Chapter 4 - The Bodyguard Who Knew Too Much
The moment Victor locked the cabin partition, Silas Costello understood that his son's fear had never been imaginary.
Marcus Reed appeared from the rear corridor.
"Boss, Victor isn't cooperating."
Silas rose slowly.
"Where is he?"
"He's locked himself inside the rear lounge."
"Does he have a weapon?"
Marcus hesitated.
"Possibly."
Khloe instinctively moved closer to Noah.
The child watched everyone's faces.
He couldn't hear the low, urgent conversation, but he understood the tension.
His breathing began to accelerate again.
Khloe signed immediately.
LOOK AT ME.
Noah's eyes found hers.
YOU ARE SAFE WITH ME RIGHT NOW.
He nodded uncertainly.
Silas looked toward the cockpit.
"We need to divert."
The captain's voice came through the intercom.
"We're already reviewing the nearest suitable airport. Please keep everyone seated and away from the secured area."
Silas nodded.
Then Marcus received a message.
His expression changed.
"Boss, there's something you should see."
He handed over his phone.
A photograph filled the screen.
It showed Elena Costello standing beside a red door.
Her hair was shorter than Silas remembered.
Her face looked thinner.
But there was no mistaking her.
Silas went completely still.
"Where did this come from?"
"An anonymous number."
The photograph was dated three days earlier.
Khloe saw the date.
Her stomach tightened.
If the image was genuine, Elena had been alive long after her supposed death.
Silas's fingers trembled.
"My wife..."
He swallowed.
"My wife is alive."
Then another message appeared.
Land in Geneva. Come alone. Bring the boy.
Silas stared at the words.
Marcus looked toward the locked partition.
"Victor must be working with whoever sent this."
Khloe shook her head.
"Then why would they need Noah?"
Nobody answered.
She looked toward the teddy bear.
The device inside could potentially transmit location information, but its exact purpose remained unknown.
And someone had specifically demanded that Silas bring his son.
Khloe felt a chill.
"Mr. Costello, I don't think they want you alone."
Silas turned.
"What?"
"They want your son."
The words seemed to hit him physically.
He looked at Noah.
The little boy sat quietly, watching Khloe's hands.
Silas walked toward him.
Then stopped.
"Can you teach me something?"
Khloe blinked.
"What?"
"How to tell him I love him."
Her expression softened.
She showed him the American Sign Language sign.
Silas copied it awkwardly.
Then knelt in front of Noah.
He raised his hand.
I LOVE YOU.
Noah stared.
His eyes widened.
Then his face crumpled.
He threw himself into his father's arms.
For the first time since takeoff, Silas held his son without the child pulling away.
Khloe wiped her eyes.
Then Noah lifted his head.
He signed rapidly.
Khloe watched.
Her smile disappeared.
VICTOR HAS ANOTHER MAN.
She leaned closer.
WHERE?
Noah pointed toward the cockpit.
May you like
And signed the name of someone nobody had suspected.
CAPTAIN.
