76

I leaned across the table and pushed the papers and pencil towards Nathan. Could you draw the layout ? I asked.
He looked at the papers, then at me, before sighing and starting to sketch.
Okay so here’s what I got. I started, looking at each of them with a sly smirk.
Two hours, three rounds of eggnog, and a lot of convincing later, Max was the first to finally agree with my plan.
Well if you look at it from that angle, it’s actually not that bad. Max shrugged, coming to stand next to me. He gazed at the layout and drawings I had made over my shoulder. I must say, those stickmen I had drawn looked pretty badass. I had even given my own stickman a face mask and a gun.
Actually not that bad ? You’re just saying that because it’s not your sister whose life is at risk here. Tyler argued, running a hand through his hair out of frustration.
Well actually, it is his sister. I gave him a pointed look. Tyler, this is the only way out. And plus, I don’t see how being a distraction is dangerous. I shrugged.
Tyler started arguing with me again, Landon taking his side and backing him up. Nathan just sat there silent, staring at the table, while Max tried to stand up for my plan. Dustin simply sat there, coloring another sheet of paper and remaining unbothered by all of the commotion.
I took another look at the layout. It was a good plan. It would be an amazing plan if those two bozos hadn’t shot it down right after they had found out I was a part of it.
I closed my eyes, blocked out all of their voices and imagined my plan put into action. The building Nathan had drawn was pretty detailed so I easily got a picture of it in my mind. Nathan had said that his next visit to see Hana was coming up in a few days. Even though it hadn’t been a month, Ryland had to make a trip down there again and needed Nathan to escort his pathetic defenseless self. They had to travel by plane to see her and Nathan had told us that they usually took three or four of Ryland’s men along with them. That was perfect, considering that Ryland hardly every communicated with his guards so he barely knew their faces or voices. This was where Landon, Tyler and Max came in. Nathan said he’d knock out the guards, take their passports and luggage, and hand it to the three boys. So dressed as Ryland’s guards, Landon, Tyler and Max would easily board the plane with the enemy. That’s how they’d get there.
It had been difficult to figure out how I’d end up there too, but luckily, this one episode of those crime investigation shows I watched stood out. That’s where I got the idea of posing as a flight attendant. Risky, I know, but it was our only shot. Nathan had said he could knock one lady unconscious, of course in a way without hitting her, and have me swap her clothes, name tag, passport, and boarding ticket. It sounded like a horrible crime, but it would all work out in the end and be worth it. Hopefully. Luckily I was small enough to be able to fit in one of the suitcases, so that would be how I’d get to the airport in Ryland’s car. I just hoped it wouldn’t be a long, bumpy ride.
Of course we had to be careful not to alert Ryland’s goons that had gone missing from the apartment, so Nathan would tell them that I was locked up in his room emotionally unstable. Hopefully that would scare the guards away. I had even suggested to leave a recording of me sobbing in there just to help.
Once we arrived there, Ryland was supposed to get a call, explaining that I had gone missing. That’s where Dustin came in. He volunteered himself to help and I knew the kid was smart enough to do it. He was supposed to rush out of the apartment and call the guards, exclaiming that he couldn’t find me. Once they found out I was missing, they’d call Ryland, who’d then have no choice but to fly back there. I still didn’t get why I was so important to him, but Nathan had confirmed that Ryland would go as far as flying half way across the world just to drag me back in captivity.
Once he’d leave, the boys would break into the building and save Hana. I had even sketched out a drawing of how they were supposed to get in, with the help of Nathan telling which doors lead where.
After taking Hana, we were supposed to just wing it and run back home to the police and get Nathan his happily ever after. Other than the end, I thought it was a well strategized plan.
I snapped my eyes back open to see that Max, Landon and Tyler were still arguing, Dustin was now coloring his seventh picture, and Nathan was… staring right back at me.
I opened my mouth and tried to speak but was cut off as the three arguing bozos decided to raise their voices.
Nathan luckily saw my struggle and helped me. Hey guys shut up for a second ! He ordered in a demanding tone. It worked and the room grew silent all of a sudden.
I shot him a grateful smile, before turning to all of them and speaking. Look, you guys don’t have to do this, so just tell me if you’re in or out. I deadpanned.
Sky, you know we wanna help but we just can’t risk you- Landon started but I cut him off with a glare.
Whether I’m in this plan or not, is totally up to me. I’m in and that’s final. I gave Tyler and Landon a look.
Tyler scoffed. What ? All just for your kidnapper ? He spat out harshly, causing a thick tension to grow in the room.
I kept my voice calm as I replied. Not all just for him, Tyler. I started. It’s for his family’s sake, as well as ours.
We could walk away from this mess and try to fix it without getting involved. Tyler repeated his main argument for the umpteenth time. And since when did you care so much about this stranger’s family ? Tyler asked with disbelief.
I looked at Max and Dustin, before turning back to Tyler. Since I came here. I responded. It’s been crazy ever since I got here and these two have done nothing but cared for me and make me realize how important family is. My voice broke off in the end. I couldn’t help but remember my own torn family and my screwed up childhood.
There is a thirteen year old girl that’s in there. She doesn’t have to become a trained assassin. She doesn’t have to enter that world, she still has a chance to be with her family again and I wanna help give that chance to her. I spoke with determination. Can’t you see ? This is how we end it for good. Otherwise that creep will stop at nothing to get a hold of us Tyler, and we don’t even know what for ! I exclaimed.
Tyler just shook his head and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
We all stared at him to see what he’d do next and were all surprised when he opened his eyes, smiled at me and spoke. If you think this is the right thing to do, then I’m right behind you. You’re right, this is the only right option to take which puts an end to this all for good. I just have to look out for my baby sister, but I guess the safest way is not by involving the cops and being on the run from this creep who won’t stop, but following you and having your back.
My heart melted and I grinned. ‘Thank you.’ I mouthed to him, appreciating the difficult decision he was making for me.
No one deserves to die over this, and no one’s life should be at risk. If you and Nathan really believe it’s possible, then lets Mission Impossible their asses. Tyler added with more enthusiasm in his tone this time. We’ll get your sister back, as long as you make sure mine doesn’t get hurt. Tyler said, looking to Nathan.
I’ll take twenty bullets before I’d let them get to her. Nathan swore, looking at my brother dead in the eyes.
I don’t need anyone taking bullets for me, I can handle myself. When the time comes, I will be the one saving all your asses. I promised with a smug look.
This would be my time to shine. They all doubted my abilities, but the true ninja and badassery would be shining through on this mission. I mean, I survived a kidnapping and like to think handled myself very well…
I ignored their eye-rolls and skeptic looks. Well that’s three of us. I stated, looking behind me at Max and Tyler who were both at my side now. Anyone else ? I asked, looking at Landon, Nathan then Dustin.