When we left, I’d be driving with the same driver’s hat Hampton had worn on the way in. Felicia and Maren would be out of sight in the back. While we were headed to our hotel, Hampton would fly the plane north. Somewhere in the mountain ranges, Hampton would parachute out and crash the plane into the side of a mountain. If all went to plan, we’d be pronounced dead by nightfall. The flight logs that had been filed would show we rented the plane. We were rigging the scene to look like someone took us out, sending Black Division away from us for good—or that’s what we hoped.
Tensions eased with the Eric and Sarge situation, it would cause confusion and misdirect the team on a different path. Human nature was always your best ally in situations like that. The mind ran on emotion. There would be no reason for us to kill ourselves or leave. My history also helped sell the story. Maren had an established doctor. We were having twins.
A car had been stashed near the crash site. Hampton was to meet us at the Charlotte, North Carolina airport in two days to take our flights. Pulling into the hangar, Hampton was already in there. I got out and Maren followed.
Felicia stood near the edge of the car. When she saw me, her petite frame approached and gave me a smile. “Bane, I’m so glad we made it.”
Being held captive for an extended amount of time did something to a person. I’d been there several times and barely escaped with my life. It was part of being an operative. We were conditioned to withstand it mentally. I knew Felicia had nightmares of being taken again, which had been the ultimate deciding factor for them to pick up and leave.
Hugging me, she pulled back. I could see the stress etched on her face. This whole situation took its toll on all of us, leaving us scarred in more ways than we probably realized. She looked toward Maren. “It seems you found your perfect match also.”
Through all the years, Felicia had been the strongest advocate of me finding someone.
Maren held out her hand, “I’m Maren. It’s nice to meet you. Bane has spoken very highly of you.”
Felicia gave me a playful slap on my chest. “He’s a real charmer, but he’s like family.” A few tears formed in her eyes. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. We still have a few days together.” Looking at Maren’s stomach, she asked, “May I?”
“Of course.”
Felicia put her hands to her stomach and my heart bloomed. “Babies are such miracles. I’m so happy for you.”
It was hard to be overly excited in front of Hampton or Felicia. They tried for years to have children but had never been able to. Life was hard at times. The things that happened to good people were unexplainable.
Maren smiled. “They are.”
Clearing his throat, Hampton walked up. “All is set. Here are the new phones for us to keep in touch. Minimum contact is best.” He kissed Felicia, then looked at me. “Take care of her.”
“With my life.”
I’d protect these women with my last breath.
Hampton risked his life for Maren, and I’d be forever indebted to him. Because of him, I had a second chance at everything. Kissing his wife, he whispered something in her ear.
I grabbed the two small bags and loaded the car. The majority of our belongings had been left at the farmhouse to help sell the fact that we were indeed only going away for the weekend. Groceries had been bought within the last two days. Appointments were scheduled for the entire pregnancy a month ago.
Coming back to Maren, her eyes widened and fixated on the plane. Three corpses were visible and sitting in the seats like passengers. The fourth was probably laying in the aisle. Hampton would move it to the pilot’s seat before he deployed. They were similar to us in build and hair color. I’d seen everything, but I understood why it was unnerving.
The plane crash would incinerate the remains beyond recognition obliterating any DNA evidence, but there had to be bodies.
I escorted Maren toward the SUV. Until we were miles down the road, Maren and Felicia would ride in the very back under the protection of the pull cover. We’d packed some pillows to help with the comfort. Maren scooted in the back and laid on her side.
Leaning in, I asked, “Are you comfortable?”
“We’re fine. I promise.”
Felicia followed suit. Closing the hatch, Hampton and I nodded to each other. We knew what we had to do. All necessary flight plans had been made. We were scheduled to take off in five minutes. Getting in the car, I slipped on the driver’s hat and coat Hampton had been wearing.
Getting in the car, I called back, “Are you guys okay?”
Both responded, “Yes.”
Putting the car in drive, I took off. We were about to vanish from our old lives.
Two days later
TIME DREW NEAR as they sipped coffee and me orange juice. Hampton arrived last night. All had gone as planned for once. The plane crash made the news and we’d been identified as the casualties. From the videos, Black Division had been on site.
So far, it appeared everyone bought the story of our murder. From researching, Alex appeared to be taking a team to Mexico. As hoped, they believed there was a stone left unturned. If Black Division found someone else connected to this mess, it was good for all of us to eliminate as many people who knew about what happened.