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I find a seat in the corner and put my suitcase beside me, my heart pounding in my chest. The clock on the wall reads one o'clock in the morning, but the city outside still pulses with life. I put on my sunglasses, which is a little late, but I suddenly feel very exposed. I was going to change my appearance but if I got caught and used my cover story, they would want to know why I chopped off my hair.
I take a minute to compose myself. I’m so close to freedom. I remind myself of the steps I need to take to ensure my freedom. This plan had been developed after a lot of research. I even watched some movies to get some tips on how to disappear.
With trembling fingers, I reach into my purse and extract my cellphone. For a moment, I stare at the screen, the weight of my decision bearing down on me as if I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Then, with a determined exhale, I power it off and toss it into the nearest trashcan. I can't risk leaving any traces behind, any breadcrumbs that might lead them back to me. Yes, they might track me to the airport, but that’s where the trail would go cold.
I’m not going to lie, losing my cell phone feels a lot like losing my arm. It’s been a part of my life for twenty years. It’ll be strange not to have all my old contacts and social media pages. But that is part of my old life. I have to start fresh. I can no longer be Paige Parker. Paige was an heiress. Lily Everhart was a simple woman with no family and no life before today. Lily has a blank page. She can be whoever I make her to be.
I retrieve the disposable phone I've kept hidden away for this very moment. A burner phone as I’ve learned they are called. I have another one in my suitcase just in case. I run my thumb across the screen. The generic screensaver glows back at me, a stark reminder of the anonymity I must now embrace. Its cheap plastic casing feels foreign in my hand, a stark reminder of the lengths I've gone to in order to sever ties with my old life. I tuck it into the pocket of my jacket. It wasn’t exactly cold outside, but I needed the pockets. If I had to ditch my suitcase and run, I wanted to have as much as I could on me.
My mouth is dry, the nerves getting the best of me. I reach into my purse, unwilling to ditch my Kate Spade. I have to do without my shoes, but I’m not going to give up my favorite handbag. My fingers brush against the thick wad of cash nestled at the bottom of my purse while I dig out the pack of gum. For months, I've squirreled away every spare dollar, building up my reserves in anticipation of this moment. It feels dangerous, reckless even, but I know it's necessary.
I glance around the room, my senses on high alert. Every sound, every movement, sets my nerves on edge. But beneath the fear lies a simmering sense of determination. I know the hardest part of this plan is right now. Once I’m on the private jet heading away from Los Angeles, it’ll be close to over. But the waiting is killing me.
I glance up at the clock, realizing only ten minutes have passed. Every minute feels like an eternity. I’m sure the security guard is staring at me. Does he know who I am? Does he know my father? Being one of many socialites in the city gives me some anonymity. We all resemble each other I’ve been told. Hopefully, he’ll assume I’m one of my friends. I feel a little squeeze around my heart at the thought of leaving my friends behind without a goodbye. Some will understand. Others will just gossip about my disappearance. They’ll all move on shortly after. I can already imagine the social media posts they’ll make. Hopefully, they’ll leave it alone and just let me be. I don’t need any more eyes on me.
Chapter two
Hunter
The ringing of my phone cuts through the quiet of my apartment, just as I'm about to head out the door. Glancing at the caller ID, I see it's the dispatcher from the company I work for. It's never good news when they call at this hour. I debate not answering. But part of the job means I have to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
"Hey, what's up?" I answer, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Hey, Hunter. Sorry to bother you, but we've got an emergency request for a flight," the dispatcher says, getting straight to the point.
I let out an involuntary scoff. "At this hour? You've got to be kidding me."
"I wish I was, but the client needs to leave ASAP. They're willing to pay double the usual rate."
I run a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Double the rate is tempting, but the thought of giving up my plans for the night leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. “There’s no one else?” I ask.
It would figure the one time I actually have plans, they decide they need me.
“No,” she replies. “I’ve got them all booked on flights, or they are out of town already.”
I let out a long sigh. "Fine, I'll do it," I grumble, resignation coloring my voice. It’s not like I have a choice. I answered the phone. I was on the hook.
"Great, I'll send you the details. Takeoff is scheduled for two am. It’s a turn and burn, but with the company regs, we can’t get you flying back until afternoon."
“Where am I going?”
“Nebraska.”
I groan again. “Great.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to sleep,” she jokes.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be there.”
“Get some sleep.”
With a heavy sigh, I end the call and toss my phone on the couch. I looked at the time. It’s after seven and I have to be out of the house around midnight to get to the airport and do the preflight checks. There was no time to hang out with my friend.
I shoot a quick text to Rylan, my buddy who's waiting for me at the bar. "Sorry man, have to work tonight. Raincheck for tomorrow?" I type out, my fingers moving mechanically over the screen.
His response comes almost immediately, disappointment evident in his words. "Bummer, but no worries. See you tomorrow. I've got some news to share."
Rylan's always been quick to fall for someone new, but I've learned to take his declarations of love with a grain of salt. After all, it wasn’t the first time he wanted to tell me about the love of his life.
