Page 147 of Cavern of Silence

"She won't need a picture. Axel and Penelope were at the airport when Ryker and I got abducted."

Malin shakes his head. "Penelope is back at the embassy in Panama."

My gut drops. "What? No."

"She is. It's why we can't save Ryker right now. Andre will know what to do to rescue Ryker. But tell Andre to message Kalim to back off," Malin demands.

"Kalim? What do you mean?"

"Julieta, we can't get into anything. Just tell Andre."

The car stops, and I glance out the window. A plane sits several feet in front of us.

"That's our ride," Gustave says.

Emilia hands Millie to me and wraps the blanket around her so only her pink shoes are displayed. She hugs me. "Give Naomi a hug for me. Do not let her go against my wishes. Promise me."

My gut flips. "I'll make sure. Will I see you soon?"

"We hope so."

Malin kisses my forehead. "Stay safe. Don't forget to tell Andre everything I told you."

"I won't."

Gustave and I get out. He places his hand on my lower back and leads me into the plane.

Within minutes, we are in the air. There is no flight attendant, only the pilot.

"You look tired. We won't be in Bermuda until the morning. You should try to get some sleep." He positions the chair next to me so it's flat. "Want to put Millie down?"

"If it's okay, I think I'm going to keep holding her."

He nods. "Sure. If your arm falls asleep, let me know, and I'll help you." He covers us with a blanket and tucks a pillow under my head. He rises.

"Where are you going?"

"Thought you would want some space?"

"If you don't mind, would you stay here? I know it's silly, but I feel safer."

He smiles and sits. "Sure. Get some rest, and I'll wake you up when we land."

I don't sleep. I stare the entire time at Millie, stroking her hair and cheek. Hope brews that Andre's team will rescue Ryker, and Millie and Penelope will reunite.

And as clear as ever, I hear the Irish woman's voice."He needs you now but will need you more later."

25

Julieta

Millie hasn't stirredall night, and the pilot announces we are landing in ten minutes.

Gustave reaches over and opens the window shade, and sunlight streams in. "Whoa. That's bright."

Once my eyes adjust, I peek out. Pink beaches stretch across the multi-colored blue water. Sadness grips me.Ryker should be here with me.I wipe my face.

"Are you okay?" Gustave asks.