“I imagine the altitude isn’t helping either.”
“I’m going to get out of the airport and talk with Daniel. I’m going to see if he can help me find this kid.”
“Thank you, Sawyer. I owe you.”
“You sure do. I’m missing the grand opening of the Care Café for this,” I teased as I stood. I took a few steps toward the trash can and tossed in the empty coffee cup. He knew I was only joking. While I supported everything my family did in the community, I didn’t always like going to the events.
“I’ll be sure to extend my apologies to your mother, and I’ll offer to throw a fundraiser for the Lombardi Foundation.”
“Fuck, man. Then I’ll have to go to that.”
“Poor you.”
“Alright, I’ll be in touch.”
“Stay safe and wait for Taylor before you go running into a fire.”
“You know I won’t.”
“I know. But it makes me feel better to say it.”
“Later, man.” I hung up.
I pulled out my box of Tic-Tacs, put the last four in my mouth, and threw the empty plastic box in the trash. I leaned over to unzip the front pocket of the suitcase to retrieve a box of white Tic-Tacs and put them in the pocket of my jeans. My tongue knocked the last of my green Tic-Tacs around in my mouth while I sent a text to Daniel.
I’m still in Stockholm. I need another favor. Are you able to meet?
Luckily, I still had one of the keys to the rental car and headed toward the parking garage. By the time I put my luggage in the back of the SUV, I had received a reply from Daniel.
There’s a coffee shop across the street from the hotel you were staying at. They have a heated patio with bright red chairs and tables outside. I’ll meet you there in an hour.
I had nothing else to do but drive the short distance to the restaurant. I parked the rental car in front of the coffee shop and checked the time. I still had about a half an hour before Daniel would arrive. I sat in the SUV to stay warm. To kill some time, I decided to check in on Taylor.
Miss me yet?
I didn’t expect her to reply right away because I knew she was most likely busy with the kids. I checked the weather in the area.
“Just great… more fucking snow tomorrow.” While I zoomed in and checked on the route to Solsidan, a text from Taylor came in.
Have you managed to swindle someone who works at the airport into a quickie in the men’s room?
I laughed and shook my head. Her humor was great.
Would you be jealous if I had?
Don’t be shocked, but no.
How are the kids?
The little girl and Bowden are sleeping in their seats next to one another. Alek is starting to settle down. Hopefully he’ll be able to sleep soon.
Was he upset or something?
He was complaining about his head again. The first aid kit had some ibuprofen, so I asked Anna if it was okay for me to give him some and to make sure he wasn’t allergic to it. She said he’s never had anything like it before and didn’t know if he had an allergy.
She’s helpful.
She’s probably also in shock.
