2-16-2024 8:51pm

CHAPTER 26: The Intimate Goodbye..."Deceptions in the Air"

Beth Callahan Editor

Cover by Peter Poast Publications with Photo by Junior Cruz

Similar to what newspapers in the 19th Century did the www.warrencountypost.com. will publish a chapter a day from the book Deceptions in the Air. This fictional book is a blend of reality and conspiracy with a mix of Biblical Prophecy. My hope is that you enjoy the story, while it puts a desire in your heart to seek Truth.

Chapter 26: The Intimate Goodbye

Bri bought a few outfits to take to the beach before Alex took her back to the hotel so she could pack for the airport. Since Alex had already packed his luggage into the car, he waited for her to run up to her hotel room and gather her belongings.

“Run on up. I’ll wait here and this way we won’t lose our great parking place,” he smiled.

As Bri started to get out to the car, Alex took hold of her hand, “Bri I started falling in love with you the day we met on the beach. That’s why I want us to go back there. I want us to be able to re-start the story that was never given a chance.”

“I love you Alex.” Placing her arms around his neck, she gave him one more kiss before she headed to her hotel room to pack.

Because Bri was so filled with the type of electrical energy that only comes with love, she was too energized to wait for the elevator. Instead, she ran the steps to her hotel room. As she was turning the handle to open her door, she felt a touch on her shoulder.

“Hey Babe.”

“Jack?” Bri jumped. It wasn’t because she was surprised to see Jack, but she was amazed that she had forgotten about him in her excitement of being with Alex.

“Yes, I’m still alive. I’m still here,” Jack said.

“No, no I was just so busy this morning that...”

“You forgot I existed,” Jack finished.

“I didn’t say that!”

“You didn’t have to say it. It’s written all over your face.”

“Jack, it’s just that I have never felt this way before,” she said as the two walked into her room.

“I know Babe,” Jack said, as he took Bri into his arms to hug her.

Jack held onto Bri with everything he had as he whispered, “Please don’t throw me out of your life.”

“Jack!” Bri said pulling away. “I would never ever throw you out of my life. We’re family. I love you!”

Jack tried to smile.

As Bri scampered around gathering her things, Jack watched and began reminiscing about many of the things they had done together.

They had gone on camping trips, built or at least attempted to build furniture, chased watermelons down a highway when she forgot to close the van door. They were even thrown out of an art museum after he got to close to the Monet. Then, there was the time he had to help her attach her underwear to her pants with a paper clip after the elastic waist ban broke right before a live camera shot.

And her kids, he was just as involved in her kid’s life as she was. For the past five years, they had spent every holiday and birthday together.

“Bri, where’s the gift that Russ gave you?” Jack asked.

Bri came running out of the bathroom. “Why are you concerned about the gift?”

“Russ told me about it,” he answered.

“It’s in my purse that’s in Alex’s car,” Bri said giving Jack that “oops” look.

“Okay. We all know that you love this guy. He seems like a great guy,” Jack said.

“But?” Bri interrupted.

“Bri, we are all a little concerned that he’s not completely on the up and up with you. He could be into some things that aren’t real kosher, safe… whatever the political word you want me to use here.”

“True, some things have been a little bizarre, but Alex would never hurt me. He might leave me stranded on a deserted island due to a meeting, but he would never hurt me,” Bri reassured Jack.

“Case in point! What are all these meetings? NASA, HAARP, the Defense Department, NATO… the list goes on. So, Russ gave you a tracking device. It’s a bracelet to wear just for this weekend, to be sure you stay safe. There’s even a recording device in it. Just in case you are abandoned, we will know where you are and come get you. Russ thinks if something is going to go wrong, it will happen this weekend. For the short period of time Russ has known you, I have to admit he seems to know you well,” Jack said.

Bri walked over and sat next to Jack on the bed.

“You know... part of me wants to yell and scream at both of you to leave me alone. I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself... But then, the other part is, thank God I have someone like you, and now Russ, who are watching out for me. To be honest with you Jack, while I have never been so in love in all my life, and I feel like I’m living this wonderful dream, there’s something inside of me telling me it’s a dream that’s going to turn into a horrible nightmare. And it’s like... even though I know it’s going to get bad, I keep letting myself get pulled further and further into it. Why can’t I walk away? Why can’t I just get on a plane and head home to Michigan?”

“I don’t know,” Jack said seriously, but adding a small quirky laugh. “Why do I have to keep following you?”

Jack patted Bri on the knee before they both got up from the bed. She walked over to zip her suitcase closed. Jack volunteered to carry it down to the lobby for her.

“Remember, I’ll be at the Sand Dunes Hotel if you need me. My plane arrives close to five,” Jack said. “Also, please promise me you’ll put that bracelet on.”

Jack handed Bri her suitcase, not letting go until he felt her hand touch his. Bri gave Jack a quick kiss on the cheek and headed towards Alex’s parked car.

When Alex saw Bri, he popped the trunk, got out of the car, and took her suitcase. Once he opened her door, she climbed in. Before closing it, he leaned over and gave her a kiss.

“Here’s to us!” he said as he softly lifted his lips from hers.

///

To think all that happened less then 24-hours ago.