The Smell of Rain by Cameron MacElvee

Author:Cameron MacElvee [MacElvee, Cameron]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635551679
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2018-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

As Chrys had anticipated, Banks objected to the whole idea entirely. But Reyha held firm until Banks conceded. As they loaded into the SUV, Banks pulled Chrys aside.

“I thought you were going to try and discourage her from going out as much. Wasn’t this afternoon enough?” Banks asked.

Chrys grinned. “She wants her ice cream and Ferris wheel ride. Did you see her face? Come on, how can you turn down that face?”

“You’re not helping,” Banks said, unable to hide her aggravation.

Chrys chuckled and climbed in alongside Reyha.

After arriving at National Harbor and finding parking, Banks directed two of her agents to proceed ahead and speak to the ride’s operator; she sent two more ahead to scope out the ice cream shop. Now she, Quinn, and Smith fell in alongside Chrys and Reyha as they walked along the marina and perused the little shops. The Capital Wheel loomed in the near distance, already lit up red-white-blue in the darkening sky.

After getting their ice cream cones, they continued inspecting the shops. Reyha wanted the sky darker before they ventured on the ride, and once she was satisfied it was dark enough, the group proceeded to the boardwalk and waited while Banks spoke with the wheel operator. Just as Reyha had noted earlier, there were fewer tourists than usual, so when the operator explained to the waiting guests he was required to board a VIP party first, there were only a few groans. He held the door to one of the gondolas, and Chrys helped Reyha take her seat. Banks started to join them, as each gondola held up to eight, but Reyha intervened.

“Do you mind if I share the ride alone with Ms. Safis? I do not see how I could be in harm’s way so far up.”

Banks hesitated, glanced over at Quinn and Smith. “As you wish, ma’am.” She shut the door and stepped away.

“Our Commander Banks seems to think an assassin waits for me at every turn.”

“She’s only doing her job,” Chrys said. “But you’re right. I doubt you’re in any danger riding a Ferris wheel.”

Reyha scooted closer and laced her fingers in Chrys’s hand. “Especially with you by my side. I feel confident you would intervene on my behalf.”

“You know I would.”

They sat back as the wheel began to turn. It was a slow rotation, allowing those in the gondolas to view the White House and Capitol, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, the city of Alexandria, Prince George’s County, and the lush parklands throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region in the distance. Chrys pointed out each landmark and smiled at Reyha’s oohs and ahs. Before long they halted at the very top, lingering there while the gondolas ahead of them emptied and filled of their passengers.

In the dim light, cut only by the glow of the colorful bulbs outlining the giant wheel, Reyha turned her attention to Chrys. “You know, I have the strangest feeling you and I have ridden a Ferris wheel together before.”

“But you told me you’d never ridden one.

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