It was a beautiful aircraft painted white with a red stripe along its side. Its only markings were its call sign, N69SU, and a tiny American flag. Both were on the fin of the tail assembly.
As if in slow motion, a forward door opened and self-contained steps extended down toward the tarmac. An impeccably dressed steward in dark-blue livery appeared in the doorway, descended the stairs and entered the general aviation building. His name was Roger Perry. Raymond remembered him well. Along with another steward named Jasper Devereau, he’d been on the plane every trip Raymond had made.
Once inside the building, Roger scanned the lounge. The moment he spotted Raymond, he walked over and greeted him with a salute.
“Is this the extent of your luggage, sir?” Roger asked as he picked up Raymond’s bag.
“That’s it,” Raymond said. “Are we leaving already? Isn’t the plane going to refuel?” That had been the procedure on previous flights.
“We’re all set,” Roger said.
Raymond got to his feet and followed the steward out into the gray, raw March afternoon. As he approached the luxurious private jet, Raymond hoped there were people watching him. At times like this, he felt as if he were living the life that was meant for him. He even told himself that he was lucky he’d lost his medical license.
“Tell me, Roger,” Raymond called out just before they reached the stairs. “Are we full on the flight to Europe?” On every flight Raymond had been on, there’d been other GenSys executives.
“Only one other passenger,” Roger said. He stepped to the side at the base of the stairs and gestured for Raymond to precede him.
Raymond smiled as he climbed. With only one other passenger and two stewards, the flight was going to be even more enjoyable than he’d anticipated. The troubles that he’d had over the previous few days seemed a small price to pay for such luxury.
Just inside the plane, he was met by Jasper. Jasper took his overcoat and jacket and asked if Raymond wanted a drink before takeoff.
“I’ll wait,” Raymond said gallantly.
Jasper pulled aside the drape that separated the galley from the cabin. Swelling with pride, Raymond passed into the main part of the plane. He was debating which of the deeply cushioned leather chairs to take when his eyes passed over the face of the other passenger. Raymond froze. At the same time, he felt a sinking feeling in his gut.
“Hello, Dr. Lyons. Welcome aboard.”
“Taylor Cabot!” Raymond croaked. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
“I suppose not,” Taylor said. “I’m surprised to see myself.” He smiled and gestured toward the seat next to him.
Raymond quickly sat down. He berated himself for not taking the drink Jasper had offered. His throat had gone bone-dry.
“I’d been informed of the plane’s flight plan,” Taylor explained, “and since there was a window of opportunity in my schedule, I thought it wise for me to personally check on our Cogo operation. It was a last-minute decision. Of course, we’ll be making a stop in Zurich for me to have a short meeting with some bankers. I hope you won’t find that inconvenient.”
Raymond shook his head. “No, not at all,” he stammered.
“And how are things going with the bonobo project?” Taylor asked.
“Very well,” Raymond managed. “We’re expecting a number of new clients. In fact, we’re having trouble keeping up with demand.”
“And what about that regrettable episode with Carlo Franconi?” Taylor enquired. “I trust that has been successfully dealt with.”
“Yes, of course,” Raymond sputtered. He tried to smile.
“Part of the reason I’m making this trip is to be reassured that project is worth supporting,” Taylor said. “My chief financial officer assures me that it is now turning a small profit. But my operations officer has reservations about jeopardizing our primate research business. So, I have to make a decision. I hope you will be willing to help me.”
“Certainly,” Raymond squeaked, as he heard the characteristic whine of the jet engines starting.
It was like a party at the bar in the international departure lounge at JFK airport. Even Lou was there having a beer and popping peanuts into his mouth. He was in a great mood and acted as if he were going on the trip.
Jack, Laurie, Warren, Natalie, and Esteban were sitting with Lou at a round table in the corner of the bar. Over their heads was a television tuned to a hockey game. The frantic voice of the announcer and the roar of the fans added to the general din.
“It’s been a great day,” Lou yelled to Jack and Laurie. “We picked up Vido Delbario, and he’s singing to save his ass. I think we’ll be making a major dent in the Vaccarro organization.”
“What about Angelo Facciolo and Franco Ponti?” Laurie asked.
“That’s another story,” Lou said with a laugh. “For once the judge sided with us and set bail at two million each. What did the trick was the police impersonation charge.”
“How about Spoletto Funeral Home?” Laurie asked.
“That’s going to be a gold mine,” Lou said. “The owner is the brother of the wife of Vinnie Dominick. You remember him, don’t you, Laurie?”
Laurie nodded. “How can I forget?”
“Who’s Vinnie Dominick?” Jack asked.
“He played a surprising role in the Cerino affair,” Laurie explained.
“He’s with the competing Lucia organization,” Lou said. “They’ve been having a field day after Cerino’s fall. But my gut feeling tells me we’re going to puncture their balloon.”
“What about the mole in the medical examiner’s office?” Laurie asked.
“Hey, first things first,” Lou said. “We’ll get to that. Don’t worry.”
“When you do, check out one of the techs by the name of Vinnie Amendola,” Laurie said.
“Any particular reason?” Lou asked, as he wrote down the name in the small notebook he carried in the side pocket of his jacket.
“Just a suspicion,” Laurie said.
“Consider it done,” Lou said. “You know, this episode shows how fast things can change. Yesterday I was in the dog house, whereas today I’m the golden boy. I even got a call from the captain about a possible commendation. Can you believe it?”
“You deserve it,” Laurie said.
“Hey, if I get one, you guys should get one, too,” Lou said.
Jack felt someone tap on his arm. It was the waitress. She asked if they wanted another round.
“Hey, everybody?” Jack called out above the babble of voices. “More beer?”
Jack looked first at Natalie who put her hand over her glass to indicate she was fine. She looked radiant in a dark purple jumpsuit. She was a third-grade teacher at a public school in Harlem, but didn’t look like any teacher Jack could remember. From Jack’s perspective her features were reminiscent of the Egyptian sculptures in the Metropolitan Museum that Laurie had dragged him in to see. Her eyes were almond-shaped and her lips were full and generous. Her hair was done up in the most elaborate corn-row style that Jack had ever seen. Natalie had said that it was her sister’s forte.
When Jack looked at Warren to see whether he wanted more beer, he shook his head. Warren was sitting next to Natalie. He was wearing a sport jacket over a black T-shirt that somehow managed to hide his powerful physique. He looked happier than Jack had ever seen him. His mouth harbored a half smile instead of his normal expression of hard-lipped determination.
“I’m fine,” Esteban called out. He, too, was smiling, even more broadly than Warren.
Jack looked at Laurie. “No more for me. I want to save some room for wine with dinner on the plane.” Laurie had her auburn hair braided and was wearing a loose-fitting velour top with leggings. With her relaxed, ebullient demeanor and casual clothes Jack thought she looked like she was in college.
“Yeah, sure, I’ll have another beer,” Lou said.