The Dark Society

97

Tatum had endured heartbreak time and again due to Lyndsey's uncharacteristic actions. Be that as it may, their flight was departing, so any animosity was omitted. However, after examining the tickets another unusual discrepancy emerged.

"What's wrong?" Lyndsey inquired.

"The reservation..." Tatum retorted while fondling a ticket. "We have separate seats."

"Oh yeah..." she explained, gesturing. "Since it's short notice it's all they had left; did I do something wrong?"

"No..." Tatum answered. "As long as we get there."

A short time later, Lyndsey received an unanticipated message.

"Who is it?"

"Karen..." she replied. "Wishing us safe travels to America."

Tatum drew her phone as Lyndsey glared.

"What are you doing?"

"Calling Alex..." she confirmed. "He's the only one who knew about our trip."

Lyndsey snatched the phone and scowled.

"We have a plane to catch, remember?"

Tatum gasped.

"What's gotten into you?"

She smirked and turned away.

The girls readied to board later that morning under a veil of solitary travelers. (Odd for the time of year, but expected nonetheless). The panoramas were ideal against this background with cloudless azure skies and a perfect forecast.

Tatum grinned, but recalled that Lyndsey was again wearing Karen's ring. At this point, she again drew the phone and massaged Sabrina. Sadly, Tatum felt torn between suspicion and fact, trapped within a reality she never before thought possible. Nevertheless, she didn't panic and invoked a sense of calm.

"Have you seen my companion?" she asked the stewardess, gesturing.

She shrugged and looked around.

"No, I'm sorry."

Tatum scoured the cabin as the plane readied to taxi. Thereafter, following a deep breath she closed her eyes and again tried to rationalize. After all, Lyndsey wouldn't leave the plane or change seats without notice, so she decided to relax and wait.

The engines began to thunder after a bit, but Lyndsey still hadn't returned. So, in a panic Tatum again questioned the stewardess assuming the impossible.

"Your friend left some time ago."

She readily arose and intended to follow, but as Tatum gathered her bags a familiar face stood staring.

"Kyle?"

Meanwhile, Lyndsey had returned to the terminal feeling conflicted, but she'd played a part and the sisterhood was pleased.

"What've I done?" she thought as Logan escorted her outside.

"Finish it." Dena ordered.

"But, she's a friend."

Dena perversely grimaced as Logan turned to follow. Dena's schemes were working without fail and with a renewed agenda she aimed to fortify the coven. But unfortunately, Karen's extended absence had now determined Tatum's destiny.

An unforeseen outcome, but one she'd somehow anticipated. In the end, lifelong loyalties would be challenged and as Logan escorted Lyndsey from the terminal he chose a new path.

"It's no longer safe..." he advised. "I need to get you far away from here."

She gazed in confusion.

"I don't understand; are we in danger?"

"Not yet..." he retorted. "And I intend to keep it that way."