Their escape was so close he could taste it.
When they exited the woods, Cordelia’s friend Jake was waiting in a battered Ford. He nodded at them. “Willa said to tell you she made it to the highway. Glad she’s clear of this place. Let’s move it.”
He was an impossibly thin man whose tall frame seemedtoo big for the vehicle. They climbed in the truck and Jake took off. He didn’t say another word until they’d arrived and walked into the hangar.
“Bathroom’s there if you need it,” Jake said, pointing. “I’m wheels up in five minutes and I’ll leave you behind if you aren’t in the seats.” He turned on his heel and left through the back door.
Mackenzie hurried to the restroom while he looked around the hangar. Only one aircraft was present in the drafty space, a sleek Cessna.
Gideon’s father had flown as a younger man, taken him and his brothers once or twice. Good memories. He wandered over and skimmed his hand along the wing. “Pretty bird.”
Cordelia sniffed. “Should be. It’s Bullseye’s private jet. He’s got too much money to bother moving it out of flood range. That’s how rich he is. He can throw things away and people too.”
Blood money. The black script painted on the nose caught his attention. He read the name and his heart shuddered to a stop. He read it again.
A stylized heart sketched around one word ...Bellamy.
His pulse slammed into overdrive. Mackenzie opened the lavatory door. He quickly jogged to her. “Change of plans. We have to get out of here. Now.”
Mackenzie stiffened. “What’s wrong?”
Cordelia was looking at him, puzzled.
“She’s been lying to us.”
“What are you talking about?” Cordelia said.
“Why don’t you tell us the part you left out?” He palmed his weapon, certain there was an ambush coming.
Cordelia shook her head. “I don’t ...”
He pointed. “Bullseye’s plane ... it’s called Bellamy. Your last name. There’s no such thing as coincidence, so don’t even try that one. You’re connected to him. Fess up.”
Cordelia’s shoulders slumped. “Bellamy is my mother’s name. I use it as a last name to avoid questions.”
The confirmation ratcheted his adrenaline even higher.
Mackenzie’s mouth fell open. “Are you saying Bullseye—”
“Is my father, yes,” she said.
In the silence, he heard rain start to fall, drilling the roof. He eyed the big metal door. “We go right back out, Zee. We’ll get to the woods and regroup.” How, he didn’t know, but they’d figure it out.
Cordelia shook her head. “You won’t make it.”
“Gideon.” Mackenzie stared past his shoulder. “I see lights.”
A set of headlights appeared in the distance. Immediately he hit the button on the wall and the hangar doors began to slide closed.
“Rear exit then.” The yard, where the helicopter was their only option. The fence was an obstacle, but it was climbable if Jake didn’t interfere. Who knew if the story Cordelia had told them about him was real?
“Wait.” Cordelia raised her hands. “You have to listen to me. He’s my father and I wish he wasn’t. I didn’t tell you everything because I wasn’t sure you’d trust me.”
“You were right,” Gideon said. “We don’t.”
“Everything I told you is true. Aaron and I were engaged. I loved him.” Her voice cracked. “I’m getting outof here and never coming back. You have to come with me unless you want to die.”
Mackenzie’s face was as pale as milk. “Bullseye is your father. Did my brother know that?”
