Profession

Back in the New York groove

I didn't sleep too well that night; crashing planes kept sneaking into my dreams. When I gave up and got up early, the morning programs had the happy news that the Justice League had crashed the cell of the Injustice League and apprehended some of the most important leaders, including Lex Luthor. It somewhat balanced the tragedy at the airport. And better yet, the action had happened in a country with no extradition agreement with the US, so the criminals would be put into a system where their influence was minimal and the jails were decidedly not on the plushy side.  Jon came home in the early afternoon and was delighted to find that I'd managed to reschedule the appointment for later in the week. It hadn't been easy, the source was kind of queasy about talking, expiration of the Official Secrets date or not, but I'd exerted my fairly meager store of charm and got the new interview set up. I settled onto his lap and he let out a big sigh of contentment as he hugged me to him.

"I've been looking forward to this for ages, it seems," he said, dropping a kiss on my head. "Talked to Mom last night, thank you for getting them settled so well. I know it's just what you do, but it means a lot to me, my dad, mom, and sister. Mom's getting a spa appointment this afternoon while Arielle takes some classes, I think she said a dance lesson and rock wall climbing. Dad went home; I think he wishes he could join them and relax. But since he's got a 'source' in the League, he's got an article to file on busting that cell."

"I was hoping that they'd enjoy the ocean voyage, even if it's not very long," I said. "I thought about chartering a private flight for them, but Arielle was really traumatized. Lois had her hands full trying to get a flight, but I'd have been happy to have them for a few extra days."

"It's just what they needed, an opportunity to relax with only minimal distractions. Arie really was terrified; Mom probably would have had to tranquilize her to get her on a flight. People are really freaked out. Mom will be going a million miles an hour when they get back home, and Arie starts school the next week. She'll have some great stories to tell."

"I'm just glad she seemed to like me. I didn't want to alienate your sister too."

"Honey, Arie is nothing like Derinoe," he said firmly. "She wanted to like you, but you're pretty intimidating, even if our families know each other. She told me that while it was a great vacation, she really liked seeing the effort you put into everything, that you didn't seem to be trying to buy their good graces. Not throwing your money around to impress, but really looking like you wanted to make sure everybody had a good time. And meeting Prince Crispin, well, her friends pretty much fainted. She's given me the all-clear for our relationship."

"That's good to know," I said, snuggling against his chest again. I liked listening to his deep voice rumble.

"Mom and Dad like you too, in case you're wondering, think that you've got your head on straight with the right attitudes. We saw Diana at the planning meetings and the execution of the action. Dad made it a point to tell her how much they were enjoying your hospitality and wasn't it a shame about your cheek. She looked a little flummoxed, said she was glad that we were enjoying our vacation, and scuttled away, well, as much as Wonder Woman scuttles, anyway." I just grunted, not surprised, and he got up to take a shower before we had a late lunch and he picked up his work again. I slept better that night with him next to me.

The week passed quickly, I did some really good work, and when the palace contacted me, it was with the idea that I shoot Prince Crispin and Princess Gloriana when they were home for Diana's wedding, so that slotted in neatly and I was glad to have that nailed down. I was definitely going to get to use my new camera!

At the end of the week, he escorted us down to Southampton, where Uncle Tony had sent his yacht, flatly rejecting my plan to fly back even if it was on a private plane. It was faster than the cutter, and the pups and I were back in New York in just over a day and a half. It really was an excellent way to travel.