Chapter 7- Conclusion
This is it. I'm tired, and the hero and heroine deserve a vacation.
I want to thank everyone for reading, and hanging with me on this odyssey. I'm sorry it took so long. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Joke: What do a woman's breasts, and Lionel trains have in common??
Answer: They are both made for children, but Daddies wind up playing with them.
Slutty Sonia (Remember her?)
Here we are, on the 4th level of Dante's Inferno. (HELL) . Sonia trudges around in a lake of molten lava and cow shit. Her once impressive body was inflamed, covered with lesions, and swellings. Her hair was ratty and matted. She was hungry, thirsty, and bloated, all at the same time. She was muttering and cursing her lot. Her personal demon sauntered over and pinched her left nipple.
"Hey there, good looking! What ya got cookin'?" he smirked. She flinched and pulled away.
"What do YOU want?"
"Ooooh, somebody's not having a good day here in La- La- Land. What's wrong, my pet??"
"I'm stuck here in HELL, and that cuck bastard has gotten away with my murder. And to top it all off, this dam total media coverage you guys have shown me anything you could ever want to see, except it's only what you don't want to see. That fucking red-headed cunt is rocking his world, and she is not close to the woman I am."
'The woman you were, bitch. And he loves her, too. Not to mention that kid. You're not even in the same DIVISION as her, never mind LEAGUE,' he was thinking.
"Yes, well, what would you like me to do about this?" he asked.
"When is he going to pay for this? When is he going to wind up down here? I want JUSTICE!!"
"Wellll..., I might be able to call in a couple of favors, have him join us in paradise, small p. What's in it for me??"
"You take everything already. What more can I do?"
"We'll think of something."
Biloxi, Mississippi
We were ecstatic. Grins were all over the place. I thanked Tim McGee and went out front to talk to the two State Cops. They rose as I came out.
"Well, how did it go, Mr. Tremaine?"
"Sergeant, you guys were great. For not doing anything, you did a great job. How much bar-b-que do you want?"
They grinned, and Thomas said "Tell Joe to double what he sent us on the 4th. I think that will make us happy."
I got their addresses and promised them we would do right by them.
We packed up, and I again thanked Tim. "If you ever need anything, I am at your disposal. I won't forget this."
"Thank you, sir."
We loaded up the rentals and headed to the airport. The G-3's APU was rumbling, and we took the luggage to the cargo hatch and handed them up to the co-pilot. We climbed on board and strapped in. The airstair door started to close, and the right engine started to turn.
Pete piped up, "It doesn't have to be a really big airplane, boss."
Everybody cracked up, and I shook my head.
"Gulfstream 455R, you are cleared to taxi. Use runway 21 Right; winds out of the West @ 12 knots. You are 3rd in line to take off."
"Roger Biloxi, runway 21 Right, winds out the West @ 12 knots."
"Affirmative. Contact departure control."
"455R, roger, thank you."
Soon: "455R, you are cleared for takeoff. Climb and maintain 3500 feet; contact departure control. Have a good day, sir. "
"Roger, rolling. Cleared to 3500 feet; contacting departure control."
American technology, coupled with British engineering, propelled us up, up, and away. The landing gear came up, and the big G turned to Houston Central air space. We climbed to altitude, with just about enough time to yawn, stretch, and drink a coke before the pilot came on the intercom:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into Texas airspace. The temperature in Houston is a balmy 56 degrees and severe clear. We have been instructed to inform passenger Tremaine that his presence is requested at home by his future wife, and prospective daughter, for pending celebrations. We have also been informed this is not negotiable. The flight crew extends our congratulations as well."
The cabin exploded into laughter and cheers, and we could hear chuckles from the cockpit before the intercom clicked off. I loved it.
The pilot came on a few minutes later and informed the cabin crew to prepare for landing. It was a happy bunch coming home to Conroe.
We touched down, reversers roared, and slowed us to the first turn-off, and we taxied to Garret flight ops. We deplaned and made our way to our cars. I shook hands again and made my way home. I was no sooner on the highway when I got a text: "OUR HOUSE!!" I tried to call back, but it went to voice mail. I took a chance and drove to my house.
I pulled into the driveway as the door went up, and there in the spot that used to be occupied by the BMW was a shiny Jaguar XJS, in British Racing Green, with gold pinstripes down the flanks. 'Well, someone has been busy' I thought. My Bronco rolled to a halt in his slot, and I thought I detected a slight nudge to the Jaguar.
'Easy, boy' I thought. 'She might not be interested in you. And you're so much older than she is. ...Besides, it might be a he.'
I hit the opener, and as the door closed, the kitchen door slammed open, and the hurricane stormed out.
"DADDY!!" Sonia was in full force. I scooped her up and kissed and hugged her. Her mother stood in the doorway, smiling, and tearing up. She came to me, and wrapped her arms around me, smothering me with kisses.