Page 9 of Into The Light

He nodded and kept driving. His silence indicated he regretted asking such a basic question like my destination. I had scared the Uber driver. That was saying something. These guys had seen it all.

A few stoplights, some turns and a short stint on the freeway and I watched the arrival dot growing closer. Peering out the front window I saw an empty parking lot sprawled out in the warehouse district.

Empty parking lots. Abandoned warehouses. Yep. I was going to die.

“I don’t see anyone,” he said, and double checked the address. Our little car icon sat directly on the purple dot on his screen. This was the place.

“Thank you,” I said as I opened the door. “I’ll just wait for them here.”

“I think I’ll wait with you.” His voice dripped with concern.

“Really? You would do that?”

“Of course.” He turned back in his seat. “This sounds like a terrible idea. I will sleep much better tonight if I make sure you’re safe.”

What a sweet guy. A kind, sweet Uberman I was lucky had answered my call. I felt much better with him being here although ironically, I knew him about as well as I knew Aiden and Mark.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it. I don’t do things like this but desperate times and all. It’s not often you meet such a generous Chicagoan.”

“I’m from Wisconsin.”

Figures the nicest person I had met in a while was from good old Wisconsin. I laughed and nodded. “Me, too. Go Pack Go!”

“Go Pack Go!” he cheered back.

A loud thump-thump-thump sound coming from above cut our little Wisconsin reunion short. We opened our doors and peered out to see a helicopter descending to the parking spot a dozen yards away.

“Holy shit,” he muttered as it touched down.

“Holy shit is right,” I responded, though the thumping of the blades likely made my response inaudible to him.

The black helicopter landed with ease, the blades slowing down as the door opened. Mark stepped out; his stylish look had changed but didn’t disappoint. White linen pants topped by a tailored blue button-down made up the perfect outfit for this warm summer day. He slipped off his trendy shades, and his eyes smiled as big as his mouth.

“Emilia! You made it!” He clapped and waved for me to join him.

I looked over at my Uber driver. Equal parts of concern and awe met my eyes.

“What’s your name?” I called to him over the car.

“Jake!” he shouted back.

“I’m Emilia Charles! Thank you, Jake! Remember my face... and remember his! If I turn up dead on the beach, you know what to do!”

“I’ll be watching the news! Good luck, Emilia! I hope it’s everything you wanted and more! Try not to get killed!” He waved as I scrunched down and fought the wind to arrive at Mark’s side. He met me with a warm embrace.

“I’m so glad you’re here! Come with me! The world awaits!”

I took his hand and stepped into the helicopter. It had posh leather seats with two mimosas poured and ready on the table between them.

“Grab a mimosa and hold on to it tight. Based on your record with spilling drinks last night, I probably shouldn’t have worn white next to you.” He winked and flashed his warm smile.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I strapped myself in and took a swig of the fresh squeezed orange juice and champagne.

“Ready!” he called up to the pilots.

The sound of the blades sped up, and the thumping reverberated through my body as the speeds reached full height... though it may have been my pounding heart. I looked out the window at Jake. He leaned over the top of his Taurus, watching as we ascended into the air. I raised my hand and waved before pressing it to the window. He returned the wave with a concerned smile. Down there, my Uber driver Jake was the only person who knew I had left in a helicopter with a total stranger. I wondered if he’d be combing the newspapers for weeks looking for stories of dead girls and wondering if any of them were me. We held eyes until the helicopter spun him out of sight.

“It’s not a far ride from here,” Mark shouted over the whirring of the blades. “Just enjoy your mimosa and relax. We’ll chat when we get there!”