Nearest Night by David VanDyke

Author:David VanDyke [VanDyke, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-06-30T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

“How about another Scotch?” Skull asked the statuesque flight attendant as he held up an empty highball glass.

“You know that’s part of our ambassador’s private stock, don’t you?” asked Cameron.

“Well, tell Sir Frumpy-Pants that I compliment him on his taste…in all things.” Skull eyed the woman in appreciation as she brought him his next glass of single malt.

She returned a meaningful smile and brushed his cheek with her blouse as she leaned over, as if by accident.

Skull folded the cocktail napkin that came with his drink, concealing the phone number written thereon, and pocketed it. He never allowed himself to be distracted by sex on a job, but between times, he permitted himself a few indulgences. Perhaps the next time he visited Britain…

“We’re almost there anyway,” said Cameron checking his watch. “We didn’t hit the expected headwind.”

“This private jet stuff is definitely the life,” Skull said, sipping. “I could get used to it.”

“I’d rather you didn’t. At least not when it involves His Majesty’s aircraft and the ambassador’s whisky.”

“What are you complaining about? You’re getting off easy. This is a bargain. Or would you rather I’d kicked around The Hague another day or two while I tried to get a flight?”

Cameron sat back in the plush leather seat. “Definitely not.” He turned to the flight attendant and pointed at Skull’s glass. “Would you bring me one of those, please? Neat.”

“That’s the spirit,” said Skull.

“I’ll blame it on you.”

When his drink arrived, he raised it in Skull’s direction. “Here’s to seeing your backside.”

“Sorry, bud, I don’t swing that way.”

“Pity. Makes things so much simpler.”

“…Now that some other minority group is the target of public suspicion, you mean?”

Cameron shrugged. “Every cloud, and all that.”

Skull nodded, and with a plummy faux accent said, “Silver lining? Oh yes, old chap. Good show.”

“You’re terrible at that, you know.”

“I’m a one-trick pony. Well, maybe two or three.” He winked at the flight attendant.

An hour later they made a smooth landing at a small private airport in Wyckoff, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New York City. They taxied toward a row of hangars, where a Security Service SUV waited for them.

“You sure this is going to work?” asked Skull. “Maybe I should retrieve my bag, just in case.”

“No,” said Cameron. “You’ll keep all your weapons stowed and safely out of reach. This isn’t just about you. If there is an incident at this stage it could implicate more than just you. Have no fear. All is arranged.”

“Great. You’re overconfident.”

“Relax. We have two important things working for us.”

“Such as?”

“Our diplomatic status.”

There came a knock on the skin of the plane. A few seconds later, the pilot opened the door and lowered the stairs. A large man in uniform climbed up and stuck his head inside, looking back along the small cabin.

“And the other?” Skull asked.

“A healthy dose of the almighty dollar,” said Cameron.

The customs official walked back between the aisles. “How many disembarking?”

“Only one,” Cameron answered, pointing at Skull. “The gentleman seated right there.”

“Passport,” the customs agent said holding his hand out.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.