Love's Cruel Redemption (The Ghost Bird #12)(48)

She was parked just off the entryway of the teacher and student lot entrance. It was a single lane, so she easily blocked access, although one could easily go through the exit lane to get around. Her car was dark, but there were parking lot lights behind her, casting the yellowed glow that let Nathan know she was there.

Nathan sat alone. Luke had gone inside the school to hide somewhere near the cafeteria to get a closer view of what was going on. He had Luke’s phone with him, and his own, plus one emergency phone. Luke ended up with an emergency flip phone. But he could still text out to Nathan using the emergency phone. Silence was necessary when it came to Luke’s job. He could text Nathan to come in or warn Nathan about what was going on inside.

For a good half hour, monitoring the school and Ms. Johnson’s arrival was uneventful. Most often, he was looking at his phone. Occasionally he pressed his fingertip to the button to get the screen light up, checking even though there was no sign of a message or call.

Eventually, his phone buzzed with a message.

Victor: What area is nicer, do you think? Beaches or more north like Mt. Pleasant?

Nathan squinted at the phone. He kept his eyes on Ms. Johnson and then typed back.

Nathan: For what?

Victor: For a house. For us.

He didn’t want to answer. Not that he expected much just yet from Ms. Johnson, but he was jumping ahead. They hadn’t decided yet, had they?

But...if Sang got a house, then he wouldn’t have to worry about Erica knowing she was over to see him.

The thought urged a response, and he type out a message.

Nathan: You want an area where it’d be unlikely for Erica to pop in, or anyone else. And very unlikely we’d run into them at a grocery store perhaps. We’d want to be unnoticed by neighbors.

Victor: Good point. This is complicated.

No kidding. For more than several reasons.

He put the phone down once again as a large truck far off to his right and down the road appeared. It was an unmarked box truck. It stopped at the bus lot drive, taking the turn into it. Ms. Johnson didn't move from her spot. The truck disappeared from Nathan's view.

Why watch this student lot if there was activity going on near the cafeteria? And why her and not someone who got asked to do normal security at night around the building?

Nathan waited. He needed to keep his position so Luke could return once this whole thing was over, and also to see if anyone else approached Ms. Johnson during that time. He wondered if anyone would bother approaching the lot at this hour.

Nathan’s gaze, however, went from the car to his phone in the cup holder. He anticipated a message at any moment.

Kota was going to see Lily tonight. He was on his way in his sedan. He probably wasn't even there yet, but Nathan kept checking his phone. He promised to let Nathan know what she said.

He was the only one not here for this, but technically, he was supposed to be laying low with his mom and sister. He'd gone over the strategies they'd take tonight with Mr. Blackbourne, knew where they would be, and could operate every communication from his cell phone.

But he wasn't really home. He was on his way out of town. And it was probably good he got to do it now while the rest of the team was distracted.

Nathan was parked inside a small lane between trees across the street from the lot, so he was well covered. The street between him and the school went on to his left. The road went down a hill. It led to several suburban neighborhoods, pockets of mazes that ended in cul-de-sacs. On occasion, cars passed in front of him, driving past the student lot, and moved on toward those neighborhoods.

He couldn't see Ms. Johnson without the binoculars, but she didn't seem particularly interested in any of the cars passing by.

Nathan waited, anticipating one of the cars to actually turn into the lot, but it was another five minutes before it arrived.

Dr. Green's car was easily recognizable to him. The doctor pulled slowly into the lot, parking nose to trunk next to Ms. Johnson's car and completing the blocking of the lot.

Ms. Johnson got out, clearly animated, waving to the car to move along. When Dr. Green got out, Ms. Johnson stopped, lowered her hands but still spoke to him.

Dr. Green put his hands up a little, showing he wasn't carrying anything, but also approached her. She was clearly surprised to see him there.

Nathan leaned forward, unable to read lips but trying to catch what was going on. He knew the plan was to convince Ms. Johnson Dr. Green was on her side, and to get her to give up this guarding of the school and go home and get some rest. Having an eye witness who was willing to speak up against Mr. Hendricks would be key later on.

The likelihood this was a trap was there, but they were ready for that, too.

A text message came in from Luke. It was only one word.

Luke: Exchange.

Exchange? This wasn't just a delivery? What were they exchanging?

He'd have to wait for an answer. Luke might not be in a position to divulge much else in the moment. Whatever was happening, it was going on now.

Nathan dropped his phone into the cup holder. He drummed his fingers against the wheel of the BMW, and then smoothed his palms over the leather and polished wood. Minutes ticked by, but every second made him eager for this to be over. He wanted to go home, shower and wait for word from Kota.

Maybe he’d get Sang to spend the night again. He wasn’t totally sure where she’d end up tonight, but he doubted she’d return to the Lee house.