Page 204 of Hidden Ties

“Yes, you know I did. It was negative.”

“Don’t look so disappointed.” He slid into the afternoon traffic. “I’m up for another romantic night. We’ll stop by the liquor store after my meeting.”

Sage grinned. “We can grab a pizza, too. I’ll put the girls to bed early tonight and rent Glory a movie.”

She raised her hand for Creed to take, interlacing her finger with his. Contentedly, she gazed off at their surroundings as he drove.

Every day, she had to pinch herself because she was so happy. Glory receiving her heart and lung transplants two days after entering the hospital was a huge part of her happiness, but the majority was her relationship with Creed.

“How do wings and beer sound for lunch?” he asked.

“You had me at beer.”

Creed casta stern glare in Sage’s direction before he got out of the car. “Don’t forget you promised to stay in the car.”

“I’ll stay right here.”

Believing her promise, he stepped out of the car, amused that she was interestedly looking out the windshield as the leer jet, which had just landed at the private airfield, taxied up to a hangar reserved for its owner.

After he patiently waited for the steps to be rolled to the door for the passengers to disembark, an effusive smile crossed his face as two men came out of the door. He waited until they stepped off the last step before he went to greet them.

“Mr. Wilson, it’s good to see you again.” Shaking his hand, Creed then turned to offer his hand to the other man, Thad. “It’s great to finally meet you.”

“Mr. Bryant.” Mr. Wilson gave him a huge smile. “My pilot told us that Thad and I have some celebrating to do. We were on our way to Thad’s favorite resort when we received the good news.”

“I know you’ve been anxious over today’s hearing. All the charges against Thad have been dropped. I just wanted to stop by and welcome you back home. And, since you no longer need our legal services, I want to give you official notice that Hollingsworth is withdrawing their representation, now that you no longer need us.”

“Wanting to make sure you get your money, huh? Don’t worry; I transferred it to the account you specified as soon we landed. Hollingsworth did a great job.”

Handing Mr. Wilson the legal letter, Creed shook Mr. Wilson’s hand again. “It’s been a pleasure working for you. I’m glad you finally received the justice you deserve.”

As he pulled his hand back, squealing tires could be heard from four police cars approaching the hangar.

Creed took a step back as police officers jumped out of their cars with their guns raised and pointing at the Wilsons.

Both men looked shocked at the police’s sudden arrival.

Two officers came rushing over to place the stunned men in handcuffs. Several other officers, with a K9, ran up the steps to enter the plane.

“What’s going on?” Mr. Wilson blustered out, his skin turning ruddy in fury.

“You’re not being arrested yet. Are you the owner of the plane you disembarked from?”

“Yes, I am! Take these handcuffs off me. Do you know who I am?”

“Yes, sir, we know exactly who you are. There’s been an anonymous tip that your plane has drugs on board with the intention to sell.”

“That’s preposterous. There are no drugs on board my plane.”

Creed spoke up, interrupting Wilson’s tirade. “Do you have a warrant, Officer Lee?”

“Yes. We have evidence of where the drugs were brought and who put them on board,” Officer Lee explained.

“Who do they say bought the drugs?” Mr. Wilson bellowed. “There is a pilot, co-pilot, and a stewardess inside the plane. It had to be one of them. I’m the victim here. They used my plane to smuggle drugs without my knowledge—”

“Your son is the one who bought the drugs and brought them onto the plane.”

“That’s a lie. My son wouldn’t do something so stupid!”