Hitmen or Hitwomen?

- Chapter 8 -

< The trip was over quite fast and soon enough they arrived in New Orleans. Sar stopped at a private garage, obscured from public view, and parked the car there. With Sar and Wen stepping out of their car and walking away, they were in front of the airport. It was already dark outside and there was a crowd in the airport. >

-

Sar and Wen walked inside the terminal, there are people waiting for the flights, others who are heading home. Both assassins were carrying their bags along with them, scanning the space for anything that might be out place.

They blended into the crowd well, their dark clothes stood out only slightly. The two make their way toward the check-in counter for their flight to Rostov-On-Don. As they approach the TSA security checkpoint, Sar and Wen exchange glances.

The line moves slowly as they approach the conveyor belts, where travelers toss their bags onto the machines. Sar stands still, keeping a collected demeanor, while Wen gives a family of tourists a sideways glance. At the checkpoint, both step through without any issue—no questions asked.

—

The loudspeakers crackle, announcing the flights. They head toward the gate, keeping to the quieter side of the terminal, and passing by a small store, offering things such as cigars or trinkets.
Now in the waiting area, they sit near the gate.

Other passengers are asleep or having conversations. As Wen and Sar passed, some people turn to look at them. "Why are these poopies looking at us?" said Wen quietly. "Eh, they don't know what they're doing." Sar responded with a shrug.

Near them was a tourist couple and a few businesspeople wearing suits. Sar noticed that and made a comment: "Look at all those capitalists sitting near us." Wen looked right at Sar, "Stop talking about politics, right now."
"Never." Sar looked back at Wen.

——

Finally, the boarding announcement mentioned their flight: "Now boarding Flight 352 to Rostov-on-Don" Sar and Wen stand up from their seats, grabbing their bags, and moved toward the gate.

——

Sar's POV:
I'm one of the first to board the plane and take a seat by the window—not ideal, but secluded enough. I put my bag under the seat in front of me and pretend to be just another traveler.

Wen's POV:
I board last and quietly walk down the aisle, sitting in an empty seat—far enough from Sar to avoid drawing attention. Then, I stow my carry-on and sit back.

—~—~—

The flight would take a long time, around 12 hours. Wen takes out her headphones, listening to music, and Sar does the same. For the remainder of their flight, they would be sitting apart to maintain the secrecy. Their independence is part of the strategy—always playing it cool, always blending in.

=====
Hour 1-3:
While they were flying, Sar was subtly making notes about the mission. Meanwhile, Wen was attempting to sleep. Both of them would occasionally glance around to be aware of their surroundings.

Hour 4-6:
—
Eventually, Wen manages to fall asleep. The flight settles into nighttime mode as the lights dim, and Sar looks out the window.

Hour 7-9
___
Next to Sar, her seatmate is striking up a conversation. Wen notices and looks to her side, yet there's no one particularly interesting to talk to.

Hour 10+11
.........
Sar takes out a small map of Russia and studies the regions while Wen readies her belongings. At hour 11, an announcement tells passengers to fasten their seatbelts and prepare for landing.
-
And at hour 12, the plane lands in Rostov-on-Don at the Platov International Airport. Sar stands up first, exiting the plane, and Wen follows after a few minutes.

=====

Upon arriving in the terminal, they go through costums and baggage claim and exit the airport. It was already Thursday, and they decided to look for a hotel to spend the night there. "Oh look, maybe we could check in here." Sar said as she pointed at a run-down hotel.

"Well, it's not the best but it will do." Wen replied and both of them walk inside the hotel. They quickly check in, and walk inside the room, also mentally preparing for tomorrow. In the meantime, they decide on what to do.

...............