ford’s for…whatever celebration they were having, and face every single Dupree all at once? Maybe if our last meeting didn’t include me practically devouring Bowen’s face in front of them. There was no telling what kind of reception was waiting for me up there. The balloons, banner, and blow-up castle might be a cover-up for a Dupree-style stoning. Especially if Granny Dupree was involved.
“I should’ve suspected something was up when she told me to bring my swimsuit,” I hissed.
My swimsuit! Was a teeny, tiny, string bikini that I usually only wore when no guys would be around. It was strictly for tanning and kicking around with girlfriends. Because I lookedgood. Too good for just anybody to see—unless we shared the same last name and had matching gold bands.
“Oh, heck no.” I threw my car in reverse. But then I slammed my brakes. A side-by-side had pulled in behind me, blocking my escape.
I screamed when someone knocked on my window. “Sheesh!” My chest heaved in and out as Ford’s bodyguard, Jeff—whose hair had gone completely white in the last two years—stood outside my window, laughing.
He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. “Hey, Maggie. Long time, no see.”
I rolled the window down. “Hi, Jeff. Are you part of this evil plan, too?” He grinned wider. I pursed my lips. “Let me guess. You’re my escort, sent to make sure I don’t get lost between here and Ford’s house.”
He clicked his tongue. “Smart girl. Are you driving or am I?”
“To what?” I gestured at Ford’s house. “What’s going on up there?”
“A baby shower for James and Sage.”
“A baby shower?” I yelped. “Who rents the Neuschwanstein Castle for a baby shower?”
Jeff shrugged. “Ford bought it last year. He was tired of renting one for every occasion. Now, are you driving or am I?”
I sighed. “I am. I might need a getaway car if this goes south. Hop in.”
He quickly moved the Polaris just enough for me to get by, but not enough for me to be able to take off without him. Then he walked around and slipped into my passenger seat. Or he tried. His knees were up to his nose. Former Navy Seals who are at least six four, two hundred and fifty pounds, and three percent body fat, are not meant to fit anywhere inside of a Mini Cooper.
“Sorry,” I said, as he fumbled to adjust his seat. “This car was designed for small girls with big sunglasses, not…literal Vikings.”
“You’re not kidding.” He slid back. Then he opened his arms. “How’s our Maggie?”
I threw myself into his embrace, a lump tight in my throat. “Honestly? About to burst into tears.” My voice quavered,backing me up. But with him and his beefy arms around me, I felt a little less terrified.
He squeezed me so tight, I felt a rib pop. “No need. They’re so excited to see you. Why else do you think they put all this effort into luring you over?”
I sat back and put my car in reverse. “So they could tie me up and burn me at the stake, the same way they’ve wanted to for the past two years.”
