by Melody Anne
Chapter Seventeen
Brackish wasn’t normally a violent man, but when his alarm sounded at 0600, he wanted to throw it through the wall. Normally, he was up and about by 0400 hours every day, but in the last thirty-six hours he’d slept exactly one hundred eighty minutes. He was tired, he was cranky, and he was clueless.
He threw off his blankets and let out a curse when his feet hit the cold floor. He wasn’t cranky from a lack of sleep, but because he’d been stumped. Brackish wasn’t a man who ever got stumped. He wasn’t admitting it had happened to him to a single soul. He’d searched and searched, and he’d come up empty. He had zero clue what his mission was in Paris, and he didn’t like the feeling. He hadn’t been outwitted in a long time — and to have it happen by a seventy-something-year-old man and Chad, freaking Chad of all people, wasn’t sitting well in his gut.
Brackish showered in two minutes, dressed in three, and was in the kitchen eight minutes from the time he’d risen. He was pushing down his second cup of coffee when Eyes sauntered in, looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Brackish wanted to slug him.
“Hello, brother. It’s a glorious morning. What are you doing up so early? Weren’t you working until about four?” Eyes asked with a wink.
“You’re so damn amusing,” Brackish replied, taking an almost violent bite out of his bagel.
“I know. I get that a lot,” Eyes said as he poured coffee and heated a Hot Pocket. Eyes rarely ate breakfast food. He lived on a diet of whatever was fast and cheesy. “Want me to call an Uber, Lyft, or pull out the moped?” he continued, ridiculously cheery. It was disgusting.
Brackish wasn’t even sure if Erin was going to show. If he was confident about that, he was sure his mood would hugely improve — being stumped and all.
“What I really need is for you to shut the hell up and get the car ready,” Brackish said.
Eyes laughed, not at all offended by Brackish’s foul mood. “Since I have an easy day I guess I can chauffeur your ugly ass to the airport. It must be rough, flying off in a private jet with a hot woman.” He paused as he laughed. “While you’re joining the mile-high club should I do your laundry, pick up some items for you at the store, or clean your room?”
“Okay,” Brackish said with a slight smile. “I guess this is a great mission, and I could stop being such a douche about it. You can stop with the sarcasm.”
“I live to serve you,” Eyes said as he bit into his Hot Pocket then started pulling cool air into his mouth as he danced around. Brackish managed to chuckle.
“Now that definitely cheered me up. When are you going to learn the cheese is hot?” Brackish mocked. Then he sobered again. “I can’t figure out what my mission is. I honestly can’t tell you when that last happened.”
“Sounds like you’re impotent,” Eyes said, taking a smaller bite this time, cheese squirting out of the side of the ridiculously good pastry.
“I should know better than to share with you,” Brackish said while downing the rest of his coffee and pouring another cup.
“I can’t wait to find out what it is,” Eyes said. “I need to know how Joseph and Chad outsmarted you. I didn’t think that was possible.”
“Me neither,” Brackish muttered.
“Well, let’s get this show on the road,” Eyes told him.
They continued with their banter as they walked the hallway to the garage and climbed inside their vehicle. The private airport was about a thirty-minute drive.
“Have you spoken to Erin again?” Eyes asked.
“Nope, not since the strange phone call we had a few days ago. Chad assured me she’ll be there, but I’m not confident.”
“Who’s bringing her?” Eyes asked.
“I don’t know,” Brackish said. He was tense. He really, really wanted her to be there. If she didn’t show and Chad tried to throw another woman into the role, Brackish was bailing. He wasn’t going to listen to some woman talk and talk for hours on end in a jet, and then for who-knew-how-long in Paris. No way. Besides, if it got back to Erin that he’d flown to Paris with another woman, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
Most of the ride to the private airport was silent. Brackish was calculating all he’d researched and searching his mind for all Chad and Joseph had told him. There had to be a clue in there somewhere.
“We’re here, brother. Now get out of the car and have a great trip,” Eyes said as he pulled up to a small, private hangar.
“This isn’t where we flew into,” Brackish said. Damn, he was way off his game. He hadn’t realized they were flying from a different location than where most of their team had come in to when they’d first arrived in the Seattle area.
“Nope, not when Erin is coming too. You have to use a legitimate private airport,” Eyes said.
Brackish climbed from the car and grabbed his suitcase. “Try not to have too much fun while I’m gone.” Those were his parting words before he shut the door and moved toward the double doors that had a security guard who nodded at him.
Brackish nodded back and walked inside. He felt his mood increase dramatically when he saw Erin sitting in the corner of the room, a cup of coffee in her delicate hand. She looked up and their eyes met. She didn’t jump to her feet and climb into his arms, but she didn’t tell him to go away, and more important than anything else . . . she was there. That meant she was definitely going with him.
He moved up to her, not getting too close. She stood, looking a little unsure of herself and quite tired. He’d bet his last dollar she’d worked the night before. Maybe he’d get his wish and they’d cuddle together and sleep for the flight . . . well, for some of the flight.
“Good morning,” he said. “You look beautiful.”
She smiled. “I’m a hot mess right now. I only found out about this trip six hours ago. I’m tired and feel totally unprepared.”
“I respectfully disagree. You’re never a hot mess,” he said. Damn, he wanted to hold her like his life depended on it. “I’m really glad you’re coming,” he added after a short pause.
“Me too,” she said, her cheeks flushing slightly. “It was an offer I couldn’t refuse, though I’m still not really sure what I’m supposed to do.”
“I’ve missed you,” he said. He’d rather they not do the trip together if she hadn’t missed him. That would hurt. Seeing her after weeks apart made him aware that he cared about her. He didn’t understand it, couldn’t comprehend it, but he actually cared about her . . . a lot.
“I’ve missed you too,” she said, shifting on her feet. She looked down and then up again.
“Erin . . .” he began, but she held up a hand and he stopped talking. She was trying to speak and he definitely wanted to hear what she had to say.
“I’m sorry, Steve, really, truly sorry. I knew within a day of you being gone that I’d completely overreacted. I knew you hadn’t filmed me, filmed us. I’d made a mistake. But what I didn’t know was how to suck up my pride and apologize for being a jerk. At first I was incredibly embarrassed, and then days turned into weeks and I didn’t know how to approach you.” She stopped and he started to talk again, but she still held up her hand. “I truly am sorry. I should’ve said it sooner. I wouldn’t blame you for walking away. I’m more of a hot mess than I look this morning.” She gave a little chuckle at the end, but he saw deep vulnerability in her eyes. She was giving him a gift with her words. He knew without her having to tell him that she didn’t often apologize, she didn’t often open herself up like this. It was the greatest gift she could give.
Brackish no longer hesitated. He stepped up to her, took her coffee cup away and set it down, then gathered her in his arms. “Thank you. Thank you for that. The entire thing is already forgotten,” he said, holding her close and looking her in the eyes so she could read the truth of his words.
She smiled, this time a real smile as light shone from her eyes.
“Just like that?” she asked.
“Just like that,” he told her. “Now kiss me, wom
an. It’s been way too long.”
“Thank you,” she said. And then she kissed him, a soft kiss at first, her lips brushing against his. But then his arms tightened around her, and her fingers dug into his neck, and things heated up real quick.
They remained locked in each other’s arms for several minutes before Brackish heard a loud clearing of someone’s throat. He wanted to punch the person daring to interrupt them when he finally had Erin back in his arms. It took a lot of effort, but he managed to pull away. Erin looked confused when he turned. Then she looked slightly mortified when she realized they weren’t alone.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but we’re ready to board,” a man said, looking away while trying to hide a smile. Brackish was sure the man had seen many lovers embracing in this airport.
“Thank you,” Brackish said. He reluctantly let Erin go, grabbed the handle of her bag, then his own, and waited for her to step out in front of him as they followed the man out the back door of the small building.
“Where’s security?” Erin asked as they moved outside and began walking toward the steps of the enormous private jet before them.
“This is a private hangar. No security required,” Brackish told her.
“Wow. I’ve never done anything like this before,” Erin said. “I’m seriously glad Joseph talked me into it.”
“Me too,” Brackish said.
“I’ll have the bags loaded,” the man leading them said. You can follow me onboard and I’ll makes sure the luggage is placed in your room.”
“Thank you,” Brackish told him, releasing the handles of the bags. The man grabbed them and jogged up the stairs into the jet, disappearing.
“Are you ready for this?” Brackish asked Erin as he took her hand. It felt damn good to have it in his again.
“More than ready,” she told him.
He placed his hand on her back as she began moving up the steps, then he ran into her back when she stopped just inside the entrance to the plane.
“Oh . . . my . . . gosh!” she exclaimed. He looked over her head, and had to admit he was a bit in awe himself. He’d flown all over the world during his missions, but this had to be the nicest jet he’d ever stepped inside. Brackish might have a lot of money, but he was smart with it. He had no problem flying commercial. That might change after this trip, damn it.
The inside of the jet was large, and perfectly set up with a few chairs in a circle, surrounding a table in the main room. Beyond that room was a hallway that must lead back into the bedroom the man had spoken of. Brackish was sure there’d be a nice shower and kitchen on board as well. One thing he’d learned about Joseph Anderson was the man spared no expense.
“Your bags are in the back room,” the man said as he joined them again. “Go ahead and take a seat. The flight attendant will be out shortly.” Brackish reached into his pocket to tip the man. “No, no, but thank you,” he quickly said. “We’ve already been generously taken care of.” And then, before Brackish could argue, he was gone.
The flight attendant showed up as if on cue. “Good morning, Erin and Steve. I apologize for using your first names, but I wasn’t offered last ones, which happens with a lot of clients on this jet,” she added with a friendly smile. “My name is Kennedy. Would you like to sit and relax or have a tour? The captain will be ready for takeoff soon.”
“I’d love a tour, Kennedy. Thank you,” Erin said. “And I prefer my first name used.”
She walked them through the jet, impressing Brackish, and leaving Erin in awe. The technology, of course, was beyond impressive, but so was the furniture and the color scheme. The jet screamed of money but comfort as well, just like Joseph’s home. Down the hallway was an impressive office that Brackish was sure was the equivalent of the one on Air Force One, a nice sized guest bathroom, and two smaller bedrooms with private facilities in each one. Then they stepped through a door in the back of the jet where a bedroom waited. Brackish was shocked at the size of it. It held a California king-sized bed with nightstands on each side and room to spare. There was a large closet off to one side and a fully stocked bar with a fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and icemaker. On the wall in front of the bed was a massive television, and to the left of that another door that led to a large bathroom with a private shower and all the fixings.
“Heck with a hotel, let’s just stay on the jet in Paris,” Erin said with a giggle. “This thing has everything. I’ll never want to fly commercial again . . . not that I fly often.”
“I agree,” Brackish said. He wasn’t often impressed, but he was right then.
There was a ping from the captain and the flight attendant smiled. “Let me take you back to the front and you can get comfortable. I’ll get you a drink and appetizers for takeoff. Mr. Anderson has left you an envelope as well.”
Brackish held Erin’s hand as they made their way back to the front, and he sat next to her in extremely comfortable chairs. It didn’t feel as if they were on a plane at all. Even the windows were oversized, though still round.
The flight attendant came back with their drinks and a tray with cheese, fruit, nuts and meats. She asked if they needed anything else, then left them to go and buckle up for takeoff.
“This is incredible,” Erin told him.
“I won’t hesitate to do the next mission,” Brackish said with a laugh.
“Me neither,” she agreed as she held up her glass. He grabbed his and clicked it against hers. “To a new adventure,” she said.
“To many more new adventures,” he said. He took a sip then leaned over and kissed her. He might’ve said screw it and hauled her back to the bedroom, but the captain’s voice came over the intercom.
“Good morning. We’re now getting pushed back, so make sure you’re buckled up and ready to go. We’re flying today on a Boeing 787-8 BBJ,” he said. “One of my favorites in the fleet. We’re going to have a smooth ride that will take us approximately nine hours. If you have any questions make sure you ask Kennedy, our wonderful flight attendant. Other than that, sit back, relax, and enjoy the friendly skies.”
Brackish let out a whistle and Erin turned to him. “What?”
“This jet costs over two hundred million dollars,” he said. “With all of these upgrades, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was more.”
Erin choked on her drink, her eyes widening. “Wow. I can’t comprehend that much money,” she admitted.
“That’s beyond wealthy, that’s not comprehendible to most people,” he said. “There are very few in the world who have that much.”
“That’s a good thing. I love capitalism, and believe that the harder we work, the more we can earn, but billionaires are hard to understand. At some point doesn’t a person just think what’s the point? I mean, there’s no way to ever spend it even with jets that cost this much.”
“Yes and no,” Brackish said. “Money makes the world go around. There are some who hoard all they have. But if it wasn’t for millionaires and billionaires, there’d be no middle class. It takes money to make money. If a billionaire is providing millions of jobs, I’m all for it.”
“I guess that’s a good point,” Erin said. “I’ve never really thought of it like that.”
“Don’t get me wrong. There are some out there who take advantage of the people they deem beneath them. But most business-minded people thrive on success and creating job growth,” he told her.
The plane began speeding up and Brackish pulled out the contents of the envelope. Inside, a blue post it note was on the top of the papers: a personal note from Joseph. Brackish read it once, then twice, and then burst out laughing.
“That old meddler,” he said.
“What?” Erin asked, reaching for the papers. He handed her the sticky note. She read it, then read it again, and then joined him in laughing.
“I’ve never been set up. I don’t know what to think about it,” Brackish said, still smiling.
“This is a new one for me,” Erin replied. Then she looked at the other p
apers. She tucked the note from Joseph into her purse.
“You’re going to keep that?” he asked.
“It’s a personal note from Joseph Anderson. You bet I’m keeping it,” she told him. He looked at it one more time before it disappeared.
Surprise. There is no mission. We just decided to get the two of you kids locked up together. Have fun. XOXO Joseph Anderson.
“Do you know how many hours I spent researching to try to figure out what this mission was?” Brackish said as Erin gasped over the papers in her hand. She hadn’t even heard his words.
