I hate him.
I hate him.
Keep telling yourself that, Rose, and maybe one day it will stick.
10
DAN
Isqueeze the handle of my holdall, taking a step over the threshold of the plane.
Rose narrows her eyes. “Boarding ticket, sir.”
I hold the ticket in front of her face and curl my lip in the corner. I’m under her skin. This isn’t the warm welcome I had on the flight here. People show their true colours eventually and it’s clear that her friendliness on the way here was all a façade. She was just doing her job.
We stare off for a beat too long until her colleague says, “Business class is to the front of the plane, sir.”
“Thank you.” I nod and walk down the aisle into business class, my stomach churning with the brunch I’ve just eaten. Moisture gathers on my top lip as I lift my holdall into the overhead locker.
I settle into my seat, rolling my shoulders to shake off the tension clawing up my spine. The plane hums beneath me, the cabin fills with the quiet murmur of passengers, and I run a hand over my face before pulling out my phone and texting my brother.
On the plane. Did you find a spare key?
He replies instantly.
Yeah, made a copy. It’s in the house.
Good. I won’t be coming home. Working surveillance. Can you meet me?
Sure. Let me know when and where.
I tap my fingers against my knee. My shirt clings to the damp skin of my back. I should’ve got the train and taken the Eurotunnel or the ferry. Anything is better than this. My eyes flick to Rose, directing passengers to their seats. Her presence is a comfort and a welcome distraction, reminding me why I’m here.
I’m gonna need some fresh clothes too.
Why? You shit yourself on takeoff? (Laughing emoji)
I exhale through my nose.
You’re a funny fucker, aren’t you?
Try not to white-knuckle the armrest.
I let go of the armrest with a shake of my head and text back.
Piss off. I still have that picture of you tied up, remember?
And I told you, share that picture with anyone and I’ll break your nose, but you couldn’t help yourself. Could you?
My shoulders shake with a silent laugh, remembering Dom squirming on the kitchen floor after Poppy tiedhim to a chair.
Deep breaths, brother. You’ll be back on solid ground soon.
The seatbelt sign lights up in front of me. I flex my hand, clenching and opening my fist, while I take in deep breaths.
What’s the job?
I look over the seat in front of me where Rose is manoeuvring through the cabin, her posture stiff, her attention anywhere but me.
