“But you believed those promises?”

“While he said them. But words are cheap. Yes, he made me believe them. He made me want to believe them.” She shook her head. “What else can I do? He’s right, we have to get you somewhere safe right away. You won’t let me do it myself, so I’ll have to use Tanner. It might not be a bad idea. He keeps telling me he’s an expert; now let’s see if he can keep his promises.”

“So we get on that plane tomorrow morning?”

Lara nodded. “If that’s all right with you.”

“I told you it was up to you.”

She shook her head. “It’s your life, too.”

“I always survive.” Maria took a step forward and gently enfolded her in her arms. “And it makes sense to me, Lara. We’ve got to trust someone sometime.” She kissed her on the forehead. “I liked Mallory. I think he might be a good man. And if he works for Tanner, that’s a recommendation, isn’t it?”

Lara chuckled. “I guess so. I think maybe we’re both being a little optimistic.” She hugged her close for a minute before she let her go. “But I’m ready for a little optimism. It will be gone by tomorrow anyway.” She turned toward the bed and started to take off her clothes. “Let’s get some sleep. You didn’t ask where we were going.” She yawned. “It’s a place called Connecticut. It’s in America. Have you ever heard of it? It’s supposed to be near New York where Tanner…”

* * *

“Right on time.” Tanner met Lara and Maria as they came up the plane steps. His gaze raked Lara’s face. “And you look rested. That’s good. It’s a long flight and you might need it.” He turned to Maria. “It’s the best thing to do. Did you tell her so?”

“I said it made sense…at the moment,” she said. “The rest is up to you. You’ll have to perform well to please her. She can be very demanding.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He turned away and headed toward the cockpit. “Mallory, take care of them. Get them something to eat. I want them to have had their breakfast by the time we reach maximum altitude. I’ll have to go do the takeoff checklist with Jordan. We’ve got to get out of here.”

“You heard the man.” Mallory gestured to two seats on the left side of the plane. “I’ve been chosen to play flight attendant and keep you from fading away.”

“He’s in a big hurry.” Lara was suddenly tense. “Is there a reason?”

“Probably. He likes efficiency, though I don’t remember him demanding anyone having to be fed by a certain time. I’ll find out later. Settle, while I see what I can find you to eat.” He strolled back toward the galley.

Maria was dropping into the window seat. “Stop fretting,” she said quietly. “It might be nothing. Fasten your seat belt.”

“I should be fretting. Maybe I should go talk to Tanner. What if something’s wrong? I’m the one who talked you into this.”