Swiss Flights: Switzerland --

Kassie Tom brushed her blonde hair from her eyes as she stood in the manager’s lobby for Swiss Flights, a Swiss airline. She was going to meet with the manager and discuss what happened on her father’s flight.

“Hi, I’m Kassie Tom. I would like to speak with the manager regarding the plane crash a few days ago,” Kassie told the secretary up front.

The secretary had short, red hair and a headpiece. “Do you have an appointment?”

Kassie looked at the woman like she spoke Chinese, or any other language she didn’t know. “Appointment?”

The secretary held an annoyed face. “All visiting parties must make appointments. Mr. Swenson is a very busy man, especially now.”

Kassie was dumbfounded. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t make an appointment. Can’t he fit me in?”

“Sorry,” the secretary sighed, shaking her head. “He is in the middle of an important call right now. I’m afraid you can’t see him.”

==

Inside, Ken Swenson was in a heated argument over the phone.

“Don’t worry,” he said, keeping his obviously angered voice down. “Everything has been taken care of. Our three inside agents on the ICAO have ruled the crash pilot error. There is no evidence to connect us to the crash. Nor you, for that matter.”

Ken paused to listen on the other end, and then continued. “We have the information, don’t you worry. It was delivered before the flight took off. And it is some good stuff, too. Real good.”

Presence Memorial Hospital --

“Jake,” Gillian Evans called out. “You have a shift today?”

Jake Geary walked up to her, surprised to see her there. He remembered placing the anonymous note in her mailbox the night before and wondered if she had received it. He was wearing a white shirt and white pants.

“Yes I do,” he replied. “What, exactly, are you doing in a place like this?”

Gillian turned to Iris’ room. “My friend was stabbed last night, and I’m visiting her right now.”

Jake peeked at his chart. “A Mrs. Iris Torres? I have her on my rounds today. It says here that she is recovering well. How is she feeling?”

“Pretty good,” Gillian answered, obviously wanted to talk to him. “As well as can be expected from a multiple stab-wound victim.” Gillian paused, and then continued. “But she did ask me to do something.”

Jake looked at Gillian. “What? I’m here to help.”

Iris needs her mother, no matter what she says, Gillian thought. And without worrying about her being alone, I can have some fun with my mother’s love life.

“Iris doesn’t have her mother’s phone number,” Gillian lied. “She asked me to get her number from her files. Could you do that?”

Jake looked at Gillian. I want to do whatever she says, he thought. But I can’t go around giving information to people.

“I’m sorry,” Jake said, disappointed. “I’m not allowed to release any personal information on patients from their medical records without their consent. I’ll ask her in person, though.”

No! Gillian screamed in her mind. “Is that really necessary?”

Jake nodded, moving to Iris’ room.

Gillian’s mind raced. She quickly pulled her arm out to stop Jake from going any further. “Don’t wake her,” Gillian said softly, pulling Jake into the neighboring hospital room. It was empty. “We can help her get better. She needs her mother.”

Gillian smooth talked her way with men, and could make them spineless. “Please…” Gillian got up close to Jake who was breathing deeply. She traced her finger along his chest. “I know you can do this for me…”

King Estate –

Adam King looked baffled when the policed placed the cuffs on his wrists. “Why are you placing me under arrest?”

“We have read you with what you’re accused. Break and enter, as well as assault of Mrs. Iris Torres.” The officers pulled him out of his home.

“On what grounds?” Julian King questioned the officer. His wife and Adam mother, Constance, joined Julian.

“We have a statement made by the victim that Mr. King was the last person she saw yesterday evening before leaving,” the second officer started as Adam was dragged away. “We also got a quick warrant to search the guest house property. We found blood on his car and a glove in the bushes. At the gate, the guard told us that Mr. King hadn’t arrived till late at night.”

Julian was shocked by what the police had listed regarding his son. “Well, this isn’t possible. Our son said he was just driving around. He isn’t a liar.”

The officer looked at the patriarch. “Just driving around?” he chuckled while walking away. “Believe me, that’s the oldest line in the book.”

Giovanni’s Apartment --

Giovanni Pike was pacing around in his apartment at the Presence Apartment Complex. He walked up to his dresser. On the top sat a picture of a beautiful woman. She was a Latino woman with heavy eye shadow and a bright orange dress.

“Mama,” he said quietly.

Giovanni quickly put the picture back down. He then grabbed the phone. He took a small scrap of paper out of his pocket and read what was written: Addy Evans. Below her name was a phone number.

Addy, you’re wonderful, he thought. But your daughter is something to be reckoned with. Gillian is one big ball of fire, and it is obvious that she wants me out of your life.

He pulled his brown hair back through his fingers. “So why can’t I stop thinking about her?”

Mateo’s Home --

With the gun raised, Skye Lore moved to the kitchen where she could still hear Mateo Consuelos and his brother, Dean, arguing. Skye has just found the gun in Dean’s coat pocket, and she was going to give him a surprise.

Suddenly, Dean stormed into the living room after giving a final word to Mateo.

“Skye, you’re…” He stopped as soon as he saw her with the weapon. “You are crazy! Mateo, for God’s sake, she has a gun!”

Mateo come into the room and saw Skye. “What are you doing?” he asked.

Skye stared at Dean with a fierce intensity. The image of a fiery, hellish place exploded in his mind for the third time. She was shocked by this and looked again a Dean.

“I know now,” she said. “You did kill someone. You shot a man in cold blood!”

Ken Swenson hung up the phone as soon as his secretary buzzed him. “Sir, there is a visitor waiting for you.”

Ken wiped off his forehead. “What for?”

“It’s regarding the plane crash a few days ago. It’s a relative.”

Ken shook his head. “Forget it. Tell them to call the ICAO, not me.”

“She is being very persistent,” the secretary pushed. “Her name is Kassie Tom.”

The manager’s eyes opened wide, and then they closed back up. “Tom, did you say?” He took a deep breath. “You may let her come in a second.”

“Very well, sir.”

Ken quickly organized his papers; he threw some sheets that didn’t want to greet the visitor in a drawer. In the drawer was a small revolver. He placed his hand on it for a second.

The door opened. Kassie stepped through the door. Her hair immediately grabbed his eyes as soon as she entered. He didn’t realize his hand was still in the drawer. He quickly removed his hand and closed the drawer.

“What can I do for you?” he asked, eyeing her suspiciously. If she was anything like her father, she wasn’t someone to treat lightly.”

Kassie walked right up to Ken’s desk. She eyed the name plaque, and then looked the manager in the eye. “I think you know. You heard my name, and then you let me in.”

“So?” Ken wanted to tiptoe around this and get her out. All he needed to do was reassure her, and then – hopefully – she’ll be on her way. “That is besides the point. You are here regarding the crash, are you not?”

“My father was on the flight,” Kassie spoke. “I was wondering if you had any information regarding his death.”

Ken shook his head. “Read the ICAO’s report. International Civil Aviation Organization. It’s a specialized technical agency of the United Nations for the purpose of promoting the safe and orderly development of civil aviation throughout the world. They have ruled mechanical error.”

The manager turned his head into the drawer with the weapon. “We are very busy filling out forms. I don’t have all the details here with me. Swiss Flights still hasn’t received full reports from investigating agencies. I can’t be of much use to you at this moment. Keep in touch with the ICAO.”

Kassie looked at Ken. “That’s all?” she questioned. “I have a feeling you’re lying to me. I can read it off your face.”

Ken tightened his grip on the gun.

“I…” Jake’s mind was a complete blur. “I don’t know…”

Gillian continued to smooth talk. “I’m Gillian. We live on the same street. My friend just wants the phone numbers of her parents. I thought you could do something like this. I will be forever grateful.”

“I can’t…” Jake was in over his head.

Gillian wasn’t going to give up. “What could I do, Jake?”

Jake looked up at Gillian, and then turned out of the room. “I’ll get you the numbers you want.”

Perfect, Gillian thought, following Jake. He walked to a computer in a nurse’s station and typed in a few keys. “I will be talking to Iris about this.”

Her parents will already be here, Gillian thought. I’ll have little chitchat with her.

“Thank you.” Gillian waited on the opposite side of the computer as Jake jotted down some notes.

Jake tore a sheet off the pad her was using. “Here,” he said. “This is what you wanted. I have some round to catch up with.” Jake passed by her in a rush.

Gillian looked down at the sheet. “Iris. You need family with you.”

Down the hall, Jake stopped walking.

“Man, she’s good,” he spoke silently. “But she enjoyed it.” He smiled as he continued with his rounds.

“Call Tomas,” Julian said to his wife. “We need him hired right away. The police force has made a terrible mistake. Our son isn’t a killer.”

Constance got to the phone, and then stopped. “Dear,” she began. “Remember when he came home last night? He said he was just driving around. That does sound questionable…”

Julian moved up to his wife. “Give me that phone.” He snatched the phone away and dialed the number. “Constance, my dear. How could you doubt your son? He isn’t a killer. No King is a killer.”

Constance was already leaving the room. He heard Julian begin to talk to Tomas’ secretary.

“I hope you’re right, Julian,” Constance whispered. “For the family’s sake.”

Dean stared at Skye after making her accusation. He pulled Mateo in to him and whispered into his ear.

“Will you listen to her?” he asked. “If that isn’t crazy, I don’t know what is.”

Mateo pulled away and turned to Skye. “Where did you get that gun?”

“Dean,” she replied quickly. “I found it in his jacket. He used it to kill a man. God knows what other things he’s carrying around with him.”

“You’re making about as much sense as Twin Peaks right now,” Dean shouted to her. “Have you had some water since your rescue? You’re brandishing guns, raving about me killing people, and having premonitions? You need some liquids, my friend.”

“I am perfectly fine,” she returned. “It’s you who has the problem.”

Mateo stepped forward. “Could you at least put the gun down?”

Skye looked at her hands and saw the weapon clasped in her hand. She placed the gun on the couch and looked up at the brothers with a confused look on her face.

“I… I’m sorry,” she stuttered, obviously shaken. “The gun must have looked pretty bad.”

“How about some water?” Mateo asked.

Skye nodded, moving a La-Z-Boy chair.

“I’ll get it for her,” Dean said, pushing Mateo out of the way. “I don’t want to be with her another minute.”

“I second that motion,” Skye called out.

Dean stormed into the kitchen. He took a glass out of the wooden cupboard and brought it to the tap at the sink. He filled it with cool water.

He then placed the water on the table. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny vial of a clear liquid.

“And now for the special ingredient…”

“Ma’am, I can assure you I have no reason to lie.” Ken was getting annoyed at this woman’s presence, and wanted her out. “And have stuff to do.”

Kassie looked at the manager, and then turned to the door. She then quickly turned around. “I’m leaving tomorrow. But if something crosses my mind, count on me returning.” She left the room.

Ken released the gun and sighed deeply. The phone rang.

“Ken Swenson speaking,” he answered. He listened. “When can you get the information? Anytime… Why was I unavailable the last few minutes? I was talking with Kassie Tom. She wanted to know about her father… No! I didn’t say anything. Trust me. She is leaving tomorrow… I know he consequences of giving our information. Her father found it out a little too late, didn’t he?”

He let out a chuckle.

Outside, Kassie was in the hall. She stopped and was thinking about what to do next.

“He’s hiding something,” Kassie scowled, turning her head. “And I am going to find out.”

Gillian picked up the telephone in the hospital lounge. She looked at the piece of paper she received from Jake and dialed the number.

“Hello?” came the voice on the other end.

“Mrs. Torres?” Gillian asked. “This is Gillian, Iris’ friend. I don’t believe we’ve met before.”

There was a pause. “Why are you calling us?”

“You’re daughter is in the hospital, she…”

“Is she okay?” Mrs. Torres interrupted.

“She was attacked last night. I was calling you because I think she needs family right now.”

There was another pause. “I’ll have to think about it…”

Gillian was shocked. “This is your daughter.”

Mrs. Torres called out into the house. “Honey! Iris is in the hospital…”

Honey? Gillian thought. Iris always told me her father was dead.

Giovanni dialed Addy’s phone number and waited for someone to answer. After a minute, no one had picked up the phone. Giovanni hung up.

“Where could she be?” Giovanni thought. He continued pacing in his room.

Gillian is so cold and uncaring, Giovanni thought. She acts terribly to her mother. But there is something about her. Something…

At the police station, Adam was placed into a holding cell. It was cramped space – not at all what he was used to.

“Officers,” he pleaded. “You have made some mistake. I haven’t committed murder. I must have been framed.”

The officer turned to him. “That is up to a judge to decide.”

“But…” The officer had already left.

Adam sat down in his cell, and placed his hands in his head.

Dean came out of the kitchen with Skye’s water. Mateo and Skye were both sitting on the couch together, talking about something Dean could not hear.

“Water’s here,” Dean chimed in.

Mateo got up and took the water from Dean’s hand. He then made his way back to the couch and gave Skye the glass.

As Skye took her first sip, Mateo turned to Dean. “Skye was just explaining again how she found the gun. Why were you carrying a weapon around with you?”

Dean stared at his brother. “I just do. For protection.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything? I don’t want anyone carrying a weapon in my home.”

Dean nodded. “Sorry, Bro. Coming from San Francisco, Presence is much calmer town.”

Skye took several more sips from her water. “Have you used it lately?” she asked. She closed her eyes, then opened the again.

“I would never do something like that.” Dean defended himself then best he could. “It only for protection.”

Skye looked at him. “And your job? How could you afford this house for your brother? Does your brother know the real job you have?”

Mateo turned to his brother. “You told her your employment? I don’t even know.”

“I did no such thing,” Dean stuttered. “Whatever she says it a lie. She knows nothing.”

Skye got up from the couch. “I know what you do. And I know why you killed a man. You’re…”

Skye stumbled slightly, and then sat back down on the couch. She placed her hand on her forehead. She looked dizzy and disoriented.

“Have another drink,” Dean suggested to Skye.

Mateo nodded and passed Skye her glass of water. She took another few sips. “Dean… you’re a…”

Skye quickly closed her eyes. She slumped onto the couch, unmoving.

“Skye?” Mateo called out to her, shaking her shoulders. “Are you okay? C’mon…”

Dean got up from the couch. “I’ll get some vinegar,” he said.

Dean stepped into the kitchen, and went for the cupboard and got the vinegar. “It’s going to take more than this to wake her up,” he said quietly. “That’ll shut her up for a while.”

Dean let out a mischievous chuckle as he exited the kitchen, patting is right pocket. The one containing the vial.