Page 5 of Final Approach

TWO

Kristine made it to the detention center about five seconds ahead of Andrew and Nathan. The press was already camped out front, waiting to swoop in like a pack of vultures on fresh carrion. Scavenging for any pieces of story they could peck out.

“Kristine! Kristine!” The female voice stopped her, and Kristine turned to see her sister, Emily, among the reporters desperate for anything she’d toss in their direction. Emily shoved her way to the front of the pack, not caring one bit about the glares and unkind words hurled at her.

Kristine walked over to her and hugged her.

“You’re okay?” Emily asked. “Really okay?”

“As you can see, I’m fine.”

“I was so worried. So stinking scared. I...” She choked on her words. Her strawberry blond hair—an exact match in color to Kristine’s—fell around her shoulders in waves and gentle curls. Emily’s green eyes were narrowed and her remembered fear shone clear.

Kristine hugged her one more time. “Come on inside with me.” Emily followed her, Nathan, and Andrew into the building. Kristine looked at the men. “Can you give me five minutes?”

“Of course,” Andrew said.

They nodded to Emily and headed down the hallway to the interrogation room.

Kristine turned to her sister. “I’m fine. Truly. I texted Dad to let him know too.”

“He’s the one who called me. You could have texted us all at the same time.”

“I knew he’d let you know. And I wasn’t sure you didn’t know already.”

Emily sniffed, swiped a tear, then dug her pen and notebook from her purse. “Well, now that you mention it...”

Kristine huffed a short laugh. “No, sorry. I’ve got nothing to say.”

“Come on, I’m your sister. Give me the exclusive.”

“It’s an ongoing investigation.No onegets an exclusive. Not even my reporter sister. Sorry.”

Emily sighed. “I won’t push.”

“It’s nice to have one family member who won’t,” Kristine muttered.

“Just ignore whatever Dad says. You know he’s going to give you a hard time.”

“I know. I’ve got to go. Stay here and we’ll talk when I’m finished.”

Emily nodded and Kristine headed down the hallway. She couldn’t help thinking about her family dynamics, though.

She wanted to call her dad old-fashioned, but even that wasn’t exactly accurate. He’d been a strict disciplinarian, sparking defiance and rebellion in all of his children. Only their mother’s calm influence had softened his rough edges. But once she was gone...

Kristine shoved thoughts of her father from her mind and focused on the situation. While she wouldn’t be an active participant in the investigation—her job was done as soon as Brown was released into FBI custody—she’d be following this one very closely if the guys would agree.

She caught up with Nathan and Andrew. “Are you guys okay with me being in there?”

Andrew shrugged. “Fine with me.”

Nathan nodded. “You’ll have some good observations and questions we may not think of.”

“Thanks. Anyone find his wife?” she asked.

“Not yet. Ready?”

“Ready.” As the three of them entered the interrogation room, she stared at the man who’d just endangered a plane full of people.