Protect Me Not

Chapter 25

Feeling like a fresh new man, Victor woke up to the most amazing idea and he just couldn't hold his excitement together any longer. Arranging for a private helicopter to pick Mary up from Toronto was only the first of his many surprises he had planned for her. Not only was he excited to be getting his wife back home, but having her home in time to celebrate Halloween together was the icing on the cake. Remembering their Bonnie and Clyde costumes, Victor thought it would be humorous to pick her up in full costume. Halloween was Victor's favourite time of year. He never missed an opportunity to celebrate the cherished children's holiday and found the concept of dressing up only to act in incognito for the night to be riveting. Mary was sure to be surprised, not only by his arrival but also by his decadent choice of attire. She never fully invested herself into the holiday but went along with Victor's love for the character indulgence. After all, their costumes were always a coupled theme and Victor took care of the details. There was nothing for Mary to do other than have fun at the party.

Victor arranged for the private helicopter to be on standby for whenever he needed it. There wasn't much more he needed to attend to in order for that part to run smoothly. A quick phone call to set a departure time was the last thing he needed to take care of. The only obstacle that could put his plan in jeopardy was the timing of his arrival to pick Mary up. He knew he had to have a solid plan. Getting Camden in on the plan was the only way to ensure everything could run smoothly. Camden's been the one constant person allowing Victor to remain somewhat in charge. After sending a text to Camden instructing him to call immediately, Victor waited patiently to complete the last few details of his plan. Picking Mary up by four o'clock that afternoon would leave them enough time to fly back to New York and attend the Halloween Gala for the Homeless and Hungry. Giving back to their city was a top priority in Victor and Mary's lives. Victor was known for being a dispassionate attorney, but his more humane side allowed him to dedicate his knowledge and money to more practical and worthy causes. Victor was the perfect blend of professional mannerism with a hint of being self focused. His desire to help others often ruled his better judgement and that was exactly how he landed a seat on the Gala's board of directors. With his passion for people and his love of Halloween, the Halloween Gala for the Homeless and Hungry was born. This year's second annual Gala and the return of Mary couldn't have been timed any better. Ironically Bonnie and Clyde would be giving back to their community instead of taking as the classic tale was once told.

Victor fumbled to answer his cell phone as he clumsily dropped his costume hat. Still reminiscing about his Gala he answered the call still in character. "Least I ain't a liar," he said in his best Clyde impersonating twang voice.

"A Liar?" Camden started.

"Hey, sorry man I was just rehearsing some of my lines for tonight's Gala event..." Victor tried to explain.

"Okay, whatever. Listen, I'm in a little bit of a hurry, I'm returning your call so can you make this quick?" Camden shoots.

"Quick! Yes, me too funny enough. I need Mary's hotel information. I've got the best surprise for her," Victor announced with excitement.

"She's still at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville," he blurted out clearly distracted by something other than the phone call.

"That's great," Victor replied sounding both amused and enlightened to finally confirm her whereabouts. "Make sure she's there at four o'clock today to receive her surprise," Victor ordered and ended his call.

"Four o'clock, yes of course," Camden replied to the dial tone still distracted by his own thoughts.

Victor arranged a black car service for his arrival at Million Air municipal airport. The small Toronto Airport facility allowed private jets and helicopters from around the world to utilize their fixed base operation. It was exactly what Victor needed. Besides the fact that most people did not travel in costume, Victor and his Clyde costume was sure to get some unwelcoming looks from other travelers at the large international airport. He also didn't want any hardship from customs with his toy gun that was clearly visible and tucked into his pants. Victor just wanted to wrangle up his Bonnie and bring her home in time for the Gala.