The rest of the 2 and half days were spent mostly in bed some on the beach then some in the other amenities that Storm Front offered. Rick and Sgt Wu had been discussing various cases. Rick had even gotten the Sgt his favorite Kosher Chinese food from his Aunt's place special delivered here by his limo service. Sgt was chowing down.
"Thanks Rick I've had so much fun. It is going to be such a shame I would need to leave but I must catch my 7AM flight tomorrow." Wu said.
"Nonsense Wu you're flying with me! We will leave at a respectable hour of 10AM and still arrive a little before 4 in the afternoon." Rick said.
The Sgt was unable to find any fault so he agreed.
"Good now that is settled. Kate are you sure you do not want to go with me? It will be our last before you are taking the LT exam. Once that happens you might not get a chance until the wedding renewal." Rick said.
"Hmmm I think I will tell you later Rick" Kate said.
"Oh go on Katie I'll be fine for four days. I do not have that appointment for another few days after your LT exam so you would be back in plenty of time." Jim said.
"Oh do not look at me for your salvation Katherine. I'll have my hands full looking after James." Martha said.
"Mom, go ahead just do it. I've been on many book tours with Dad over the years. They are not as bad as they seem and you are going during the Rose festival times. Portland is quite beautiful." Alexis said.
"Yeah Alexis is right as a Portland Native it is the best time to go." Wu said.
Kate looked at all the earnest faces. She could not bear to disappoint them especially after they made so many convincing arguments.
"Oh alright Rick you are stuck with me. I hope I do not regret this decision." Kate said.
A collective Hurrah was heard among the group.
"So that is settled who wants Ice Cream?" Rick asked.
/
It was 8 when Rick, Kate, and Sgt Wu were whisked to the heliport for the flight to Teeterboro. Wu was marveling over the convenience that travel this way gave. Rick was not looking forward to seeing the Dragon Lady. Gina has been cool toward Kate. Now that she has to realize Rick has married Kate. This would be the first meeting since the elopement. Rick was sweating bullets. 5 hours with Kate and Gina in the same area? What was he thinking?
"Rick I can see the wheels turning from here." Kate said into the private channel so only he could hear.
Rick looked at his bride. He knew he could not feign not hearing.
"Yeah you got me." Rick said as they were crossing into Jersey.
So what is… Kate asked holding his hand.
"This is the captain we are landing a Teeterboro please wait until the blades are stationary to disembark." The Captain said breaking in to all channels.
The chopper hit the ground as the turbine was winding down. The blades were perfectly still when the stairs were brought over.
Good Morning Mr. Castle I do hope this flight was enjoyable? Judy said as her name tag indicated.
"Yes Judy it was fine as usual. Tell Captain Steve that too." Rick said smiling a bit too much for Kate's sensibility.
"Mr. Castle Frank called at the plane is ready in hanger 2. Please take the shuttle to the left." Judy said as she winked at him.
"Thank you again Judy. Come on Kate this way." Rick said.
Kate was a bit miffed. She knew she was going to have to share but does that extend to airline hostesses too?
Rick noticed the sullen demeanor of his wife.
"Rick why are you so friendly?" Kate muttered.
"Kate I fly with Judy and Steve all the time. They are a husband and wife charter service. Surely you could not be jealous over a business arrangement?" Rick asked.
"No well Maybe She just was too friendly." Kate confessed.
Rick was glad his wife was so protective of him.
"Kate I invested so Steve and Judy could have their dream job so naturally Judy is appreciative. But actually that is her natural sunny out look." Rick said.
Kate was holding on to her man as they entered the shuttle. Sgt Wu was marveling over the amenities that the other half lives. Getting to the hanger Rick separated to talk to Frank. That left Kate to enter the cabin alone. Gina and Paula were there along with his driver and Makeup person Amy. Kate had not thought there were so many people in his entourage. Other than Frank this entourage consisted of all women. There was a flight attendant Too. Kate sat down trying to ignore all the looks of envy she was getting from everyone. Kate looked up and it was Alice.
"Hi Alice do you remember me?" Kate asked.
"Oh yeah. You and Rick got married. You know that inspired Frank to propose a few days later. We used Chief Running Bear too! I loved the midnight with all the sounds of Nature." Alice said.
"Last time I saw you. There was much alcohol consumed." Kate said.
"Yeah there is a long story there but I have to get the other guest situated. It is a long flight we can talk later." Alice said.
Just then Rick and Frank bound into the cabin.
"Hello Kate I see you saw my bride Alice Borman. I have to hand it to your husband I wanted to settle with one person. My Alice is just that person." Frank said.
"Well congrats Frank! Well Done! This comes as a big surprise to me!" Rick said. "I thought you were a confirmed Bachelor with a girl in every city kind of guy."
Frank reached over and squeezed his wife's waist. She giggled then said.
"Frank you need to get in the cockpit and get finished with the preflight we had wasted enough time on the ground!" Alice sternly said.
"Yes my Dear!" Frank said kissing her then leaving to get this plane off the air.
A few minutes later the plane was airborne. Kate snuggled against Rick and sighed.
"Kate dear this is a working flight if you are tired the bed is available." Rick said.
"Sure Rick I think getting more sleep would be beneficial." Kate sleepily said.
Alice escorted Kate to the rear of the plane where the bed was freshly made with those sinfully soft sheets Rick adores. She was out like a light after her head hit the pillow. The cabin lights were extinguished as Alice left the area.
"How is she doing Mrs. Borman?" Rick asked.
"She is out the poor dear was exhausted." Alice said. "Excuse me I'm needed in the cockpit."
Alice left with drinks for the pilot. A few minutes later Frank came bounding past.
"Frank? What are you doing back here?" Rick asked. "Who is flying the plane?"
"My Bride Alice did you not know?" Frank said.
"Know what?" Rick asked.
"She has her rating on this and other jets. She is not just a pretty face my Alice." Frank said beamingly.
"Hmmm Perhaps she might want to help teach Kate? She is dying to learn to fly." Rick said.
"That is a possibility she used to have her own Flight school until she ran into trouble. Her partner ran off with the money and left her broken hearted. The IRS did the rest seized her planes and land. She was drowning her sorrows when I met her." Frank said.
"She's quite a woman for you Frank." Rick said.
"Yeah did you know she had the speed record at the Reno air race 3 years running?" Frank said.
"No I did not. Say do you want her to reestablish her flight school here on the East Coast?" Rick asked.
"I'm not sure but I could ask her. I know reestablishing her school was a life long dream. She comes from a long line of Aerobatic pilots. She had a Grandmother who was a wing walker in the 1920's during the Barn storming age." Frank said.
"With such a storied history it would be such a shame to stay grounded." Rick said. "Why don't you give Chris a call and see what you can arrange."
"Thanks Ricky!" Frank said "Oops it is time to get back to the cockpit."
The rest of the trip Rick was consulting with his entourage.