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CHAPTERFORTY-SIX
The plane touched down on the tarmac at Jackson, Mississippi, in a text book emergency landing. Bryce gripped the armrest as he was pinned to his seat by the rapidly applied brakes. Out the window he caught a glimpse of the fire and airport service vehicles all lining the runway, ready to go into action if the landing hadn’t been clean.
When the Boeing 737 slowed to a halt well away from the main terminal, a large sigh rose from the passengers. They broke out in a round of loud whoops and applause. Even Bryce applauded. A great performance should always be acknowledged.
“Welcome to Jackson, Mississippi, folks. We will be asking you to disembark here and collect your luggage. The airline is already working to get you all on other flights as quickly as possible, but I am advised some of you may have to stay here tonight. Hotels will be arranged for you. On behalf of the airline I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, but your safety comes first,” announced the pilot.
The flight attendant, William, arrived at Jonathan’s seat. “Hey buddy, how are you?”
Jonathan smiled. “I’m ok.” He turned to Bryce. “Bryce was with me the whole time and he helped me to not feel so scared. But I would like to get off the plane please. My stomach is sore.”
The plane was eventually given clearance to taxi to the terminal, but all passengers were instructed to remain in their seats. Families with small children were shown to the front. William came for Jonathan. “You and I are going to catch the next flight to New York. The airline has called your parents and they know that you are alright.”
Jonathan packed up his things and went to leave. He made it a couple of steps, then returned. “Thank you, Bryce, it was great to have a big brother on the plane. And I promise I will go home and say I am sorry to my brother.”
Bryce swallowed a lump of emotion and nodded. “I’m glad I met you, Jonathan. You have a safe journey home.”
Jackson Mississippi was yet another place Bryce Royal had never visited before. Courtesy of his cross country odyssey to find Vivian, he was getting to see a number of new places. He planned to visit them again when he had more time.
Next time I would prefer to arrive in a less white knuckled and sweaty state. That had to be the worst flight of my life.
He had kept his brave face on for the benefit of Jonathan, but Bryce’s heart had been racing at a fast clip from the moment one of the plane’s engines made a loud bang. According to the flight crew, the engine had completely shut down.
Once he made it into the terminal building, Bryce called Patrick. “Hi Patrick. Did you manage to get all my things from the resort?”
“Yes, Mister Royal. All packed and the jet is on standby. The pilot just needs your instructions to head back to New York.”
Bryce moved to one side, out of the way of the other passengers who were hastily departing the interrupted flight. “Actually I am going to need you to come to Jackson, Mississippi and pick me up. We encountered some problems with the plane and had to make an unexpected landing here.”
“Right. Let me go and talk to the pilot and see how soon he can get a flight plan approved. I shall message you back with details of where to go to meet us.”
“Thanks Patrick. Oh, and in the meantime could you please call your mom and let her know that while I appreciate the respectful gesture, I’d rather you just call me Bryce.”
He had barely pressed end on the call when his cell buzzed.Chelsea F.C.lit up the screen.
Security training taught all Royal children not to have their parents phone numbers listed under dad or mom in their phones in case they were kidnapped. Anyone who was mad enough to attempt to steal a member of the family would find that if they called the number markedDAD,they would be dealing directly with the global CEO of Royal Security Services. The House of Royal employed a small, well trained army of security personnel, most of whom were battle hardened ex-military.
Edward Royal was a passionate fan of the English soccer club Chelsea. “Hi Dad,” said Bryce, trying to keep his voice on an even keel. He’d already had the morning to end all mornings and didn’t want to have to deal with any more drama.
“Oh, you are alive. That’s good news. I’ve been trying to call you for several hours, but your cell kept going to voicemail. I know I said to take some time off, but I didn’t think you would take a vow of silence.”
There were many people milling around the gate area, all talking. Many wondering aloud how they were going to locate their bags, and whether they would be on another flight or having to stay overnight. It made conducting any sort of phone conversation nearly impossible.
“Hang on a minute, let me find somewhere more private to talk. I’ll call you back.”
After stopping a passing airport official and asking for directions to any of the airline private lounges, Bryce was disappointed to discover there were none. His next best solution was a nearby café. He made his way to a booth in a far back corner. When a waitress came over, he ordered coffee. “Oh, and whatever fresh sandwich you might have, please.”
Settling into the padded seat, he hit dial on his father’s number.
“Where the devil are you?” demanded Edward.
“Would you believe the airport at Jackson, Mississippi? Our plane was diverted for an emergency landing.”
“You broke my jet?!”
Bryce lowered his head and softly laughed. It was a strangled chuckle born of both the relief at having survived the flight and acknowledging his father’s strange English sense of humor.
“No Dad, I didn’t break your jet. It’s in Galveston, Texas. Hopefully on route to pick me up in the next few hours.”
