“No. Get up. We have to go.”
“Now?” She clutches the sheet to her chest.
“Yes. Grab only what you need. Everything else will be packed and shipped later.”
A moment later my phone rings again.
“Yeah,” I snap.
“I’ve called ahead. The plane will be ready,” Jett informs me. There are no formalities now, only protocol and procedure.
“We’ll meet you at the boat. Ten.”
“Roger.”
Click.
I rush Ellie around the room. She changes into a sundress and comfortable shoes. I throw on shorts, a hat, and a t-shirt and set up a ride to the lobby with Matias.
Making sure we both have all the essentials, we vacate the bungalow and our private escape.
“Kayne?” Ellie asks worried as we walk outside. I know she’s scared and confused and wants answers, but I just can’t give her any at the moment.
“Not now, okay?” I squeeze her hand. “We’ll talk about everything later.”
She nods as we climb into the golf cart.
“Book it. We have a plane to catch,” I tell Matias, and he takes off, flooring the cart as fast as it can go. I think the thing only tops out at fifteen miles per hour.
Almost exactly ten minutes later to the second, we pull up to the lobby and the long dock housing multiple white boats. I spot Jett readying one near the end.
“I’m sorry your stay had to end so abruptly,” Matias says to us once we’re out of the cart.
“Yes. It is disappointing.” I quickly pull out a wad of cash. “Your service was impeccable.” I hand it to him.
“Thank you, Monsieur.”
“De rien.”
You’re welcome.
I glance around us as I lead Ellie to the boat. She hasn’t stopped crushing my hand since we left.
The speedboat looks to be a thirty-footer with a dark-blue canopy. It’s nothing flashy but will fit the four of us comfortably.
I help Ellie onto the boat then jump in after her, still keeping a sharp eye on our surroundings.
“Ready?” Jett turns on the ignition and the engine purrs.
“Yup.” I untie the two ropes anchoring us to the dock and push off.
“Hang on. This is going to be a quick ride,” Jett says as we get out into open water. Then he pulls the throttle and the boat speeds through the glassy water, throwing Ellie and London back in their chairs and jolting me on my feet.
I hear a groan and look over to see London with her head on Ellie’s lap.
“What’s wrong with you?” I ask as Ellie strokes her hair.
“She’s hung over. Hasn’t stopped puking all morning,” Jett informs me.
