“I can’t wait,” I said, keeping my voice enthusiastic.
After they left, I unfolded the note Jason had given me.
We’re watching. You’re safe.
That evening, alone in my room, my phone buzzed. Video call from Agent Torres.
“Mrs. Thompson,” he said without preamble. “We intercepted Brandon’s internet search history from last night. He searched for fatal falls at Makapu Point. Tourist accidents at Hawaii cliffs and how to make a fall look accidental.”
My hands started shaking.
“They’re planning to push me off.”
“Makapu has sea cliffs that drop 600 ft straight down into the Pacific Ocean,” Torres said grimly. “It’s a popular tourist destination. Lots of witnesses, which means they can argue it was a tragic accident.”
“What do we do?”
“Agent Davis will be positioned there tomorrow, posing as a travel photographer. Hawaiian police officers will be nearby in civilian clothing. You’ll wear your panic button. The second they make a move, we’ll have them.”
“What if I actually fall before you can stop them?”
Torres’s expression softened. “You won’t fall, Mrs. Thompson. We’ll be within 30 ft of you at every moment. Multiple agents will have eyes on you the entire time. I give you my word.”
After the call ended, I stood on my balcony and watched the sun sink into the Pacific. The sky turned shades of gold and coral and deep violet. One of the most beautiful sunsets I’d ever seen.
Below on the beach, I spotted Jessica and Brandon. They were arguing. I could see Jessica’s hands moving in sharp, angry gestures. Her voice drifted up on the wind.
“Tomorrow at Makapoo. It has to work this time. We’re out of time.”
Brandon grabbed her arm. She yanked it away. They stood facing each other for a long moment, silhouettes against the dying light, then walked back toward the hotel without speaking.
I stepped inside and locked the balcony door.
That night, I barely closed my eyes. I kept picturing myself standing at the edge of a 600 ft drop with my daughter’s hands pressing against my back.
I kept remembering Robert’s warning from 6 months before his stroke.
“Maggie, if anything happens to me, be careful with Jessica and Brandon. They’re in serious trouble. Don’t let them use your love as a weapon against you.”
Tomorrow, I would discover just how much trouble they were really in.
The trail to Makapu Point Lookout should have been one of the most beautiful hikes in Hawaii. A gentle paved path winding along dramatic sea cliffs leading to breathtaking ocean views that drew thousands of tourists each year.
For me, it was a 600 ft walk toward my daughter’s second attempt to end my life.
Leave a Comment