*Author's note: You know the drill…I don't own the characters, Prospect Park/ABC/or someone else does (with the exception of ones I create for the purpose of the story). I haven't decided if this will be a short story or a bit longer. Time will tell. I will update as soon as I can. Until next time, enjoy!*
Natalie rushed to get ready. She had no idea why she was in such a hurry. Maybe it was the fact that the note was so mysterious? Or, could it be there was something about it that was just so familiar?
No time to explain. Pack only what's absolutely necessary and meet me at the airport at 7:30. Gate C20. Your tickets are waiting at the check-in counter. Your future depends upon it.
That was it. No signature, no explanation: just a scribbled note on a plain piece of paper. Normally, she would ignore such a note. But something was telling her that she couldn't afford to. There was a huge problem. How in the world was she going to explain this to her parents? And John? Rex? They would think she was nuts!
Natalie went downstairs to talk to Viki. "Mom, I need to tell you something…"
Viki smiled. "Sweetheart, I know. Your father and I know everything. Trust me when I say that you do not want to miss that flight."
Natalie was immediately intrigued. "Well, are you going to tell me what this is all about? Who wrote that letter? Who is meeting me at the airport?"
"Darling, I can't tell you that. You will find out for yourself very soon. Your father will take you to the airport. He's waiting outside."
Natalie was very, very confused. She had no idea who could possibly be waiting for her at the airport. And, why wouldn't Viki tell her anything? She knew her mom wouldn't send her if her life was in danger, so it was obviously someone she knew and trusted. Looking at the clock, she realized she didn't have time to ponder. It was time to get going.
Viki hugged her daughter. "I love you so much, darling. You're in good hands."
"I love you too, mom. I trust you."
Clint helped Natalie put her bags into the trunk and they were quickly on their way. "So, Natalie, are you excited?"
She laughed. "Well, I think I'm more nervous than anything! I don't even know what's going on. Are you sure you can't tell me anything?"
Clint nodded firmly. "Positive. I am under strict orders to keep my mouth shut. I can tell you, though, that you have nothing to worry about."
Within minutes, they pulled up to curbside drop off. Clint helped Natalie unload her bags and gave her a hug.
"I love you, Natalie. Your mother and I expect a call tomorrow."
"Of course, dad. I love you, too."
Natalie approached the check-in counter and gave them her name. The agent smiled in recognition, as if she'd met Natalie before.
"Yes, Ms. Banks. I am instructed to escort you directly to security, and then to Gate C20, where you will depart."
Natalie didn't understand the need for an escort. "Why all the secrets? Is anyone going to tell me what's going on? Do I even get to look at the tickets?"
The agent shook her head in a firm no. "I'm sorry, Ms. Banks. I can't say, but please relax. Everything is for your protection."
The agent escorted her directly to the security check point, where they did a full body scan and ran her bags through the belt. They then proceeded to the gate, where two men and a woman were waiting for her
"Natalie Banks? I am Harry Miller. I will be your pilot. Jason here is my co-pilot and Tamara is your flight attendant. Please let her know if you need anything while on flight. You may board now."
"Thank you. Actually, I was supossed to meet someone here at the gate."
Tamara nodded. "Yes, they will be along shortly, Ms. Banks. You can go ahead and board."
Natalie boarded the plane, and immediately recognized that it was the Buchanan private jet. She sat down, buckled in, and barely noticed when someone sat down next to her.
"Is this seat taken?"
Natalie nearly jumped out of her seat. "Oh my gosh, it's you!"
