Epilogue
+4+
Christmas Eve, Next year
The hangar is pristine and cool. It’s a nice refuge from the blazing Austin heat wave. I’m alone in the hangar except for a cleaning crew. I watch as the sleek jet plane lands and effortlessly glides into the hanger. No delays. Right on time
The doors slide open and the stairs elegantly touch the ground. I wait, feeling nervous and anxious at the same time.
Leon steps off the plane first. He looks uncomfortable in his bulky cut gray suit. He has has a small leather bag slung over his shoulder and he nods to me as he passes.
“You have a plane now ?” I ask
“It’s a rental." He says gruffly
My eyes flicker over to where a few more SGI slowly disembark the plane. I continue to make shitty small talk with Leon.
“How was—where were you again”
“Need to know basis.”, he said
I keep my head down as the others get off.
I’m not even sure Sera sees me first or if I see her because her eyes are, as always, covered. She’d let her hair grow out to her chin with some bright highlights. She was wearing a gray suit just like Leons and black heels, she puts her arm around my shoulder and we fall instep with each other. Leon walks on the other side
“I need her back in four days” , Leon says
“Sir, yes sir”, I say in a mock salute. I don’t mention that I only have two days until I need to be back in the New York. I had an appraiser coming to look at St. Lilth’s and Anne was in talks to buy some property from the city.
“Where are we going this time ?”, Sera asks.
“Surprise", I say.
Outside my cab is still waiting for me.
“So, what you get me for Christmas ?”, she asks.
“Love, I bought two feuding factions together. I already got you the greatest gift there is.”
“What ?”
I kissed her.
“Peace”