Mesmerized

important thing is we need to find them…before they find us.”
     

Chapter Sixteen
     
     
     
    The next morning, Gregory called them all into the kitchen. Lily came trudging down the stairs, her hair in disarray and looking half asleep.
    Everyone was seated around the table, coffee cups in hand, except for Jake: who shot her a grin from where he leaned against the kitchen counter. Her mother looked as put-together as always, despite the early hour, while her father just looked stressed. Camille lounged comfortably in her chair with a brightly-colored shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
    Lily looked at the clock and groaned. “Dad, it’s way too early.”
    Her father gave her a disapproving look. "We've got a lead. The family has been traced back to Atlanta. They are very well connected and come from old money." 
    "That's great news! Makes it easier on us if we have a location. I can draw him out and you can work your magic." Lily's mother nodded at her friend. 
    "Not so fast!” Gregory interrupted. “You can't just waltz in there and bat your eyes, Sandra. These people are dangerous. Someone with that kind of money is going to be surrounded by guards and security cameras."
    "Oh Gregory, how can you underestimate me after all these years?" She shook her head, and her full lips held the slightest smile.
    "No sense in wasting time. We’ll leave for Atlanta today," Camille said.
    "Do you think we should leave the children?" her father asked.
    "No, we might need to use the boy for bait,” her mom replied.
    "Mother! I can't believe you just said that,” Lily yelled.
    "It's not a big deal. It's not like they can kill him."
    "But they can hurt him." Lily moved closer to Jake.
    "It's fine, Lily, if it means ending this once and for all, I will gladly be used." He looked down at her. "I want this over. So we don't have to run the rest of our lives."
    "I know. I just can't stand the thought of anything happening to you."
    "He'll be fine. Grab your things, we'll head to the airport and get on the next flight out." Camille shooed them away. 
    Lily stomped up to her room. She was irked that they were going to use Jake as bait. She opened her bag and threw a bunch of clothes in it. She didn't know how long they would be gone so she grabbed enough for a few days. 
    Back downstairs, Jake had packed his bag. One look at Lily and he knew she was upset. “Lily, it’ll be okay.”
    “Will it, Jake? I have a weird feeling.”
    “It’ll be fine.” He tried reassuring her, although he was still a little wary inside. He wrapped his arms around her.
    “I know we have to get these people off our backs, but I’m scared.” Her voice trembled slightly.
    He buried his face in her long hair and inhaled. She smelled of vanilla and chamomile; it was a scent he had come to love. “I’m not going anywhere.”
    “Better not,” she muttered, not wanting him to let go of her. In his arms, she felt safe. She rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. Steady. Rhythmic.
    “You guys ready?” her dad asked, walking in. 
    “I guess so.” Lily looked up at Jake, and hoped this would end well.
    “Go get in the car.”
    Jake and Lily walked hand in hand to the car and climbed in the back. Camille climbed in next to them and Lily’s parents sat in the front. The ride to the airport was full of chitchat between Sandra and Camille. Lily had no idea how they could be so calm at a time like this. Lily didn't even know her mother had a female friend until now.
    The airport was loud and bright. Lily felt a headache coming on. Hopefully they had time to get a coffee before they had to board the plane. Jake and Lily stood behind her parents in line. She kept fidgeting. She just wanted to get through to their gate. Once they had their tickets, they had to go stand in another long line. Traveling sucked. When they finally reached the front, the security guard told them, “Take off your shoes and step through the scanner.” 
    Lily took off her shoes, put them in a bucket, and stepped through. On the other side, she collected her shoes and slipped them back on. She impatiently waited for the others to come through. The security guard decided her mother had to be searched further. Big surprise there. 
    The place was so crowded it was hard not to lose each other as they walked to the gate.  Lily glanced at her watch. “Why do they have you get here two hours early just to make you wait?”
    Jake laughed. “Sometimes the