CHAPTER 23
Travis
I noticed the same black saloon with tinted windows as we left for the airport but made a show of pretending to ignore them as best as I could.
The drive to the airport was uneventful, other than glimpses of the cars following us. I counted at least two. I kept an eye on them, but drove normally, even slowing down at a set of lights so I wouldn’t lose them by accident.
I was amazed when my phone rang as we approached the airport. I answered hesitantly. “Yeah?” It was my French contact. He sounded nervous. “What’s up, bro? Talk to me,” I said.
He spoke rapidly in vague metaphors, but I got the gist of what he was saying, though just barely.
“It is said, my friend,” he muttered, accentuating his French accent, “that Prague, it is very hot this time of year. No? Be careful in the heat. It can be…dangerous.”
“Got it. Hot weather. Thanks for the tip.”
“One more thing, mon frere. Our mutual friend in Prague—he’s eager to return the favor, so I hear. I have persuaded him that it would be unwise for him to… avoid showing you hospitality, yes?” He continued, rushing the words out. “I will be going away for a while on vacation. I have some business to attend. If you…are able to stand the heat in Prague, I will be grateful. I will be taking care of something on my end that will...help you.” The phone clicked, the call dropped his end.
I turned my phone off and passed it to Scarlett. “Take the battery and SIM out,” I silently mouthed to her.
“Who was that on your phone. A friend?” she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
“Yeah. An old friend. He said it’s a bit hot in Prague. Says we gotta stay cool, okay?” I squeezed her thigh reassuringly.
A while later, we settled into our business-class seats. We sat next to each other this time, at the back of the central aisle because I wasn’t letting her out of my sight. I’d watch her piss if I had to.
I shook my head to clear the mental image, picking up the drinks menu in front of me.
Most of the passengers drank soft drinks and tea. I, on the other hand, ordered a large whiskey, pointing at what I’d guessed was the most expensive one.
I fought better after the first few whiskies.
Scarlett relaxed now that we were on the plane. She had been nervous in the lounge, pacing. I had eventually persuaded her to have something to eat, and then two glasses of champagne.
“It’s a shame we’re not in first-class. You ever joined the mile-high club?” she asked, grinning.
“Mile high what?”
She looked at me blankly. “Really? You’re going to make me explain?” She raised her eyebrows. “You join the mile-high club when you have sex on a plane, idiot.”
She threw a peanut at me, laughing as it bounced off my forehead.
I got a large chunk of ice from my glass and slipped it down her top and into her cleavage, poking it well into her bra.
She gasped, swearing at me as she frantically removed it. “You bastard,” she laughed.
I pointed a finger at her. “Don’t mess with me, doll. I got shitloads more ice.”