“Agreed. God, Maddox, I wish we could convince her to let you and I go to the compound first and she and Joel can come when we know it’s safe.”
“There’s no chance of that. She’s in mama-bear mode. We’d have to tie her down to keep her from going to rescue her cub. Besides, it might actually escalate the situation if you and I showed without her.”
“But what about Joel?” Zane asked. “Surely we could get him to st
ay behind.”
“There’s no way, bro. I wouldn’t stay behind if you were in danger.”
“Neither would I if it was the other way around. And it’s evident how close Joel and Restin are. It’s been them and Toni for their whole lives. Quite the trio.”
“Yes, they are. Very impressive. We just have to keep our eyes open and make sure that she, Joel, and Restin stay safe. Maybe we’re just being overly cautious and this will go down without any issues. Hopefully we’ll know more after we talk to Joel.”
In a low tone Zane said, “And we will have our equipment.”
Maddox nodded and leaned back in his seat, wondering what kind of reaction Toni’s ex was going to have when they all showed up. The man was a criminal. He’d stolen Toni’s inheritance. What else was he capable of? Maddox didn’t know for sure but he would make certain the bastard never hurt her again.
The captain’s voice came over the intercom. “Cabin crew, please take your seats for takeoff.”
The plane sped down the runway.
He gripped the armrest and looked over at Zane, who was doing the same. “Look at us,” he said with a grin.
“I know, but I can’t help it. I’m used to being in the cockpit, not back here where I have no control.”
“Me, too. I need to see what’s going on.”
He and Zane finally relaxed when the plane leveled off at its cruising altitude.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign, and you may now move around the cabin. However, we always recommend that you keep your seat belt fastened while you’re seated. You may now turn on your approved electronic devices at this time.”
Toni left her seat and got her bag down from the overhead. “I’m going to change clothes, guys. I’ve been in these since Cami’s engagement party. I’ll be right back.”
This is our chance to talk to Joel alone.
When Toni shut the lavatory door, Zane crossed the aisle and moved into her seat. Maddox left his and stood in the aisle.
“Hey, Joel,” Zane said. “We’re trying to figure out Restin’s missing note.”
“Do you think in the excitement that your brother may have not even written it, though he thought he had?” Maddox asked.
“Restin’s only unorganized part of his life is forgetting to charge his cellphone,” Joel told them. “He’s actually the most organized person I know. If he says he wrote a note, I’m certain he did.”
“Does anyone else have a key to your apartment?” Zane asked, clearly trying to figure out this mystery.
“No. Just me and Restin.”
Maddox was puzzled. “Who drove him to the airport?”
“The guy who our father sent.”
“Was that man in the apartment when your brother was packing?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. But knowing my brother, Restin probably did invite him inside.”
“Then that man must have taken the note,” Zane said. “What other conclusion can there be?”
“You’re probably right. The apartment was locked when I got there.” Joel glanced at the closed lavatory door. “I also have been thinking about something but didn’t want to bring it up in front of Mom. I don’t want to worry her any more than she already is.”