The Enigma Stolen

Please head for the emergency exit with EZ and everyone else, now that your exit strategy has been enacted. Your next travel support group is waiting for you.

Quip and EZ took full advantage of the situation and briskly moved out along with everyone else. They were promptly met outside by a limo driver holding a sign up with their names on it. Quip and EZ briefly exchanged glances and were rapidly loaded up to leave the airport property.

As they left the airport chaos behind, EZ lamented, “Crap! All our luggage is back there. What are we to do for clothes and, most importantly, my makeup?”

The driver opened the sliding window between the two compartments and offered, “I didn’t get a chance to tell you folks, I was instructed to retrieve your luggage from the carousel before all the turmoil began, and I have it in the trunk.

“We should arrive at the small commuter airport I am contracted to take you to in forty minutes, so you have time for some refreshments from the on-board bar. I believe we stocked the appropriate adult beverages for both of you.”

He then closed the sliding glass and continued to drive. Quip and EZ both stared at each other for a few seconds and then scrambled to pour their drinks.

Once at the regional commuter airport, the driver slid back the glass and commented, “Your jet is being fully prepped and staged for takeoff. I will handle the luggage, and you will be pleased to know that there isn’t any security scanning when you fly the charter flight company, Jump-Jets.”

The limo pulled through the gates to the ramp where the chartered jet was waiting. As the driver opened the door for Quip and EZ to leave the limo, a friendly lady with a nice smile and warm personality greeted them.

“Hi. I’m Cathy! Welcome to Jump-Jets, and we will leave as soon as you’re settled.”

Once on board and the aircraft had retracted its wheels after take-off, Quip noticed another SMS text message waiting for him.

All the camera footage has been erased, your carryon luggage was retrieved and also put on the Jump-Jets plane. The nice young man that accidently ran into you before you tried to go through the security check point is an oil field worker that uses explosives in his line of work. The fire and Anthrax alerts were used as diversions for your unencumbered departure, Dr. Quip. The TSA agent you were exchanging words with has a history of physical violence, and there was a risk to you and EZ if the conversation had continued.

Quip slowly lowered the cell phone and said to no one in particular, “Thanks, ICABOD.”