Chapter Six

IRENA

AS Irena weaves her way through the crowds at Sea-Tac airport, she draws one conclusion: too many people are traveling. She considered standing on a chair and telling everyone to go home but decided not to. It would probably attract too much attention from the security guards standing three meters apart.

Pulling her luggage closer to her, she avoids an angry toddler kicking and screaming. She gave her mother a sympathetic smile as she passed.

Irena 's heels tapped on the tiled floor as she passed the counter. Sage said he'd meet at the airport at six, but he didn't say where.

Not knowing what to do, she walked over to a security guard standing next to a slowly moving stream of people. He folded his arms.

"Sorry," she said smiling. "I must meet Sage Kennedy here. Do you know where I can find him?" Now that she said those words out loud, she looked ridiculous.

How many people are there in the country? And does she expect this guardian to know someone special?

The guard on duty looked at her.

"WHO?"

"Sage Kennedy."

The man's face flushed red.

"Did you say Kennedy?"

Irena took a step back. She didn't know why Sage 's last name caused an angry reaction from this man. Disgusted, she understood. But angry?

"Yes."

"A Kennedy?" A vein protrudes from the man's neck.

It seems best to try to calm the man down and then strike up a conversation with him. After all, Peter was pretty clear: make Kennedy look good.

"Listen, I don't know what you have against Kennedy’s..."

The Guard laughed.

"Oh, it's not just me. It was a terrible family. They think the rules don't apply to them. I am a good hunter. People like them make me sick." He angrily glared at her.

"I understand, but—"

"Are you telling me you think it's normal for his father to poach animals and pay people to shut up? What kind of person are you?" His eyes narrowed. "I need to see some identification."

Irena fumbled for her purse. A columnist. She took out her wallet and gave me her driver's license

The guard took it and looked at it. Then he looked at her. "Irena Derrick ?" he asked, but it sounded more like an affirmation.

She nodded.

The seconds that passed felt like hours. Finally, he sighed. Looks like he took this time to ease his frustration. He pushed his ID card towards her.

"I guess because he's a big earner he doesn't take commercial flights."

Irena 's heart sank. Why didn't she think of that? What should she do now?

He sighed. "Private hangars on the southern ramp. After the main station."

She looks through the sliding door. "Outside?"

"Yeah."

"Huh." How is she supposed to get there?

"Good luck," he said, pushing the wall. He started walking towards the line of people before stopping and facing her again.

"You should research who you agree to do business with. People like Kennedy’s don't care about the little ones. Take care." He shot her in a sharp look then turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Irena watched him disappear. A lump formed in his throat. What exactly happened to this family? This man seemed extremely annoyed. But he was right. She can't call herself a journalist if she doesn't do her research first.

She goes through the sliding door and out to the drop-off area. Looking both ways, she sighed. Pulling her purse off her shoulder, she rummaged around until she found her phone. The moment she slid it off, it rang.

She didn't recognize the caller, but she answered anyway.

"Good morning?"

"Miss Derrick?" Sage 's voice was cold.

"Yes."

"Where are you?"

"At the airport."

His sigh was deep. As if his words worried him.

"Belonging to the trade?"

"Yeah."

"Why did you go there?"

Her neck was burning hot.

"You never told me where I should be. When someone asks you to meet them at the airport, that's where you go."

"I see, it's just that now I have to send a driver to pick you up. That made us half an hour late."

Discomfort filled his voice.

"Um, be more specific next time." She wouldn't let that man take her goat. She will protect herself.

He was silent.

"Hello?" She made sure to add some emphasis to the word.

"His name is Joseph. He'll be here in ten minutes. Be ready."

He hung up before she could answer. She clenched her jaw as she put her phone in her pocket. After finding an empty seat on the bench, she sat down next to the two elderly women.

She tried to look busy, dusting off her pencil skirt, but the women's conversation interested her.

"Poaching? Are you sure that's what they say?

"Yes. Poaching. Can you believe it?"

Irena tilted her head to hear better.

"What a horrible person," the first woman replied.

Out of the corner of Irena 's eye, she saw the second woman nod.

"They say he's been doing it for decades, but nobody knows because he paid people to keep quiet."

There is sarcasm.

"Rich people. Always think they can get away with everything. Always think their money will get them out of trouble."

"Oh, and they say his son doesn't know, but Really? Like father, like son."

“Miss. Derrick?" he asked, focusing on her.

She's awake. "Yes, it’s me."

"Good. Mr. Kennedy sent me in. Ready?"

A gasp resounded behind her, making her cheeks burn. Grabbing the handle of the luggage, she rushed towards the driver.

"Let's go," she said as he opened the door. All she wanted was to disappear behind tinted windows. As she walked away from the sidewalk, she glanced back. Both women had disgusted expressions as they stared at the limo.

She crouched down. Great. What did she get into?