Page 56 of Resolutions

Not having a clue what she's talking about, I glance from Steve to her and back. Steve looks at me with new softness in his eyes. “Really?” Looking at me, he asks Evelyn.

“Worse,” is all she says, causing him to snap his head back to her.

Evelyn nods and something in Steve changes. I don't know what caused it, but he becomes almost protective. Stepping beside me, he holds out an arm.

“Come on this way. Eric's finishing the pre-flight checks. We'll head out shortly. You'll be safe on board.” Steve leads us up the boarding stairs, his military bearing evident in every movement.

The plane's interior takes my breath away. It's everything I'd imagine in a private jet but had never seen in person. Leather captain's chairs arranged in conversational groupings, a plush sofa facing a bank of screens, another TV visible near the front. Evelyn moves confidently to the galley area, stowing her bag in an aisle captain's seat before starting coffee.

“Where would you like to sit, dear?”

“Opposite you, if that's alright?” I wait for her nod before settling in. “Can I help?”

“Thank you, but I'm fine.” She calls from inside the refrigerator. “I've worked this galley many times.”

Steve reappears from the cockpit, drawn by the aroma of brewing coffee. “My favorite smell.”

“It'll be ready momentarily. I've brought breakfast burritos and rolls for once we're airborne,” Evelyn tells him with a smile that earns an appreciative grin in return. “Then I have snacks and sandwich makings for later.”

Eric joins us he's a shorter, stockier version of Steve. After brief introductions, and his assurance that everything will be alright, Evelyn brings everyone coffee in travel mugs. A minute later, the guys advise us to take our seats for takeoff. As soon as we're airborne, I fall asleep.

“Melanie.” Evelyn gently shakes my shoulder.

I jolt awake and try to stand, but my seatbelt flings me back into my seat. I sit blinking, trying to get my bearings.

“It's okay, honey, you're safe. Everything's okay, you're with me. You're safe.” Evelyn pats my hand, running her other hand up and down my arm. “We're in the air; he can't hurt you.”

I close my eyes and shake my head, taking a couple of deep breaths. When I open them, I see Steve watching me with a saddened expression.

“I'm sorry. I guess I really conked out.”

“I'm sure, this is the first time you've felt like you could let your guard down and relax. I promise you're safe.” From somewhere, Evelyn produces a plate with two breakfast burritos and fruit. “I woke you so you could eat. You need your strength. I'll refill your coffee and get you juice.” Evelyn puts the plate on my pull-out table, takes the coffee mug, and heads to the galley, Steve following her.

“Thank you,” I say between bites when she returns, minus Steve, with my drinks. “Steve probably thinks I'm crazy.”

“Not at all. Believe me, he's seen worse.”

“What exactly do you all use this plane for?” I ask, realizing I probably won't get an answer.

“What a grand question that is.” Evelyn smiles widely at me. “The less you know about certain things, the better.”

The rest of the flight passes smoothly, I assume, because I fall back asleep before finishing my meal. This time, Evelyn lets me sleep the rest of the way.

Upon landing in New York, Evelyn coordinates with Law while I gather our things. His car service is already waiting at the private aviation terminal. Our driver is quite literally a tree of a man. Dressed in black cargo pants and a black t-shirt reading “Bears Bounty and Bonds,” he's easily six-foot-five with dark blond hair and startling blue eyes, muscles rippling from neck tofeet. If being in New York makes me feel safe, this man makes me feel guarded and secure - something I've been missing.

“Mrs. Whitaker? Melanie?” He holds out a hand. “Pleased to meet you. I'm Farris. Law sent me.”

We chat about small talk all the way back to the office. Farris points out sites for my benefit. Parking in a secure coded garage, we take the elevator to the Bear's Bonds and Bounty office. When the elevator doors open onto their floor, both Evelyn and I stare at the massive logo - a snarling bear's head clutching a skull with crossed axes in its teeth. The logo is as imposing as its name suggests.

“Well, that's terrifying,” Evelyn remarks as she steps out.

“Given their line of work, I'd say it's effective,” I counter, earning an appreciative chuckle from Farris.

He shows us around, explaining that Law is finishing with another client. Front offices downstairs, then upstairs to a room filled with cutting-edge technology, a professional-grade kitchen complete with an extensive coffee and refreshment bar, and a conference room that could be off the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

“Help yourselves to anything. I'll let Law know you're here.” Farris leaves us in the conference room.

Walking through the door back into the kitchen, Evelyn and I stand, surveying the options. “Good heavens, look at all this. I may never leave,” Evelyn exclaims, examining the coffee station with gleaming eyes.

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