“They know a lot of powerful people.”
“All the more reason why they have to be punished for their dastardly deeds. They’ve taken advantage of a lot of people. This is the kind of pond scum you worked hard to put away.”
Jack brushed her cheek. “Ever since the bomb incident, I tend to worry. I thought I might lose you.”
“But you didn’t, and here I am asking for your help.” She nuzzled his neck again.
“Call me old-fashioned, but my duty is for my bride!” He pulled her close. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
Nikki explained that Harry would get the pesticide. He and Jack were to meet in the parking garage and take the back elevator to her floor. “You have the passkey to the office. Wait in the library. I’ll buzz you in after I serve them their Macallan.”
“Such a waste of good scotch.” Jack snickered.
“I’ll mix it into their glasses. You can have what’s left in the bottle.”
“And this is why I love you.” He gave her a big, wet, juicy kiss.
Chapter Twenty
Ready, Set, Go!
Wednesday
Pensacola, Florida
Izzie approached Regina early that morning. “Let’s grab a drink after work. I have dinner plans nearby, and I have to kill a little time. Sorry, that came out wrong.”
Regina laughed. “I get it. I’d be happy to meet you for a drink. I have a quick errand to run. Same place?”
“Sounds good. I’ll see you there.” Izzie’s plan was on track. She busied herself throughout the day. Time seemed to slow to a snail’s crawl. That was usually the case the day of, or the day before, they were to meet their targets.
Tempe
Annie phoned Theresa and gave her instructions. “Pack your suitcase. Call Henry and ask him and Frida to be ready to roll around five-thirty. You’ll meet them at Henry’s place. Put your suitcase in Henry’s trunk. Once you get the ‘go’ from me, Henry will drive you and Frida to the care center. Tell Henry to park on the side of the building and stay out of the line of sight from the rear door. The one where you saw them move the body.”
Theresa was nervously writing down the directions. “Okay, but what about my rental?”
“Someone will call the agency and tell them to pick it up.”
“I’ll probably be banned from renting a car ever again,” Theresa said, then laughed nervously.
Annie continued, “I will send you another message that says NOW. I’ll meet you at the main entrance and let you into the building. That’s when Henry is to drive to the rear door. You and I will grab Aunt Dottie and wheel her into the elevator. I know it’s going to be creepy, but we’ll whisk her out the door and into Henry’s car. My associate Kathryn will be there and can help with Dottie right after she and my other colleague, Pearl, take care of Turner. Once you and Dottie are in the car, Henry is to drive you to the Tempe Executive Airport. Follow the sign to the terminal, and then to the hangar. I’ll meet you there, and we’ll board my jet. We’ll fly you and Aunt Dottie back to Virginia, where we’ll have a medic meet us and evaluate Dottie. If she’s okay, we’ll arrange for her to get admitted to a physical therapy rehab center, then we’ll help you figure out the next course of action.”
Theresa’s head was spinning.Her jet? Who are these ‘we’ people?
Annie pressed on. “Repeat everything I just told you.”
Theresa slowly recited the instructions back to Annie.
“Great. If Henry asks any questions, let him know you will be guided once you get to the care center.” She paused to let Theresa wrap her head around the plan. “Theresa, I know this has been a very strange and bizarre experience, but trust me. Everything is going to be alright, including Aunt Dottie.”
Tears were streaming down Theresa’s face. The past week had been fraught with questions, oddities, mean-spirited people, and yet, new friends. To describe it assurrealwould be an understatement. She could barely choke out the words, “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You can thank me when we touch down in McLean. Stay calm. Stay strong. This ordeal will soon be over.”
Theresa was trembling from head to toe. “Can I call my sister and tell her we’re bringing Aunt Dottie up there?”
“Wait until our wheels are up.” Annie could only imagine the emotional roller coaster Theresa was on. “We are here for you, Theresa. And Aunt Dottie. See you later.”
