Gina Heslop
Kayla, six months pregnant and emotionally drained, just wanted to get home after her grandmother’s funeral. As she boarded her flight, she noticed a man three rows back staring at her with an unsettling intensity. Brushing it off as paranoia, she settled into her seat, eager to rest.
Shortly after takeoff, a flight attendant approached her. “Ma’am, please come with me.” Confused, Kayla followed, but as soon as they were alone, the woman’s tone changed. “Get on your knees. Now.”
Fear gripped Kayla. Before she could react, the staring man appeared. His voice was calm but firm. “Where is the golden necklace you stole?” He held up photos of a woman who looked just like her.
Kayla’s heart pounded. “That’s not me! She has a tattoo—I don’t. And I’m pregnant!” She grabbed his hand and placed it on her belly. A strong kick from the baby made him pause.
Realization dawned on his face. “I… I made a mistake.”
But before relief could sink in, a sharp click echoed.
The flight attendant had pulled out a gun. “Enough! Hands behind your backs!” she ordered, tossing zip ties to the detective.
Kayla’s pulse raced. The real thief had been right in front of them all along.
Thinking fast, she kicked the woman’s leg, knocking her off balance. The gun hit the floor, and the detective lunged, pinning her down. That’s when they saw it—a golden necklace glinting around her neck.
By the time the plane landed, authorities were waiting. The detective, now introduced as Connor, apologized. “We’ve been tracking her for months. I thought you were her.”
Exhausted but relieved, Kayla stepped into the arrivals hall. There, waiting with a bouquet of yellow tulips, was Colin.
“Welcome home,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms.
Kayla melted into him, finally safe. Whatever nightmare she had faced was over. She was home. And that was all that mattered.
