Chapter 4 - The Stuffed Rabbit
Leah completely stopped breathing.
Her hand hovered over the worn fabric of the rabbit's long ear.
Through the hidden earpiece, Silas's voice crackled into life.
"Leah, do you see anyone suspicious out there?" Silas asked.
"I found it," Leah whispered into the darkness of the empty aisle.
There was a sharp, sudden intake of breath on the other end of the line.
"What do you mean you found it?" Silas demanded.
"The second device," Leah murmured, her hands shaking uncontrollably now.
"It is hidden inside my sister's toy."
"Do not touch it!" Silas ordered immediately.
"If it is a paired detonator, any sudden movement could trigger the internal pressure sensor."
Leah stared down at Maya's peaceful, sleeping face.
How could someone have possibly planted this at the crowded airport?
Then the horrifying, sickening realization hit her.
Nobody planted it at the airport today.
Maya had not let go of that specific rabbit since they left their house four days ago.
The device had been inside the toy the entire time.
Her mother had packed their bags in a rush.
Her mother had handed Maya the rabbit right before they got into the taxi.
"Leah, listen to me very carefully," Silas said, breaking through her terrifying thoughts.
"You need to bring the toy to first class right now."
"If the two devices are brought within ten feet of each other, the signal loops and neutralizes itself."
"Are you sure about that?" Leah asked, hot tears finally stinging her eyes.
"I am paying people millions of dollars to know these things," Silas replied grimly.
"Bring it here now before the signal connects."
Leah gently pried the rabbit out of Maya's tiny hands.
Maya stirred slightly, whimpering in her sleep, but did not wake up.
Leah tucked the rabbit under her shirt, pressing the hard disc against her own stomach.
She stood up and began walking down the aisle as fast as she could without running.
She passed row twenty.
She passed row ten.
Suddenly, the overhead cabin lights flickered wildly and turned a deep, blood red.
The seatbelt chime rang out three times in rapid, echoing succession.
The entertainment screens on the back of every seat simultaneously flashed to life.
May you like
Instead of the usual flight map, every single screen displayed a single, terrifying word.
"ARMED."
