Standby (Open Skies Book 4) by Becca Jameson (popular e readers .TXT) 📕

Just got to my room. Changing and then meeting Heather for dinner.”

“Heather was working this flight with you?”

“Yep. Coincidence. I was relieved. At least I didn’t have to deal with stares from some random person who believes I’m evil.”

“Yes. That would suck. I can’t imagine dealing with that. Thank God when I arrive at work each day, I know all four of my employees. No drama.”

“Must be nice.” She finished removing her uniform and pulled on a pair of jeans, grunting as she buttoned them.

“Are you changing clothes right now?” His voice was sultry.

“Yep.”

A moment later her phone pinged and she chuckled as she tapped the screen to switch to FaceTime. The phone was lying on the bed, so she leaned over the screen so he could see her face.

“Hey. That’s no fair. Prop me up so I can watch you change,” he teased.

“What would be the fun in that?” She laughed as she flashed him a smile, giving him nothing else still.

She pulled a sweater over her head and then picked up the phone and dropped into the armchair so she could look him in the eye.

“I missed the show,” he complained. “You’re already dressed?”

“Sorry. I’ll give you a live show when I get back tomorrow.”

“Excellent. Can’t wait.”

“Anything new I should know?” she asked.

“Only that Hawke called in sick and didn’t work his flight today.”

“That’s interesting and a bit unnerving.”

“Agreed. You didn’t get any texts today?”

“Nope. Not one. Not since the one yesterday.” The one where he called me a cunt and threatened me. She shuddered at the memory. She’d never be able to erase that one from her mind.

“Well, I’ll let you get going so you can meet up with Heather. I’m glad you have someone to eat dinner with tonight. Call me when you get back to your room so I’ll know you’re safe.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Talk to you soon.” He ended the call and she stared at the phone for a few more moments with a goofy grin. She really liked this guy. Please let it work out with him.

An hour later, dinner ordered, she and Heather sat back in their chairs and breathed a simultaneous sigh of relief before chuckling at their identical reactions to the day.

Heather sighed. “So he didn’t show up at work. Interesting.”

“I agree. Hopefully, it doesn’t mean anything. No matter how you slice it, his wife dumped him yesterday. Anyone would be pissed. Maybe he drank himself into a stupor last night and was too hungover to fly.” Shayla laughed. “Or maybe he’s just a dick and he spent the day trying to plot his revenge on all women for fucking up his life.”

Heather smiled. “Probably the latter. He really is an asshole.” She shuddered. “I’m so glad he no longer contacts me. I’ll be cheering for you when he stops bothering you too.”

Shayla grimaced. “I’m worried about how long that might take. I keep secretly hoping he’ll get caught committing a crime or something so he can be arrested and out of my hair.”

“That would be tidy, but I’d hate for him to harm his kids or his wife or something.”

“God no. I was hoping Jake would dig something up on him and find out he’d been laundering money or selling drugs or some shit. Instead, he’s a damn boy scout, or masquerading as one.” Shayla closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She’d slept fine last night, but she was beyond exhausted anyway. The emotional impact was taking its toll.

“I get the feeling he’s like a ticking time bomb that’s about to explode. Now that his wife has left him, I’m wondering if he won’t lose it altogether. Perhaps drink himself to death.”

“I bet he’s a fabulous person to be around when he’s drunk. I’ve seen him when he’s had two or three drinks and it wasn’t pretty. Imagine if he had six or eight.”

Heather shuddered. “I’d rather not.”

The two of them ate dinner in peace and then took an Uber back to the hotel.

Heather turned toward her before they parted. “It’s only seven. You want to watch a movie or something?”

“Yes. That’s a great idea. It’ll keep my mind from wandering to places I’m better off not pondering. You want to change into something comfortable and come to my room?”

“Perfect. I’ll be there in a few. What’s the number?”

“Six nineteen.”

“Got it. Six nineteen. See you soon.”

Again they parted. Shayla rode to her floor and shuffled down the hallway. It took her a moment to find her keycard in her purse, and then she opened the door.

Before she managed to shut it, a hand slammed into the wood and a foot stepped into her room.

She gasped as she spun around. “Jesus. What the hell are you doing here?”

Hawke looked like shit. He stalked into her room, his gaze pinned on her. His eyes were bloodshot. His breath smelled of booze.

Her heart was racing as she tried to decide what to do. She considered screaming, but that was as far as she got before he lurched forward, flattened a washcloth over her face, and pinned her nose.

Fuck.

She grabbed his forearm, trying to fight him off, but it was too late. She was already fading, and then everything went dark.

Chapter 20

Jake was smiling as he picked up his phone, expecting it to be Shayla back in her hotel room after dinner.

He frowned when he saw the name on the screen was not Shayla’s. It was Heather. He sat upright, stiffening as he answered. “Heather?”

Her words came out on a sob that stopped his heart. “She’s gone, Jake. Just vanished. I’m freaking out. I don’t know what to do.” Her words got louder and more frantic with every syllable.

He jumped to his feet and ran toward the bedroom. He kept his head just enough to grab an overnight bag and jam it with what he would need, including his gun case. He hurried to the kitchen next to snag his keys and find his shoes. He didn’t know where