Chapter 11

eleven

PAUL

The next morning, I lifted my suitcase onto the conveyor belt at the airport. So far, nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Amy was awake by six o'clock, so we'd all had breakfast together. We could have been any normal household getting ready for the day—if you ignored the fact that Liam worked for the FBI and we were about to fly to a town I didn't know existed.

Liam looked around the terminal. "Our flight leaves from gate eighteen. Is there anything else you need?"

I shook my head. "We're okay. I'll be happier when we're on the plane."

"So will I."

As we walked across the concourse, I kept a careful eye on the people around us. Even though Liam was holding Amy's hand, I wasn't taking any chances with my niece's safety.

My arm brushed against the sleeve of Liam's jacket, and a strange, electric sensation shot through me. It was unsettling, not only because of the danger we were in, but because of the unexpected reaction I had to him.

He pointed to the security checkpoint and told Amy the staff would help her if anything happened to him or me.

Amy didn't seem worried about the prospect of needing anyone's help, and that was a good thing.

I moved my carry-on onto my other shoulder. It was busier than I'd thought it would be. Businesspeople, families, and students crammed into every available seat.

"What are you thinking?" Liam asked.

I glanced at him before looking at the people around us. "Airports are like miniature cities. You could live here if you had to."

"It's just as well that wasn't an option for us. We'll find somewhere quiet to sit while we wait for the flight. There are too many people out here." He looked down at Amy. "Are you doing okay?"

Her smile was so open and trusting that my breath caught.

"I'm doing great."

"That's good to hear. We'd better keep moving. We're not far from our gate." Liam adjusted his grip on Amy's hand and started walking.

I wondered why he never seemed to smile. I glanced over my shoulder. Maybe he'd seen something. Or maybe he'd had the same amount of sleep as I had.

Amy looked up at me. "I need to use the bathroom."

Liam frowned. "There's some up ahead."

When we reached the bathrooms, I handed Liam my carry-on. "We won't be long."

He pointed to a group of chairs that weren't far away. "I'll wait for you over there."

"Okay. "

"Wait." Amy gave Liam her princess backpack. "Could you look after my bag?"

I didn't know if Liam realized the significance of Amy's question. Her mom had bought her the backpack when she was little. Letting anyone apart from me look after it had never happened.

"Sure. I'll keep it beside me."

I squeezed Amy's hand. "Are you ready to go to the bathroom?"

Amy peered at the sign opposite us and nodded.

While we stood in the line for the family bathroom, I second-guessed everyone I saw. I had no idea what a terrorist looked like, but the most successful ones probably blended in with everyone else.

Unfortunately, that worrying thought didn't make me feel any happier about being away from Liam.