Yawn, Stretch, Fire #2
Xander settled back hard into the chair and worked to stay quiet. He wiped his eyes with his sleeves and cleared his throat. “Simo, I need the internet access code for JJ’s or Halo’s house. Please.”
Becky’s voice responded. “Our secure network is Click Here for Viruses. Standby for password…”
Halo watched as Eleni ran down the steps and sprinted toward the last building at the small airport.
Catrina quickly pulled the stairs back up to the plane while the engines were kept running.
From her vantage point, Halo saw Eleni pull out her gun and take a kneeling shooting position with the corner of the building at her back.
Halo watched her yawn, stretch, then settle into position and wait.
Soon, they heard the siren of the police car screaming ever nearer.
Suddenly, a speeding black-and-white SUV made a hard turn several yards in front of Eleni.
Right behind it came a white Chevy Tahoe.
A man was hanging out of the window with a handgun in his hand.
Halo watched in shock as several rapid muzzle flashes erupted from Eleni’s gun.
The white Tahoe turned sharply and rolled to a slow stop.
Eleni was up in a crouched run, coming at the Tahoe by its back quarter panel.
Halo stared in fascinated horror as the man slumped down over the windowsill, his gun falling from his hand and clattering on the hot tarmac.
Eleni came in low beneath the window and quickly peeked inside, then ducked back down.
She crept under the rear and popped up, looking inside from the driver’s side rear pillar.
Halo noticed movement on the driver’s side.
A second later, red splattered across the inside of the front windshield.
Eleni came back around to the passenger-side front door.
Keeping low, she kicked the gun away, reached out, and pulled the door open.
The man fell partially out of the Tahoe.
Halo watched as Eleni checked his pulse, then dragged him fully out of the vehicle, his head hitting the tarmac with a hard bounce.
Without taking her eyes off the interior of the Tahoe, Eleni removed another gun from the man lying on the asphalt and tossed it away.
She stood and began backing toward where the police had stopped.
Eleni reached the police SUV and holstered her weapon. Halo saw Athena run to her and wrap her arms around her tightly. One officer began approaching the Tahoe with his gun drawn while the other covered him. Athena’s arms were still locked around Eleni when the officers signaled an all-clear.
An officer shook Eleni’s hand. Eleni then took Athena’s hand and began jogging toward the plane. Catrina lowered the steps as Halo stepped forward to meet Athena, who ran up the stairs and threw her arms around Halo, squeezing her tightly.
Halo rocked Athena back and forth. “It’s ok. We’ve got you now, baby. You’re safe.” Halo looked up at Eleni. “Thank you, Eleni. Thank you.” Eleni smiled and rubbed Athena’s back.
Halo felt Athena begin to shake; she remembered Xander shaking.
Then the sobs came. Halo looked into Athena’s green eyes and wiped away her tears.
“It’s going to be ok, baby. Come on, let’s go sit down and get you something to drink.
” Athena nodded, allowing Halo to guide her back to her seat.
Halo met Johnny’s gaze and shook her head; he nodded once in return and looked away.
Halo kissed Athena’s wet cheek. “I’ll be right back. I need to take care of something up front. Catrina has some soda for you, ok?” Athena nodded as Catrina stepped in and sat beside her, helping her with the drink.
Halo saw Eleni speaking with a police officer at the entrance of the plane and knew immediately something was wrong. She stepped in. “Hi. I’m Halo Raines. You are Officer…?”
“Gonzalez, ma’am. Very pleased to meet you. I think we owe you a big thanks; help was too far away.”
“I’m grateful you were able to protect Athena. I’m the one who owes you thanks, Officer Gonzalez.” Halo flashed him a quick smile and watched him blush. “But is there a problem?”
“Well… Ms. Eleni was explaining that she’s your security. However, we need to keep her here for our investigation and report. It’s standard procedure. I’ll also need her to relinquish her weapon.”
Eleni sighed. “I understand the procedure. I will turn over my weapons, Officer.”
Gonzalez nodded. “Thank you. Slowly, please.”
Eleni dropped her magazine and handed over her gun and knife. “I need to speak with Halo privately for a moment, Officer. Please wait.”
The officer nodded as Eleni guided Halo toward the entrance of the main cabin. Eleni fixed Halo with a hard look. “Joel will be after you. Remember, there is a plan in place; follow it. Stay calm.”
“Yes… I will.”
Eleni slipped Johnny’s handcuff key into Halo’s hand. Halo pocketed it with a quick nod.
They returned to the officer. Eleni nodded once. “Miss Raines, I do apologize for having to keep Ms. Eleni here.”
Halo gave him a small, understanding smile. “I understand. Are we free to leave now?”
“I should have you wait…”
The officer’s partner stepped into the cabin. “Dispatch ok’d the plane’s departure. Came down from the governor’s office. They assured us that Miss Raines and the flight crew would be available later for statements.”
Gonzalez nodded. “Then you are free to go. Again, my apologies.”
Halo smiled politely. “Do you have a card? I took a video of everything. I’ll send it to you…” Halo accepted the business card Gonzalez produced. “…at your email here.”
“Very nice to meet you again, ma’am. And may I say, it’s good to see you home and well.”
“You are so kind, Officer Gonzalez.”
Eleni gave Halo a firm smile. Then they were out of the aircraft, and Catrina secured the door.
Halo walked past the galley and saw Athena texting on her phone. She paused, watching her body move; the way she shrugged her shoulders was so much like her father. Halo sat beside her and saw the tear tracks and red-rimmed eyes as Athena looked up.
“I texted my dad that I’m ok and with you.”
Halo stopped herself from asking if he had asked about her. “Good! I’m sure he was worried sick about you!”
Athena nodded. “I can tell. He held it together good. Oh, he said to say thank you.”
Halo’s heart fluttered. She must not push it, she reminded herself. “No thanks needed. I’m here for you anytime you need me. Just remember that.” She glanced around. “Ooh! Here we go. I’d better buckle up.” The plane began taxiing for takeoff.
Athena wiped at the corners of her eyes, then suddenly looked down at Halo’s belly and whispered, “Oh crap, Halo? How, uh… how are you doing? You know?”
“Better, thank you.” Halo leaned close to Athena’s ear. “Not getting as queasy, thank God.”
“That’s good! Hey, have you thought about a name for my sister?”
Halo was suddenly reminded that Athena was still not all grown up. “No idea. I need to talk with your father first…” Halo considered asking for her advice but let it go.
“It’ll be ok.”
“Athena? That was quite the ordeal you just went through. Do you want to talk about it?”
“I think I’m ok. But I don’t know if you know this… my dad told me they wanted to trade me for you. I—I’m worried for you, Halo.”
“There’s a plan in place. We can’t talk about it since we don’t know who’s listening. We need to trust Simo.”
Athena leaned closer to Halo’s ear. “Is that guy…”
Halo groaned softly. “Johnny Stone…”
Athena nearly came out of her seat. Halo placed a hand on her arm and gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s all good. He’s going to help testify against Joel.”
Athena nodded. “Did you talk to my dad yet?”
The question caught Halo off guard; a quick flash of hurt crossed her face. Before she could answer, Athena patted her hand. “Just give him some time. I know he loves you.”
Halo’s eyes widened briefly. “We did speak… briefly. Uh, how do you know?”
Athena gave her a small smile and a shrug. “I just do.”
Halo looked at her with playful shock and pressed her hands to her cheeks. “‘But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at,’” Halo said, giggling.
“Shakespeare, right?”
“Yes! It’s from Othello. Very good.”
“Hey, so my dad is with Simo at your place?”
Halo nodded. “Mine or JJ’s. I bet you just can't wait to see him!”
“You have no idea…” Athena looked down at her hands. “I missed him. I got angry with him for not staying. I thought he wanted to see you more than me…”
“Oh, Athena.” Halo slipped an arm around her.
“I don’t want to upset you.” She sighed.
“Your dad doesn’t want to see me right now.
He said he needed to deal with some things first. I don't want to push him…” Halo let out another breath.
“I’ve been told I can be too pushy. I just want to give him his space and hope he still wants… wants to be with me someday.”
“Well, I hope he does. He’d be dumb not to.”