"We think there's a connection with Detroit," Christian says mildly. Too mildly. Oh no, Kate - please give it up for now.
"Hyde is from Detroit, too?"
Christian nods.
The plane accelerates, and I tighten my grip on Christian's hand. He glances at me reassuringly. He knows I hate takeoffs and landings. He squeezes my hand and his thumb strokes my knuckles, calming me.
"What do you know about him?" Elliot asks, oblivious to the fact we are hurtling down the runway in a small jet about to launch itself into the sky, and equally oblivious to Christian's growing exasperation with Kate. Kate leans forward, listening attentively.
"This is off the record," Christian says directly to her. Kate's mouth sets in a subtle but thin line. I swallow. Oh shit.
"We know a little about him," Christian continues. "His dad died in a brawl in a bar. His mother drank herself into oblivion. He was in and out of foster homes as a kid; in and out of trouble, too - mainly boosting cars. Spent time in juvie. His mom got back on track through some outreach program, and Hyde turned himself around. Won a scholarship to Princeton."
"Princeton?" Kate's curiosity is piqued.
"Yep. He's a bright boy." Christian shrugs.
"Not that bright. He got caught," Elliot mutters.
"But surely he can't have pulled this stunt alone?" Kate asks. Christian stiffens beside me. "We don't know yet." His voice is very quiet. Holy crap. There could be someone working with him? I turn and gape in horror at Christian. He squeezes my hand once more but doesn't look me in the eye. The plane lifts smoothly into the air, and I get that horrible sinking feeling in my stomach.
"How old is he?" I ask Christian, leaning close so only he can hear. Much as I'd like to know what's going on, I don't want to encourage Kate's questions. I know they're irritating Christian, and I'm sure she's on his shit list since Cocktailgate.
"Thirty-two. Why?"
"Curious, that's all."
Christian's jaw tightens. "Don't be curious about Hyde. I'm just glad the f**ker's locked up." It's almost a reprimand, but I choose to ignore his tone.
"Do you think he's working with someone?" The thought that someone else might be involved makes me sick. It would mean this isn't over.
"I don't know," Christian answers, and his jaw tightens once more.
"Maybe someone who has a grudge against you?" I suggest. Holy shit. I hope it's not the bitch troll. "Like Elena?" I whisper. I realize I've muttered her name out loud - but only he can hear. I glance anxiously at Kate, but she's deep in conversation with Elliot. Elliot looks pissed at her. Hmm.
"You do like to demonize her, don't you?" Christian rolls his eyes and shakes his head in disgust. "She may hold a grudge, but she wouldn't do this kind of thing." He pins me with a steady gray gaze.
"Let's not discuss her. I know she's not your favorite topic of conversation."
"Have you confronted her?" I whisper, not sure if I really want to know.
"Ana, I haven't spoken to her since my birthday party. Please, drop it. I don't want to talk about her." He raises my hand and brushes my knuckles with his lips. His eyes burn into mine, and I know this is not a line of questioning I should pursue right now.
"Get a room," Elliot teases. "Oh right - you already have, but you didn't need it for long." He smirks.
Christian glances up and pins Elliot with a cool glare. "Fuck off, Elliot," he says without malice.
"Dude, just telling you how it is." Elliot's eyes light up with mirth.
"Like you'd know," Christian murmurs sardonically, raising an eyebrow.
Elliot grins, enjoying the banter. "You married your first girlfriend."
Elliot gestures at me.
Oh shit. Where is this going? I flush.
"Can you blame me?" Christian kisses my hand again.
"No." Elliot laughs and shakes his head.
I flush, and Kate slaps Elliot's thigh.
"Stop being an ass," she scolds him.
"Listen to your girlfriend," Christian says to Elliot, grinning, his earlier concern no longer evident. My ears pop as we gain altitude, and the tension in the cabin dissipates as the plane levels out. Kate scowls at Elliot. Hmm . . . is something up between them? I'm not sure. Elliot is right. I snort at the irony. I am - was - Christian's first girlfriend, and now I'm his wife. The fifteen and the evil Mrs. Robinson - they don't count. But then Elliot doesn't know about them, and clearly Kate hasn't told him. I smile at her, and she gives me a conspiratorial wink. My secrets are safe with Kate.
"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we'll be cruising at an altitude of approximately thirty-two thousand feet, and our estimated flight time is one hour and fifty-six minutes," Stephan announces. "You are now free to move about the cabin."
Natalia appears abruptly from the galley.
"May I offer anyone coffee?" she asks.
Chapter Thirteen
We land smoothly at Sardy Field at 12:25 p.m. (MST). Stephan brings the plane to a halt a little way from the main terminal, and through the windows I spot a large VW minivan waiting for us.
"Good landing." Christian grins and shakes Stephan's hand as we get ready to file out of the jet.
"It's all about the density altitude, sir." Stephan smiles back.
"Beighley here is good at math."
Christian nods at Stephan's first officer. "You nailed it, Beighley, smooth landing."
"Thank you, sir." She grins smugly.
"Enjoy your weekend, Mr. Grey, Mrs. Grey. We'll see you tomorrow." Stephan steps aside to let us disembark and taking my hand, Christian leads me down the aircraft steps to where Taylor is waiting by the vehicle.