284 Into Mexico

284 Into Mexico

(Winona)

Can't take a commercial flight. I'm carrying the ransom. I'll get to Cancun by private jet tomorrow morning.

The phone buzzes, and my stomach lurches. A call from Cass's phone.

I press accept and put the phone to my ear.

"You said tomorrow? We said tonight," the voice on the other end is cold.

"Yes," I say, my voice steady. "I'm carrying a significant amount of cash and jewelry. I can't go through commercial airport security with that. Private jet is the only option." There's a pause, then, "you're not in a position to make demands."

I'm not making demands," I reply, my voice firm. "I'm telling you what's possible. The earliest I can get there is tomorrow morning. I'll bring the ransom. You bring Cass." Another pause, and I can hear the tension in the silence. My heart races, and I force myself to breathe steadily. I can't show any fear. Not now,

"Fine," the voice says. "But don't think you can play games with us. If you try anything, if we suspect something, your sister's dead. Understand?"

"I understand," I say, swallowing the knot of fear lodged in my throat. "But I need proof that she's alive. want to see her in person before I hand anything over. "You're in no position to ask for anything."

"If it's only the ransom you want, you should have no problem bringing Cass. Or is there more than that going on? What do you really want?"

"Do you have one million in cash?"

"No. Some jewelry too. No banks open to get anymore cash. The value is there though."

"That's all we want."

"I'm not handing over anything until I know she's alive. Bring her to the drop point."

There's a long silence this time.

Finally, the voice comes back, icy and flat. "Fine. You'll see her. But if you try anything, we'll kill her right in front of you."

I swallow hard, my throat dry. "Understood."

"Let us know when the flight is in."

The line goes dead, and I stare at the phone for a moment, my heart still racing.

J'm in it now. There's no going back.

20-4 into Mexico

The jet ride into Cancun is a blur of nerves and adrenaline. By the time I land, my hands are sweaty, and my heart is racing. Before I leave the jet, I message them. Go to La Isla. They text back.

Okay. I grab my duffel bag and wall for the door to be opened. When it finally is, I step outside into the warm sun. I've loved Cancun before.

Now I just want to get out of here as soon as possible.

The meeting point is an open-air shopping center, usually full of people.

The car ride seems to take forever. But finally, we pull into the large parking lot.

Here, where are you? I text and I get out. The car leaves.

Wall

to the left. She's on the bench. Sit with her.

I start off to the left. My eyes are scanning for a bench. Then I spot her. Cass. She's sitting, her shoulders hunched, head down,

My heart leaps into my throat as I make my way over to her.Têxt belongs to .

I grip the ransom bag tightly.

"Cass!" I say, keeping my voice low but urgent. She looks up, and relief crashes through me. It's really her. But she looks terrible.

Pale, gaunt, dark circles under her eyes. Her hair is tangled, and her clothes are a mess.

"Winona," she whispers, her voice hoarse.

I rush over and sit "Are you okay? What have they done to you?"

Cass looks at me with wide, haunted eyes. "They kept me drugged, Winona. I think... I think I'm hooked again."

My stomach twists with fear and anger. "No. You'll be okay. I've got you now." I reach into my zip bag and pull out the protein bar and water I packed. "Here, take these. You need your strength." Cass takes the water with trembling hands, gulping it down. "I want to go home."

"You will. We'll get you home, I swear."

Then I see him. A man in black staring at me then looking at the duffel bag. He comes closer and I stand, urging Cass to stand up and walk with me.

"I'm not sure I can walk."

"You can, come on. Lean on me. Don't let me go."

I leave the ransom bag on the bench, and I see the man close in on it as I walk away with Cass struggling beside me.

"We'll get in a taxi and I have a jet waiting."

*Do you know

"Do you know where Gabriel is?" She asks in a small voice.

284 into Mexico

"He might be the reason you're here. I wouldn't be too worried about Gabriel."

"What if they have him too?"

"We can't be worried about him now." I reach up in my hair and feel for the button and press it. But I leave the GPS in there. We're far from being safe yet.

I head us into the parking lot towards the taxi rank.

"I was so scared."

Before I can say anything else, a small van pulls up blocking us off. Two men step out, their faces hard and expressionless.

I glance at Cass, then at the men. This is public. Safe. I start to back away but I see two more men walking towards us from behind. The four of them press us closer to the back of the van and the door flies open and a man grabs me to pull me in. But I'm not letting go of Cass and she's clinging to me.

"I'm not getting in until I know she's coming with me. This wasn't what we agreed."

One of the other men steps forward pushing us both in. "Suit yourself."

Was this part of Gus's plan? Is this Nexus Global? I haven't seen the symbol. I have no way of knowing.

I hope this is planned and we're heading towards the airport and not further inland. Away from the border. Away from safety.

I breathe out. I have the GPS. Gus will get us out of here.

We just have to stick together.