Eleanor put the final touches on the last article on her list. She had put a lot of work into this one, even though she couldn’t care less about the subject matter. She had been forced to drive two towns over in order to interview a man who was attempting to build a garage for his new sports car, but the city was refusing to allow him the permits to do so because of the trees on the property line. Eleanor could not possibly think of a more boring subject.
Eleanor sent the email containing the article to the editor of the paper.
She stood up and left the office. She walked into the bedroom to find that Jackson was standing at the foot of their bed. His suitcase was open across the bottom of the bed. He was awkwardly trying to fold a t-shirt with one hand.
“Do you want some help, Jacks?” She asked, standing in the doorway. She leaned against the door frame.
“Nah, I got it!” He awkwardly balled up the shirt and stuffed it into the suitcase.
Eleanor resisted the urge to walk over and completely reorganize his suitcase. But instead of potentially causing a fight, Eleanor decided to let him pack his own suitcase.
“Are you really bringing your tuxedo print t-shirt? Is that really necessary?” Eleanor asked, peering over his shoulder into his suitcase.
Jackson grinned. “You never know if things might get formal.”
“And you think a tuxedo print t-shirt is the formal way to go?” Eleanor crossed the room and sat down on the foot of the bed, next to Jackson’s suitcase.
“Ellie, a tuxedo print t-shirt is always the way to go.” Jackson said with a grin.
Eleanor laughed softly.
“You’re still having doubts, aren’t you?” He asked. He sat down on the other side of his suitcase.
Eleanor shrugged lightly. “Yeah… I mean, it’s still such a crazy and random thing. I mean, it’s nice that she gave me an advance check. That really helps us out a lot.” She mused. “I’m just still worried that this is all going to come back and bite us in the ass.”
“If it helps you feel any better, I think it’s a great idea.” Jackson said. “It’s an amazing opportunity for you. Not only just to interview this Quinn lady, but maybe you can get some connections from her; someone who might publish the novel that you’ve been working on.”
“Possibly… we’ll see how it goes. I mean, I’m just…”
“Still wrapping your head around things.” Jackson finished.
“Yes, exactly.” Eleanor nodded.
“I guess… we’ll just play it by ear okay?” Jackson shrugged with his good arm. “If it makes you feel any better, I can bring my side-arm.”
Eleanor blinked at him in surprise, “Jackson, you know that no airline in the country is going to let you board a plane with a firearm.”
“It’ll be in cargo.” He shrugged.
Eleanor shook her head. “No, I think we’ll be quite alright without your weapon.”
“Then why haven’t you packed yet?”
“Because I had work to finish. Just a newspaper article I did. I wanted to make sure I got it finished and sent off to the newspaper while all of the information was fresh in my mind.” Eleanor explained.
Jackson stood. “That’s not why, Ellie.” He said, knowing instinctively.
Eleanor sighed. “Alright. I’m very skeptical. But I came in here to pack now.”
“Want help?”
“I think I can manage.” Eleanor laughed softly. She knew exactly the kinds of things that her husband would pack if given the chance to pack her bag.
She glanced down at the contents of Jackson’s suitcase. “Is that a bathing suit? You packed swim shorts?”
Jackson shrugged. “Rich people have pools.”
Eleanor laughed. “Alright, I guess I’ll pack one too.”
“Great. While you’re packing, I’m going to order a pizza.” Jackson stood.
Eleanor gaped at him, “Jacks, we don’t have the money for pizza.” She said in disbelief.
Jackson shrugged. “We just got a check for ten grand. We can afford to splurge.”
Eleanor shook her head. “Fine.”
Jackson stood and zipped his suitcase closed. “I’ll put this by the door so it’s ready to go in the morning.” With his good arm, he hoisted his suitcase from the bed and dragged it out into the hall.
“Do you want me to lift your suitcase down for you?” He offered. “I’m taller and stronger.”
“Yes, but I have two arms.” Eleanor teased with a grin.
“Touche.” Jackson chuckled.
* * *
Eleanor woke to the sound of Jackson’s alarm at an incredibly ungodly hour. The time on her phone told her that it was almost five in the morning. They had about an hour to get to the airport before they began the painstaking endeavor of checking in, getting to their gate, checking their baggage and waiting around until they were able to board their flight.
Eleanor had hardly slept a wink all night long. She tossed and turned and wondered if she was doing the right thing. The whole situation still felt strange to her. Something felt off; not quite right. And that something began with flying across the country to stay at a stranger’s house in the guise of writing an article and getting an interview.
But Jackson had been right. They had invested nothing in this venture. If it didn’t pan out, they weren’t out any money. They had simply wasted their time and the promise had been that Eleanor would be compensated for her time, whether an interview and article was a result of the week or not.
Eleanor pulled back the blankets on the bed and lowered her bare feet to the floor. At almost the same time, Jackson rolled out of bed and clambered noisily to the floor.
“Ellie, do you want the shower first?” Jackson offered.
Eleanor shook her head and stifled a yawn. “No, I showered last night. The shower is all yours.”
“Thanks.” Jackson stumbled into the bathroom.
The bathroom light clicked on, sending a blinding bright swatch of light into the bedroom. Eleanor squinted. She heard the sounds of Jackson going to the bathroom, then the water running. She knew he would be taking a bath instead of a shower, as it was easier for him to keep his cast dry in the bath tub.
Eleanor pushed herself up onto her feet and sighed. She stretched her arms over her head and felt her bones creak and crack. She quickly made the bed and surveyed the closet. The night before she had mentally chosen her outfit for the day. She wanted something that would be casual enough for a long flight and who knew how many hours in the car—they still only had a faint idea of where exactly they were going.
She pulled on a pair of loose fitting jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. She changed her mind and instead of a black cardigan, she pulled on a navy cardigan in a similar style. She examined herself in the mirror. Her hair was still a mess, but at least her outfit was presentable. It wasn’t formal, or even business casual. But for the first meeting with a potential interview client it would pass.
Eleanor walked into the kitchen and turned on the coffee maker. The night before she had put coffee grounds into the filter and everything had been ready to go. All she had to do was press the button on the machine to bring the delicious smelling necessity into brewing.
While she waited for the coffee to brew, she stood in the living room and did a mental survey. Her purse was sitting on top of Jackson’s single suitcase. Her laptop was packed in a carry-on bag so she might at least get a little bit of writing done on the plane. And her suitcase, which was significantly larger than her husband’s was bulging slightly. She checked her purse to make sure she had everything. Her wallet was inside, and stacked neatly next to her wallet were their plane tickets, both of their passports and a handwritten set of instructions which would serve as their itinerary. The note simply read that when they got off the plane, they were to go to the nearest exit and look for their driver. He would be waiting in the pick up area for them. Jackson had again offered to rent a car and drive them; but in the effort of confidentiality; this was shot down immediately. L.M. Quinn did not want her address written down or given to anyone for security reasons.
In a way, Eleanor understood that. She understood the security risks for someone worth that kind of money.
Eleanor was still having a hard time believing the whole situation. It still felt surreal.
The coffee maker made a gurgling and slurping sound which meant that it was done brewing. The sound made Eleanor wonder how long she had been standing in the living room staring at their luggage.
Eleanor poured herself a mug of coffee and stood in the kitchen, cradling the mug in both her hands. The coffee burned as it made its way down to her stomach, but she felt it energize her immediately.
“Ellie, can you give me a hand with this?” Jackson asked, coming into the kitchen. His sling was partially on his arm, but had somehow come undone.
“Yeah, sure.” Eleanor set her mug down on the counter and waited for Jackson to turn around. She fastened the buckle into place and he winced noticeably.
“Sorry.” Eleanor said gently. “Does it hurt?”
“Not bad.” Jackson shrugged. “Every once in a while.” He mused. “Is there coffee?”
“Yeah, let me pour you a cup.” Eleanor offered.
“I can get it.” Jackson grinned. “Only takes one arm. Besides, you still need to get ready.”
“Right.” Eleanor nodded. She picked up her coffee mug and set off for the bathroom.