Flight

The flight south was only a few hours, and Michael relaxed in first class comfort, enjoying a meal and a couple of drinks. Carol was a few rows back, and he wondered what her future held, given what stories his boss had told him about Freedonia. She hadn't seemed to know, and he wondered what would happen when and if her ignorance was illuminated.

After landing he made his way through a long chain of corridors to the luggage carousels. He was watching the suitcases slide around the steel plates, looking for his,when he heard Carol's voice.

"There's our welcome party," she said, pointing to a slim young man holding a sign reading 'Carol Christenson/Michael O'Rourke.' "At least they got it right and put my name first. You keep watching for our stuff. I'll go tell him we're here."

He was pulling his bag off the carousel when she returned, the young man in tow. He gave a bright toothy smile and held out a hand in greeting.

"Mr. O'Rourke, welcome. I hope you had a pleasant flight."

"Excellent, thank you."

"Oh, there's is Ms. Christensen's luggage. Allow me," the young man said, plucking it off the carousel. "My name is Jay. Jay Hart. If you'll follow me I'll take you to your connecting flight."

With efficient speed he shepherded them out of the terminal and into a waiting van, Jumping into the driver's seat he pulled away from the loading area and turned down a series of ramps that eventually led to an access road.

"Our private terminal is on the other side of the international airport," he said, glancing over his shoulder.

"How long is the flight to the resort?" Carol asked.

"Just under an hour."

A short time later they pulled in front of a small building and Jay loaded their luggage onto a cart which was whisked away by another young man. A few moments later he was leading them across the tarmac to a small jet plane and helping them board, taking a seat across the aisle from them.

"You're the only passengers this morning. So you have the plane to yourselves," he explained.

Michael watched as the plane taxied into position, then roared into take off, the ground falling away beneath them. In a moment they were over water, the ocean glistening with sunlight.

Jay's estimate was excellent. By Michael's watch they touched down fifty-six minutes later. He hadn't seen the island until moments before they touched down, just a flash of azure water and shining beach before they were landing and braking to a stop on the runway and taxiing to a halt.

"Welcome to Freedonia," Jay smiled as he opened the cabin door and gestured to them. Michael and Carol stepped out into warm sunshine and a fragrant scent of floral foliage in the air. Jay pointed to a Jeep, where another man sat waiting. He stowed their luggage and helped them into the back seat before climbing in beside the driver. "It's only a five minute drive to the hotel," he grinned back at them. "We'll have you registered in no time."