Serena stared out at the vast expanse of sky. "Planes leave a trail," she said, her voice calm and calculating. "Dailey will find you eventually."
Christine shivered at the memory of when Mark Larson had abducted Jane. The mere thought of betrayal sent a chill down her spine. Could she truly trust Serena?
"Surprised you're so skittish," Serena observed, noticing Christine's apprehension. "You're someone who dared to pursue Dailey, despite your worlds being miles apart. That takes courage."
Yet here Christine was, running away. What else could she do?
Resolute, she boarded the ship, leaving her doubts behind. Serena watched her with a satisfied smile before speaking with a hint of malice to the captain. "Once we reach international waters, throw her overboard. Let the sharks have her."
No matter where she hid, Dailey would eventually track her down. But if she vanished from the world entirely, maybe he would forget her, given enough time.
...
Jane received an unexpected call, hoping it was Christine. She stepped away from Gregory, who seemed none too pleased by her secrecy.
She answered, only to hear a young girl’s voice. "Is this Jane?"
"Yes," Jane replied gently. "And who might you be?"
"I'm Chris's friend."
Assuming Christine was unable to call herself, Jane asked, "Is there something you need?"
The girl’s voice became urgent. "You have to save Chris!"
Jane's eyebrows knitted in concern. "Calm down and tell me what's going on."
The girl struggled to control her emotions, blurting everything out at once. Jane caught the key details and felt a chill run down her spine. "Christine left with a woman claiming to be Dailey's fiancée?"
"Yes," the young girl said, her voice cracking. "Chris promised to call me at nine to say goodnight. It's past that, and I haven't heard from her."
Realizing her mistake, Jayne softened. "I'm sorry, Greg. I’m just worried."
"Is Dailey missing?" Gregory asked, eyebrows raised.
"He ran," Jayne confirmed, exasperation lacing her words.
Even amid the turmoil, Linden’s demeanor remained unruffled. "I let my guard down."
Gregory chuckled, "Don't worry, folks. Dailey's probably just off rescuing someone. He’ll be back once he’s done."
Jayne's curiosity piqued. "Rescuing who? Christine?"
She had just learned that Serena had approached Christine with plans to send her abroad.
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