Public Secrets (Artificial Intelligence Book 1) Read Online Free

else in first class seemed to be occupied with their own isolated lives. A man who wasn’t in first class came through the aisle to use the forward toilet. When he returned, he paused before passing them. Carla was certain it was Chad and not herself who had caught the man’s attention. Still, she couldn’t help but feel something was wrong about him.
    After he left, she noticed the flight attendant followed him through the curtains. A moment later, the attendant returned and leaned over to speak in a soft voice to Carla. “Did he bother you?”
    “No, he just stopped and stared. Why do you ask?”
    “I caught him in the attendants’ station. I think he was looking for the manifest. I could be wrong, but I’ve asked the flight attendants in business class to make sure no more passengers come up here.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Also, the airport notified the captain that there’s a large group of reporters waiting for this plane.” She smiled. “It could be for either of you, but I thought you’d like to know.”
    “Hopefully, it’s him,” she whispered.
    Chad’s eyes opened. “Hopefully, it’s not,” he murmured.
    The flight attendant smiled. “Security is prepared to escort you to your cars.”
    Carla had a better plan. “Actually, I plan to blend in with the crowd and get out with the college students in the back.”
    The woman studied her for a moment and smiled. “It should work. I wouldn’t have recognized you if I hadn’t read your name on the manifest.” Turning to Chad, her smile widened. “You, on the other hand, are completely recognizable. So I’m sure you’ll need some assistance.”
    ***
    Chad wished security weren’t necessary. But he knew all too well from past experience that fans were unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.
    He looked at Carla, now more curious than ever. As the wheels touched down and the plane taxied to the gate, he held out his hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you, whoever you are.”
    Carla laughed and shook his hand. “Likewise.”
    He was reluctant to release it. Was he letting the perfect woman walk out of his life just because past experiences had made him jaded and paranoid? “You know... I can’t very well call you to see how the twenty-three-foot waterfall goes unless you tell me your name.”
    She shook her head. “You can’t call me anyway. There are no phones on the Kaituna River.”
    “You’re staying somewhere.”
    “Yes...”
    “And that would be?” he prodded. He could see that she was nervous about speaking it aloud. Finally, she put her hand on his shoulder and pulled him closer so she could whisper in his ear.
    “I’ll be at the YHA in Lake Taupo under the name of Carla Long.”
    He nodded, wondering what the YHA was.
    “You’ll probably have to leave a number with the office and I’ll call you from the pay phone.”
    He looked confused by her instructions, so she explained further. “The YHA is a youth hostel. There are no phones in the rooms. Only a phone in the office and a pay phone in the hall.”
    “Don’t you have a phone?” he challenged.
    “Yes, but it would cost me a fortune to use it. The local phone company would route the call back to the U.S., resulting in international, long-distance fees.”
    “Really?” Chad had no idea they did that.
    “I think it depends on your service and the agreement they have with a New Zealand carrier. However, mine is a long-distance disaster. So if you don’t know your carrier’s deal with New Zealand, I recommend you use the local phones when you’re calling locally.”
    “How far away from civilization is this place you’re going to?” he teased.
    “From Auckland, probably five or six hours, depending on how fast you drive.”
    The plane had come to a halt and passengers were gathering their baggage. Although the attendant offered them both the opportunity to depart early, each chose to wait. Carla wanted to join the large group of college students in coach. Chad had to