Stone and his friends landedin England just after ten p.m. local time. Faith taxied them to the hangar, where they were met by two gentlemen from border control.
“You have your own passport officers?” Tamlyn whispered to Stone.
Stone shook his head. “Major Bugg informs border control of our flight plans, and they send someone to meet us.”
“Major Bugg?”
Stone pointed out the window to where Major Bugg and another man stood next to a pair of Range Rovers. “The older man. He’s ex–Royal Marine and Windward Hall’s property manager.”
After the border control officers had checked everyone’s passports, the man in charge said, “Thank you for your cooperation and welcome to the United Kingdom. Enjoy your stay.”
The men left, and Stone and the others followed them out.
Bugg and his companion were at the bottom of the stairs by the time Stone stepped onto the tarmac.
“Good evening, Mr. Barrington,” Bugg said. “I trust the flight was a pleasant one.”
“It was. Thank you. Major Bugg, may I introduce Tamlyn Thompson and Jack Coulter.”
“Miss Thompson, Mr. Coulter,” Bugg said, dipping his head as he said their names.
“Nice to meet you, Major,” Tamlyn said.
Jack smiled. “A pleasure.”
“And, of course, you already know Dino,” Stone said.
“Welcome back, Commissioner.”
“Thank you, Major,” Dino said. “You’re looking well.”
The major dipped his head, then turned to Jack. “Mr. Coulter, I’ve been told you are in need of transportation to London.”
“I am.”
Bugg motioned to the man with him. “This is Harold. He will be your driver. If you could point out which bags are yours, he’ll load them in his vehicle and see you safely to your destination.”
“The black one on the end,” Jack said, pointing at the group of bags that Faith and the flight attendant had just finished unloading.
“We’re in the lead vehicle,” Harold said, then jogged over to retrieve Jack’s suitcase.
“Thank you, Stone,” Jack said, “for the flight and the ride into London. I owe you.”
“It was my pleasure. And don’t forget to let me know if you’ll be able to join us on Monday.”
“Will do.”
“Take care, Jack,” Dino said.
“You, too, Dino,” Jack said and headed after Harold.
“Shall we proceed to Windward Hall?” Bugg asked.
“Please,” Stone said.
Soon bags and passengers were ensconced in the second Range Rover, and the major began the short drive to the main house.
Tamlyn’s eyes widened as they neared. “Oh, my. It’s spectacular.”
