Page 1 of Air Force One (Miranda Chase #16)

Tomorrow

“Hello. This is Miranda Chase. This is actually her and not a recording of her,” Miranda answered her phone in her typical quirky style, which gave Drake brief comfort.

“You need to come find us.”

“Is this like a game of Hide-and-go-seek, Drake? I haven’t played that in years, but I was intrigued by it as a child. I enjoyed the counting and developing the most methodical and efficient search patterns. Though because of my autism, I couldn’t bring myself to count out loud until I was five.”

“No, Miranda. Not the game. I’m still on Air Force One. You have to find out who killed us. Promise.”

“I promise, Drake. But if you’re dead, how are you—”

“Thank you, Miranda. I know I can trust you. I must call Lizzy now. Take care of her for me.” He hung up, wishing he had time left for Miranda’s convoluted conversational style. For a thousand of her questions and curious diversions. But he didn’t.

There was, however, one person he was going to miss far more if he did indeed die aboard Air Force One.

He dialed his wife and listened to the most mundane sound in the world, doubting that he’d ever hear it again—a ringing phone.