Chapter 32 - 36
Kelsey and I share a long couch in the primary cabin of the plane.
She’s fast asleep on the other side, resting her head on a pillow that’s positioned against the arm of the couch. Whilst I vociferously read offline articles on Grayson, media coverage of his death. We’ve been in the air for about ten hours and all I’ve been doing is reading and re-reading the same concocted lie. The media are feeding the public a story that Grayson Adler was shot and killed in his home during a burglary gone wrong—nevermind how they bypassed Governor Adler’s sophisticated security system and the war-band of guards patrolling his estate. However, I suppose it is a palatable lie compared to the unfathomable truth.
I look up, my eyes wandering until they fall on Landen but he’s already staring at me. I return my gaze back to the screen. After a moment, I sneak a glance at him to see he’s still staring, seated at the same individual unit he was in when the plane took off. Unlike Vance, who retired to one of the suites hours ago. Yes, the private plane has bedrooms!
I look away, my focus suddenly scattered. Both of us are so close, yet a chasm of silence deepens the distance between us, tension filling the void. I steal another look and again, he’s still staring, a burgeoning smile on his face, something sincere turning into something sly.
Landen rises. I spurt to my feet on impulse.
He cocks his head to the side curiously, advancing towards me at a slow but somehow daunting pace, like a predator that already knows its prey is his. I rotate and walk towards the passageway.
"Are you running from me?"
"I’m not?" A sharp ring in my voice. "I’m just getting a call and I want some privacy."
"There’s no cell reception at this altitude."
He quickens his pace, forcing me to hasten mine.
"What are you doing?" His tone is slick with amusement.
I go to the first door, swinging it open and shutting it behind me, locking it. I release a breath, my shoulders slumping.