Winter: A Vince Harper Story: The Vince Harper Stories, #2

WINTER

Written by Brad Chambers

Copyright © 2017 Brad Chambers

Cover art in part by George Hodan

Published by Brad Chambers at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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WINTER

Chapter 1

The plane lifted off from Boise airport and my stomach churned a little. Flying wasn't my favorite thing in the world but I did it at least once a year. My daughter Darcy lives in Boise with her husband James. She usually comes to see me in Illinois at least once a year, too.

As the plane leveled off my stomach settled and I leaned back to try for a nap. Just as I closed my eyes though, the lady next to me began trying to start a conversation with me.

My name is Cynthia Powers.

I opened one eye and as it focused on the gray hair of the late 50s to early 60s woman I replied, Vince Harper.

That name sounds familiar, the short, round woman said thoughtfully. What do you do for a living Mr. Harper?

I write, I responded, hoping she didn't read. It's usually nice to meet a fan but today I just wanted to sleep.

Are you the Vince Harper that writes the mystery novels? Cynthia smiled excitedly.

I sighed internally and opened my other eye, That's me.

I love your books, Cynthia gushed, patting my arm. I think I've read them all.

Thanks, I said politely, waving the flight attendant over and asking for a bourbon. If I couldn't sleep I might as well drink.

Cynthia talked almost nonstop for an hour and a half as I finished off three drinks and wished for a fourth. Airlines have limits on how much alcohol they will serve though and three was it for this flight. It was just as well. When the plane landed I had an hour drive home and didn't want to have to spend a couple hours at Lambert waiting to sober up.

The plane lurched suddenly and seemed to lose altitude for a few seconds before leveling off. The flight attendants were suddenly very busy moving up and down the aisles to calm passengers. The one who had been serving me even appeared with another bourbon for me. Not a good sign.

This is the captain, a voice spoke over the speakers in the ceiling. We are having a little trouble with one of our engines and will be landing in Kansas City to get things straightened out. Please remain in your seats and keep your seat belts on for safety. The flight attendants will be passing out complimentary snacks and drinks. Thank you.

Cynthia grabbed my hand and it felt like it was clamped in a vice. I patted her arm with my free hand and tried to calm her down. I talked about a book I was planning to write in the series she seemed to like the best and she slowly loosened her grip.

As I flexed the feeling back into my right hand I looked around the plane to see how the other passengers were reacting. I tend to study people in strange situations so I can use their responses in certain characters if I need to.

Most of the people looked tense, but only worried, not scared. Here and there a face showed pure terror. These were the ones that were