Page 32 of Edge of Desire

“Because I have several aliases and this card is in one of their names.” He looked at the card and chuckled.

"What’s so funny?”

“This card.” He held it up. “It belongs to a guy named Miles Peterson.”

“Why is that funny?”

“If you recall, that’s the name I used when we met.”

“Right.” I still didn’t think it was funny.

“Hey look, this machine sells protein bars.”

“How exciting.”

He must’ve spent a hundred bucks in there. When he was done, we took seats at a table, and he spread his purchases out. I grabbed a bottle of water and a protein bar. When we were finished eating, I asked, “Are there comfortable seats anywhere? I need some sleep.”

We left the canteen and sat in the waiting area. I conked out. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been asleep, but he woke me up and told me our ride was here. The sun had risen, so it was morning. “What time is it?”

“Eleven.”

“Eleven? How long did I sleep?”

“Six hours.”

Six hours. Why was I still tired? I yawned and stood. When I looked out the window, a small jet waited on the tarmac with its door open. It resembled the jet owned by Middleton Enterprises, only smaller.

"You ready?”

“I guess.” I didn’t know what I was ready for or what awaited me.

We climbed the stairs of the jet and were met by a flight crew of one. I asked for a glass of bourbon, neat, but a peculiar expression formed on the man’s face.

“They don’t serve alcohol on board, Avery.”

Preston buckled my seat belt, and we were airborne moments later.

“Is it possible to go insane in twenty-four hours?” I asked him.

“I suppose so.”

“Then you might need to check me into the psychiatric ward.”

“That’s not even funny, Avery.”

“I’m not joking, Preston.”

He looked me hard in the eyes and then lifted the divider between our seats. He put his arm around me and pulled me as close to him as he could, considering we were wearing seat belts, and hugged me.

“Words can’t tell you how sorry I am about this, but I promise it will get better.”

“Do you really think so or are you just trying to make me feel better?”

The pause, the hesitation indicated what he was going to say, even before he said it.

“Probably a little of both.”

“Well, one thing’s for sure. I’ll have to get a new job.”

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