Chapter 44

Monday, April 12, 2004

0800 EST

Suite 1493

Ritz Carlton Hotel

Pensacola, Florida

The next morning, neither of them was really rested, after the disturbed night, and AJ was even more disturbed when Mac announced what she wanted to do for the day! "You want to do what!" asked AJ incredulously.

"Parasailing. You promised we could do anything I wanted today and that is what I want to do," pouted Sarah. "I want to drift among the clouds, gliding over the ocean."

"This from a woman that turned down a ride from the lead pilot of the Blue Angels," laughed AJ. "Wait! Have you cooked this up with Rabb, over the phone?"

"No, AJ. I saw a brochure in the hotel lobby and thought it would be fun. You don't have to go if you'd rather not," Sarah frowned. "Still, I'm going even if I have to go alone. This is something I really want to do, so, you can have the day all to yourself."

Feeling badly, and not wanting Sarah to try something that dangerous alone, AJ decided he should go with her. "Sarah, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. I'll give it a try with you, Darlin'," AJ said, trying his best to smile.

"Wonderful! We'll have such a great time. I'll take the camera so we can get some good pictures to take back home," laughed Sarah, pleased AJ had changed his mind.

Before breakfast, AJ left a note at the desk for Webb informing him of the plans for the day. As they arrived at the dock where the parasailing boats took off, AJ checked to be sure Webb was with them. He was, and was wearing a baggy pair of shorts and a loose shirt. AJ had on his swimsuit with shorts and a T-shirt. Leaning over he whispered, "What's wrong, Webb, nervous?"

"No, I was just noticing how fine Sarah looked," replied Clay staring intently at her.

"Watch it, Webb," growled AJ. "You're talking about one of my people there. She's also putting her life on the line for your scrawny ass."

"Hey, AJ, no insult intended," replied Webb. "You have to admit, Sarah's a beautiful woman."

"We're here to complete a mission, Webb, not admire a beautiful woman," AJ snarled, as he turned and walked over to Sarah.

Damn! He was jealous of Webb. AJ hated the way the man looked at Sarah. She wasn't his, but he would give his right arm if she were.

"What did Clay have to say?" asked Sarah.

"We were discussing all the beautiful things out here today."

Once well away from the shoreline, but still close enough for spectators to watch the parasailors, the crew started preparing the harness. Sarah had asked to be first. One of the crew took her to the platform at the back of the boat. There they had her sit in the harness and hooked it tightly so she couldn't fall out into the ocean. They hooked ropes to the harness with a rainbow colored canvas at the end being held by the other crewmen. The boat took off and as the captain reached the correct speed. The men released the canvas, and the man holding Sarah steady released her as she was jerked into the air above the boat.

She gave a slight squeak of surprise, at the sudden jerk, but as the sail slowly climbed high above the boat she could see for miles around. The beautiful blue sky with soft white fluffy clouds drifted by her. Down below was the ocean, a deep blue in places and more of an emerald green in others. The waves were white-caped and were rolled onto the beach where people sat and watched. The sand was a beautiful white that reminded Sarah of the snow, back home, in the wintertime. She wished she had her camera up here to take a picture of all the wonderful things she was seeing.

"AJ, what happens if that harness snaps?" asked Webb.

"Damn it, Webb, shut up!" growled AJ.

"That's what I was afraid of," whispered Clay. Both men watched Sarah, unable to take their eyes off
her. Each feared what could happen by just one slip of the harness. Just one little mistake, could cost her, her life.

To be continued….