“Bah, she knew we were perfect for each other. She just played hard to get,” Tutu scoffed.
“What made you so sure she was the one?” questioned Apollo.
“A combination of things. I mean she was pretty. Smart, too. She worked at the bank before we got married, and she took over the business side of the shop. But I think the thing that cemented it for me was her laugh. She laughed often. Always found the joy in everything, even a grumpy bastard like me.” Tutu sighed. “I miss how she made everything seem so much brighter.”
Tears pricked my eyes. While my grandfather might be an ornery old man, he’d truly loved my grandmother, and she saw past his crude manners to the good man inside. Kind of like how Apollo looked past my abrasiveness and I’d chosen to give the outsider a chance.
“There’s the hotel up ahead,” Apollo stated, slowing down the SUV.
“What’s going on?” I asked, seeing people milling about outside. Fire trucks sat parked at the curb, lights flashing but sirens off. No hoses or smoke in sight.
“Looks like someone yanked the fire alarm and the place was evacuated.”
I leaned forward and peered at the crowd, hoping to spot Malone. “I don’t see the doctor, but then again, it’s hard to really see with all those people moving around.”
“Doubtful he’d have stuck around considering anyone who sees Tigger is going to have questions. Bright orange lizards aren’t exactly common, not to mention I don’t see our imperious dragon keeping quiet about his situation,” theorized Apollo.
“No, he likely will be putting up a big stink.” Part of his charm. “If he’s not here, then where? Do you think he went to another hotel?”
“With the storm starting to ease, I’m going to wager he’s gone to the airport.”
“No way will they let him get on a plane with Tigger,” Tutu stated. “Someone’s gonna take one look at our dragon and call the wildlife authorities.”
“I doubt he booked a commercial flight. More likely he’s hired a private jet.”
My lips pursed. “That narrows it down. There can’t be that many.”
“More than you think and we might waste too much time finding the right one, allowing Malone to get away.”
“Meaning we’re screwed.” I slumped in my seat as Apollo sped from the hotel.
“Don’t give up so quickly. I might have a way to narrow the number of jets down.”
“What happens when we find this crook?” my grandfather asked. It surprised he’d insisted on coming along. Then again, he and Tigger had bonded over the past few days.
“Once we know which plane he’s on, I know some people who can make sure that jet doesn’t leave the ground and that Malone is detained.”
“On what grounds?” I asked.
“Doesn’t really matter. The accusation itself doesn’t matter. We just need to ensure he can’t leave with Tigger.”
“If you call the authorities, how are we supposed to get Tigger back? Won’t they seize him?”
“That’s the only tricky part of the plan,” Apollo stated. “I’ll probably need to cause some sort of distraction with Malone so that you can grab Tigger and stash him somewhere safe before the cops arrive.”
It still surprised me how willing he was to risk himself to save Tigger, whom he’d known for only a few days. Then again, look at me. I’d only known him slightly longer, and I couldn’t imagine him not being in my life. It reminded me of something Tigger said that I’d taken for arrogance at the time. About how payment wasn’t required because he’d honored me by choosing me as his servant. In one sense, he kind of didn’t have a choice since I’d been the one to find him, but at the same time, he cared for me in his own selfish way. Look at who he’d wanted by his side when he’d been scared by that drone. I was special to a dragon, and I wanted to be a part of his life as he grew and… took over the world? That part still seemed far-fetched.
“I don’t know if any of us should be confronting Malone. Didn’t he murder those thieves?” I reminded.
“Because he got close enough to inject them with something. Don’t worry. I plan to stay out of reach.”
Then, because Tigger and I had this conversation recently, I couldn’t help but ask, “What if he’s got a gun?”
“Then I hope his aim is shit.”
It shouldn’t have surprised that Apollo knew an entrance into the airport not accessible to the general public. Guess billionaires got some kind of pass because, with a flash of a card Apollo pulled from his wallet, the guard at the gate let the SUV through without issue.
Once inside the airport enclosure, Apollo drove slowly and pointed. “As you can see, the private jets are parked all over. If you don’t mind hanging tight for a few minutes, I’ll hit up my contact. She should be able to tell me which ones are scheduled to leave first.”
