She slogged through the door, exhaustion hitting her as her cell phone chimed.DC debriefing. Flight at eight tomorrow night. Details to follow.
A second text with the hanger information appeared on her screen.
She glanced at the landing overhead, finding Alex leaning against it. Her mind flashed to the first moments she’d walked back into this house, his smile soft.
“Well?” he asked.
“Tomorrow night. I’m flying to DC.”
He descended the stairs, pulling her into a hug. “I hope this is the end of it, and we can go back to a normal life.”
“Me too,” she said as she held him close.
They spent the night tossing and turning and the next day on edge. Ava paced the floor, her gaze fixed on the rolling sea outside their house.
With any luck, soon this nightmare would end. She could begin to build a life with Alex—one that didn’t include nearly dying every other day. A life without The Board.
As the time approached, she squeezed his hand and kissed him.
“Ava…are you sure?” he asked, his voice just above a whisper.
She nodded. “Yes. We need to end this. I want a life with you, Alex. A normal life.”
He offered her a weak smile. “Normal-ish.”
She grinned at him. “Normal for us. I want that. I want our life together. Finally.”
“I want that, too. And I’ll be waiting right here for you to build it the second you’re finished with the DHS.”
Her lips brushed his again. “Then, I’ll hurry back.”
He smiled at her as she stepped toward the door. Julia appeared in the opening leading to the living room. “Hey, Ava? Good luck. Not that you need it.”
“Thanks. Take care of Giz for me while I’m gone.”
“You know it,” Julia said with a smile as Kyle appeared next to her, avoiding her gaze.
“Doc? You going to say goodbye?”
“I mean…no, you have to get going.”
Ava rolled her eyes, crossing to him and pulling him into a hug. “You’re one of the good ones, Doc. Take care of Alex for me. I’ll be back before you know it.”
She offered Alex one final parting kiss that was a goodbye and a promise of a future before she left their house behind.
Her stomach tied into a tight knot as she made the quick trip to the airstrip, parking and crossing to the hangar. A private plane sat inside, its door open.
“Ms. Collins,” Agent Sanderson said as she stepped inside the hangar, “we’re glad you’re here. Go ahead aboard and find a seat.”
Ava bobbed her head as she bypassed her and climbed aboard.
As she made her way to the first seat, her heart stopped and heat washed over her. On the seat, a red rose with a note attached.Ava - Get off the plane. Your life depends on it. Raven.
Nausea swept through her, followed by lightheadedness. How had he known? And was this a trap?
More importantly: what should she do?
CHAPTER 9
