Chapter 43
"In light of current circumstances," Luciano said, "I think moving forward is not an option at this time. Perhaps we will reevaluate in a year. But anyone who is so compromised in their personal affairs is a liability in business."
We said our goodbyes, and Pete escorted me to the dock and down to the parking lot. A black town car waited for me. Pete put the bag in the trunk and gave me a handshake goodbye. "Best of luck to you."
"You too. Do you think I could borrow your phone for a minute?”
“Sure thing.”
He handed it to me, and I called Tyson. I didn’t know if he’d pick up from an unknown number. He hated answering those calls.
“This is Deputy Wild?” he said after a few rings.
“My flight got delayed,” I said, omitting the drama for now. “But I’m finally about to get out of here. I’ll be in Coconut Key in a couple of hours. Do you wanna pick me up from the FBO?”
“I’ll be there. Are you okay?”
“Never better,” I said.
I gave him my flight details before ending the call, then handed the phone back to Pete.
“Boyfriend?” he asked.
“He’s just a friend.”
“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s okay.”
“He’s a lucky guy. I hope he realizes that.“
I smiled. “I might have to remind him.”
“Sounds like a keeper. Anybody willing to pick someone up from an airport is a good friend indeed.”
I chuckled.
We said our goodbyes again, then I climbed into the town car. The driver sped me to the FBO. He grabbed my bag from the trunk, and I wheeled it into the terminal. Thank God I still had my passport.
The plane waited for me on the tarmac, and I went straight through to the craft. I could get used to traveling like this. If it weren’t for all the chaos, this trip would have spoiled me.
The sleek Slipstream G-750 gleamed on the tarmac. The $65 million jet had clean lines and smooth curves. Once aboard, I settled into the comfy leather seats and leaned back.
The cabin attendant asked, "Can I get you anything for breakfast?”
I nodded.
"You’ve got a choice of breakfast tacos or a ham and cheese omelette."
"I'll go with the omelette.”
"I’ll get that right out to you as soon as we get airborne."
It wasn't long before we were cleared for takeoff and hurtling down the runway. Soon, the plane nosed skyward and lifted from the tarmac.
I settled in and exhaled a relieved breath. I felt safe again and in control of my own destiny. I promised myself I would start listening to that little voice in the back of my head. Stop doubting myself. Embrace all of my unique gifts. I wouldn’t be afraid of them anymore.
After breakfast, I fell asleep and went off to dreamland. It was the first time I’d let go since Earl Vernon Maddox. No scary dreams. No fear.
The nightmare was over.