Page 126 of Burning Skies
Hmm.
I stop by the secretary’s desk. “Gladys, shouldn’t these students have their parents present if they’re being interrogated by a cop?” I say it loud enough that the kids hear. Keith, Sabrina, and their friends break out their phones and hopefully text their guardians.
Gladys nods. “Let me check on that.”
When the principal waves me in, anxiety coils in my chest when I see the proposal I gave her about the lot down the street. She wants an update, and I don’t have one.
So I’m surprised when she gives me a wide smile. “I just spoke to your father, and he said he reconsidered his donation and that you two are working out the funding for the Turner property this weekend. I want you to know how excited I am about this. Just think, we could have one of the premier Harvester Clubs in the country.”
My stomach sinks when I realize what she’s saying. My father is using this to twist the screws. What an asshole. It’s next level for him to try to manipulate me like this. He’s supposed to have my back.
I clear my throat. “I’m just now hearing about this, but I hope we can work something out.”
“Keep me posted!”
For the rest of the day, it feels like lead weighs down my chest.
I guess I don’t have a choice.
I have to go to Vegas.
50
HONEY
I’m standingin the vestibule by the office at school, staring at my house.
Me: There’s a black limo parked out front.
Cyn: It’s been here for the last hour.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it’s there for me. Ian and my father really thought of everything, didn’t they?
Cyn: Your brothers just got here. They said they’re going with you.
My eyes sting, and I blink it away. I love that they have my back, but I’m not sure what kind of plane we’re flying on. Maybe I should check on that. So I text Ian.
Me: How many people does your plane seat?
Ian: Six, but I’m also transporting supplies, so it’ll just fit two, you and thepilot. Why?
Damn it.
Me: I thought you had a jet.
Ian: It’s in New York with my team. They’re negotiating a deal. You’re getting the Cessna.
I can’t fucking win with this guy. Maybe I need to tell my brothers not to come to the airstrip with me. I don’t want Trig causing a scene and getting arrested.
That sense of dread overwhelms me, and I want to collapse on the floor and curl into a corner. How did it come to this?
My phone buzzes in my hand, startling me.
Cyn: I need to talk to you. Tonight, before you go. It’s important.
I’ll do anything to postpone this trip.
Will the limo guy kidnap me if I don’t go willingly?
