I crouched on the floor, clutching that rebooking form, helpless.
Four years ago, Colin was just a first officer. His coworkers froze him out. He nearly lost his job.
My father vouched for him. That's the only reason he stayed.
Back then, Colin held me and swore he'd never let my parents down. Never let me down.
Now he'd severed my last chance to see my father with his own hands.
My eyes burned. I scrambled to find another way.
Trains—sold out. Buses—full.
My car—Colin had borrowed it. I didn't even know where it was parked.
I hired a driver at triple the rate and raced down the highway through the night.
Dad, wait for me.
As we cleared the toll booth, my phone buzzed.
Scarlett had posted an update.
Landed! My best bro came through—made it to the game right on time.
The picture showed her sitting in the gym, smiling carefree, middle finger raised at the camera.
Colin had replied instantly in the comments:
[Of course, guaranteed reliable!]
Watching them flirt back and forth made my blood boil.
I took several deep breaths, then opened my phone and sent a file.
The whole way there, I kept urging the driver to go faster.
Half an hour later, Mom called again.
My heart sank. Dread spread through my chest.