Page 15 of Too Much In Common
“You know that isn’t the official weather.” A deep voice rumbled like thunder behind her.
“Yes, but any time I see a forecast for good weather in January, I want a second opinion.” Tian switched her tabs back and then turned to see who spoke.
She’d only seen a photo of the dark and dimpled Captain Cook before. The poor man, his name conjured cartoon images of sugar-coated cereal and one-handed pirates, without his name belonging to either. Simone giggled every time she said his name and recited his stats. Former Air Force, mid-thirties, six-one, and very single “Nice to meet you. I’m Tian Johnson, your FO.”
His brow furrowed for a split second. “I guess I should have looked you up in the company directory. I expected Christian Johnson to look different.”
“You and everyone else.” With less than seven percent of commercial pilots being female, everyone expected a male First Officer.
He inclined his head to the table on the far wall. “Let’s go find our plane.”
Too bad he was a pilot. Tian vowed never to date another pilot, and this one was the first one to tempt her since... The He-She-Never-Named, AKA The Cheater.
* * *
While Chris applauded the Ogilvies’ decision not to use the company jet for trips involving a single person, flying commercial presented an entire other set of problems. For Mrs. Ogilvie’s three-day trip to Seattle, she needed four bodyguards to rotate in twelve-hour shifts. This meant sending two ahead or subcontracting with a local firm. Colin Oglivie’s business contact in Seattle, Tate Gilman, had similar security needs, so they contracted with his firm. Since the other firm couldn’t provide a female bodyguard, Dana would be the second for this trip. She met him in the security room of Two Garden Tower.
“I can’t believe how excited I am about this assignment. The kids are great, but not having to read picture books for the entire weekend and getting paid for that blessed break is the best.”
“You miss regular service?” Chris handed her one of the airline-approved gun safes.
“Yes and no. I like the kids, but there is a reason I didn’t go to college to become an elementary ed teacher.” Dana broke down her weapon. “I always worry the airline will lose my checked luggage when I fly for work.”
“Same. I vote for the less environmentally friendly private plane option so I can carry.”
“At least you get to ride first class.”
“Only because I look more formidable in a suit than you do.” In public situations, appearing the part of a personal protector was as valuable as the weapon he locked in the case.
“Which is why I can fly in my comfy jeans.”
“See, coach has its perks.”
“Tell me that when I’m served pretzels for dinner.” Dana closed and locked her case. “I’ll see you onboard. Don’t be surprised when I pretend not to know you.”
Chris laughed and followed her from the room. Melanie Hastings, Alan’s mother and security strategist, had designed the “hidden security plan” years ago. A second bodyguard in plain sight that blended in had proven to be the key factor in a protection detail more than once.
Most of the occupants in the airport VIP lounge kept to themselves. Two other people had personal protection traveling with them. Chris recognized the bodyguards, but not their principals.
Mrs. Ogilvie sighed. “Are you going to look that glum the entire trip?”
“No, ma’am.”
“You can call me Candace. You’ve been with me a year, and I still don’t like being called ma’am.”
“Trying to keep it professional.”
“Calling me by my name is still professional. It isn’t like you can succumb to the Hastings curse. One, I am happily married; and two, you are not a Hastings.”
Chris laughed. All five Hastings children had married their clients, which had then become a running joke among the personal security community. “You forgot to mention number three. Your husband will find a creative way to guarantee I never work again.”
“That was a given. Colin is very protective.” Candace sipped from her glass of water.
Their flight was announced. Chris finished his water and stood. “May I escort you to the plane?”
Candace grabbed the handle of her computer bag. “You’d better.”
As planned, they arrived when the final passengers lined up. By boarding near the last, very few people would see Candace was on board. Dana wasn’t in the waiting area. Chris assumed she was already on the plane as planned.
