It was a short run to Lockheed Air Terminal, just north of Burbank. As hard as I was driving, my mind was moving faster, seeing all the ways I’d been used. An unwitting accomplice to the grand plan; why I’d been chosen still murky, but the result plain to see. Lizzie barely spoke after I laid my theory out, her face gaunt and pale.
We made one stop en route to the airfield, clearing out our checking account to ensure she’d have funds to travel. The rest of the way, we thrashed out the details of what came next. Her part of the plan was as important as mine, and carried almost as much risk. But there was a calm determination in her voice as we spoke.
At the terminal, we purchased a one-way ticket on the next departure – an American Airlines nonstop to Chicago Midway. From there she’d be able to connect to New York. ‘I’ll call Sal to let him know to expect you.’ Sal Pecorino – the man who’d saved my job at the Examiner.
She wrapped her arms around me. When she let go, I passed her my papers – everything I’d written in Iowa and since; my life for the last year and a half. ‘I’ll join you as soon as I can – three or four days.’
She wrapped her fingers around one end but didn’t take their weight. ‘I can’t believe we’re still in this. Even with him dead …’
‘We’re almost there.’
She closed her eyes and nodded. She placed the papers in her bag, then she took my tie and kissed me on the lips. ‘Three days.’