28. Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Melanie
I barely slept, anticipation thrumming through my veins about our trip to New York. I'm desperately hoping this trip will help, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm grateful to be getting away. A whole day where I don't have to be constantly worried, where my mind isn't on high alert. I'm exhausted from jumping at every noise, always thinking Michael and his goons are about to break down my door and drag me away.
I close my eyes and say a silent prayer that Law is the man Evelyn makes him out to be, that he'll know how to take on someone like Michael. Though my evidence feels pitiful it's really, just papers and notes from what I've found. But, I'm happy to give him everything I have. A pang of regret hits me as I think of the tablet and phone I destroyed. Maybe they could have provided a digital trail back to Michael's operation. Then again, maybe they would have led him to me already. Given the choices, I would throw them in the dumpster again.
Not sure what to bring or how long we'll be gone, I've packed an overnight bag with several options. I've checked Moses' food and water supplies three times, though I know Cindy will look after him if we're delayed.
By two AM, I'm out of the shower and going through my mental checklist again and again. Once dressed and ready, I sit with Moses and drink my coffee. Out of need and habit, I log on to check the newspaper for overnight developments, but it's too early for the new edition. I check Mom's patient portal to see the home health aide had been there yesterday. She had and everything was fine. Thank goodness. After cuddling with Moses while finishing my coffee, I put on my disguise. Even though we're leaving early, I'm not taking chances, especially now that Evelyn's involved.
“I'll be back soon,” I call to an already yawning Moses.
My hand trembles slightly as I grab my bag and head for the back door, arriving just as Evelyn's car pulls up, headlights flashing our prearranged signal. During the drive, we talk about family and how much I miss everyone. I mention that I miss the easy female companionship we shared which seems like a lifetime ago.
“It will take time,” Evelyn assures me, “but everyone will understand and support you. You'll see.”
We drive an hour outside of town on roads I've never traveled, but Evelyn maneuvers them with ease as if she drives this route daily. We slow and turn onto a gravel road; a few miles later, we pass a quaint farmhouse and scattered outbuildings. If you wanted an airfield hidden from the public eye, this would be the perfect place. Evelyn guides the car onto a well-worn two-lane path that takes us around the barn. I'm about to ask where any airplane could possibly be housed when she steers down into a valley between rolling hills. There, perfectly camouflaged against the landscape, an enormous pole barn materializes out of the darkness.
“Who keeps a hangar this size hidden on their property?” I ask, awe coloring my voice.
“These are Charlie's military buddies, dear, lifelong friends of ours. Their service, like Charlie's and mine, continues into retirement. You'll know some of them, others you don't.” She glances over with a conspiratorial wink. “But the less you know about certain things, the better.”
The sight leaves me speechless. This is the kind of secret facility I'd expect in a spy movie, not tucked away in family farm country. Pulling up alongside the building, I step out into the pre-dawn stillness, still processing the scale of what I'm seeing.
“Impressive, isn't it?” Evelyn retrieves a bag and cooler from her trunk, heading for a standard door set into the hangar's vast wall. “Grab that other cooler, would you please?”
Inside, I blink repeatedly as my eyes adjust to the bright lights. The hangar houses a private jet that's larger than I expected, its polished white exterior gleaming under the overhead lights. A tall, lean man with salt-and-pepper hair and a sidearm strapped to his belt approaches to take Evelyn's cooler.
“Evelyn! Here, let me help.” They embrace as he takes the cooler.
“Steve, it's so good to see you. Thank you for flying us today. This is Melanie.” She makes the introduction smoothly, though I notice Steve's posture stiffen as he registers my name.
“This is who needs our help?” He draws himself up to his full height, looking down at me with barely concealed judgment. “You said it was about a woman in desperate need.”
“Yes, and she is,” Evelyn cuts in with steel in her voice. “You of all people should know that just because you hear one thing doesn't mean it's the truth. Do you remember the red rescue?”
Not having a clue what she's talking about, I glance from Steve to her and back. Steve looks at me with new softness in his eyes. “Really?” Looking at me, he asks Evelyn.
“Worse,” is all she says, causing him to snap his head back to her.
Evelyn nods and something in Steve changes. I don't know what caused it, but he becomes almost protective. Stepping beside me, he holds out an arm.
“Come on this way. Eric's finishing the pre-flight checks. We'll head out shortly. You'll be safe on board.” Steve leads us up the boarding stairs, his military bearing evident in every movement.
The plane's interior takes my breath away. It's everything I'd imagine in a private jet but had never seen in person. Leather captain's chairs arranged in conversational groupings, a plush sofa facing a bank of screens, another TV visible near the front. Evelyn moves confidently to the galley area, stowing her bag in an aisle captain's seat before starting coffee.
“Where would you like to sit, dear?”
“Opposite you, if that's alright?” I wait for her nod before settling in. “Can I help?”
“Thank you, but I'm fine.” She calls from inside the refrigerator. “I've worked this galley many times.”
Steve reappears from the cockpit, drawn by the aroma of brewing coffee. “My favorite smell.”
“It'll be ready momentarily. I've brought breakfast burritos and rolls for once we're airborne,” Evelyn tells him with a smile that earns an appreciative grin in return. “Then I have snacks and sandwich makings for later.”
Eric joins us he's a shorter, stockier version of Steve. After brief introductions, and his assurance that everything will be alright, Evelyn brings everyone coffee in travel mugs. A minute later, the guys advise us to take our seats for takeoff. As soon as we're airborne, I fall asleep.
“Melanie.” Evelyn gently shakes my shoulder.
I jolt awake and try to stand, but my seatbelt flings me back into my seat. I sit blinking, trying to get my bearings.
“It's okay, honey, you're safe. Everything's okay, you're with me. You're safe.” Evelyn pats my hand, running her other hand up and down my arm. “We're in the air; he can't hurt you.”
I close my eyes and shake my head, taking a couple of deep breaths. When I open them, I see Steve watching me with a saddened expression.
“I'm sorry. I guess I really conked out.”
“I'm sure, this is the first time you've felt like you could let your guard down and relax. I promise you're safe.” From somewhere, Evelyn produces a plate with two breakfast burritos and fruit. “I woke you so you could eat. You need your strength. I'll refill your coffee and get you juice.” Evelyn puts the plate on my pull-out table, takes the coffee mug, and heads to the galley, Steve following her.
“Thank you,” I say between bites when she returns, minus Steve, with my drinks. “Steve probably thinks I'm crazy.”
“Not at all. Believe me, he's seen worse.”
“What exactly do you all use this plane for?” I ask, realizing I probably won't get an answer.
“What a grand question that is.” Evelyn smiles widely at me. “The less you know about certain things, the better.”
The rest of the flight passes smoothly, I assume, because I fall back asleep before finishing my meal. This time, Evelyn lets me sleep the rest of the way.
Upon landing in New York, Evelyn coordinates with Law while I gather our things. His car service is already waiting at the private aviation terminal. Our driver is quite literally a tree of a man. Dressed in black cargo pants and a black t-shirt reading “Bears Bounty and Bonds,” he's easily six-foot-five with dark blond hair and startling blue eyes, muscles rippling from neck to feet. If being in New York makes me feel safe, this man makes me feel guarded and secure - something I've been missing.
“Mrs. Whitaker? Melanie?” He holds out a hand. “Pleased to meet you. I'm Farris. Law sent me.”
We chat about small talk all the way back to the office. Farris points out sites for my benefit. Parking in a secure coded garage, we take the elevator to the Bear's Bonds and Bounty office. When the elevator doors open onto their floor, both Evelyn and I stare at the massive logo - a snarling bear's head clutching a skull with crossed axes in its teeth. The logo is as imposing as its name suggests.
“Well, that's terrifying,” Evelyn remarks as she steps out.
“Given their line of work, I'd say it's effective,” I counter, earning an appreciative chuckle from Farris.
He shows us around, explaining that Law is finishing with another client. Front offices downstairs, then upstairs to a room filled with cutting-edge technology, a professional-grade kitchen complete with an extensive coffee and refreshment bar, and a conference room that could be off the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
“Help yourselves to anything. I'll let Law know you're here.” Farris leaves us in the conference room.
Walking through the door back into the kitchen, Evelyn and I stand, surveying the options. “Good heavens, look at all this. I may never leave,” Evelyn exclaims, examining the coffee station with gleaming eyes.
I investigate the refrigerator, revealing an equally impressive selection of beverages. “I'm down to live here,” I joke, both of us laughing as we prepare our drinks and take seats at the conference table. I pull out my folder and place it beside me in case I spill my coffee.
When the door opens minutes later, Farris enters with a man who can only be Law. If Farris was a tree, Law is a mountain - the kind of man whose mere presence commands attention. His strong jaw beneath a neat beard, military-precise crew cut, and penetrating gaze mark him unmistakably as the one in charge. While he matches Farris's height, Law's neck seems to flow directly into impossibly broad shoulders, his sky-blue blazer and white shirt doing nothing to diminish his imposing physique. The safety I felt with Farris doubles in Law's presence. Looking at him, I think here is someone who could go toe to toe with Michael.
His deep, resonant voice fills the room as he greets Evelyn warmly. “Mrs. Whitaker!” He engulfs her in a bear hug. “So good to see you.”
“Wallace - sorry, Law,” she beams. “Your mother says to call more often and please, please find a girl.”
“I love Miss Cora,” Farris laughs.
When Law turns to me, his handshake conveys carefully restrained power. “You must be Melanie.”
“Nice to meet you, Sir.”
“Law, please.” His smile puts me more at ease. “Have a seat while I grab some water. We're pretty informal here - if you want something, help yourself.” He tosses a bottle to Farris before retrieving his own. “Now, I'm going to record our conversation for reference and research purposes. It won't leave the building. I just want to make sure I don't miss anything. Alright?” He places a small recorder on the table. We both nod and he pushes play. “This is Law. This recording begins the meeting with Evelyn Whitaker and Melanie Johnson. Farris is also present. Melanie has brought and placed on the table a manila folder with papers inside. Evelyn and Melanie, you both agree to being recorded, yes?”
We both state our agreement and Law takes the seat at the head of the table.
“Alright ladies, Melanie, we need the complete story. Please start with the day of your wedding.”
I take a steadying breath, knowing everything depends on what I say next.