NIGHT MOVES

CASE CLOSED

As I was blow drying my hair their was a ping from my cell. I ignored it and finished my hair off. As the 'rents and Audrey were migrating to the family nest by helicopter. My dad had said we didn't need to him or Audrey for the reveal. There also isn't enough room in the Culpepper helo to lift the five of us. I fluffed my hair and finished dressing before exiting. Outside my door stood Audrey with her suitcase and Carver in tow. I took Audrey's arm and stepped towards my dad's suite. I knocked, yet Elvira opened the door and turned away. I caught the door and held it for Audrey and I.

"Daaaad? You ready to book it?" I called out as he wasn't in sight.

"Yes, I'm coming." The bathroom door swung open and he appeared.

"You're positive you don't mind flyin' with us, Audrey?" Elvira turned and handed my dad her two bags.

"Not a-."

"Honey, you shouldn't carry youh own bags!" My dad made a grab for Elvira's last bag.

"Darlin' youh hands are full, and it's no trouble to carry this little ol' bag." Elvira kissed his cheek and stepped towards the door.

"If you insist, love." My old man winked at me and trailed behind her.

"I apologize, Audrey deah. As you were sayin'." Elvira opened the door and waited for Audrey to exit.

"I don't mind travelin' with you and Marven." Audrey smiled dad's way from the hall.

Elvira continued to hold the door for my dad. Yet let it slip once I stepped to the plate. I hurriedly stepped forward and slipped out before it shut.

"Mawum, why are you carryin' youh bag? Let me." Carver fussed as he swiftly relieved Elvira of her burden.

I rolled my eyes and began the march for freedom from her presence.

"GREETINGS BLOOMINGTON PARTY. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR STAY WITH US, MR. & MRS. BLOOMINGTON. PLEASE SELECT A FLOOR."

I pressed the number fourteen and smiled as the doors closed.

"YOU'VE SELECTED FLOOR FOURTEEN. ARRIVAL TIME ESTIMATED SEVEN MINUTES. PLEASE ENJOY THIS COMPLIMENTARY JINGLE."

Once the AI voice grew silent the song, "Wish You Were Here, by Pink Floyd," began.

"What an intuitive computuh, right Cuhvuh?" Elvira nudged him.

"Mawum, it's an AI and she's preset to dispense theme music.."

Dad gave him a stern glance.

"I suppose it's got a cool cat kind of beat." He smiled widely down at Elvira.

To my elation the elevator came to a prompt stop.

"YOU'VE REACHED THE FOURTEENTH FLOOR. SAFE TRAVELS MR. & MRS. BLOOMINGTON."

The AI could barely be heard above the whirring of the helo's propellers. At the helo Zaida was standing beside the open door.

"Bye, safe flight, babes!" I kissed Audrey's cheek.

"Good luck with youh audience with Culpeppuh!" Audrey yelled and kissed my cheek.

"Bye dad, see you tomorrow." I quickly kissed his cheek and stepped back towards the elevator.

"See ya, bean-pole! Bring in that dough!" He gave me two thumbs before turning to Carver.

After he said his goodbyes we stood back and watched their ascent. We waved and rentered the elevator to return to our floor.

                           🔎

As I was picking up last minute items my ring tone played. I answered the call believing it was a new case.