Errand of Mercy: How far do you run, and where do you hide? by William Walker

Author:William Walker [Walker, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2015-04-30T23:00:00+00:00

O’Brien figured the 747 disaster was still in Lucy’s mind when she set the airplane gently down on that same tragic runway shortly after two o’clock in the afternoon. He hardly felt the touchdown. “Very, nice, Lu.”

She gave him a wide smile. “I could do it in my sleep.”

They were directed to the parking area for non-scheduled carriers, remote from the main terminal.

“I’m checking the cargo bins and the outside of the plane for bullet holes,” Lucy announced the minute the engines wound down to a blessed quiet. She threw off her seat belt harness and pulled herself out of the seat.

“Take your time,” O’Brien replied. “It’ll be awhile before they fuel us.”

“As long as I don’t miss the food when it arrives.”

When she climbed back up the boarding ladder ten minutes later, four, ten-ounce filets sitting in aluminum trays and still steaming in hot juices were waiting. “Great timing, Daniel,” she said. “I saw the catering truck.”

“Ketchup’s in the galley,” O’Brien said as he took a seat. His stomach twisted in pleasant anticipation when the aroma of the steaks and mound of Euro-style pommes frites hit him. There were no vegetables, but no one seemed to care.

“Coffee.” Gina said. “I’ve made some fresh.” She slid in the seat beside him and pulled the waxed, cardboard cover from her portion.

They were seated in the first class section of the airplane around a gray, salon table formed out of a composite plastic. Years and many owners before, the front cabin of the aircraft had been divided into an office-style arrangement that favored traveling executives.

Lucy dropped into her seat slightly out of breath. A blast of island fragrance full of warm ocean air and flower blossoms followed her. She popped a fry into her mouth. “Salt. I need salt.”

Starr approached from the rear of the cabin and changed the mood like a guest from a leper colony. His medical satchel was tight in his grasp.

“I’ve got a steak here,” O’Brien said to him.

Starr took a seat beside Lucy and stared at the meal in front of him.

After a moment O’Brien said, “Why don’t we swap seats, Lu. I’ll sit next to Gary.” He shifted seats and rearranged the table. Lucy and Gina were now on the inside.

“What was that about?” Starr asked.

O’Brien turned sideways. “None of us can figure you out anymore. Your personality has changed, or maybe you’ve always been who you are now. I’m not sure who that is, but we’re not the only ones who can’t figure you out. Maybe I haven’t known you for long, but Larry has, and he’s definitely got your number.”

Starr made a scoffing noise. “Larry’s a baby.”

“What?” Gina said.

“Yeah, a baby. You guys don’t know the half of it. He goes back to his little subdivision house after a month or two—just like you, Gina. I’m the one who has to make all the sacrifices, stuck in that godforsaken place year in and year out. I deserve whatever I’ve got.”

Gina put down her fork. “I don’t believe what I’m hearing.

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