Unseen Messages(18)

My heart fisted at the thought of having this last chance stolen. I wasn’t an idiot. If a professional said it was risky...then what did I value more? My life or a job?

But I valued this second chance almost as much. It wasn’t just a job. It was the opportunity to find happiness again.

My fingers clutched the money. Words filled my mouth to argue, but I wouldn’t fight. I’d done my best. If it was too dangerous, then...fine. Yet another dream dashed. I’d have to change my flight to fly back to England tomorrow rather than in three months’ time. I’d have to admit to my father that I lied to him. I’d have to accept that I wasn’t worthy of what I wished for.

Goddammit.

Our driver struck up conversation in Hindi again. I left them to it. I’d tried and failed.

Heading down the corridor, my eyes met Estelle’s. The green and brown of swirling hazel warmed first with anticipation and then cooled with disappointment. She understood just by looking at me that we wouldn’t be going anywhere—not tonight. I hoped she had better things to go back to than I did.

Duncan moved away from his wife and kids. “What’s the update? When do we leave?”

I gripped the back of my neck, squeezing at the sudden headache building at the base of my spine. “We don’t—”

“How many people?” Akin interrupted me, shooting me a look as he appeared in entrance to the corridor.

“Huh?”

Estelle answered for me. “Six, plus luggage.”

Akin crossed his arms. “No. I have an R44 and maximum capacity is four people.” He scowled at the children. “I’ve stripped the cabin of all unnecessary gear so I can transport more supplies for work. It’s possible to squeeze in the kids but luggage can’t go.”

Amelia came forward. “But we need our bags. How are we supposed—”

“I’ll bring them over tomorrow when I fly my regular route to bring produce to outlying hotels.” Akin cocked his chin. “Those are my terms. Fly now and have a night with limited supplies or leave tomorrow with your belongings on a bigger service.”

My heart leapt. I didn’t care. I had most of my toiletries in my messenger bag and nothing of value in my luggage. “If we can take bare necessities, I’m in.”

Estelle cleared her throat, hugging her jacket.

Why the hell was she still holding that thing? She must be sweltering beneath the puffy weight—even if she wasn’t wearing it.

Glancing at her overstuffed suitcase, she sighed. “If I can bring my handbag, I’m okay with that, too. As long as my valuables like my laptop are safe to leave here overnight?”

“Very safe.” Akin nodded. “I’ll take great care of your belongings until I bring them to you.” Fixing his gaze on the Evermore family, he asked, “What’s it to be? I’ll agree to take you to Kadavu with my helicopter. But we leave now and you follow my every instruction.”

My eyes drifted to our shuttle driver. He stood behind Akin, leaning against the wall. What did he say to him to change his mind? Akin had been rather adamant about not flying in the storm.

“And you’re sure it’s safe?” I muttered. “After your unwillingness before?”

Akin glared in my direction. “Yes, I checked the weather and you’re right. The storm is heading away. I’m comfortable enough to do a quick flight.” His eyes flashed. “Believe me, if I didn’t think it was safe, I wouldn’t go. After all, it’s not just your lives on the line, is it?”

Good point. “Fair enough.”

“There is one thing I need to mention and then it’s your choice.” Akin waited for complete attention before continuing. “My R44 has a faulty ELT. It’s your own risk.”

“What’s an ELT?” Duncan asked.

“Emergency Locator Beacon,” Akin said. “I’m due to get it fixed, but my workload means I can’t give up time for a maintenance overhaul.” He spread his hands in surrender. “Your choice. I trust my machine and it’s never failed me. But full disclosure.”

Amelia tugged Duncan’s sleeve. “I’m not so sure—”

“It’s just like riding a rickety bus, Emmy.” Duncan kissed his wife’s cheek. “They never break down but they look God awful.” Looking at Akin, he smiled. “I’m okay with that.”

Akin glanced at me. “You?”

I looped my fingers around my bag’s strap. “I guess.”

“And you?” Akin pointed at Estelle.

She pursed her lips. I fully expected her to refuse. But once again she surprised me.

“Okay.” Turning to grab her handbag from the stash of belongings, she rummaged in the white leather to make sure she had whatever she needed. Dropping to her haunches, she unzipped her suitcase and pulled out a silky nightgown (that made my mouth go dry), a black bikini, a t-shirt, shorts, and mini-skirt. Stuffing them all into her handbag, she stood. “All ready.”

Fine.

If Ms. Preparedness had the forethought to think about waking tomorrow and not having things to wear, I would, too.

Ripping out a pair of khaki pants to work in, a pair of shorts to relax in, a couple of t-shirts, and board-shorts from my backpack, I stuffed them into my messenger bag. It bulged but it would do. My toothbrush and deodorant were already in there—travel compact size.