Ftl by John Wegener

Author:John Wegener [Wegener, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Wegener

Apep landed at LA Airport in the midafternoon on Thursday. Turbulence had made it a rough flight, even at high altitude, which surprised him. After being waved through the ‘Nothing to Declare’ lane of Customs, he strolled outside to catch a taxi to his hotel. But as he left, he noticed a man with his name displayed on a tablet, so Apep approached him.

“Hello, I’m Apep Chernakov. Why do you display my name?”

“Welcome, Mr. Chernakov. I am a valet from your hotel, and we have arranged transport for you.”

“The Hilton?”

“Yes, the Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles.”

“Well, what a pleasant surprise,” Apep said, impressed by the service.

“Come,” the valet said. “Follow me and let me help you with your bags.”

Apep handed over his baggage cart and followed the valet from the airport to the waiting vehicle. The ride to the hotel was uneventful. He checked in, and a porter ushered him to his room, arranging Apep’s bags on the stand provided and checking the room. Apep almost forgot that you tipped in America. Realizing the porter was waiting for a tip, he pulled his credit chip from his pocket, nominated a quantity, and tapped the porter’s terminal on his jacket. The chip gave a soft beep, transferring credit, and the porter left.

The flight made Apep tired, and he wanted to relax, sip a beer, and nap. He retrieved a bottle of beer from the bar fridge and lounged in a chair, thinking. He had two days to kill before the dinner on Saturday night. What should he do? Before he had time to contemplate his choices, the doorbell chimed.

“Room service,” a voice announced. The voice sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it.

He rose, strolled over, and pressed the button to display the visitor. A beaming smile came to his face. He opened the door. “Hugo, how are you?”

“Apep! I am well. And you? You have put on weight since I saw you last,” Hu said, tapping his expanding waistline.

Apep smiled. “Come in and let me give you a hug.”

Hu entered the room and Apep wrapped her in his arms in a tight bear hug. He broke the hug and kissed her on both cheeks. They held each other’s shoulders and gazed at each other, comparing the apparition before them with what they remembered.

“Ahh. You are as charming as ever,” Apep commented, beaming. “But what brings you here?”

“You always know what to say to a woman, Apep. Must be that Russian charm. I suspect we are here for the same reason. Minor accidents here and there, maybe?” Hu hinted with a querying eye.

“Yes, yes. Accidents. So, you will dine with Ethan on Saturday as well?”

“Yes. I dined with him last night, too. We had a ball.”

“Ethan and you always could create trouble, yes!”

“We have matured since those days, Apep. The big news is that Ethan has a girlfriend. I met her last night,” Hu said.

“Really? I never believed I’d see it. What’s she like?”

“They seem perfect for each other. I hope it works out for them.

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