Chapter 14 - The Promise in Madrid
Laura's first instinct was to leave the cockpit and call her sister.
But she knew she couldn't simply walk away from the emergency unfolding around her.
She looked at Mercer.
"Can we establish a reliable call to authorities?"
He nodded toward the communication equipment.
"We can pass the threat information through air traffic control."
"Do it."
Mercer transmitted a security request.
Laura provided the details.
Her daughter's name.
Her sister's name.
The location where they were staying.
The warning about a possible threat.
The controller acknowledged and advised that the information would be passed to the appropriate authorities.
Laura held the microphone tightly.
"Please tell them a child may be in danger."
The controller's response was calm.
"Understood, Atlantic 417."
Laura closed her eyes.
For the first time since boarding, she allowed herself to imagine Sophie frightened and alone.
It nearly broke her.
Then she remembered Nathan.
The last night before his final deployment.
Sophie had been two years old.
Nathan had stood beside her crib, watching her sleep.
"She's going to be stubborn," he'd whispered.
Laura had smiled.
"She gets that from you."
Nathan shook his head.
"No."
"She gets it from the woman who argues with fighter jets."
Laura had laughed.
He'd wrapped his arms around her.
"Promise me something."
"What?"
"If anything ever happens to me, don't teach her to be afraid of the world."
Laura had turned.
"Don't talk like that."
"Promise."
She'd looked into his eyes.
"I promise."
Now, seven years later, Laura understood the true weight of those words.
She couldn't protect Sophie by hiding forever.
She had to confront the people who had destroyed their family.
The radio crackled.
"Atlantic 417, we have an update."
Laura leaned forward.
"Go ahead."
"Authorities in Madrid have contacted the address provided."
Laura held her breath.
"Your sister and daughter are safe."
Laura covered her mouth.
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Are you certain?"
"Confirmed through local authorities."
She bowed her head.
For several seconds, she couldn't speak.
Mercer reached over and touched her shoulder.
"She's safe."
Laura nodded.
But the controller wasn't finished.
"Atlantic 417, there's additional information."
Laura looked up.
"What information?"
"Your sister reported that a man attempted to enter the apartment earlier this evening."
Laura went cold.
"Was he arrested?"
"Police are investigating."
"Did she describe him?"
"Yes."
Laura waited.
The controller continued.
"Male, approximately sixty years old."
"Gray hair."
"Scar near the left ear."
Laura felt her blood turn to ice.
Halden.
But Halden had supposedly been aboard the airplane.
And he had just spoken to her over the radio.
Laura looked at Mercer.
"That's impossible."
Mercer stared at her.
"Unless the man on this aircraft isn't Halden."
Laura's heart pounded.
She turned toward the cabin.
The mystery suddenly became clear.
Someone had been impersonating the general.
Someone wanted Laura to believe Halden was controlling the operation.
Someone had used his voice, his history, and his reputation to manipulate her.
Laura reached for the communication handset.
"Elena."
"Yes?"
"Find Adrian Cole."
"He's in his seat."
"Keep him there."
"Why?"
May you like
Laura stared at the cockpit door.
"Because I think the man who told me he was helping Nathan is the person who set this entire thing up."
