I squeeze her hand, knowing how much it will cost her to go to him for help. It’s not that they don’t get along; they do actually. Her father just doesn’t understand her need to have her own life. In his mind, she could have an easy life, but she’s chosen to help others, being the first woman in her family to have a paid job in literally hundreds of years.
The detective jogs over to us, his mouth close to the radio.
“Dr. Adams, Dr. Buckingham, we’ve had a development. I’m heading out now. They’re traveling up I-5 toward the border. It looks like he’s attempting to take her to Canada.”
“How do you know it’s her?”
“We have multiple confirmed sightings at a gas station near Arlington. They’re headed north in a Ford F-150 registered to a Mr. Sanders.”
Fuck.
What if they get across the border? Will the police be able to stop them?
Time to call in that favor with Lottie’s boyfriend.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Alfie
When I negotiated fake-dating Mia for a favor from a prince, I had no idea I would be using it to save her life months later.
The whir of the helicopter thuds against my skull. The harsh wind whips around us as we step into the cabin of the helicopter. The pilot is already seated, clicking various buttons as he talks into his headset. Once Lottie, myself and the detective are seated, the pilot is quick to take off, turning so he’s now headed north.
Lottie ties her long blonde hair back, taming it into a tight bun.
“I don’t think this was the kind of favor Luca had in mind.”
She gives me a tight smile, which indicates getting use of Orzanna’s Royal helicopter took more than her usual charm or name use.
“It’ll be fine. I explained how wonderful it would be for his PR team when the public finds out that the extravagant wealthof the royal family was used for saving a missing girl rather than transporting sex workers across borders.”
She’s referring to King Alaric of Orzanna and father to Lottie’s boyfriend, Luca. They weren't exactly estranged, but they didn’t get on. It was in that awfully polite way the upper crust of society behaved. At face value, everything was fine and dandy, but that could quite easily mean they hate each other with the fire of a thousand suns. It made someone like Luca very appealing to Lottie. His whole life has been orchestrated. His public appearances, his interviews, the way he dresses, what he eats. I could go on and on. No one cares about the individual royals. They’re pawns in a larger game. A strategy to uphold the traditional values of whatever country they’re from. They work for the establishment from the second they’re born until the day they die. And they’re expected to be grateful because they have access to helicopters and luxury goods.
Their problems, from the outside looking in, are easier to deal with. They don’t have to worry about paychecks or how to pay their bills or how they’re going to feed and clothe their kids this month. And I think that’s why Lottie is so drawn to Luca. He offers a unique look into the human psyche and what happens to someone when they’re controlled their entire life. Part of me wonders if she loves him, or if he’s just an interesting case study.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the upcoming onslaught. Lottie squeezes my hand as Detective Jenkins watches us curiously.
The pilot’s voice crackles through the headset.
We’ve located the target.
Driving northbound along I-5, traveling approximately ninety miles per hour.
Fuck, he’s gunning down the highway.
Police cars are approaching now.
I look out the window at the scene below. Four police cruisers are gaining on the vehicle after joining from northern precincts. The Ford F-150 weaves between cars, and although I can’t hear above the thumping of the rotator wings, I imagine the horns blaring and the wheels screeching as they swerve.
My phone buzzes.
Jonesy:We’re tailing the car. Police are present. Do you want me to call it off?
I’m stuck. I can’t think what the right thing to do is. The detective is eyeing me curiously, but he says nothing. My heart thumps like I’m chasing them on foot instead of up in the air.
“Can we get lower?” I shout.
The detective shakes his head.
