Page 143 of I Never Stopped Loving You

“He lives alone, right?” I ask.

“Yep.”

“That’s the car?” I ask, pointing to the fresh bumper and hood on the old Ford.

“He’s definitely home,” Monty nods.

He cuts the engine leaving the car still hidden. We haven’t seen a single car since we got out of town. I don’t think anyone will pass by it out here.

“You ready?” I ask, and he only nods.

I’m still not fully comfortable with him getting involved, but it is what it is. He’s not an idiot. He knows exactly what I’ve been doing these past two years. Plus, if he has his own reasons for his involvement, who am I to judge?

“Let’s go.”

“Wait,” he says with the hint of hesitation I’ve been waiting for.

“What is it?”

“Let’s take him back with us. We can knock him out and bring him back on the plane. Then take him down to your labyrinth and deal with him there.”

“But what about the pilot and flight attendant?”

“They won’t say anything. I pay them enough to turn the other way. Trust me.”

“Fine, but we do this my way.”

Good thing I brought my chloroform. I reach behind me and grab my black bag. Inside are a few rags, the chloroform, and zip-ties. Nothing crazy, but I always like to be prepared.

“Oh, shit. You already had this stuff?” Monty asks as he peers into the bag.

“Yep. I always like to be prepared.”

“Well, shit. Let’s get going then,” he says excitedly.

“Okay. Give me a few minutes to scope out the back. I’ll sneak in, and when I do, you’ll go around the front and knock on the door to create a distraction. Then I’ll sneak around him and knock him out. Can you check for any cameras?”

“Already on it. I have a portable jammer that blocks out any signal, so once it’s on and we’re within one hundred feet of the house, all cameras, phones, and security systems will be jammed.”

“Perfect. Thanks again, Monty. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

“Yes, you would. I just make it easier,” he says, winking, as if he knows how much I did before meeting him.

We take off quietly sneaking up the lawn in the darkness. The world is silent. Not even the sounds of crickets are out tonight because of the cold air. It’s peaceful. When I get to the backyard, I move slowly in case there are any dogs, but there’s no sign of one. Monty follows close behind, but then stops and waits at the corner of the house until I can get inside.

I test the back patio door and it opens easily. Who the fuck doesn’t lock their doors at night? I glance back and nod at Monty, letting him know it’s all up to him now. I step inside, careful not to make a single sound as I shut the sliding door. A few seconds later, I hear the echoing sound of knocking on the front door.

“Who the fuck is it?” Alex’s voice booms from upstairs. Loud footsteps follow as he stomps down the steps.

I stalk silently down the hall keeping my eye on him as he flings open the door.

“What?” he snaps as Monty’s face comes into view.

“Sorry, man. My car broke down, and your place was the only one with a light on. I don’t have any cell service. Any chance you still have a landline?” Monty asks, holding up his phone to prove he has no service.

The jammer must be working.

“No, I don’t have a fucking land line. Where’s your car?”