Chapter 34

 

Penelope checked her email every five minutes for the rest of the afternoon, and something delightful seemed to be waiting for her each time.

From Gracie. To All Heist Ladies: Success! Our man identified by manager at the Grand Cayman Regent. Registered as Woodsworth Coddington IV (seriously!!). He’s staying in the penthouse suite and there’s a little question about his credit card. They were not aware of a woman staying with him, but if I get in touch with my “aunt” would I please have her visit the front desk?

From Pen. To All: This will be fun! I have four seats booked—everyone in?

From Amber. To All: My passport’s at my mother’s. No time to get it  Wish I could, but better stay near computer at home in case you need further research.

From Gracie, Sandy and Pen. To Amber: Sorry you can’t come but good idea about the research.

From Pen. To Gracie, Sandy: Flight leaves at 11:00 tonight. You have two hours to pack!

From Sandy. To Pen: Yowza! Will I be back for work Monday morning?

From Pen. To Sandy: We can make it happen.

Pen went immediately to the airline site, canceled Amber’s ticket and finalized reservations for the other three. They would arrive Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. She could only hope it would provide enough time for the confrontation with Frank Morrell and to retrieve the stolen cash and necklace. If banks there were not open on Saturday, Pen was prepared to extend her own return for an extra day. It had been a long time since she’d made such spur-of-the-moment travel plans and she found herself getting excited.

She called Benton and told him only that she needed to make a quick trip, asking if he would drive her to the airport. At this point, she didn’t want to get into explanations or the need to defend her actions. She just wanted to go.

Nine p.m. brought a flurry of excitement as the Ladies met in front of the American Airlines ticket counter. Sandy headed for the check-in kiosks but Pen touched her shoulder.

“Over here,” she said, indicating a window at the counter.

“First class?” Gracie squeaked. “You booked us first class?”

“It was a pretty full flight and this was the only way to get seats together.” Pen hedged. She’d really wanted to do something nice for the girls in return for the time and effort they were spending to help her. Then she caught Gracie’s stricken look. “Oh, my—don’t be mistaken. This is completely my treat.”

Relief. Then a wave of giddy excitement. They were on their way to the Caribbean.