Chapter 2 - The Warning Nobody Could Hear
Victor Sterling had protected Silas Costello for eleven years.
He'd stood beside him during violent negotiations, survived attacks against the family, and once taken a bullet meant for his employer.
Now a four-year-old boy was pointing at him as though he were the most frightening person in the world.
Khloe kept her expression neutral.
The child watched her closely.
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? she signed.
His fingers moved hesitantly.
NOAH.
She smiled.
HELLO, NOAH.
Then she asked another question.
WHY ARE YOU AFRAID?
Noah's breathing quickened.
He glanced toward Victor.
HE SAID DON'T TELL.
Khloe's stomach tightened.
Silas stepped closer.
"What is he saying?"
She looked at the little boy.
Then back at his father.
"Mr. Costello, I'd like Victor to step away for a moment."
Victor frowned.
"What?"
"Your son seems uncomfortable with so many people nearby."
Silas studied her.
Then looked at Noah.
The boy immediately pressed closer to the window.
Silas turned toward Victor.
"Go to the rear cabin."
"Boss—"
"Now."
Victor's jaw tightened.
But he obeyed.
As soon as he disappeared behind the partition, Noah's shoulders relaxed slightly.
Khloe signed again.
IS SOMETHING HURTING YOU?
Noah shook his head.
Then he touched his chest.
SCARY.
Khloe nodded.
I UNDERSTAND.
She looked toward Silas.
"Has he been this distressed before?"
Silas ran a hand over his face.
"Not like this."
"When did it start?"
"About forty minutes after takeoff."
"Was anything different?"
Silas hesitated.
"Victor gave him something."
Khloe's pulse quickened.
"What?"
"A stuffed bear. Noah dropped his old one at the airport, and Victor said he'd bought a replacement."
Khloe looked at the gray teddy bear lying beneath the seat.
Noah followed her gaze.
His expression changed instantly.
He began shaking his head.
NO BEAR.
Khloe signed.
WHY?
Noah pointed at it.
BAD INSIDE.
Silas frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Khloe carefully picked up the toy by one arm.
Something inside its soft body felt unusually rigid.
She pressed the fabric gently.
A small rectangular object shifted beneath the stuffing.
Her expression changed.
"Mr. Costello, I think there's something inside this bear."
Silas took one step closer.
Khloe found a poorly closed seam.
Something metallic glinted through the opening.
Silas's face hardened.
"Marcus!"
A second security officer appeared.
"Boss?"
"Get Victor away from the cabin."
Marcus nodded and disappeared.
Then Khloe carefully turned the bear over.
A tiny green light blinked beneath the fabric.
Silas stared at it.
"What the hell is that?"
Khloe swallowed.
"I don't know."
But Noah was already signing again.
THE MAN SAID THE BEAR WILL TELL HIM WHERE WE GO.
May you like
And then he added something that made Khloe's blood run cold.
HE SAID MOMMY IS WAITING.
