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The sigh of relief was nearly audible, when the wheels left the runway. Jared and Cassie had taken seats across the aisle from us. Gracie Layne's head appeared above a seat a couple of rows in front of us. She turned around. "You OK Gracie Layne?"
"I'm OK," she said. It seemed like she was actually doing a little better.
I realized I had no idea where we were headed, so once we were allowed to move around, I went in search of Agent Driscoll. I found him in a small galley at the back of the cabin.
"Want a cup of Earl Grey?" he asked.
"Sure. I'm surprised they have it."
"I have some in my pack. I figured you might need it."
"Thanks. That was really sweet," I said. He walked back to his seat and fished some tea bags out of his backpack. He came back and dropped one in a mug of hot water. "I just wondered what the plan is. I'm sure we'll all have to give statements."
He put his arm around my shoulder. "I'm really sorry that this is getting to be routine for you. It shouldn't be."
"I can sure agree with that sentiment. So where are we headed."
"Atlanta. I think it's about ten hours. You should get some rest," he said.
"Is there any food? We haven't had much to eat for a couple of days."
"There should be sandwiches and stuff. Help yourself," he said, leaning back against the counter.
We talked while I pulled out sandwiches, chips and drinks and loaded them onto trays. As he talked, I realized that he'd come to rescue the four of us. He hadn't known Gracie Layne was involved.
"I hope she's OK," I said. "She was kidnapped because of all of this a few months ago, but she seemed to bounce back from that. I don't think it's going to be so easy this time. I'm not sure if she's more upset about our interactions with the bigfoot or what happened to Mark."
"Mark?"
"Sorry. Dr. Wainwright. It'll all come out when we talk later. I appreciate you keeping an eye on her."
"That's not a burden at all," he said. I got the feeling maybe the agent was a little interested in my baby sister. "I'll carry one of these." We both picked up trays and went through the cabin handing out food and drinks.
After everyone had what they needed, I sat down in my seat next to Chance and filled him in on what I'd learned from Chris. He picked up my mug of tea and sniffed. "Earl Grey. Did you have that hidden in your pocket? I'm surprised they had it on the plane. "Chris had some in his backpack. He thought I'd probably need it."
Chance smiled one of his dimple smiles.
"What?"
"I told you that boy has a thing for you. He brought your special tea on a rescue mission."
"I don't know about his motivation, but I sure am appreciating it. Actually, I think he might be interested in Gracie Layne."
"That might be a good thing for both of them and me," he said, putting his arm around me and pulling me in for a kiss. "I missed being with you. It was torture to have to stay in the hospital room when I knew you were sleeping somewhere in the building. I wanted to sneak into your room and..."
"Stop right there," I said, putting my hand on his chest. "I don't know how long it's going to be for we have a chance for any US time. I've been tortured enough for a bit."