The Devil's Game Read Free Page B

at the gray drizzle covering the streets. As she pulled the blanket from the couch to wrap around her shoulders, Karina wondered what the weather was like in Miami right now. Was it really as hot as they showed in the movies? It occurred to her that this would be the first time Karina had ventured beyond the neighboring states. If only she could get excited about the idea.
    At half past ten, Ginny wandered out of her bedroom. She poured the last of the coffee into a mug and came to stand by Karina.
    “Did you tell your parents?” she asked before taking a sip.
    Karina shook her head. “They know I’m going to be in Miami, but they couldn’t bear this.”
    “I’m sorry I acted so heartless yesterday,” Ginny said, putting an arm around Karina.
    “It’s okay,” Karina. “I realize it probably sounds like a fairy tale, it’s just that—”
    “I know.”
    They stood for a while in silence, enjoying the warmth of the coffee.
    “Call me every day,” Ginny finally said. “Let me know that you’re okay.”
    Karina nodded, fighting back tears. What had she done?
    A black sedan came gliding down the street and double parked right in front of their building.
    “Is that him?” Ginny asked.
    “It must be,” Karina choked out.
    They watched a man in slacks and a sweater climb out of the driver’s side and head for the front entrance.
    “Good luck,” Ginny said, giving Karina one last hug.
    “Thanks.” Karina slung her purse across her chest and opened the door just as the driver came up the steps.
    “Karina Watson?” he asked.
    She nodded and started to roll out the suitcase, but he stopped her.
    “I’ve got it,” he said. “I can take care of that as well.” He pointed to the small duffle bag on the floor next to it.
    Karina stepped aside and let him pick it up.
    “Is there anything else?” he asked, and she shook her head.
    He headed back down the stairs. She turned to Ginny, not really sure what to say.
    “I guess I’ll talk to you later,” Karina told her and followed after the driver, leaving Ginny to close the door behind her. It wasn’t until she was halfway down the steps that she finally heard it shut, and Karina swallowed hard.
    Outside, the driver set the bags down before opening the passenger door for her. She held her breath as she looked into the car and was shocked to find it empty.
    “Where’s Damien?” she asked.
    “Mr. Bishop will be meeting us at the plane, Ma’am.”
    Karina looked up at the window where she knew Ginny would be watching, gave a wave, and then climbed into the back seat.
    Not a word was spoken the entire trip; the driver didn’t even attempt to make small talk. Karina stared out the tinted windows the whole time and was surprised when they pulled into a small, private airfield.
    Of course, Damien Bishop had his own jet. The thought made Karina even more nervous. She had imagined them flying down to Miami with a hundred other passengers and some flight attendants who would distract her from what she was really doing on that plane. Instead, she was going to be stuck in a confined space with only her and Damien. She wondered if he would expect anything from her so soon.
    The car stopped near the door to the plane. The driver was quick to let her out, then immediately started unloading her bags along with others that must have already been packed before she’d been picked up. He didn’t give any direction, and Karina assumed she was supposed to board the plane.
    Slowly, cautiously, she climbed each step and discovered she was wrong about her and Damien being the only ones on the plane.
    A man close to her age, maybe a year or two older, greeted her the second she set foot in the cabin, and another one—definitely older and more somber-looking—was seated nearby.
    “You must be Karina Watson,” the younger one said with a cheerful smile.
    Karina gave a single, slow nod.
    “My name is Tom. Damien had hoped to be here to greet you personally, but it seems