Chapter 3 - THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Silas moved Leo to a quieter section of the cabin.
Khloe helped him settle with a blanket, water, and a small drawing pad.
The boy's breathing gradually slowed.
His shoulders relaxed.
Eventually, he fell asleep.
Silas watched him for several minutes.
Then turned to Khloe.
“Tell me everything.”
She hesitated.
“About what?”
“My son.”
Khloe looked toward Leo.
“He's terrified of something connected to his mother's disappearance.”
Silas nodded.
“And you understand him.”
“Yes.”
Silas studied her.
“Where did you learn sign language?”
Khloe's expression changed.
“My sister.”
“She's Deaf?”
Khloe nodded.
“Since birth.”
Silas waited.
“My sister's name is Natalie,” Khloe said. “She's thirty-two. She teaches at a school for Deaf children.”
Silas nodded.
“And you?”
“I grew up signing.”
He looked toward Leo.
“Then you understand what he needs.”
Khloe hesitated.
“I understand some of it.”
Silas leaned forward.
“Come work for me.”
She stared.
“What?”
“Full-time. Private caretaker. Interpreter. Whatever title you want.”
Khloe shook her head.
“Mr. Costello—”
“I'll triple your salary.”
She laughed once.
“That's not the point.”
“Then name your price.”
Khloe's expression hardened.
“Your son isn't a problem you can solve by hiring another person.”
Silas stared.
She continued.
“He needs a father who can communicate with him.”
Silas lowered his eyes.
Khloe took a breath.
“And he needs adults who believe him.”
Silas looked toward the rear cabin.
“Victor has been with me for twelve years.”
Khloe nodded.
“That doesn't mean Leo is wrong.”
Silas stared at her.
Then asked:
“Do you believe him?”
Khloe looked toward the sleeping child.
“Yes.”
Silas swallowed.
“Why?”
She paused.
“Because children don't usually invent that kind of fear out of nowhere.”
He nodded slowly.
Then asked:
“Will you help me understand?”
Khloe studied him.
For the first time, she saw something beneath the expensive suit.
Not power.
Not arrogance.
Desperation.
“I'll help Leo,” she said.
Silas nodded.
“Thank you.”
Then she added:
“But I need you to promise something.”
“What?”
“If he says no, you listen.”
Silas looked toward his son.
Then nodded.
“I promise.”
At that moment, the galley phone rang.
Gemma answered.
Her face changed.
She looked toward Khloe.
“Captain wants you.”
Khloe frowned.
“Why?”
Gemma swallowed.
“There's a problem with our destination.”
Khloe took the phone.
“Captain?”
His voice was tense.
“Khloe, we've received a revised arrival instruction.”
She frowned.
“From whom?”
“A representative of Mr. Costello.”
Khloe looked toward Silas.
He was still beside Leo.
The captain continued.
“They want us to land at a private airfield outside Geneva.”
Khloe felt cold.
“That's not on the flight plan.”
“I know.”
She swallowed.
“Who authorized it?”
The captain paused.
May you like
Then said:
“Victor Sterling.”
