Weslynn & Friends

     A chill snaked up Vince’s spine as he boarded flight #1920 to Denver. When he took his seat, he wanted to bolt. He’d never felt like that before on any flight. Why now? Security was more than adequate. He glanced at the other passengers…skiers, businesspersons, women with children, couples on winter vacations; the normal jet load of passengers. Nevertheless, he felt uneasy. Maybe, because he’d taken a commercial airline. He usually traveled in the company jet and never in a winter storm as the weather channel had predicted. However, that would not happen, not until they were in the Rockies. Vince forced himself to settle down in his seat. It would be okay, he told himself as he fastened his seat belt.

      Once they were in the air, he ordered a double bourbon and water on the rocks. He opened the best-selling mystery novel he’d just purchased at the airport. A few pages into it, he realized he wasn’t going to be able to read no matter how compelling the book. Sleeping through the flight would be the best thing. Downing his drink, he dozed off for a couple of minutes. He awoke, jolted by the plane’s rapid drop in altitude.

      “What happened?” Vince asked the passenger on the other side of the aisle.

      “Jeeze. I don’t know. Maybe, we hit an air pocket.”

      “Damn!” He cursed as the plane hit another rough spot. Hot coffee sprayed out of his cup and onto his jeans.

      “It’s going to be a little bumpy for awhile,” the pilot announced. “Keep your seat belts on.”

     The woman sitting just next to Vince placed her hand on his forearm. “What do you think is going on?”

      “Bad weather, maybe.”

      She shook her head. “I have a bad feeling about this flight.”

      Vince took a deep breath. His mouth was dry. He pushed the button to call the hostess. She didn’t respond. Well, one thing about it, if he had just boarded one too many planes, at least, he’d made the necessary changes to his will and his trust to include his mistress, Madison. Though neither his partners nor Danni knew she existed, his attorney had been well informed.

      The plane bumped along feeling and sounding as though it was falling apart. Several overhead luggage compartments fell open. Oxygen masks dropped down at random. Vince glanced out the window wishing that he’d never boarded the plane.

      “Due to mechanical difficulties, we’ll be making an unexpected stop in Albuquerque. We expect to be on the ground approximately forty-five minutes to an hour. Those who wish to stay on board may do so. The rest of you may de-plane and re-board later. I’m sorry for the delay, folks, but we’ll be on our way again as soon as possible.”

      “I knew there was something wrong.” The woman next to Vince placed her hand on his forearm again. “I think it’s a lot worse than they’re telling us. I’m getting off this plane and I’m not getting back on, repairs or not.”

     After a rough landing in Albuquerque, Vince took his briefcase, grabbed his backpack, departed the plane, called Sal to advise him of the delay and headed toward the cocktail lounge. An hour later, an announcement was made. The parts required to make the repairs weren’t available in Albuquerque; however, the captain assured them that the plane was safe to make the relatively short flight on into Denver where the parts were available. Those who felt uncomfortable continuing on the flight were given permission to book another… on this airline or on another. If they had checked luggage, they only needed to ask that it be taken off the plane. If the passengers chose to fly another airline, no refunds would be made.

     Vince downed his drink while weighing the pros and cons. He could easily stay overnight at one of the airport hotels and fly into Denver the following morning. Still, if the captain felt it was safe to fly this plane on into Denver, then it should be okay. He rose, said goodbye to the attractive woman he’d been sitting next to and moved back to the gate to re-board the jet. Handing the agent his boarding card, he walked onto the jet way carrying his briefcase. Halfway down, he realized he’d forgotten his backpack. He turned, nearly bumping into the passenger behind him.

     “Sorry, I forgot something.”

      The agent who had taken his boarding pass was busy with other passengers and didn’t notice him as he left the jet way. Walking back to the waiting area, he saw his backpack resting on the floor near the bar stool that he’d been sitting in. He retrieved the backpack, spoke to the attractive woman that he’d been sitting next to, and started back to re-board the plane again.