Page 17 of Single Malt Drama
“Thank goodness for small miracles.” Confused by Maria’s reaction, I asked, “Are you all right?”
She waved her hand.
Thankfully, I didn’t have long to contemplate her weird mood or their advice on my love life. The pilot announced we were making our final descent into Canton.
Maria and Alessio took their seats and buckled in. Once again, they held hands, pointed out the window like a couple of teenagers.
The cockpit door opened and a man dressed in a pilot’s uniform approached me. “Miss Marchionni, I need a word with you in private.”
For a split second, I wondered who he was speaking to. Then I remembered Marco mentioning something about filing flight plans and passenger information. He must have given the pilot false information, but it would have been nice of him to tell me these things before I’d left the ground.
“Of course.” I stood and followed the pilot into the cabin at the rear of the plane.
“I have word that customs agents are meeting the plane on the tarmac.” His expression grew grim. “Given the circumstances, it’s best if you remain back here until we can get you off the aircraft unseen.”
Circumstances? What in the devil had Marco told him? “Thank you. Are we too close to landing for me to make a call?”
“Use the satellite phone, but please, make sure you stay out of sight once we touch down.” His tone sent a shiver down my spine.
“I will.” I hurried back to the main cabin and dialed Marco.
He picked up on the fourth ring. “Marchionni.”
“It’s me, Miss Marchionni. The copilot told me customs agents are meeting the plane.”
The background noise made it next to impossible to hear him. “Relax, babe. It’s hit or miss when flying… Small airport. I gave him my cousin’s name… He already had her passport… Follow his instructions.”
“Are flight manifests easy to access?” I pressed my hand to my chest as if the pressure would slow my heart.
“Easy, no. Depends on… Not taking any chances… Please… New Orleans. I trust… Flight crew.”
Frustrated, I spoke louder than probably necessary. “What? I can barely hear you. Where are you?”
“Airport… Flight… New Orleans.”
“You’re on your way to Louisiana?” I caught myself smiling and forced a frown. No matter how much I loved the idea he’d followed me, I’d specifically told him not to.
“Yes…with Enzo… Mansion.” Marco sounded as exasperated as I felt. “Stay with security… Safe.”
“Miss? I need you to take your seat.” The flight attendant motioned to an empty chair near the back of the main cabin.
“I’ll call after I land.” After disconnecting the call, I sat and pulled the window shade down. Between the pilot’s request that I hide and the bad phone connection, I felt as if I were coming out of my skin.
Okay. Think. We are flying into a fairly small executive airport. Not far from Cleveland. How many international flights do they receive? Do they have customs agents on staff to meet planes? Or did my father get his hands on the flight plan and passenger list?
“Is everything all right?” Maria asked.
“I won’t be able to get off the plane with you.” I worked to keep my fear out of my voice. “Remember your cover story?”
“We are visiting my sister for one month. She is ill, so we don’t have a return ticket.”
We’d gone over their alibi several times, but I needed to be sure they would be safe. I nodded to Maria. “And?”
“You arranged for our trip last week, but we have not seen or heard from you since.” Frowning, Alessio asked, “When will we see you again?”
“I’m not sure, but you have my number. Call if there is any trouble.” Glancing away, I rubbed my palms on the white capri pants. I can’t do this. This isn’t how I want to say goodbye to them.
“Go to Marco. He will keep you safe.” Maria spoke in an authoritative tone I hadn’t heard from her since she’d caught me sneaking out when I was fifteen.