Unfinished Business, Unresolved Feelings chapter 12
Lee trailed behind the other passengers from his flight as they exited the jet way and entered the quiet and largely empty terminal. The other passengers moved in an almost herd like fashion toward the baggage claim area leaving Lee to continue on towards the main terminal by himself. When he exited the arrival area he smelled the unmistakable aroma of fresh coffee and breakfast foods emanating from the food court segment of the terminal. It was still too early in the morning to embark on the next leg of his journey so he walked slowly towards the food court.
Ahh, that coffee smells so good. As Lee got closer to the various food counters the aroma turned from enticing to simply greasy smelling. I should be hungry. The last time I ate was that half sandwich on the flight from New York to Las Vegas. Maybe I'll just get a doughnut to go with the coffee. Lee approached the nearest counter where he was promptly greeted by a thirty something bleach blonde in a very tight uniform.
"Morning, honey. What can I get you", she asked as she was checking him out from head to toe without even trying to hide her obvious interest in him.
"A large black coffee; cream and sugar", Lee responded. She got the coffee and placed the cup on the counter where Lee's hand was resting.
"Can I interest you in anything else", she inquired as she brushed her hand against his.
She's not the least bit subtle. What did I ever see in her type? I need some information so I'd better play along a little bit. Lee put on his best Scarecrow smile and read the name on her uniform.
"It's still early, Suzy, you never know what I might be interested in later. Are you from this area?"
"I was born and raised right around here. I know the area very well; I could show you some sights you'd never forget", she practically purred.
"I'll keep that in mind. Do you know the best way to get to Nellis without a car", Lee asked while subtly easing his hand away from hers.
"There is a bus route that goes out that way. The bus stop is outside just past the taxi stand. It's not a long ride but you can't go out there on an empty stomach. What would you like to go with your coffee?"
"A glazed doughnut", Lee responded while stepping further back from the counter.
Suzy took the hint, got the doughnut, and told him how much his breakfast would cost. Lee handed her enough money to cover his bill and leave her with a nice tip.
"Thanks, honey. I hope you don't mind my saying so but you don't look like the Nellis type. Be careful out there."
"I'm always careful", Lee answered as he picked up his breakfast tray and strolled away. Lee sat down at a nearby table and slowly savored the coffee as he mechanically ate the doughnut. The food court area started to fill up with travelers who were catching early morning flights. If I don't go out there now and get on that bus I might just talk myself out of this visit. Lee threw what was left of the doughnut in a nearby trash can and headed off to find the bus stop.
Half an hour later Lee was onboard the bus headed northeast out of Las Vegas. The longer he rode the fewer signs of civilization could be seen as he looked out the bus windows. Why are these places always located so far off the beaten path? The driver said it wouldn't be a long ride. The bus turned off the main road onto a narrower side road that was lined with tall, nondescript fences for as far as Lee could see. He felt a familiar churning in his stomach as he realized that he'd reached his destination. Lee clutched his gym bag as he was assaulted by a lifetime's worth of memories. A couple of minutes later the bus came to a stop at the main gate of Nellis Air Force Base. Lee got off the bus with an expression on his face that was more Scarecrow than Lee. He'd come this far, he was determined to lay all the ghosts of his past to rest, and he couldn't do that without talking to his uncle.