The Watchtower Read online

  Chapter Four

  The mist had all but stopped as Barb pulled up to the loading area in front of the airport. Martin jumped out of the passenger side and headed straight for the sliding doors, Daniel and Barb right behind him. The terminal was busy. People rushed back and forth through the airport or congregated in lines in front of ticket counters--all except for one counter at the far end of the building. A lone attendant sat reading a magazine.

  Martin stopped several meters away from the terminal and scanned the area. There were a few security guards near the busier terminals, with only one hanging around the one they were interested in, but for the most part the area was vacant.

  His heart raced and he couldn’t help but smile. This was the craziest thing in the world! They could get thrown out of the airport, so why was he having such a good time?

  “There’s only one guard for this area,” he said, as Barb and Daniel came up behind him. “Do you need us to distract him or anything?”

  “No. I just need to get close enough to the terminal to touch it.”

  They walk up to the counter and were immediately noticed by both the ticket agent and the security guard. Martin smiled at the agent, but had no idea what to say. Maybe he should have thought about this a bit more before coming over.

  The ticket agent frowned as she looked them over. Martin’s good feeling drained away with her look. He waited for a pleasant greeting, but none came.

  “Can I help you?”

  The security guard’s stance became rigid and he moved toward the counter.

  Martin’s mind was empty. On the debate team, he was able to formulate a counter-response in seconds, but as he looked into the intimidating glare of the ticket agent, he drew a blank.

  Barb’s soft voice suddenly rang in his ear. “Is this where Diplomats and special envoys enter the country?”

  The agent focused her harsh glare at Barb. “Yes it is, but I’m sorry, this area is restricted.”

  “That’s fine,” Martin said, as Barb slowly moved toward the scanner. “We don’t want to go in there, but do you mind if we ask you a few questions?”

  The security guard puffed out his chest as Barb sauntered over to the scanner. She kept her head tilted to one side and flashing the guard a mischievous smile. Martin clenched his jaw a few times, trying to hide his amusement.

  The ticket agent focused back on Martin. “That depends on what the questions are.”

  “I was wondering,” he said, mulling over possible phrases that didn’t make him sound like a lunatic, “if anyone has come through this gate, say in the last month or so, with an odd package?”

  There. It was out. Martin held his breath as the agent’s blank expression didn’t change.

  “Define odd.”

  Daniel poked his head out from behind him. “Egg-shaped.”

  A frustrated sigh escaped from Martin as he closed his eyes. So much for not sounding crazy. He glanced over at Barb, who appeared to have the guard wrapped around her finger. At least that part was going well.

  The ticket agent frowned. “Is this some kind of a joke?”

  Martin watched Barb as she reached over and touched the scanner. A calm look washed over her face as she breathed deep. She looked beautiful in this peaceful state; so tranquil. He looked back at the ticket agent and smiled. “I assure you ma’am, this is no joke.”