Blink of an Eye (Kendra Michaels #8) - Roy Johansen Page 0,84

them with them in a canvas bag.” She grimaced. “And they changed your clothes. Like I said, they wouldn’t let me help.”

“I’m sure I didn’t care at the time.” She was gazing down at the jeans. “They fit. They were prepared. Your Charlotte might have caused a fuss about my arrival, but I’d bet someone was expecting me.” She added slowly, “Which brings another layer to be explored. One more question. Are you ready to blow this joint?”

Dee smiled. “You bet I am. Willing and very ready.”

“I thought you would be.” She was looking around the aircraft, checking out the plaques beneath the windows.

“And we might just get lucky. This is an old Airbus A300 that Frontier Airlines evidently discarded. We had Airbus cargo planes when I was in Afghanistan, and there may be some similarities.”

“I assume you’re not going to try to fly us out of here?”

“Not practical. Instead, I believe we’ll have to see how much you remembered about what I taught you—”

“I see you’re awake,” Charlotte said as she opened the silver door and swept into the compartment. “Pity. I was hoping to put our Delilah through a little more stress before she realized that her old friend Jessie would be around a bit longer. Spoiled brats like her need every lesson we can give them.”

“I’ve never found her spoiled,” Jessie said coldly. “She’s incredibly disciplined considering what her lifestyle demands. And you didn’t fool her for long, Charlotte…if that’s really your name. She’s smart enough to realize what’s real and what’s just plain ugly.”

“You’re fooled by her like everyone else.” Charlotte’s lips curled. “That pretty face and her bouncing around on that stage singing and making her seem like she’s something special. She’s nothing but a troublemaker.”

“Then why didn’t you let her go after you got the money?” Jessie asked. “Then all your trouble would have been over.”

“No, it wouldn’t. I told you, she can fool anyone.”

“Second question. Why am I here? That doesn’t make sense, either. You didn’t need me once you had that ransom.”

“You’re here because we obey orders. And you have no right to question me. He thought he needed you, so you’re here.” She scowled. “It’s just more foolishness, but that’s the way it has to be. Now be quiet or I’ll have you gagged.”

“You broke the agreement with the FBI. You didn’t release the hostage. They’re going to assume you’ve killed her and go after you with guns blazing.” Jessie’s voice lowered to a hiss. “You may think Dee’s not important, but she’s enormously popular with her fans. The sheer public pressure to catch you will make certain they’ll have you in jail on death row within a few months. The only way to save yourself is to let her go.”

“You don’t know anything. No one is going to put me in jail. He’s smarter than all of you. He got what he wanted, and this will all be over soon.” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “One way or the other.” She took a step closer to Jessie. “So you keep your mouth shut and you might live through this. Though I doubt it. I’ve told those three men outside on guard that they won’t receive any part of those millions if they let you escape. I’m going to have them handcuff both of you to those chairs over there and check you every hour.” She added with a sneer, “Those fools told me you were supposed to be so tough while they were scrubbing you down. But here you are handcuffed and helpless and so that must have been lies.” She turned away. “Just like all those lies about your bitch friend Delilah.”

“Where are you going?” Jessie’s eyes were suddenly narrowed on Charlotte’s face. “That sounds like you’re leaving us. I was told you ran things around here.”

“Of course I do. But that doesn’t mean I have to stay here and wipe your asses. I’m going for a drive. We’re coming down to the end and I have a few arrangements to make. I don’t want those goons listening to my calls. They brought a case of champagne with them and that might make them so stinko, they might not care what I’m saying. I have to be sure, though.” She shrugged. “Those idiots will do exactly what I tell them whether I’m here or not.” She added sarcastically as she headed for the silver door, “Do be good for them, Jessie. Otherwise I’ll tell them they