Tropical Storm - DK1 Read online

  “What if we had to stay…here?”

  Maria studied the screen. “Chiquita, that’s right inside the park.”

  “I know,” Kerry assured her.

  “What little plans are going through your mind?” the secretary demanded. “Dar will go crazy if I book her in there.” She checked the profile nonetheless. The Floridian was one of the nicest hotels on the Disney property, and the picture showed a huge, filigreed white Victorian structure.

  “Is nice.”

  “Mmm.” Kerry agreed. “Listen, her doctor keeps bugging her to take a vacation, and I know this is a business trip, but those meetings can’t last all day. Maybe I can get her to just cut loose, and relax for a while, you know?”

  “Ahhh…” Maria smiled and patted her hand. “Chiquita, you are so sweet…and very tricky. That is a good thing.” She picked up the phone. “I will do it. If she gets mad, she gets mad.”

  Kerry smiled. “If it works, it’ll be worth it.” She got up when she heard movement inside Dar’s office. “Whoops, gotta go. Listen, I’ll bring you back a stuffed Pluto or something.” She slipped out of the office and back down the hall. Maria shook her head. “Pluto. Ay, chica, make sure she doesn’t stuff you.”

  Chapter

  Fifteen

  MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT had started out as a small airport, with one terminal. As Miami grew, so did the airport, adding more terminals and more concourses as more airlines wanted to fly out of it. Now, being the gateway to South America and the Caribbean, it moved an unimaginable number of people twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Unfortunately, it wasn’t so much designed as grown, and the concourses were long, endless corridors with no moving sidewalks that seemed to go on forever. The airport was always full of people, with a dozen languages to be heard and overhead announcements in Spanish as well as English.

  An overnight bag slung over her shoulder, Dar strode through the crowd while she examined the travel documents Maria had handed her, couriered over by their corporate travel agency. “Where in—Jesus! She booked us inside the damn park.”

  “Really?” Kerry was working to keep up, and she peered over her boss’s elbow curiously. “Oh, wow! That’s supposed to be a nice place, I’ve seen pictures.”

  Dar gave her a look. “We won’t get much of a chance to see it,” she warned, then hesitated, seeing the veiled look of disappointment in those interesting green eyes. “Well, maybe a little,” she relented. “We can have breakfast with Mickey, anyway.”

  Kerry smiled. “I’ve never been to Disney World. I always wanted to go, and we were planning a trip sometime at Associated, just a bunch of us going up one weekend, but we never got the details ironed out.” She dodged a hurrying skycap as they arrived at the security checkpoint. They both put their laptop cases on the moving belt, and Dar dropped her cell phone and pager into the small bowl the agent held out. Then they passed through and picked up their things at the end of the X-ray belt. “You know, I have less trouble getting through security here in Miami than when I board a plane in just about any other place,” Dar commented as they started the long walk down the concourse. “I had my entire case searched in Iowa. They even made me turn the laptop on and dial a number on the cell phone.”

  Kerry chuckled as she pushed herself to keep up, making a little skip now and then to compensate for Dar’s much longer stride. “Guess they’ve got more time on their hands than these guys.” She was glad they’d gotten to change and were flying in casual clothes, since they’d have until tomorrow before meeting the prospective clients. She felt a lot better in her baby-soft green flannel shirt tucked into stone-washed denims and her short-topped hiking Tropical Storm 165

  boots. She eyed her companion; Dar looked casually elegant as usual in a crisply pressed beige shirt and embroidered black vest over button-fly jeans and comfortable-looking sneakers.

  Just roll your suit up and put it in the overnight bag, Dar had told her wryly. Even if you carry it in a garment bag, it’ll still need pressing, so you might as well save yourself the trouble of carrying the damn thing.

  That works, Kerry had agreed, and also packed her bathing suit and some shorts, just in case.

  Just in case. She grinned to herself. I bet I can get her to go to MGM, at least…

  By the time they got to the gate, the flight was boarding. They handed the gate agent their boarding passes, then walked down the carpeted boarding ramp and into the 727. They took their places in first class, put their bags overhead and settled down in the wide, comfortable seats. “Well,” Kerry said, as she buckled her seat belt, “this is traveling in style.”

  Dar settled back and extended her long legs, crossing them at the ankles.

  They were in the front set of seats, with extra legroom before them.

  “Intercompany courtesy.” She gave a little shrug. “We do all of their hardware and software support, so we get pass riding privileges, and if there’s space, we go up front.” She gave the steward a smile as he sidled over.

  “Hello, welcome aboard. Can I get you something to drink before we start?” His crisply efficient manner was reserved, but friendly.

  Dar exhaled. “Do you have any chocolate milk?” she asked innocently.

  Kerry gave Dar a little nudge and rolled her eyes. “You’re awful.” She looked up at the waiting steward. “Orange juice for me, please.” He nodded and moved off to fill their requests.

  One dark brow lifted, and Dar pointed at her own chest. “Me? Milk is very healthy for ya, Kerry.” She flexed an arm, the muscles moving smoothly under the soft cotton fabric of the casual khaki shirt she was wearing. “Makes you nice and strong.”

  “It’s squeezed out of a cow,” Kerry reminded her.

  “And that’s so different than squeezing something out of an orange? At least the cow survives the process,” Dar retorted. She glanced up as the steward returned with crystal glasses filled with the requested beverages then turned back to Kerry. “Citrus killer.”

  Kerry studied her glass for a moment. “God, I hope this doesn’t have pulp in it.” Dar snickered.

  Kerry put her glass down and crossed her ankles. “You really like milk?”

  “I swear by the stuff,” Dar insisted, taking a swallow. “Mmm…” She licked her lips. “Mmmmiillllk.”

  Kerry caught the playfulness in her voice and went along with it. “You must own a cow, then. Where do you keep her?”

  Dar laughed and raised her glass, clinking it against Kerry’s. They both took a sip and their eyes met for a moment before Dar’s dropped to the travel documents she’d left lying on her thigh. “The Floridian, eh? Well, it’ll be a drive in the morning, but at least I know we’ll have hot water.” She reconciled herself to her fate. “And they have great banana-stuffed French toast for breakfast.”

  166 Melissa Good Kerry leaned on her armrest and lifted a brow. “Banana-stuffed French toast?”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Dar nodded, with a quirky grin.

  “I love bananas.” Kerry covered her eyes. “I’m in trouble.”

  Dar chuckled, and leaned back, sighing as she relaxed into the leather of the seat. Maybe it won’t be so bad. There‘s a little water park near the hotel. Maybe we can take an hour off between meetings and take a quick splash, it might be fun.

  Yeah. Dar let her head rest against the soft surface. It will be fun, bid or no bid.

  “THANK YOU.” KERRY smiled at the guide who had led them to their rooms as he bowed out and let the door close after him. She looked around curiously, giving the room an approving nod as she took in the light, airy décor and the crisply clean linen. The room had one large bed in it, a dresser flanked by a tall console that contained a television, and a small refrigerator.

  One wall was glass, covered by drapes which were drawn halfway, exposing a view that sparkled with color. Kerry put her bag down on the bed and walked over, to draw back the fabric and peer out. “Ooo.”

  A dark lake stretched in front of the hotel, the lights of
the building winking fuzzily on its surface. Boats, likewise covered in lights, were crossing the small body of water, and across the way, the glowing, light bulb-chased pattern of Main Street. Beyond that the silvery spires of Cinderella’s castle reached skyward. Kerry pressed her nose against the glass, watching the cheerful sparkle of light. Across the water to the other side she could see a glimmer of torchlight on an island in the center of the water, and she could see other torches lining the far shore.

  She was so busy looking, she didn’t hear the connecting door between her room and the next open, and was startled when a warm presence materialized at her back. Kerry looked up and saw pale blue eyes watching her in the reflection of the glass, and she smiled, meeting them. “Oh, hi. You spooked me.”

  “Mmm.” Dar turned her gaze to the outside. “Well, well, the old castle’s looking pretty good.”

  Kerry exhaled. “I have to plan a trip up here, it looks like so much fun.”

  She paused. “Hey, we’ve got a couple of hours. You want to go over there?”

  “Oh no.” Dar chuckled, shaking her head. “I’ve got reports to study.”

  Oh well, good try. “I guess I should do that too.” Kerry smiled. “It’s probably crowded and noisy, and we’ve got an early start tomorrow, right?”

  Dar nodded. “Exactly.”

  Hmm, let’s just try one more tack. “Besides, you’re supposed to be taking it easy. Better if you just hang out here and relax,” Kerry told her innocently.

  “You don’t want to overstrain yourself.”

  A dark brow edged up. Kerry moved back into the room and opened her bag. “I’m going to call the valet for this suit. Want me to have them get yours, too?” Dar folded her arms and gazed out at the glowing spires. “You know, on second thought, it might be better to take a look around.”

  Twinkling green eyes regarded her back. “No, it’s late, Dar, and you’ve Tropical Storm 167

  had a really long day.”

  The taller woman swung around and eyed her. “Late?” She snorted softly. “It’s barely prime time, Kerry. I think it would be a good idea to at least check the park out. But if you’re not up to it, you can stay here.”

  Somehow, Kerry was able to keep a grin off her face. “No, I can manage…if you think it’s important.”

  Dar gave her a nod and headed back towards her room. “I do. Besides, it’s nice weather out there for a change, might as well take advantage of it.”

  She disappeared into her own room with a decisive closing of the door.

  Kerry polished her nails on her shirt, then chuckled. “Watch out, Pluto, here I come.”

  THE HOTEL CONCIERGE cheerfully provided two tickets, and they ambled through the lobby, passing throngs of people laughing and relaxing.

  The lobby held several bars and casual restaurants, and Kerry suddenly remembered that she’d forgotten to eat dinner. Well, I’m sure there’ll at least be popcorn over there. She sighed and followed Dar’s tall form across the carpet, and up to the monorail station.

  It was crowded with people heading to and from different parts of Disney World, and the murmur of voices rose to a din. “Whoa.” Kerry edged back against a low railing, peering down the track and looking for the train.

  “It is crowded.” She glanced at the people around them, and sighed.

  Dar glanced around from her more comfortable six-foot-plus height, then put a hand on Kerry’s shoulder as she stepped past the barrier and leaned close to the neatly dressed and smiling attendant. “Excuse me.”

  The man turned. “Yes, ma’am?” His smile grew a bit wider as he looked at Dar. “What can I do for you?”

  “Pilot car?” Dar returned the smile. “My friend here’s never been.”

  The man stood on his tiptoes and peered past them. “Sure.” He stepped back and motioned them forward. “Always glad to help a first-timer.” He grinned at Kerry as they walked past into a small, enclosed area near the control booth. “There you go, ladies. Have a great time.”

  Kerry looked around at their conspicuous isolation. “Dar?”

  “Hmm?” The taller woman looked down, but was saved from further questioning by the arrival of the monorail. It hissed quietly into the station with an electronic whine and pulled to a stop with its nose about six feet from where they were standing.

  The attendant popped open the driver’s door and motioned to them, and Dar put a hand on Kerry’s back, gently shoving her forward. “Go on.”

  In mild disbelief, Kerry entered the pilot’s cabin and smiled at the young man seated there. The roughly triangular space had padded benches along the Plexiglas front nose, and she slipped into one as Dar relaxed on the other.

  “Isn’t this different.” She peered ahead at the track.

  “Hi, folks. Welcome to Monorail Purple,” the driver cheerfully greeted them. “Next stop is the Magic Kingdom.” He looked to one side as the door slammed shut, then he put the train in motion, pulling out from the hotel along the tracks. “You folks come far?”

  168 Melissa Good Kerry watched the approaching lights in fascination. “No, we’re from Miami.”

  “Oh, fellow Floridians. That’s great. My family is from West Palm Beach.

  We just moved up here last year,” he chattered happily. “Isn’t the weather great? It’s perfect for walking around the parks.”

  “You ever get tired of going around in circles all day?” Dar asked, her face half in shadow, and her arms crossed over her chest.

  “Oh no.” The boy shook his head. “It’s different every day. Sometimes we go around one way, sometimes the other, and they also rotate us on the other line. If you’re qualified on the mono, you can get parking tram runs in the morning. They’re fun.”

  Dar and Kerry exchanged glances. “So, it’s like a ranking, right?” Kerry asked, as the monorail started to slow, preparing to enter the station at the Magic Kingdom. “Are the monorail drivers on top?”

  He giggled. “Oh no, that would be the lake pilots…who drive the launches.” He stopped the train and pressed a button, opening the door for them. “Wow, it’s been great talking to you. Hope you come back soon to Monorail Purple.”

  Dar stood and gave him a brief grin. “Thanks, have a nice, um…” She rotated her finger in a circle. “…ride.”

  Kerry slipped past her and ducked outside the door, waiting for her boss to follow her and catch up before she laughed softly. “Omigod, what do they put in the coffee here?”

  “They’re all like that,” Dar assured her. “I think it’s corporate policy.

  Though your notion of drugs in the water fountains has also occurred to me.”

  She followed Kerry down the long sloping ramp, then through the electronic turnstiles which took their tickets and spat them back out.

  “Souvenirs.” Kerry held hers up and tucked it in her pocket. She took a deep breath and started forward, under the train station and towards the glimmering lights of Main Street.

  Her smile half hidden in the darkness, Dar entered the park behind her younger companion. In front of them was a town square, with the train station at the front, two large buildings on either side which had signs indicating they were the fire station and City Hall, and the long street of shops heading down on the far side. They crossed the cobblestones, and turned down the main street, and Dar took in a breath as the castle rose before them, brilliant with light. On either side of them, old-fashioned store facades heralded shops of all kinds, and Dar stopped short at one. “Hey.”

  “Wh—” Kerry watched her duck into a doorway and she followed. She was struck in the face with a strong blast of air flavored with taffy and chocolate. “Oh boy.” She ducked around a scurrying attendant and spotted her boss, leaning against the glass partition and watching a machine pull long strings of fragrant taffy out, over and over again. A case of chocolates caught her eye, though, and she detoured, finding herself in front of a neatly stacked display of assorted squares. “Fudge.”

  Dar’s voice
sounded just behind her. “Is that a conclusion or a curse?”

  “Yes,” Kerry sighed. “I love fudge.” She smiled at the attendant, who gave her a perky grin. “Could I get a piece of the chocolate, please?”

  Tropical Storm 169

  “Only chocolate?” her boss teased. “They have peanut butter there, too.”

  “Nope, I’m a purist.” Kerry took her purchase and passed the girl the payment. “Thanks.”

  The girl addressed Dar. “Anything for you, ma’am?”

  Dar studied her choices. “A half dozen of those,” she pointed at the peanut butter cups, “a bag of the chocolate-covered cherries, and some toffee.”

  Kerry tried not to follow suit. She folded her arms across her chest and balled her fists, one hand grasping the bag of fudge. “Boy, you’re a wild thing in one of these places, huh?”

  “Don’t worry.” Dar tucked her packets away. “I’ll share.” She sauntered toward the door, dodging a few running children along the way.

  Kerry sighed. “I was afraid she’d say that,” she murmured, but shook her head and followed as they returned to the street and walked along it. The air was filled with the smell of cotton candy and popcorn, mixed with pine and the warm scent of the tarmac under their feet. “Nice night.”

  Dar didn’t answer for a few steps, as she looked around them. “Yeah,”

  she said. “You hungry?”

  “A little,” Kerry demurred. “I forgot to grab dinner.”

  “Me, too.” The taller woman picked up her pace and headed for the tall, well-lit castle in the center of the park. “C’mon.”

  “Okay. Hey,” Kerry pointed, “there’s a hot dog stand over there.”

  Dar snorted softly. “No Pluto Pups and no Astro Burgers, okay? Those are my rules here. C’mon.” She led Kerry across the square at the end of Main Street and right up into the castle, where she abruptly turned into a small alcove, almost causing Kerry to crash into her. In front of them was a small stand, with a perky dressed woman in Medieval garb.

  “Hi there, folks. Welcome to Cinderella’s Banqueting Hall. Would you like to have dinner tonight?” The woman greeted them. “We’ve got a table available just for you!”