Grounded (Flight for Life Book 2)

by Elaine Meece

  The text was from Shea.

  I won’t bring Hayden if you don’t bring Annie. We should attend together 4 the boys.

  Annie’s stomach churned. She debated on deleting it. Should she?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Brice opened his eyes and glanced around. He wasn’t in his room. His head hurt from the Scotch. Then it all came back to him. He’d slept with Annie. Hell, he’d made a really stupid mistake. Nothing had changed. He still wanted to move back home.

  But, it has. I have feelings for Annie.

  He pushed the thoughts away. Considering he’d been intoxicated, he refused to even consider it. But it could get one or both of them fired if Cynthia found out.

  Annie had packed and left already for the airstrip. She’d left so quietly he’d never woken up.

  He returned to his room, showered, and pulled out his phone to call Cynthia. She’d think he’d gone crazy when he suggested Mallory’s doll was a spy, but it would explain how Kayla Miller had known about Crammer Industries.

  Cynthia didn’t answer. He decided to send her a text. He noticed a text from Shea. He must’ve read it last night because it was not in a bold font. But, he didn’t remember it. He brought up the text and read it slowly.

  This had to be from Shea. She always used the number four for the word four. She wanted them to attend the wedding together. This could be his chance to get back with her, to move back home and be with his sons.

  If so, he wouldn’t ever take her for granted. Whatever she wanted to do, he’d support.

  But what about Annie?

  After being with her the previous night, if he canceled the wedding date, she’d think it was about what had happened between them. He had never lied to Annie. She knew very well his intentions were to get back with his wife.

  He texted Cynthia and asked her to call him.

  At the airstrip, he dreaded facing Annie. From what he could remember, they had been awesome together.

  He spoke to Mark and Keith, who walked around outside the jet. He boarded the jet and entered the cabin.

  Wearing her uniform, Annie stood in the galley arranging things in the small cabinet. “Good morning.”

  “My head would disagree with that,” he said.

  “I’ll bring you some Advil,” she offered.

  He sat in his usual seat and pulled out his laptop, so he wouldn’t have to look her in the eyes. As he thought about Shea’s text, he realized someone had read it, and it hadn’t been him. Annie must’ve looked at it after he’d passed out.

  If Annie knew, was she expecting him to cancel?

  Annie returned and handed him a glass of water and several pills. “This might help. Can I bring you something to eat or drink?”

  “An English muffin toasted, light on the butter and a cup of coffee.” He hadn’t intended to look her in the eyes, but before he could stop himself his gaze locked with hers. “I’m sorry about last night. That shouldn’t have happened.”

  Annie’s eyes reflected her disappointment. “Agreed. We both had way too much to drink. I haven’t been intoxicated in years. Let’s pretend it never happened.”

  “That works for me.” But it didn’t. How could he forget? He’d recalled how spontaneous she’d been. He remembered her telling him to rip her panties off. Just the thought had him hard.

  Shortly, she returned with the muffin and coffee. “It’s hot.”

  “So, you’re all right about last night?”

  “If I wasn’t you’d have coffee all over you.”

  Keith and Mark boarded the jet, then entered the cockpit.

  Brice fastened his seatbelt. Annie sat in her little seat and buckled up. He motioned to get her attention. “You know we’re the only two in this cabin. You can sit on one of the sofas.”

  “I’m fine here.”

  He debated ways to cancel the date with Annie. But after sleeping with her, he couldn’t come up with anything that didn’t make him sound like a number one asshole.

  Finally, he texted Shea back.

  Too late. I’m bringing Annie.

  Afterwards, he glanced at Annie. “We might want to stick to punch tonight.”

  Her face lit in surprise. Apparently, she hadn’t expected him to keep the date. “I won’t go near the bar.”

  The engines roared and the jet taxied out to the runway. He missed flying himself. Of course, having a pilot gave him a chance to work while in the sky. He thought of Bizer offering to purchase him his own plane.

  Halfway back to Atlanta, his phone range with its familiar tune.

  “Cynthia, I’m glad you called. We have something important to discuss.”

  “What’s so urgent?”

  “I’d rather speak in person.”

  “I was about to leave for the office. Meet me there.”

  “I will.”

  After they landed in Atlanta, he headed toward the exit. “See you tonight around five.”

  Annie nodded, still looking apprehensive.

  “Shea suggested she and I go together, but I told her I was still bringing you.”

  Annie’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

  He winked. “I’m sure. Again, I‘m sorry about last night. I hope it was consensual. I didn’t push myself on you, did I?”

  “No, from what I remember, I wanted it as much as you did. Like you said, we’d better stick to punch tonight.” She offered him a weak smile.

  Leaving the airstrip, he drove to his downtown office, parked in the garage, and headed for Cynthia’s office. He tapped on her door and entered.

  “You’ve had me on edge. What’s so important?” she asked.

  He sat in the chair in front of her desk. “This is going to sound insane, but just hear me out.”

  She leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. “You’ve got my attention.”

  “I know how Kayla spied on us.”

  “How?”

  He leaned forward with his hands on his knees. “Through Mallory’s doll.”

  Cynthia laughed. “Yeah, and now she’s off selling top U.S. secrets to North Korea.”

  “I’m not joking. The damn doll was spying on us. I’m dead serious.”

  Her smile dropped, and her face grew solemn. “You are, aren’t you?”

  “When I was in the lab, the robot looked at me with the same eyes. Mallory said she can go on the Internet and talk to other girls who owns Jenny dolls and play games related to their dolls.”

  “She registered Jenny on the Internet, but what are you getting at?”

  “Kayla’s dad has been helping her. He’s a technology giant. He has the ability to hack the Pentagon. Hacking our phones or a doll is nothing to him.”

  Cynthia appeared in thought. “So, how do we find out?”

  “First, we need to decide how she knew Mallory had the doll.”

  “Let me call John and ask where he purchased it.”

  While she called, Brice thought about his night with Annie. As his brain fog lifted, he’d remembered more about the previous evening. He’d never forget how she’d affected him.

  “I’m not believing this,” Cynthia said, snapping him from his thoughts.

  “What?”

  “He didn’t send the doll. He wondered why she’d sent him a thank you note. Doesn’t it seem like he could’ve picked up a phone and called to ask?”

  “Can you think of anyone else in your family who could’ve sent it?”

  “No one. It just showed up in the mail one day.”

  He grinned. “Let’s throw a line into the water with just the right bait and see if she bites.”

  “Like what?”

  “Something bad for her business.”

  Cynthia smiled. “I like this already. When should we try it?”

  “The wedding is tonight, and I’ll have the boys tomorrow.”

  “Bring them over to swim? We can conduct a little corporate espionage while they’re in the pool.”

  “Shawn and Gabe won’t object.�
�

  Cynthia clasped her hands together. “You said Kayla’s father is involved. How’d you come to that conclusion.”

  “He made me an offer to work for her.”

  “Should I be worried?”

  He laughed. “Having my own jet made it a very tempting offer, but I declined.”

  “You’re certified to fly any of our jets. You’re welcome to fly yourself. But, it could cause Zurtel to lay off one of our pilots if I don’t need them.”

  “I wouldn’t want that. I just don’t want to get rusty on my flying.” He shifted his stance slightly. “There’s one more thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’d like to use the Citation for a personal trip. I’ll be glad to pay any cost out of my own pocket.”

  “May I ask where you plan to go?”

  “Phoenix.”

  An aha expression shadowed her face. “You’re going after Annie’s sister and niece.”

  “That’s the plan. There’s an old airstrip about a day’s hike from the commune. If they can make it there. We could grab them and take off.”

  “I can’t turn down a man who just walked away from a private jet and God only knows what else Bizer promised you. Of course, you can use it. Besides, I want to help Annie’s sister and niece.”

  “We’re hoping by the time they miss Libby and Megan, we’ll be in the air.”

  “I’m not sure any of the copilots would be willing to risk it. When are you going?”

  “The third week of July.” He explained about the niece being married to the leader. “Her young life will be ruined if he has his way with her.”

  “He sounds like a bigger pervert that my step-brother, Randall.” She told him about the girls in Brazil. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to take it up with Tristen ahead of time. Get the feel for it.”

  “Think Tristen would be interested in going? That’d solve the copilot issue.”

  “We’ll be on a two-week cruise.” She paused. “Is Annie still attending the wedding with you?”

  “Yes, she’s supposed to.”

  “Ask if she’ll come over tomorrow. I’d like to discuss this with both of you.”

  “I’ll check with her.” He stood.

  “You and Annie have become really good friends. Have you found out how things went with Annie and Evan the other night?”

  “Not well. Annie said she realized she doesn’t love Evan, but she’s still willing to help me with Shea.”

  “Is that why you’re wanting to help her?”

  “Partly. But like you, I’d like to get her sister and niece out of there.”

  ♦♦♦

  Annie had expected Brice to cancel the wedding date. She couldn’t have been more shocked when he didn’t. It would have devastated her especially after the night they had shared.

  I was sober enough to know better.

  After leaving the airport, she stopped by her mom’s house to speak to Renee. When she pulled in the driveway, Ronnie and Renee stood out front washing her car. Her two kids rode their bikes up and down the street.

  “Mom and Dad aren’t here,” she shouted.

  “I’m here to see you.”

  She laughed. “Why would her majesty want to see me?”

  “It’s about Megan.”

  Ronnie walked over and turned off the hose. “I’ll be inside.”

  Renee nodded, then turned to her. “What about Megan?”

  “You went on a double date with Dan and his brother. You both ended up back at their place. Do you remember where it was?”

  “That was over two years ago. Somewhere in Alabama off of Interstate 20. It was right across the state line. There was an old carwash that looked like it had been closed for years on the corner. Why do you want to know?”

  “I need to speak with Dan’s brother. What was his name?”

  “Matthew.” Renee wrung out the rag and appeared to think for a moment. “After you turn off of twenty, you’ll turn again not too far down. The man had at least ten fake deer in his yard on the corner house. We turned right and followed it around to their farm.”

  “Bridges? Railroad tracks. Anything?”

  “A cluster of mailboxes. Looked like at least six. One of them looked like a New England covered bridge. I remember joking about taking home a souvenir.”

  “Thanks. I might drive that way tomorrow and see if I can find it.”

  “Matthew didn’t go along with the way the others thought. He moved there to get away from them.”

  “Then why would he want Meagan’s letters.” She explained about someone breaking in her house and taking them. “If they get back to Dan, Megan will catch hell. Mr. Jordan has offered to help me get her out of there.”

  “Mom mentioned you’re going to a wedding tonight with Mr. Hotty-Toddy.”

  “He’s picking me up at five.”

  “Think he’ll end up screwing you tonight?” Renee asked.

  “You have such a charming way with words. No, we’ll be leaving the wedding with his two sons.”

  “So, he has kids.”

  “Two sons, Gabe and Shawn.”

  “Doesn’t this remind you of Cameron. Divorced. Two kids.”

  “He had girls.”

  “It broke your heart to never see them again. Hey, Humpty Dumpty, are you setting yourself up for the same fall?”

  “Brice and I are just friends. I’m not interested in him like that,” she lied.

  “I’ll take him if you don’t want him.”

  “Damn, Renee. It’s not like he fell out of a Piñata. He’s not up for grabs. Actually, I’m almost sure he’ll end up with his ex.”

  ♦♦♦

  That night, Annie checked herself out in the mirror. She liked the way she looked without her glasses, but she’d never liked wearing contacts. Rather than putting her hair up, she let it drape down her back in curls. She’d actually left the electric rollers in longer than required. Ten minutes more, and she would have looked like the cowardly lion after his perm in Oz.

  Her dress pushed her breasts upward revealing more than she was comfortable showing. Not being in the sun much, they looked like two white globes. She dusted them with shimmering powder that added color and made her skin sparkle.

  Though she’d promised to stick with drinking punch, Annie really needed a drink. A good stiff one that would get rid of her nervous jitters. Now that the time had come, the thought of meeting his ex-wife had her heart racing. She’d gone on Facebook and found a picture of the gorgeous blonde.

  What if this rouse really influenced Shea to take Brice back?

  Where would that leave her?

  The doorbell rang, and her stomach tightened. She made her way to the front door, drew in a deep breath, and opened it.

  Brice’s face lit up when he saw her. “Damn, Annie, you’re a knock out. Your hair is gorgeous. Are you wearing contacts or will I need to guide you around all evening?”

  She laughed. “I’m wearing contacts.”

  His compliments had her spirits soaring.

  “Shea’s going to be so damn jealous.”

  Her spirits stalled and crashed.

  On the ride to the wedding, Brice talked about the trip to Phoenix. “I ran it by Cynthia. She gave us the okay.”

  Annie couldn’t believe she had agreed to their mission. Flying a jet across the country wasn’t cheap. “I’m stunned.”

  “She wants to speak with us. Maybe you can ride with the boys and me. She wants more details and a game plan.” He turned up the AC. “She’s actually very concerned over what’s happening to the girls at Cactus Point.”

  “I guess it has a lot to do with Randall.” She pulled the visor down to block the sun. “I’d planned to drive to Dan’s brother’s house in Alabama tomorrow.”

  “For what?”

  “I think someone connected to Cactus Point stole Megan’s letters from my house. I also believe they are the ones who slashed my tires. I need to find out.”

  �
��You shouldn’t go alone.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t have a choice. I need those letters back.”

  “Ride with me to Cynthia’s. Afterwards, we’ll try to find this place.”

  “You’ll have Gabe and Shawn with you. After the things, they’ve done to my house and car, I can’t guarantee these people won’t shoot us.”

  “I’ll drop them off at my sister’s house.”

  At the church, Brice held the outer church door open for Annie. She entered the foyer and searched for Shea. Would she still look like her Facebook photos?

  Annie didn’t see her.

  At the door leading into the sanctuary, a young groomsman offered his arm and escorted her inside. Brice followed behind them. She hoped Shea and Hayden had already been seated.

  After sitting, Annie scanned the people around them. Gabe and Shawn sat a few rows up. She studied the back of the woman with long blonde hair with them. It had to be Shea. On her other side sat a scruffy man in a gray suit. Rather than concentrate on her own uneasiness, she considered how awkward this had to be for Brice.

  The scent of the lilies in the arrangements nauseated her.

  Music began playing, and they stood and faced the bride coming down the aisle with her father.

  While in her early twenties and all her friends were getting married, Annie envisioned herself as a bride and what her wedding would be like. But now at twenty-nine, she had put the silly fantasy aside.

  Something touched her hand, and she glanced down.

  Brice slipped his fingers between hers and squeezed. He offered her a warm smile, and it melted her heart.

  When Annie glanced to the front, the beautiful blonde glared at them. Annie’s stomach twisted.

  Finally, everyone turned back around and sat down.

  Rather than listen to the ceremony, Annie thought of Brice. They hadn’t spoken again about what happened in Jacksonville. Maybe she’d just been a convenient source of release when he was tipsy and not thinking clearly.

  Their relationship centered around this arrangement. He’d make Evan jealous, and she would make Shea jealous. Despite being in love with Brice, she had to follow through with her part of the bargain no matter how painful.

  After the wedding, they exited the sanctuary before his ex-wife. The opportunity to meet her didn’t come until the reception.