A Heart's Desire

Chapter 5

When the plane landed sunlight streamed in through the little circle windows. Once the plane came to a complete stop, Declan undid his seatbelt and stood up to grab his carry-on bag in the compartment over top.

"Do you have everything, sir? Is there anything you need help with?" a cute redhead stewardess came up behind him. There was only himself and one other gentleman in a business suit in the first class cabin.

"No thank you. I'm fine." He said in his best American voice trying to hide his accent. If she had any questions on who he was, maybe the accent would throw her off.

She smiled at him, "Thank you for flying with us. Have a wonderful day." She then moved past him to another passenger.

He grabbed his carry on and headed off the plane. He walked down the plank towards the airport. The doors opened to the single passengers, families and business people awaiting their next destination. He looked up and saw a sign that said 'Baggage, Rent a Car, First Aid' and had an arrow pointing left. He headed in that direction.

As he walked in the direction to rent a car he thought about what his next step would be. He wanted to buy a ring but didn't know of any good jewellery stores. He thought his best bet was to find a hotel, check in and then surely someone there could point him to the right store.
He kept his head down and walked quickly. A few people glanced his way but it seemed so far nobody had recognized him yet. He found the kiosk for car rentals and picked the shortest line.
"May I help whose next?" A young man behind the counter waved Declan over. He walked over, placed his carry on bag at his feet and pulled out his wallet.

"Good morning sir and welcome to Luxo Car Rental. What were you looking for today?"

"Just a car, please. I'm not sure how long I will need it for. Maybe a week." Declan replied as he pulled his licence and credit card out of his wallet. "I don't really care what type it is, anything will do."

"Ok then." Ben, that's what was written on his name tag, turned towards his computer and started typing away. "Let's see here. I have available a Mercedes E350 or a Range Rover Sport or..."

Declan cut him off, "The Range Rover will be fine." He handed over his cards and Ben started typing away and filling out the forms. As he took down Declan's information, Ben made small talk about the weather and asked him how his flight was.

Ben passed Declan's cards back to him and pointed to the right. "If you go around the corner and straight out the doors you will see a sign that says Luxo VIP pick up. Steven should be there if you have any questions and someone will bring your car around to you in just a few minutes. The way should be pretty empty Mr. O'Shea, so less likely somebody will recognize you." Ben leaned over and whispered the last part while giving Declan a little wink. "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

"No thanks, I think I'm good." Declan smiled and mouthed 'Thank you' as he picked up identification.

"Great, well thank you for picking Luxo and you have yourself a wonderful day."

Declan reached down to pick up his carry on and headed off. He walked down the hall a bit, went around the corner and headed out the doors. The sunlight hit him in the face and the summer air felt warm as a gentle breeze blew. He looked around and saw the sign Ben was talking about. An older gentleman was standing by the sign which must mean that was Steven. He walked over.

"Ah good morning, you must be Mr. O'Shea?" Steven smiled as he held out a hand to shake Declan's.

"Yes I am." If this gentleman knew who he was he didn't let on but then again Declan was still wearing the sunglasses and baseball cap.