“Why does that make you so sad?” Joe asked after he put the kite in the trunk.

“Because it’s what I’ve always wanted, but I’ll never have.”

“Why do you say that?”

I looked at him, my face reflecting my emotions. Empty. “Let’s not pretend anymore, okay?” I moved to open the passenger door.

Joe shut the door and backed me up to the car. “You’re right, let’s not pretend anymore.” He put both arms on either side of me, blocking me in, but his face was soft and sad. “Come on, Rose. Why are you afraid of me? I keep telling you that I only want to help you. Please, let me help you. Tell me about Sloan.”

“I told you everything there is to know about Sloan.”

He looked up at the sky in frustration then leveled his gaze with mine. “You’re not telling me everything. Why?”

“I need to go to Walmart.”

“What?”

I knew it was out of the blue but I needed a flash drive. I didn't have one to give Daniel Crocker.

“Okay, but not yet. We still have to work on your list.”

“I don’t care about my stupid list anymore!” I shouted.

Joe sighed and dropped his arms. “Well, I do.”

He drove to the Henryetta airport, which was nothing more than a couple of metal buildings and an airstrip. But I couldn’t help the tiny bit of excitement that lit up my face. Joe noticed but didn’t say a word. He’d made an arrangement with a crop duster to take us up, making it clear we couldn’t cross over the county line. We sat in the rear seat while the pilot prepared for takeoff in the single engine plane. I was nervous. I really wanted to fly, but I wasn’t prepared for the confined space and my claustrophobia threatened to break loose at any minute.

The pilot taxied to the runway and revved the engine, the wind rushing in the open windows from the spinning propeller. I looked at Joe, whose entire focus was on me, gauging my reaction. I turned away embarrassed, but he sensed my hesitancy and gently placed his hand over mine in my lap. When I didn't shake it off, he rested more weight on it.

The plane hurtled down the runway, the engine so loud I couldn’t hear myself think. It lifted, ever so slightly and we were off the ground. The wind picked up the wings and we flew higher, over the edge of the runway and the fields. At the end, the plane made a sharp turn, causing Joe to lean into me. The move caught me off guard and my eyes widened, afraid we were going to crash.

Joe leaned into my ear. “It’s okay. This is normal.”

I nodded, trying to swallow my fear as the plane straightened and climbed higher, making the cars and houses below look smaller. But the fear had already taken hold and the claustrophobic fright I held at bay was nearly ready to explode.

Joe squeezed my hand in reassurance. I knew I shouldn’t trust him, but he was all I had at the moment. I squeezed back, trying to slow my breath and calm down, the panic building. Joe put his arm around my shoulders and whispered in my ear. “It’s okay, Rose. I’ve got you.” I turned to look at him. His eyes were so sweet and gentle I couldn’t believe he would ever hurt me. Why would he go to all this trouble if he wanted to kill me?

He took my stare as encouragement and kissed me. The plane, the fear, the stupid flash drive were all gone and the only thing left was Joe. He pulled away and smiled a smile that looked so genuine I’d bet my life on it, in fact I knew I had. I was literally betting my life on Joe McAllister.

I was either incredibly smart or incredibly stupid. Either way tomorrow would tell.

Chapter Twenty-Two

After Joe helped me calm down, I loved the rest of the flight. When we landed, we went back into town to get lunch at Little Italy. Joe didn't ask any more questions about Sloan or hint at a flash drive. We acted like normal people on a normal date.

I tried to forget about Hilary’s phone call. I kept telling myself there was more evidence that I could trust Joe than against.

I had no proof that Joe broke into my house. In fact, the way he acted last night seemed to prove otherwise. I had no proof he broke in the second time either. I didn’t even know if he had a set of keys. But what about the gun? And the phone message?

After lunch, we sat in Joe’s car and he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. “The only things left are ride a motorcycle, play in the rain and number thirteen.”

“And fifteen.”

“I think you have fifteen covered. Of course, we need to review the Seven Deadly Sins, to see if you’ve covered them.”

I’d forgotten about the Seven Deadly Sins and fifteen wasn’t covered.

Joe’s cell phone rang and his smile disappeared when he looked at the number. “I’ve got to take this.” He said then got out of the car.

I watched his two-minute phone call unfold, wondering who he could be talking to and what could produce such an animated conversation. Joe was clearly upset when he got into the car. “Do you still have to go to Walmart?” he asked, jamming the keys in the ignition.

“Yeah.” I answered, confused by his abrupt change of attitude.

“We need to go there now.”

“Okay.”

We drove in silence and dread crept back in, a now semi-constant companion. If Joe really wanted the flash drive, he would find it odd when he saw me buying one. I needed to tell him I didn’t have it.

“Joe, about Sloan and….”

“Rose, stop.” He cut me off, his voice harsh. “Don't say another word.”