Flying Blind by Howard Hammerman

Author:Howard Hammerman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: corruption, drug cartel, private plane
Publisher: Bold Venture Press

Chapter 13

Home Free?

The next morning, Friday, everything seemed to go my way. The traffic moved smartly on the beltway, the security guard waved me through without searching my briefcase, even the elevator doors opened at my touch. The last day of teaching is always easy — that day was no exception. I went over the more difficult topics and showed examples from my consulting work.

The last PowerPoint slide winked off the screen at 11:30. I said, “Well if there aren’t any questions our class is over.” Dead silence filled the room. “Michelle, do you have anything you want to add?” She shook her head no. “Thank you, class, for your attention.” The students applauded. That had only happened a few times in my career. I blushed and thanked them again.

Brenda must have heard the clapping. She came in just as I was about to leave. “Thanks again Dan. I am sorry we can’t use you anymore.”

“No problem, I understand.” I looked away, trying to hide my smile. “I’m sure I’ll find something. Thanks for the past six months.” The last part was sincere.

I almost skipped on my way to the parking garage. When no one could hear me I shouted, “I’m free!” The sunlight glinting off the headlights turned each Ford and Chevy into a smiling co-conspirator.

The worries that plagued me at the start of the week were distant memories. I was rich and on the way to my airplane, my home, and my family.

I lacked only one thing — someone I could tell about my week. What’s the use of doing great things, if you can’t talk about them?

“Beth,” I rehearsed, “Guess what I accomplished this week. I participated in a drug deal and, in spite of the fact that several people were killed, I have over a half-million dollars in cash. Oh, also, I had great sex with a beautiful woman.”

That didn’t sound right. I would have to work on what I would and wouldn’t tell her.

I loaded the duffle full of cocaine, my computer case (stuffed with over 100, hundred-dollar bills) and my suitcase full of dirty clothes into the back of my plane. I called Beth as I walked up the stairs to the airport’s office to pay for my fuel and parking.

“Well, look who’s calling. I thought you forgot my number.”

“Hi honey, I’m done with class. I’m at the airport in Gaithersburg and should be home in about two hours. What a week, can’t wait to tell you about it. How’s Amy?”

“Better. She’s taking the pain pills. They knock her out. She sleeps a lot. When she’s awake, she complains. I’m at the store, what do you want for dinner?”

“Steaks. I’ll broil them on the grill.”

“Steaks it is. You sound great. You had a good week?”

“I had a great week. Our money problems are over. I’ll explain it all when I get home.”

“Okay,” she responded warily. “Be careful. Call when you land.”

“I will. Love ya.”

***

The young woman at the fuel counter smiled as I approached. “Did you have a good week, Mr.

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