“Becky… I…” he stammered, heart thumping in his chest.
“What? Please, entertain me with one of your excuses. Between me, Miranda and Heidi...I would love to add it to my book of useless information.”
“Miranda?” he asked, flustered.
“And Heidi,” the male said.
“You’re not helping,” Elliot replied.
“Shut up, Russell,” Becky said and stood quickly, closing the gap. She pressed against his body. “Water under the bridge, Elliot...But I know about you and Anna. And as far as I’m concerned, you best not fuck things up again with her, understand? You broke her heart… but she still cares about you. So keep that in mind when you two talk. I would really hate it if I have to cut your balls off.”
“Understood.”
“You better. She’s a good kid... don’t screw it up.”
Elliot turned and was halfway down the aisle when he was stopped by a hand catching his arm. Surprise flared over his face when he saw her.
Anna’s eyes lit up when she spoke. “Is there a problem sir?”
“Nothing serious, ma’am,” he said with a relaxed tone. “Just routine business.
No need to alarm the passengers."
“As usual?” she asked. Green eyes that had a hurt look.
“Anna,” he tried, afraid to say the wrong thing. He stared at his feet, thankful that for the most part, no one was paying attention to them.
“You don’t have to say anything,” she started quietly. “Not that it matters really.”
“It matters,” he replied, taking in her expression.
“Two years is a long time,” Anna replied, taking a step forward this time and lowering her voice further. “A long fucking time. Never hearing from you again. What am I supposed to do?”
Elliot glanced around the spot they were in and guided her to an empty seat.
“Saying sorry won’t cut it,” he started, sitting next to her. “So I won’t because I can see you’re pissed. And you have every right. I screwed up, Anna. Big time.”
“Yes you did.” She crossed her arms in defiance, waiting until he continued.
There was a mix of anger and pain in her eyes that he couldn’t even think.
“Anna... “
“I’m listening.”
“I take full responsibility for what happened. Every part of it. What I did was wrong... and I know you probably will never forgive me.”
“Two years,” she responded. “And I won’t tell you how much that hurt.”
“I know.”
“Not even once did you try to call or email me.”
“I know,” he said. The growing anxiety was starting to reach its limit, but Elliot didn’t move. “I’ll do anything to make it up to you,” he finally said.
“Anything?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“Then ask for forgiveness.”
He didn’t even hesitate. “Please forgive me. I’m sorry for what happened.”
The sting of the slap was sudden.
“That’s for making me wait,” she said, leaning in closer. “And this…”
She pressed her lips against his in a hungry kiss- pulling with her teeth. “That’s for apologizing.”
“Maybe I need to apologize more often,” he said with a teenager's smile.
“Smartass,” she said with a giggle. “So. What’s up with you asking Becky about the passenger list? Or can you say?”
“Dallas PD had some kind of incident at a hotel. I really don’t have all the details yet... but one of the passengers may have been involved.”
“Is it serious?”
“Must not be too bad.. they’re letting us fly on to New York where the authorities will pick this person up for questioning. They want me to make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.”
“So that’s good news,” she said, touching his hand. “And… that means it can wait for a bit?”
“Well…” Elliot hesitated, not sure. “I suppose it could. Not like she can go anywhere, right?”
Anna nodded, biting her lip.
“What?” he asked, finally catching when he saw her look in her eyes.
Her eyes darted toward bathroom and her body language changed drastically.
“Ten minutes of your time is all I really need.” She almost pleaded as she touched his cheek. “Or I can get us a blanket so we can cover up… Becky and Russell won’t make their rounds for at least another thirty.
“Right here?” he said almost with a squeak.
“Why not? This spot is empty and no one is paying us attention,” Anna said. A wicked smile played across her lips. “I mean, after all. Why not pick up where we left off? Of course, if you’re not interested I could go back to what I was doing. Either way-”
He stopped her with his hand. “No...it's not that. I just didn’t want you to think…”
“That I’m just a piece of ass?” she snorted. “Give me some credit. I know we-“
Hesitation brought her to a quick stop and for a moment, Elliot thought she would shut down and walk away. Leaving him there with nothing.
Anna cleared her throat. “I know it’s more than a physical thing really. At least that’s the vibe I got when we first met. That month and a half was amazing and more than I could have asked for... so yeah, I think we’ve moved past that. At least I have. Like I said, two years is a long time.”
“I won’t disappoint you again,” he said, kissing her palm.
Anna exhaled. “You better not. I don’t have many pieces left to mend.”
“Then perhaps we can move somewhere that’s less open? I’m not one to show and tell.”
Anna giggled. “If it makes you feel any better. Give me a few minutes so I can have a head start and make sure we won’t be bothered. I’ll be in the one on the right. Don’t leave me hanging.”
*****
Whispers. Buzzing and burning her ears. Growing louder until it forced her from sleep.
Nora Grant turned her head toward the aisle, locking eyes with another passenger. It took a moment before she realized where she was and who was watching her. The man was attractive -at least in her eyes- with neatly combed dark hair. He had a smooth face and the most intoxicating pale blue eyes. Eyes that penetrated her soul. Nora stared back and smiled.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
Nora’s smile widened. “I am. More than ever.”
“Excellent. You are our most trusted agent, Nora. You and no one else will have this opportunity to start the fire. Do you understand? This will be your time to shine.”
“I will do whatever it takes,” she said. “When do I start?”
“Soon, Nora. You will know the exact time to act. Just remember… let no one stand in your way. All you have to do is open the door and let history take its course. Then you will be free.”
His words wrapped her in a warm and comforting feeling. Sending tremors throughout her body. Emotions ran like a fever, mixing and turning with a building desire.
“I will not hesitate,” Nora replied and closed her eyes. Waiting as she held the pen knife.
“Good, Nora. You will not fail. We will not fail.”
*****
Elliot watched Anna leave, focusing intently on the perfect sway of her hips. A few passengers stirred in their sleep, unaware of what was going on around them. Sometimes, he thought, the perks of being on a red-eye flight were really good. Not that this would be the first time… but it would definitely be one to remember and perhaps… Elliot caught his breath in a deep seated hope. Perhaps this was something that would rekindle a lost relationship. He leaned back in the seat, staring at the curved plane ceiling with a smile. He ticked off the seconds and devised a plan on what he would do to her. Or what she would do to him. She had been extremely talented the more he thought about it…
*****
Anna sat on the toilet seat, fighting the demons and tears that were telling her this was wrong. Her mind raced so fast that she
couldn’t keep up. Worry expanded and dug deep into her body, coiling around her chest. Too many thoughts to keep track of, and too many desires that wouldn’t stay dormant. She stood, hand touching the handle. And then sat down. Repeating the action at least six times before she decided to sit there and wait on him, hoping this wasn’t a mistake. She shut her eyes, whispering a small prayer that she would have the strength to follow through and give him another chance. Two years had been a really long time.
But there was doubt. Could she allow him back into her already complicated life? She nervously bit her lip again, staring at the door. “You can do this. This isn’t a mistake… so grow up and deal with it. As long as you tell him about Sam. Surely the news won’t upset him, right? Good grief… why do I do this to myself?”
Doubt started to fill her again and she balled her fists, squeezing and digging fingernails into skin until the pain was too much. She swallowed the fear. God, she loved him and there couldn’t be anything else she wanted. Even after all that time and heartache, she still had the same feelings. Regardless of what had happened.
“Let’s hope I don’t fuck this up,” she said, wiping her face.
Anna almost didn’t hear it. Three knocks, quick and light. She pushed open the door, trying to hide her emotions. It was overwhelming and the temptation had taken over. No looking back now.
She yanked him into the bathroom, locking the door and engulfing him with wild kisses. Elliot’s hands pulled at her uniform top, stopping for a moment to take in the quick view of her black lace bra. She promptly removed the bra, exposing small, freckled breasts that he gingerly cupped.
“Boobs.” Elliot muttered before she attacked with more desperate kisses.
“Shut up,” she replied, pushing him against the sink and tracing a hand across his chest. She gave him a wicked grin and lowered to her knees.
“You don’t have to do…”
“Be quiet,” she admonished him, stopping in mid-zip. “I know what I want. So relax.”
It only took a few moments of pleasure to drag Elliot into a fog. He couldn’t even focus as the sensation started to become too much- and as much as he wanted this, it wasn’t his intentions. Instead, he pulled her up which caused her to elicit a confused look.
“As tempting as it is, I’d rather do something else,” he said, lifting her onto the edge of the sink.
“Oh really?” she asked, toying with his shirt. “What do you have in mind?”
He parted her legs and pressed against her, kissing her hard.
“Ouch!”
“What?” Elliot asked.
“Something’s poking me,” Anna said, trying not to laugh. “Ow! What the hell? Something hard.”
“Well…”
“Ha ha, asshole. Not that… at least I hope not!” she giggled, putting her hand along the top of his pants and removing his belt.
“That’s my gun,” he replied, carefully removing it from the concealed holster. “And my baton too. Sorry.”
Anna wiggled out of her pants and then wrapped her legs around his waist. “Always on duty.”
Elliot shrugged, taking in the beauty that was before him. “Always.”
Anna gave him a hungry look and smiled. “That means you have handcuffs?”
“I never leave home without them.”
She lifted her arms and pulled him to her, feeling him press against her thigh. “Cuff me.”
“Sorry?”
“I won’t ask again…” she breathed into his ear and nuzzled his neck.
Elliot didn’t hesitate, managing to put the steel bracelets on her without losing too much concentration. Now she was all stretched out, hands cuffed above her head.
“I’m all yours.” she whispered, closing her eyes when his lips touched her body.
Anna whimpered, relenting to the building excitement that followed his touch against her chest, down her stomach and between her thighs where he vigorous efforts were met with elated sighs. She bucked against him until she couldn’t take it any longer.
*****
“Now.”
Nora sat up, palming the pen knife and concealing it from view. Intently focused on the weapon and feeling power surge inside her. It was a strange but satisfying urging, giving her resolve. A smile played across her lips as she got closer. Surprised at how calm she was. She moved with grace and purpose, coming to momentary halt.
“May I help you?” The flight attendant stood just before the bathroom. Very pretty. Black hair pulled back and looking genuinely professional. Too bad she had to die.
“Yes… sorry,” Nora said, holding onto one of the seats. “I wasn’t feeling too good…”
Faking an unsteady look, Nora lurched forward. The flight attendant moved to help, which opened up the chance to strike. It was quick and well executed with the knife finding its mark before anyone could react. Nora pushed with every inch of her strength, burying the weapon in the woman's neck as they fell against the bathroom door. Blood -hot and metallic- squirted across her face.
Gasping for breath, Becky the flight attendant was shocked at the brutal attack. Trying to stop the bleeding as it gushed between her fingers. But it was too late. Her eyes rolled back into her head, bleeding out as her attacker pushed her out of the way.
Nora heard thumping from inside the small bathroom enclosure. Over and over with urgency.
Voices swirled in and out of her conscious. Let me out. Let me out!
Nora relieved the emergency key from the dead flight attendant and clicked open the bathroom door. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw and her resolve wavered.
Fear jolted her and a scream began to build, racing forward from the depths of her soul.
*****
At first, the thumping sounds didn’t register in Elliot’s brain. He was too much into the moment as her curious mouth found his in another deep kiss. That was until the noise got louder. At first he thought someone else was getting lucky in the other bathroom like he was, and he dismissed it.
Anna broke the kiss, taking hold of him with her legs again. “Do you have a condom?” she asked, eyes filled with anticipation.
“No…” Elliot said. “I thought you may have been on the pill.”
Anna sighed. “Yes, I am.. but that doesn’t mean… Oh for fuck sake. Just do it."
He was inches from her, intoxicated by her playful smile. Moving closer and covering her mouth with his. Forgetting everything but the sight of her- filling him with overwhelming passion. He yielded and pressed forward. Every sound the plane made. Every knock and bump that resonated throughout the metal. Nothing mattered but her as she closed in and squeezed around him.
“Elliot…” she whispered into his ear. His lips grazing the side of her neck. “Elliot….”
Overwhelming memories came flooding back and she leaned into him- just like riding a bike. You never forget and she moved and relaxed, mirroring what he did. Their first time had been hurried and awkward- but after several attempts, things had moved into a more comfortable engagement.
“Wait,” Elliot said, listening.
“What is it?” she asked, perturbed at the interruption. “Don’t tell me you’re chickening out. Really? What the hell…”
He put a finger to her lips and pushed away, pulling up his pants. A heart-stopping scream in the bathroom beside them sent a chill down his spine. A hundred thoughts shot through his mind as Anna squirmed against her restraints and Elliot had to forcefully pull away.
“Sit here and wait, got it? Let me look first.”
“Like I have a choice?” she replied. “But that sounded pretty serious.”
“I know, that’s why I’m going to look before I leap.”
“Passenger safety is my concern. At least give me the key before you do something stupid and get us all sued by some lawsuit happy jerk off.”
“Here,” Elliot responded, putting the key in her hand and unlocking the door.
He turned just as Anna removed the handcu
ffs.
“What?” she asked. “Don’t give me that look. This isn’t the first time I’ve been handcuffed.”
He shook his head and retrieved his gun, wisely keeping his mouth shut, filing it for later conversation. Apparently there was more to her than he had even imagined.
With the door cracked slightly, he held the Sig Sauer P226 handgun in one hand, slowly pushing with the other. At first what he saw didn’t make any sense; his brain unable to comprehend it all. He locked onto the dead flight attendant’s body in the corridor and took a step. Another body was laying prone half way into the second bathroom, the door ajar. At least the lower half looked normal. The upper half was a different story and it nearly made him gag. He had seen a lot of carnage overseas but this was… The shell of what was once a man hovered over the second body, making a meal from blood and sinewy cartilage. He looked up at him with dead eyes.
“Elliot?” Anna spoke quietly behind him.
“Stay here,” was all he could muster as he pointed his service weapon.
Other passengers were starting to stir from the initial scream, not quite registering what was going on mere feet from their seats. For the moment, things were still under control.
“What’s going on?” Anna asked again, pushing against him.
“Stay here,” Elliot hissed over his shoulder, and took a step forward, directing his voice to the man. “Air Marshal! Sir, step away from the body and raise your hands. Do it now, sir!”
By now the commotion had drawn the male flight attendant Russell. Surprise filled Russell’s eyes.
“Sir… stay back!” Elliot ordered in a commanding voice to him.
“But...“ Russell started. “Becky may need medical attention, sir. I have a duty…” The flight attendant’s eyes fell to the other body.
“Becky is dead... now please sit your ass down and shut your mouth.”
Elliot’s heart was racing when the feasting man stood. Out of the corner of his vision, he could see a handful of passengers move out of the way.
Unhappy Endings Page 9
