“What about Cole?” Eric said.
“I don’t want to bring him into this,” Adria said defensively.
“Maybe we can fly into a more desolate airport and drive up to Polanco,” Kaydon offered.
Elena took out her phone. “The nearest back alley runway in that sector is a three-day drive from Polanco,” Elena said. “Bryson needs less traveling and more rest.”
“I’m fine,” Bryson said.
Elena and Adria turned to face him. Adria took in his color and the way he held himself. He looked better than two days ago, but Elena was right; more traveling would be hard on him.
Turning to face Adria, Elena said, “Flying into Polanco is safer. Now is not the time to grow a conscience.”
“If Adria doesn’t want to call Cole, we’ll find another way,” Seth said, stepping closer to her.
Adria was happy for the assistance, but she couldn’t help but notice the jealous tone in Seth’s voice.
“Because of the added security, no one will be expecting us to land in Polanco,” Eric said. “Most likely they’ll be watching the pirate ports and runways more heavily. Plus we have new identities.”
“I don’t trust Maxim,” Adria said, her voice low and only for Eric.
Eric glanced at Bryson before saying, “Dri, we don’t really have a choice.”
“Okay,” Elena challenged back. “Before I’m out voted again, can we get going? Because I’d estimate we have about one hour, two tops, before this entire runway is crawling with bounty hunters.”
Elena made a show of looking around. “Probably less.”
CHAPTER 18
FLIGHT TO POLANCO
Never in Bryson’s wildest dreams had he imagined they would be heading to Vega’s—a man who had once wanted to buy him and someone who frankly he had never wanted to meet.
Now Adria was steering their ship in that exact direction.
On the plane, his gaze lingered on Adria. Her complexion was paler than he remembered, and dark circles shadowed her eyes. The entire trip had been taxing on all of them, but Bryson considered that Adria might be taking on more than her fair share.
He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms, but every time he watched her, every time he tried to get close, Regan’s voice rang in his ear.It’s not very often you meet your equal.
“Okay wait,” Elena waved her hands in the air. “So this Vega guy was the one who wanted to buy my brother and X, is it? He was trying to facilitate the transfer in exchange for a piece of land that could be used as a port. A port that would give you more leverage with the Triune and ultimately get your mother back, maybe? Did I get that right?”
Adria nodded.
Bryson watched Elena pace, arms slicing the air, dark eyes flashing with mistrust. His sister always wanted the straightest, simplest path. But life rarely allowed for those kinds of roads.
Elena continued, “And Maxim used to work for your father and, after you fired him, went to work for the FBI. But you don’t trust him, because he helped your mother escape, and she didn’t make it out?”
“That pretty much sums it up,” Adria said.
Bryson followed his sister’s pacing with his eyes. She was so different from the girl he had dropped off at a safe house six years ago. Strong willed sure, that was the Winters in her, but there was a fire that burned through her.
The strength in it, it was contagious.
“What could go wrong?” Elena said.
“Do you have any thoughts you would like to share with the class?” Adria said.
Elena narrowed her eyes. “I do actually. I think bringing my brother to the guy who tried to buy him, without understanding why, is insane.”
