Wednesday Oct 23 2019

Barb was quiet the rest of the evening and went upstairs early. She showered and packed her bag. She would go home tomorrow. She fell asleep feeling relieved that it would be over. This was not the vacation she thought it would be.

In the morning Bobbie knocked on Barb’s door; she opened it. “Hi Barb, I hope you slept OK. Wow your eye looks sore but the swelling has sure gone down. Trixie and I decided maybe we should just pack it up and head home. There’s been a lot going on.”

Barb stepped aside and Bobbie saw her packed bag waiting by the bed. “I can’t stay here another night. This vacation is ruined for me. I spoiled everything by being so clumsy and falling on my face. I can’t go anywhere like this; I feel like a fool.”

Bobbie moved to hug her friend. “I don’t think you’re a fool; I’m so sorry you feel that way Barb. You had an accident in a rocking boat. The problems with this vacation actually start with me and Trixie but we can’t take all the credit. It’s that entitled asshole Peabody’s fault.”

“I felt really patronized by Arie and Clive last night. They couldn’t have handled an intruder any better than me and they still talked about how they could have saved me somehow.”

“That’s so true Barb. You even got the heavy to name Peabody in his confession. And now that statement is public record.”

“I doubt it would make a difference. Guys like Peabody can bribe their way out of anything.”

“Maybe we can sue him in civil court.”

“How would that work?”

“I don’t know but Derek, my lawyer might figure something out. There is some kind of civil suit with Alex’s old firm about the shares I didn’t inherit, in the works.”

Barb grabbed her suitcase and followed Bobbie downstairs.

Trixie came down a moment later. “Wow Barb, you got ready fast.” She went over to hug her.

Barb was fixing an ice pack for her eye. “I decided last night that I was going home anyway.”

Trixie smiled. “I’m glad we’re all on the same page.”

Arie came down to the kitchen. “It looks like I’m going to lose my house guests. I’m sorry to see you go. I’m glad I got to meet your people Trixie. They’re amazing badass warriors and rock stars. I might have to visit you sometime.

Bobbie hugged Arie. “We really appreciate all you’ve done for us but we think it’s time to go. You should come to our big Halloween party; I’ll be dressing up as the black widow.”

Barb moved her ice pack away for a minute. “Maybe I can dress up as a black-eyed pea.”

“It’s nice that you can joke about it, Barb. I haven’t looked at flights or anything yet. How are we getting home?”

Arie broke in, saying, “After speaking to Trixie last night I arranged things for you. I chartered a private flight to London. There you connect with another trans Atlantic flight and will be in Citadel city no later than 8 o’clock tonight.

“We can stay at my apartment in Cit city. It’s a good thing I haven’t sold it yet.” Said Trixie.

Clive came in wiping his hands. The car is all ready we should head out to the airfield within the hour.

By 11, the three travellers landed in London. They had a little time to find some brunch and then get to their next flight. Arie must have called in some favours because they just finished up their meal and were paying when they heard Trixie’s name called over the PA. They met with a lady in a suit who introduced herself as a fight coordinator and she offered to escort them to their flight. Barb looked like a movie star she was wearing a large hat and oversized dark glasses and was walking with a bit of a swagger. Bobbie was glad she was feeling better.

They boarded their flight with no problem and had a private and comfortable flight in first class. Barb leaned over to Bobbie. “Arie sure spoiled us with first class.”

Bobbie nodded. “Brose flew first class too and it sure doesn’t take long to get used to it. After we broke up, I didn’t think I’d ever fly first class again.”

Trixie took a sip of her drink. “I think Arie might own this airline so it’s good he gave us first class.”

“Wow, Arie must be really wealthy. He seems so down to earth. He looked after me so well and I teased him quite a bit.” Said Barb.

Trixie giggled. “I think that’s what they call old money.”

They passed the rest of the flight chatting. Bobbie was knitting socks.

Bobbie dropped a needle and Trixie picked up. “I’m surprised they let you bring those knitting needles on the flight.”

“These are my cheap spares. I had them in a pencil case in my carry on. The sock I’m knitting now, was on a string. Or a lifeline as we call it. Nobody said anything but if they had taken the needles. My sock would have been fine and I wouldn’t really mind losing the needles. I find the tips too blunt.”

“That’s more than I needed to know about your sock.”

“Don’t be so snooty Trixie, it’s going to be one of your Christmas socks.”

“Yay, I get socks this year. It’s really pretty.”

Before they knew it, they touched down. Being preferred guests they even got their bags first.

They walked out to get a cab and Trixie looked at her phone. “Oh, Greg is in town. He’s doing some business here today. We can get him to pick up some dinner. Greg and I can get a hotel and you guys can stay in the apartment.”

“Is he staying at the apartment now? It’s crazy to make him move.  Barb and I can get a hotel room. You and Greg can stay at your apartment.”

“Are you sure? You can come over for the evening and then Greg can take you to the hotel.”

Bobbie looked at Barb. “I’ll make a reservation right now?”

Barb shook her head. “I’m sorry guys. I think I’m done. I’m going to rent a car and drive home. I really just want to sleep in my own bed tonight.

Bobbie looked at her phone. “Is it OK if I join you, Barb? It’s almost 8 o’clock and we can be home by 9:30.”

Barb nodded. “You can be my co pilot.”

Trixie leaned on the side of the cab. “So, you’re leaving me at the airport. It wasn’t the vacation I imagined but it was good to spend time with you guys. We’ll come to Crow harbour after Greg’s meetings; maybe we can debrief over a nice lunch.”