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“Whatever she promised you, I’ll double it if you can get us to the lighthouse quickly.” Amelia moves in front of the man.
“That’s not necessary,” he laughs. “I have to follow all the maritime rules.”
“Triple,” Amelia offers.
The man smiles. “Y’all might want to sit down and put a life jacket on the boy.” He moves us out of themarina slowly, then pushes the boat to its limit once we’re clear. “Hang on.”
“This is fun!” Brayden exclaims as we bounce along the rough water of the Mississippi River.
“Don’t let the shield down,” Amelia warns from the other side.
He nods.
“It’s right up there,” our captain says as we fly through the water. He’s gone from wanting to obey the rules to a wild man behind the wheel.
“We’re almost there, Alex,”I send through my mind.
“You’re going to have to swim,”he answers.
“We can’t. Brayden’s with us.”
“You brought him? Why?”
“He’s our shield.”
“Patrice will hear the boat.”Disappointment sounds through his voice.
The glow of the lighthouse is visible, even during the day. “We need to slow down!” I yell toward our captain. “We want to surprise the people we’re coming to visit.”
The man slows the boat down to a no-wake speed as our trek toward the lighthouse slows to a crawl. “Everyone quiet,” I whisper. “Brayden, whatever happens, don’t let that shield down.” Nodding toward the small door under the center console. “Climb inside and hide. Don’t come out until you’re back at the marina and not for anyone except Fran. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He climbs through the door, hiding underneath a large tarp.
“Go straight to the marina.” Amelia warns the captain. “A woman will meet you with your money and will take the boy.”
He silently brings the boat to a stop along a narrow dock leading to the rocky terrain of the lighthouse. The six of us exit the boat, moving toward the tall building.
Brayden’s shield is still in place as the boat silently moves away from the dock and back toward the city. I can’t feel any energy other than my own, which means the shield is still in range. We’re almost to the entrance when his shield releases, sending a rush of energy straight into my body. I’ve gone from feeling nothing to being overwhelmed by energy in less than a breath.
The door opens, and Patrice exits with hands propped on her hips. “Well, hello there. I wondered when you’d show up.” She looks at our group. “Oh, you brought friends!”
TWENTY-ONE
have you checked the children?
“Where are the children, bitch?”I don’t have time for niceties or games.
“What children?” Patrice answers. “There are no children here.”
“Cut the bullshit, Patty,” Amelia spews. “We know you have Alex, Everly, and Autumn.”
Patrice laughs, sending chills down my spine. “Oh, you meanthosechildren. You should’ve been more specific.”
“Alex. Are you inside?”I’m met with silence.“Alex?”
“Are you okay, dear?” Patrice continues. “You looked a little confused.”
“What did you do to them?”
