The heavy engines of the Vane private jet let out a deep, continuous roar as the sleek black aircraft sliced straight through the cold, dark clouds over the Atlantic Ocean. Outside the small oval windows, nothing existed except pure blackness, but inside the main luxury cabin, the air was warm, sweet, and heavy with intense suspense.

Clara sat on the soft leather couch near the center of the cabin, her legs pulled up close to her chest. Her small hands were wrapped tight around a warm glass of water, but her fingers were still shaking slightly. Her dark eyes stared blankly at the dark window, her mind spinning at a...