284 Into Mexico

(Winona)

Can’t take a commercial flight. I’m carrying the ransom. I’ll get to Cancun by private jet tomorrow morning.

The phone buzzes, and my stomach lurches. A call from Cass’s phone.

I press accept and put the phone to my ear.

“You said tomorrow? We said tonight,” the voice on the other end is cold.

“Yes,” I say, my voice steady. “I’m carrying a significant amount of cash and jewelry. I can’t go through commercial airport security with that. Private jet is the only option.”

There’s a pause, then, “you’re not in a position to make demands.”

“I’m not making demands,” I reply, my voice firm. “I’m telling you what’s possible. The earliest I can get there is tomorrow morning. I’ll bring the ransom. You bring Cass.”

Another pause, and I can hear the tension in the silence. My heart races, and I force myself to breathe steadily. I can’t show any fear. Not now.

“Fine,” the voice says. “But don’t think you can play games with us. If you try anything, if we suspect something, your sister’s d