Chapter 30

Lacey

I’m getting on the plane, and all I can feel is a sinking in my guts. I’m actually nervous. I don’t like this at all.

It’s a small private plane with a few members of Denham’s security and several attendants.

I can barely move; I have so much cash strapped to me. I’m hiding them in a big fur coat. The bulges look quite weird, so I opted for the thick coat to try and conceal them.

At least Denham didn’t strap the cash to me himself. He really wanted to, but I told him this would be a business transaction, not a personal one.

I ended up doing it myself. Denham banged on the door the whole time.

I tried to get as much cash as I could. But where are my boys? They were supposed to help me with all this; I didn’t expect to get left alone with Denham.

I get into the plane and take a seat. I smile at the woman who brings me some nuts and juice. There are a few seats, big and comfy, but of course, Denham comes to sit beside me.

I’m hearing the engines getting started, and the attendants prepare for takeoff. Security sits down and buckles up.

As I watch the light outside fall on the nearby planes, I realize I’m way too anxious over this plan.

There’s so much I don’t know; it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m supposed to be getting the cash out of the country, but then what?

I assumed something would happen when we land. But I don’t know what’s going to happen.

I haven’t heard from the boys. Anything could happen. And I’m now stuck on a plane, next to Denham, effectively his prisoner.

I can’t yell or draw attention to myself. I have tons of fucking cash strapped to me! The danger I’m in suddenly rears its great ugly head, and I feel utterly terrified.

Where are my big strong protectors now? For all their sweet words and reassurances, they’re nowhere to be seen. I’m on my own here.

Maybe they don’t give a fuck. Maybe I’m a cash cow and nothing more. I cross my legs and my arms, shrinking into myself.

I don’t like this. I don’t know how I ended up caught up in this.

“Are you comfortable, my dear?” Denham leans over. “We’re about to take off.”

Take off!

Maybe I can just get out.

Right now. Leave. Drop the piles of money in the first bathroom I pass and flee.

The engines roar as the plane begins to maneuver. There goes that idea.

Who am I kidding? I’m not going to bail on my boys. I need solid evidence that they’re against me before I ditch them like that.

I’m looking forward to seeing them when I get there. Fuck it—I’m even looking forward to spending the money.

“You’re very quiet, Lacey. Is everything okay?”

“I’m just thinking.”

“Don’t worry about the plan, sweetheart. I’ve got it all covered. Nothing bad will happen.”

“Do you mean to me or in general?”

“What?”

I sigh loudly. “Don’t worry. It wasn’t important.”

“You just wait ‘til we get there. Customs will be a breeze. Once we get through, I know exactly where to go. There will be a few boring hours at the bank. No avoiding that, but you don’t have to talk to the bank managers and stuff. Let me do all of that.”

“Okay.”

“I wouldn’t want you to worry your pretty head over it.”

“Thanks for the 1950s sentiment.”

Denham frowns, big black greasy eyebrows folding downward on his forehead. “I’m sorry?”

“Never mind.”

“Where do you want to go after we’re done at the bank?”

He reaches out and grabs my hand, pulling it away from my body to stroke it.

I’m still wrapped deep in the chair in my fur coat. Even though I don’t snatch my hand back, I don’t let him just take it either.

There’s a weird little tug of war, and he finally lets my hand go with a puzzled look.

“Are you okay? You look cold or something. I can get them to turn up the heat. You aren’t sick, are you?”

“No, I’m not sick.” But I feel fucking sick.

The plane has reached the runway and starts to accelerate. I watch the world fly by and get the same thrill I do every time I’m on a plane.

I love the takeoff—that moment when the plane’s nose lifts up, the engines roar, and you sink deep into your seat as a couple of hundred tons of steel propel themselves into the air.

Clouds wreath around us as we plunge up into the sky. I wipe the window and look out at them, smiling and feeling like a kid, just for a few seconds.

The attendants are moving, and Denham gets some wine.

“Let me get you a drink, Lacey dear.”

“No, thank you. I don’t want any alcohol.”

“But you must, dear! It’s our celebration. I want you to enjoy yourself. Just treat this as a big party in honor of you.”

“I would rather be clear-headed as I go through customs. You know, just in case.”

“Good thinking.” He nods, sipping his wine. “I’ll just have the one then. For my nerves.”

“Do whatever you have to.”

“Are you sure you’re feeling well, Lacey? I’m quite concerned for you.”

I turn and take a look at his face.

He’s frowning, lips pressed together. He doesn’t look concerned. He looks pissed.

“Maybe I am coming down with something.”

“But that’s just awful! I wanted you to party with me all night.” His face drops, really dramatically.

I wonder if he’s putting it on. Then, he suddenly perks up.

“Actually, this is even better. We can take you straight to a nice, comfy hotel room. You can have a hot bath, and I’ll take care of you.” He grins, leering over me. “I can give you a rub down, sort out those tense muscles. Won’t that be nice?”

I sigh again, trying to just watch the beautiful clouds floating by and not focus on Denham.

“Sounds good. Whatever you like.”

“That’s the spirit! Good to see you finally agree with me.”

“Well, you know what they say about arguing with idiots.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said only a young dog fidget.”

Denham takes another gulp of wine, shaking his head.

“You are an interesting woman, Lacey.”

His eyes roam over me, no doubt remembering how my body looks in nothing but underwear. Or less. The bastard.

“I can’t wait to discover all your hidden depths.”

I’m missing my boys. Terribly, fiercely.

Where are they? Why did no one contact me? I have serious doubts about this plan.

I have the money, but I also have Denham. I don’t know how to shake him or get out of the airport with the loot. I don’t know where my boys are or where I’m supposed to meet them.

At the moment, I’m completely at Denham’s mercy. I can’t make a single bit of fuss no matter what he does.

I can’t believe I let myself get talked into this.

I hope my boys contact me soon.