“So, where would she take her?” King asks Hadley, stopping her with a hand on her arm as she passes him.
Blowing out a breath to calm down, she closes her eyes to think. “We’ve gone out on their boat a few times. It’s just a small sailboat. Kelsey has sailed her entire life, but she’s never gone out of the bay. If she goes into the Gulf...” The unshed tears in Hads's eyes are felt around the room. “I don’t know if they’ll make it out.”
“There are tropical storm warnings right now,” Holden growls as my parents walk through the door, looking worried and angry.
“We didn’t know.” Mom’s agony is palpable. She and Aria have always had a special relationship. More like giggling friends than family. Something that has always allowed Aria to be more open with her than any of the other aunts. It’s a bond that has grown over time, and now I can see Mom is petrified that she’s to blame.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, I kiss her temple. “You didn’t know, Mom; none of us did.”
“When is the storm coming in?” Sev asks Holden, any trace of compassion missing from my brother’s expression. He’s entered rescue mode. Survival is what’s going through his mind.
After the hell we all went through the last time this happened, I don’t think he can allow his emotions to take control. Hell, neither can I.
“Early morning. Depending on if or even when they get to an affected part, they could miss it altogether. What we need is to figure out where they’re going.” Everyone looks at Hadley.
“She’s from Tampa, I think. Or Sarasota. But around there. You could talk to her parents. When I was there, they seemed concerned about her, but it was more than just the fact they hadn’t heard from her. I think they know something’s wrong with her but didn’t want to tell me.”
“Who do we know in the Coast Guard?” I ask, wondering if the twelve-hour journey in good weather would be something Kelsey has ever done. “What if she doesn’t take Aria beyond the Gulf?”
“She’d have to know a storm was brewing. Would she chance it, Hads?” Holden glances up from the tablet screen he’s staring at to ask.
She swallows roughly. “Normally, I’d say no, but I have no idea with the state she might be in.”
“We need a fucking plan.” Seven hisses as Lake bandages his hands. My brother’s expression softens when she flinches and takes a step back.
“I’m going to Kelsey’s house. Her parents will talk to me,” Lilith announces. I almost feel bad for the people as she and my mom walk out the door, Daniel hot on their heels.
“Coast Guard is aware of the situation. We need the boat’s name and make,” Dimitri relays as he hangs up his phone.
Silence pervades the room as realization dawns. We can do nothing more until we know where Kelsey is sailing to.
I’ve never felt so fucking helpless before.
CHAPTER9
Aria
Ifeel like I can’t breathe. The room isn’t that small, and the window is open, but the situation is suffocating. I heard the engine shut down an hour ago, but everything’s been quiet since. Watching out the porthole, the sun is fading, and storm clouds are languorously rolling in.
I’ve sailed on the Gulf before with my family, but it was a chartered boat for a weekend. The waters were calm then, and still, it was slightly terrifying.
Now it’s just Kels and me, and I don’t think she’s equipped to handle any kind of storm. Not out here and not without help.
Inhaling deeply, I know I have to be the one to rescue myself because nobody knows where we are. “Kelsey?” I call her name again. She’s ignored me every other time, but I won’t stop. “I have to go to the bathroom.” Leaning my head on the wood panel, I jump when I hear the lock disengaging.
“Step. Back.” Her voice is monotone. Nothing of the person I’ve known for the past year is present.
“I’m back.” I wait with bated breath.
As she pushes the door open, I inhale sharply when I see the small revolver she holds in her hand. My eyes widen, and I raise my arms. I don’t want her thinking I’m a threat. Not yet.
“One wrong move, and I’ll put a hole in your belly.” Which would be a truly terrible way to die. Agonizing.
“Just need to pee.” I don’t, but I needed her to open the door. “Are you hungry?” I ask when I see everything still on the table. “I could make us those sandwiches. Maybe we could talk about what’s going on.”
I hesitantly walk in the direction she’s pointing towards the head. She doesn’t say anything as I step in and close the door. Forcing myself to pee, I wash my hands and make quick work of looking for some sort of weapon, but there’s nothing in here but soap and a hand towel.
“Hurry up!” She bangs on the door, making me jump again.