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My heart swelled with the promise of her words, the echoes of her excitement intertwining with my own.
Soon it was time for her to board. So, I followed Courtney as she ascended the steps into the plane, her new engagement ring glinting in the sunlight.
Inside, Downing surprised us as he held an open bottle of champagne. He raised his glass high, proposing a toast to us. The pilot chuckled, "I'd love to join in, but I have to heed the old pilot's creed, '24 hours between the bottle and the throttle.'"
"I appreciate that," Courtney giggled, taking a sip and settling in her seat.
After the pilot proceeded to the cockpit, I gave Courtney a final kiss and then, along with Downing, made our way down the stairs while the flight assistant closed the door.
As the plane's engines roared to life, I saw Courtney's face light up in the window, beaming with excitement and a hint of nervous anticipation. Downing and I waved at her one more time. She reciprocated, blowing a kiss in our direction, another glint of her engagement ring making my heart flutter with joy.
Turning towards Downing, I found a rare sight--a slight smile graced his usually stern face, his eyes reflecting a quiet understanding of the moment's significance. "To the future," he raised an imaginary glass in a toast, acknowledging the joyous occasion amidst our ongoing ordeal.
"To the future," I echoed.
Chapter Twenty
Courtney
The moment I stepped out of the cab and into the luxurious lobby of Seattle's Seascape Hotel, I was struck by a wave of calm and reassurance. I took in the majestic chandeliers, the elegant décor, and the murmur of bustling conversation that filled the place. It was just past noon, and Seattle was showing off its beauty with a bright, clear sky.
Focusing on the excitement at seeing friends again, I headed over to the hotel's well-known restaurant. I was there to rendezvous with Jenna and Dylan, and while I was eager to see them, I couldn't forget the importance of my meeting with Clint Tyree.
As I approached our table, I spotted Jenna's infectious smile across the room, with Dylan's adoring gaze fixed on her. My lips curved into a genuine smile at the sight of them. It felt like ages since we'd last caught up, and seeing them so madly in love was comforting.
"Hey, you two," I greeted, hugging them both tightly. Their joy was evident, providing a soothing reminder of the beauty in life despite the circumstances I found myself in. Their contentment fueled my resolve to protect those I cared about, reminding me why I was putting myself at risk.
As we settled into plush velvet seats in a fancy restaurant, the afternoon sun filtered through the window and danced on the tables. An elegant silverware setting gleamed in front of us, and a soft melody played from a grand piano near the corner, setting the perfect ambiance for our catch-up lunch.
"Wow, Courtney," Jenna exclaimed, reaching out across the table to gently hold my hand, her eyes fixated on the sparkling diamond on my finger. "This engagement ring is absolutely stunning. Brad truly outdid himself."
I felt a warm blush creeping up my cheeks as I thanked her, "He did, didn't he? I'm still getting used to it." I wiggled my fingers, watching as the diamond caught the light.
Jenna grinned widely, her joy genuine and infectious, "I'm so excited for you, Court. You deserve all this happiness."
"Jedediah still hasn't come to pick up the work truck and drive it back to the ranch," Jenna noted.
"Oh, I have to call and remind Dad. He's still in Maine." I blotted my lips on the napkin, a gentle but stern reminder that my father had no idea what I was up to. And I had no idea how to explain the whirlwind my life had become in the last weeks—my college courses a distant memory.
At that moment, I found my gaze drifting away from the conversation, the joyful anecdotes, and the reminders of responsibilities. I silently retreated into a quiet corner of my mind, where I could let my worries fade into the background for a little while.
That's when I noticed the Seattle skyline. It was visible through the massive windows of the Seascape, the iconic structures etched against a clear blue sky, casting a soft glow over us. I watched as the bustling and tranquil city seemed to pulse with life, oblivious to the trials I was embroiled in. It was a poignant reminder of the world outside, carrying on regardless of our personal tribulations.
I took in the tranquility of the moment, savoring the taste of my gourmet lunch, the sound of Jenna's laughter, and the comforting presence of Dylan. But beneath my calm exterior, I knew I was on the clock. My gaze frequently flitted to my wristwatch, keeping track of time, wondering if Brad and my protectors had arrived. I couldn't afford to let my guard down. I had a vital mission to finish.
The afternoon slipped into a comfortable rhythm. We reminisced, laughed, and shared stories over our meals. However, I was keenly aware of the hours dwindling away, the minutes ticking by. I glanced at the elegant gold watch around my wrist—again. It was time!
"I'll be right back," I said, excusing myself. I saw a flicker of concern in Jenna's eyes but dismissed it with a reassuring smile. As I left the table, I felt the weight of their gaze, a silent reminder of the normalcy I yearned for.
I walked toward the women's restroom, my heels clicking on the tiled floor as my heart thumped widely. In the relative privacy of the restroom, I paused in front of the large mirror. My reflection stared back at me—calm, poised, dressed in a chic blouse and tailored pants. But beneath the polished exterior, I felt a rush of different emotions. Fear, determination, and a sense of responsibility swirled within me, reminding me that I was a woman on a mission, about to face one of the most significant challenges yet.
With deft fingers, I began to prepare for what lay ahead. I slipped the wire into place, tucking it beneath my blouse. The metallic chill of the wire against my skin sent a shiver through me—an ominous reminder of what was at stake.
I then took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts and my courage. As I whispered into the wire, "This is Courtney. Can you hear me?" my voice echoed softly around the quiet restroom as I awaited a response.
The following moments of silence felt like an eternity until the reassuring voices of Butch and Dave came through. "We can hear you loud and clear, Courtney. We're in position."
Their confirmation was a lifeline, anchoring me back to reality. It was happening. It was real. The gravity of the situation was undeniable, but so was my resolve. I traced my fingers over the wire one more time, its cold presence serving as a grounding force.
