Here is the next chapter and more Joe here. Amber
Chapter 29
Frank cursed. "Attendant! Come here now! Open the cockpit door when I tell you!" Frank showed her his credentials. Frank pulled out his tablet and hacked into the planes computers. It was unethical but given the circumstances he didn't care. He engaged the autopilot. The captain or co-pilot had not had time to react. The oxygen masks came out. Frank engaged the sound system the flight attendants utilized. "Everyone this is Special Agent In Charge Frank Hardy FBI. Stay calm I engaged the autopilot by hacking into the system. Put on the oxygen masks for safety." Frank nodded to the attendant taking a deep breath. He grabbed the o2 mask that belonged to the co-pilot then shut the door. He moved the co-pilot to the floor then took his head gear and microphone. "Air traffic control this is SAC Frank Hardy FBI, both pilots have been incapacitated. I have a pilot's license and have been trained by the FBI to fly these crafts. I will make the landing at dulles as scheduled disengaging autopilot now. Two suspects have been taken into custody and under guard by the air marshall. They have been placed in the lavatory in business class. Do you acknowledge?"
"Acknowledged flight Delta 234. Please provide your pilot number for the record."
Frank nodded and provided the number from memory.
"Thank you pilot."
Frank was sweating bullets. He had not landed a plane this big in two years. He called on the system. "Attention patrons this is Special Agent in Charge Frank Hardy. I am also a pilot and am going to be landing our plane today at Dulles. Two men are in custody of the air marshall, have been moved, and are under guard. Nobody can exit the plane until we have all your contact information and question you briefly. I apologize for the inconvenience."
Frank heard the cheers. One male patron said. "Question us all you want dude! You saved our asses!"
A big cheer followed that. Frank laughed relaxing a little. He dialed his brother. Who answered with an annoyed. "This better be good."
"Two terrorists knocked out both pilots of my plane with ketamine and I have to land it. Is that good enough?" Frank said drolly.
"What! Holy shit storm! Have you called Callie?"
"Joe I love my wife but...I need you to keep me calm. I'm a wreck. I haven't landed a plane like this in two years! That was with the FBI instructor next to me in the pilot's chair."
Joe sucked in his breath. He could hear his brother's voice. He swallowed and when he spoke his voice was calm. "Bro you were born to fly. You can do this! Deep breaths it's like riding a bike for you man."
"JOE! It's not just me all these people are on this damn plane."
"It isn't the first time you saved a bunch of people in a plane."
Frank scowled but also smiled. "Yes but we were preventing the plane from taking off remember! You were with me; so was Callie."
"Good times! Frank I'm right here. Talk yourself through it if you have too. Don't hang up until you land. I've got you."
"Lord please let me land safely. Joe if we don't make it please be there for her and my kids. Promise me."
Joe whispered. "I promise but you will land the plane Frank. I know you will. You want to see your son being born. You want to see them all graduate. You will be there Frank." He would have said more but Joe heard.
"Pilot this is air traffic control. I have a pilot here who can talk you through the landing procedures. The FBI said you might be a little rusty but has full confidence you can land the plane. We have your back. All runways will be cleared for your arrival, other planes have been diverted."
Frank breathed. "Acknowledged. Sorry I called my brother he's."
Another voice came over the radio. "I understand."
Frank sucked in his breath. It was his old flight instructor. "Rick! God bless you! You got out of bed for this?"
"I was in New York City, the FBI came and got me. They told me I was needed. I taught you how to fly bud, but you always had good instinct and natural ability. You can do it. Now let's go over these procedures. Hmmm."
Frank's heart rate slowed slightly. "Alright."
Joe was pacing in his room like a caged lion. He heard Rick and was greatly relieved. His brother's tone was much calmer. Joe soothed. "See walk in the park Frank. I believe in you. Just relax okay."
"I'm calm, thirty minutes til landing. Christ most crashes occur during landings and takeoffs you know."
Joe said. "Good thing you have flight training. Stop thinking of the statistics Frank. Focus and you will be fine."
Vanessa brought Joe a cup of tea. She didn't have the heart to tell him that he was still deliciously naked. Let's face it. She was enjoying the view. She gathered by the conversation that Frank had to land the plane he was on. Her husband was very close to his brother. They shared a special bond. There were things that only Callie could help him with, and things Joe could help him with. She glanced at her watch. It had been forty minutes since Frank called. She said a prayer to protect her brother in law. Next Joe exclaimed. "See! You did it bro! I'm on my way."
Vanessa after he hung up started laughing.
Joe put his hands on his hips. "What?"
Vanessa approached and kissed him avidly. "Absolutely nothing." Her hand reached his bare bottom and squeezed.
Joe blushed. "You could have said."
Vanessa kissed his shoulder. "And spoil my fun?"
Joe's mouth went dry. "We were interrupted rather suddenly." He opened her robe and tossed it onto the floor. "I need some help in the shower."
Vanessa giggled. "Thought you'd never ask."
