Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

[chanaud]

For Thor's Hammer!


“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. On behalf of Delta Airlines, I regret to tell you that due to severe weather conditions, we will be forced to land at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Please be assured, Delta Airlines will see to your travel arrangements to Boston as soon as the storm passes. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy your stay in the Windy City. Thank you for choosing Delta Airlines to fulfill your travel needs. ”

“No!” Daisy exclaimed out loud. This can’t be possible. This plane can’t land in Chicago. No, it was vital for her to be in Boston. Senator Pullman called her himself to arrange this appointment. If she doesn’t show her face, he can and will fill the position immediately with someone else. And Daisy knew he had a long list of eager candidates to choose from.

She sank back heavily in her seat and looked out the window. Masses of heavy snow showering around the 747 hindered Daisy from seeing the threatening clouds that carpeted below them. Not too bad, she thought to herself, I’ve been in worse. The worried look framed with auburn ringlets faded in glass window. She will just have to find another flight that can weather this storm or rent a car and drive all night if she must.

As soon as Daisy felt the skip of the wheel against the pavement, she started her task on hand. Spending the night in Chicago was not an option for her. She will be the first to board the next available plane. Or she will die trying…

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

Thor Hammer (the name was shortened from the German 'Hammerlich' by a relative that came to the USA by way of Ellis Island) watched the snow swirl across the tarmac at O'Hare as the plane taxied to Delta's gate Lima 10. The storm certainly put a crimp in the plans. Senator Pullman was quite specific about meeting privately outside the Beltway, and no later than tomorrow. The Senator's support for the 'special' tax credit would tip the committee in favor of a minor clause that would yield millions in profit for one of my enterprises. I allowed myself a small smile as I thought how cheaply Pullman would sell his vote....a couple of weeks in one of our retreats in the Virgin Islands (with appropriate companionship, of course) and a $50,000 contribution to his campaign fund. My chief aide assured me that it was a done deal...but Pullman insisted on a face-to-face meeting.

I let my mind drift.....'Thor, you are a long way from commanding a tank in Korea.' After Korea, my linguistic skills had yielded a 7 year stint in the CIA as a case officer. The contacts I cultivated in and out of the Agency had made me a very rich man by the time I was 50. Many intertwined international businesses - defense, high tech special products...***** was good, but one was measured by the pile of coins one held at the end of the day.

'No,' the woman's voice in a seat in the bulkhead row in 'economy' cut through my musing. Apparently someone else had important business in 'Beantown.'

As soon as the 'bong' signaled that we could stand, I reached for my cell phone and was bumped in the back....almost staggering me.

 

[chanaud]

Ummpppfff

The tall shield shrouded with soft wool was surprisingly a wall of steel. Daisy staggered back for a split second, but soon recovered to notice the tall lean figure with a cell phone glued to his ear. Figures! First class passengers are always in a leisurely pace, taking their sweet time to disembark. Caught up in their first class world, they have absolutely no regard for the working class stuck in the back waiting, waiting…

Excuse me!

Her sharp tones didn’t even faze him.

Pardon me!

He still didn’t turn to acknowledge her. Instead he turned towards the seat to gather his briefcase leaving just a narrow tunnel of hope towards her destination. Daisy saw it and bolted. But the tunnel closed quickly as he leaned forward sending him backwards in a vision of blur of auburn tresses and black leather. He came to when the phone hit the airplane window and a remnant landed by his feet.

So caught up in her mission, Daisy was oblivious to what she had caused or the ‘Fuck’ that flew from the silver haired victim. She bee-lined out the terminal and through the masses of stranded passengers and stopped only when she saw the long line of desperate travelers like herself. This isn’t good, she thought. By the time it’s her turn, all the flights will be taken.

So she did the only thing that seemed the only option. She hung closely by the desk and as soon as she saw a transaction was finish; she forced her way in front of the long line and in front of a tired woman holding a baby with one hand and a small toddler in the other.

“Hi...” Daisy started with a smile. It was what she hoped the same smile that had won many provided many opportunities.

“The first flight to Boston, please..”

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

The breath was knocked out of me as I was hit in the back and side from behind. My cell phone flew out of my hand as I staggered backward - slamming into the window. A piece of the phone landed at my feet.

"Fuck," I suppressed the rest of my thoughts about the ancestry of the woman who had slammed into me with the force of a linebacker and was fast disappearing out the door. She did not even have the manners to apologize. I allowed myself a moment of cold fury, and then picked myself up, grabbed my briefcase, and headed out the door and into the jetway. As I walked I examined my phone - the one that was going to link me to Delta's concierge service for their best customers. The phone was inop - beyond repair. I dropped it it the nearest trashcan and headed toward the Crown Room.

'Damn, the room closed at 9 PM' I was accustomed to the special service available there and NEVER stood in lines.

I saw a long queue of people at a customer service desk - undoubtedly stranded travelers. As I walked closer, I noticed the woman who had slammed into me push in front of some poor bedraggled woman with two kids.

As I prepared to join the line I noticed a red roped area with a red carpet on the floor.

'Perfect,' a line with no one in it for Platinum Medallion customers. I fished my ID card from my wallet and slid in onto the counter. The agent that had been looking at Ms Agressive glanced at the card, turned, and with his best customer face, asked, "May I help you, Mr Hammer?" .

I answered, supressing a perverse pleasure at the expression on Ms Agressive's face..."You may indeed. I need to be in Boston as soon as possible. In fact, it is imperative that I be there by tomorrow midday at the latest."

I knew that, if humanly possible, the agent would find me space, by bumping another passenger if necessary (the little 'V' on my card placed me at the apex of Delta's customer pecking order). As I watched the frantic fingers flashing over the terminal keys, I examined Ms Agressive. Mid 30's, rather pretty, curves in the correct places, a bit taller than average. Her expression, however, was a facinating mixture of anger, frustration, and some other emotions I could not classify.

With a dismissive glance, I waited for the agent to tell me when I would be leaving.....

 

[chanaud]

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, all planes are grounded due to a severe snow storm.”

Daisy almost lost it at ‘ma’am’. Why in the world would any woman address another woman as ‘ma’am’? Women know the term is used for anyone over the age of 40. Unless… Daisy didn’t want to go there. There were more pressing issues to deal with at the moment.

“I understand that. Can you tell me when the storm will pass and can I be on the first flight to Boston?”

Trying to control her anger, Daisy’s voice was deliberately low and slow. It was unnoticed by the practiced smile of the ticket agent. Her merry voice continued to grate on Daisy’s nerves.

“According to the National Weather Bureau the storm is expecting to last 24-36 hours. Then it will take several hours to deice the planes and the runways. As soon as it’s clear, we will be happy to have you on the next available flight.”

“But you don’t understand. I must be in Boston by three tomorrow. My life depends on it.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am. There is nothing we can do. We will however be more than happy to supply you with a comfortable cot and warm meal. And we have an endless supply of complimentary coffee and hot cocoa.”

“I can’t wait, dammit! I need to be in Boston. A rental car! Where can I get a rental car?”

“Rental agencies are on the first floor. But, I must warn you. The streets are not safe…”

Before the clerk could finish her statement, Daisy’s black leather coat was weaving through the stranded passengers milling around waiting for the night to settle in for a night at the airport.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

"Mr Hammer, I have bad news and bad news. There will be nothing leaving here until midday tomorrow, and then I would have to route you through Atlanta. Will that be acceptable? Oh, and even the private charter companies are not moving."

I thought for a quick minute and then responded. "My schedule will not allow that. Pleaser hand me a phone." Taxis were clearly not a reliable option in this weather. I dialed the Hertz #1 Gold number that I had stored on my Palm.

After a pause, I found out that Hertz at O'Hare had exactly one Ford Escort available. I told the clerk to hold it for me and that I would be there in 15 minutes.

Another quick call to Amtrak gave me hope. I sure as hell was not going to try to drive an Escort to Boston in a blizzard. Amtrak had one deluxe bedroom available on their train #69; supposedly arriving in Boston at 2 PM tomorrow. That should give me sufficient time to talk to Senator Pullman before he returned to Washington. I booked the space and saw that I had about three hours to get to Union Station in downtown Chicago.

I zipped along the short concourse and headed for the Hertz counter. As I came down the escalator, I made a beeline for the Gold line (no one there, as I suspected). The 'regular' line was about 20 deep. Who should I see in the # 2 position in line, but Ms. Agressive, nicely decked out, I must admit in a black leather coat. She may have no manners, but she dresses well. She probably pushed some little old man aside to get that far up in the line so fast.

The one harried clerk was just telling the person at the front of the line there were no more cars to be had anywhere at O'Hare. I produced my ID and got a warm smile. "Mr. Hammer, sir, good you made it. I would only have been able to hold your car for a few minutes more. The bus is waiting outside. You are in space 36. Have a nice trip."

I picked up the proffered folder, spun on my heel, ignoring the expressions of the customers in the other line that ranged from envy to downright hate.........

 

[chanaud]

The toes of Daisy’s boots tapped melodically against the marble tile as she waited for the lady before her to finish her transaction. While unsettling nerves coursed through her veins, she looked over to the VIP line and noticed a tall, silver haired gentleman in an expensive black wool suit. He looked familiar, she thought. She quickly resigned to the fact he must be someone famous. Someone she would have taken extra pains to introduce herself under different circumstances.

The rental clerk was shameless, Daisy thought as she watched the pretty blonde bat her eyelashes at Mr. VIP and gave him a wider smile and even went as far as complimented him on his cologne. Daisy should know. She had perfected the act long ago. As much as she hated to succumb to such acts, sometimes it was the only means to achieving her goal and it usually worked with men, especially older men. Daisy watched in amusement. It was working with Mr. VIP. He’s face warmed up to her immediately and he even took the time to inquire the origin of her name. Daisy glanced at the Hertz name tag displayed strategically over her round left breast and chuckled. Rose. How original.

“May I help you?”

The exhausted Hertz rental clerk asked. Daisy stepped up to the counter and dismissed the older gentleman immediately.

“Yes, I would like a rental, please. I’ll take anything you have. I’m not too particular.”

“I’m sorry ma’am. We are out of vehicles. The last one was taken just two minutes ago.”

Ma’am! Why is everyone so insistent to call her ma’am!

“Are you sure?”

“Ma’am. I am very sure.”

“Pleeeeeeease…I’ll take anything. Anything. I’m desperate. I must be in Boston tomorrow. My life depends on it.”

“Ma’am. I can’t give you anything we don’t have.”

A perky giggle waved over to her making her look over.

“Please drive safely to Boston, Mr. Hammer. The roads are dangerous and there are too many crazy drivers who are less than cautious during these elements. And if you are ever in Chicago again, I hope I ummm… Hertz can be service to you again.”

He thanked her kindly and picked up his briefcase. Daisy’s brain started ticking as her eyes followed his lean back to where his pants started tightening. Mr. Hammer…hmmm He must have the last car! Mr. Hammer walked towards the glass window to wait for Hertz’s last vehicle. Daisy bolted after him.

“Mr. Hammer! Excuse me Mr. Hammer! May I have a word with you?”

He turned towards the voice. His blue eyes were as hard as steel. Daisy gulped. Her bottom lip started trembling. It was the first time in her life she was at a loss for words. Before she knew it and before she could control herself, a tear fell down her pretty face.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

“Mr. Hammer! Excuse me Mr. Hammer! May I have a word with you?”


I turned, casually, since I was sure no one knew me here. Lo and behold, it was Ms Arrogant, striding toward me.

My eyes, which I have been told, would freeze the balls from a penguin at times, were, I am sure, frosty cold.

She knocked me flat, broke my cell phone, pushed a woman with two little kids out of the way and now, suddenly, called me by name. This one was, I am sure, calculating - a user and discarder. However, I did enjoy the game. We shall see who uses who.

I softened my face and a friendly little smile washed over my features. As I looked, would you believe it.....a tear was trickling down her cheek!!!!!


"I'm afraid I don't know you miss.....unless one counts you flattening me on the way out of that Delta flight."

This should be good, I thought, as I waited for her answer. Funny how people suddenly get nicey-nice if they need or want something.

 

[chanaud]

His words were unheard in Daisy’s deaf ears. She had one goal in mind and when she saw his handsome features soften, she started blubbering.

“Mr. Hammer, I must be in Boston tomorrow for an important meeting. A meeting that means life or death to me. And the kind rental agency just informed you rented the last available vehicle. I was wondering… ermm.. can we share a ride. I will be more than happy to pay you. Handsomely.”

Her almond shaped eyes, wet from tears pleaded to him. She even managed to bat her thick eyelashes that made the hardest of men in her past melt.

“Pleeeeease. I’m desperate. It’s the first time in my life, I’m willing to admit I’m desperate…”

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

....She had the skill, apparently, to ignore whatever she did not want to hear.

Suppressing my annoyance, I responded, "Ms.......whatever your name is I would be pleased to give you a lift. However, I have no intention of driving an Escort to Boston. My wireless Palm tells me that Interstate 90 is closed for over 20 miles near Erie. Bottom line, I would not make it in time for my appointment. I will be driving into the city to Union Station. You may ride with me if you wish....."

The batting of the almond-shaped eyes almost made me laugh. Coquettishness - while enjoyable - had little effect on me. Living more than a few years had allowed me to develop a shell that few penetrated......

She did seem that her plight was almost life or death. I suspected, however, that she probably had written a couple of chapters of "Looking Out for Number One."

 

[chanaud]

“The train! How clever of you, Mr. Hammer. I think I’ll follow your lead.”

Daisy picked a lint off his shoulder while she continued on.

“I should have thought of that myself, and probably would have if I didn’t exhaust my energy here. But then, I still would have the dilemma of getting there. Thank goodness, you came just in time.”

She paused briefly, then continued, not allowing him to continue.

“By the way, my name is Daisy. What might yours be? Or should I continue to call you Mr. Hammer?”

This time her smile was genuine. He was like a stealth cat observing her quietly while she continued to ramble on. Daisy didn’t enjoy his intense scrutiny. But she was desperate and needed him.

“Here comes the car now. Oh my, I’ve never seen that shade of red before. ”

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

“By the way, my name is Daisy. What might yours be? Or should I continue to call you Mr. Hammer?”

She seemed to be babbling. Before I could get a word in edgewise....she said...

“Here comes the car now. Oh my, I’ve never seen that shade of red before.”

My gaze seemed to disconcert her...not an unusual happening. I knew, from long experience, that my gaze would make even 'captains of industry' feel a chill.

I decided to relent....after all, she was attractive. I did note that she had heard and cataloged my name. I reminded myself not to judge the book by the cover.

"Daisy....an unusual name. In the order of your questions, people that know me call me Thor. And I have never seen a reddish chartruse mix of colors either..on a car or anywhere else. Thank god it is snowing. You are welcome to ride downtown with me. I should warn you that I got the last sleeping accomodation on the train - perhaps there are still coach seats available."

My hand on her elbow guided her to the open passenger door. When she was seated, I strode around what was probably the ugliest colored car in the world. A brief seat and mirror adjustment, a snap of the seat belts and we were off.

The snow was blinding and the defroster left something to be desired. I decided to head down the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) as I was sure that IDOT would have that road open, even if everything else was paralyzed.

The beat of the damned wipers was almost hypnotic.

'Daisy, tell me something about yourself and what is so important to require you to get to Boston by tomorrow..."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

...........talk about a snowstorm - it is snowing so hard I cannot even hear her voice.

 

[chanaud]

Daisy did what she normally does whenever pretentiousness is thrown in her face – she rolled her eyes and smirked inwardly. His reminder, intentional or not of their social differences deserved more, but right now, Daisy needed him, so she held her tongue firmly to her inner cheek and remained silent. It will remain there at least to the Amtrak station, her appointment with Senator Pullman was too important to be sidetracked.

“My name isn’t that unusual. In fact, it’s quite common for women my age, especially borne to a couple of free-spirited hippies.” She finished with a wince. Her name has been a bane to her professional career. There was one in every crowd to remind her of her of it. But what she lacked in a proper letterhead title, she did make up for in her professional enthusiasm to the public.

The cramped Ford Escort did nothing to ease the icy chill between the two. They sat shoulder to shoulder and stared straight ahead, beyond the icy windshield and into a blinding flurry of Mother Nature’s revenge. Daisy squirmed slightly, revealing her uneasiness, wondering how much she should tell him. When he glanced at her, with that same icy look, she sat straight up, squared her shoulders and spoke with a dignified tone.

“I happen to have an important appointment with a very important senator. Senator William Pullman.” Daisy knew she saying too much, even on the verge of babbling, but she couldn’t stop herself. She had something to prove to this stranger. What, she didn’t know, she just had to.

“He requested a personal interview with me. To join his campaign for next year’s election. Hopefully, this time next month, I’ll be his new public relations director.” Daisy finished, while stiffening her back and almost throwing back her hair. She snuck a peek at the driver, to watch the impression grow on his face, but he wasn’t paying any attention to her. Damn him! Why does he bother me so, her body screamed silently.

"Anyway, he had insisted to meet me in Boston." Should she continue, she wondered. Before she could answer, the words flew out of her lips. "A little friend, someone from his staff told me he has a special assignment for me. But I'm not to know that. Senator Pullman wants it to be a surprise."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

Thor's mind was analytical, and 2+2 usually equals four. Ms Daisy has an appointment with the esteemed senator - ostensibly to be his PR flack for his next campaign. 'I wonder if my $50,000 donation and the trip and Senator Pullman's help are connected with Ms Manipulative?'

Thor hated puzzles and, as we all know, information is power and Thor never had too much of that.

"Tell me, Daisy, how did you become connected with the Senator? I am always interested in political stories." The information that my urgent need to get to Boston was also connected with the Senator would wait for another time. Besides, I enjoy fencing (Thor actually was a Sabre champion years ago). Unravelling this enigma will make the time pass.

Although the snow was blinding, we were making reasonable time to the city. Another eight miles or so and we would be in the Loop.

 

[chanaud]

So Mr. Pretentious was listening after all, Daisy mused silently. Of course, he would. People like this Thor person were only interested in their circle.

As annoyed as Daisy was of him, it fed her ego. She continued to babble, blind to the conditions surrounding them.

“Well it just so happens, we met at a formal charity function a few weeks ago. My job was to escort him from the airport to the gala. And surprisingly he was very friendly and even down to earth. He inquired into my personal welfare and even went as far as to offer me advice concerning my career. Then we got into the subject of his campaign. I pitched a few ideas to him, which he must like because just yesterday, he called personally to arrange this interview. The only drawback was he had a narrow window to speak with me, because he’s flying out of the country. Somewhere tropical he said. Do you really think you should be driving so fast?”

It seemed like they were flying, and the precipitation seemed to have worsen. Daisy’s hand gripped the door handle and prayed they would make it on alive.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

"DAMNED IDIOT," the words tore from my mouth as I swerved to avoid a SUV that had cut off our Escort. "Fucking things should be banned."

I took my foot off the accelerator a millimeter and glanced at Ms Arrogant. She had paled, probably saw her life flash before her eyes. After having a tank I was commanding shot to pieces near Pusan, I was almost contemptuous of danger. I truly believed that when my number was up, the grim reaper would let me know. I knew there were times when I pushed the envelope, but, as someone once said, 'Live fast, die young, and have a good looking corpse.'

I decided to pull on my friendly mask.

"Daisy, I may call you that I hope, I must apologize for the scare. I was listening to you and was not paying attention to my driving." People that know me would have died laughing at Thor apologizing to anyone. My corporate motto should read, 'My way or the highway.'

"So, you are going to be the Senator's PR person....that sounds like a most important job" I wondered, again, if the Caribbean trip and Ms Arrogant were somehow connected. "Are you going to the Carribean with the Senator?" Little did she know that the esteemed Senator was headed for one of our Virgin Island retreats - a place I used myself occasionally. I waited for the reply as a sign that said we were three miles from the Loop passed by, almost obscured by the blizzard conditions.

 

[chanaud]

“The Caribbean?!?! What kind of woman do you think I am? Do you think the only way I can land a job such as this is by sleeping my way to the top? I’ll have you know Mr. Hammer, I will be hired by credentials alone. Senator Pullman likes my ideas, he told me so. He even said they were fresh and innovative. They’re just what his campaign needs. Besides….he’s married. Happily so…”

Daisy rambled furiously. Blinded by her fury, Daisy didn’t feel the car spinning or hear the tires screaming out of control. Realization hit her when her body was thrown forward, then thrust back by the seatbelt by the powerful impact of the car.

Then blackness.

A few scant seconds later, Daisy came to and looked over at Mr. Hammer. The glow of his eyes met hers and she saw that it was full of concern.

“What happened?” She asked, her fingers fighting the seatbelt release and losing terribly.

Before he answered, she knew. They were half buried in a snow bank. For the first time in over a long decade, Daisy made the sign of the cross, thanking above she was still alive.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

“The Caribbean?!?! What kind of woman do you think I am? Do you think the only way I can land a job such as this is by sleeping my way to the top? I’ll have you know Mr. Hammer, I will be hired by credentials alone. Senator Pullman likes my ideas, he told me so. He even said they were fresh and innovative. They’re just what his campaign needs. Besides….he’s married. Happily so…”

As she babbled on I was distracted again. Suddenly, taillights flashed through the snow. I swerved to avoid a rear-ender, lost control, spun once and slammed into the concrete divider. Fortunately the snow damped some of the impact - particulary since this piece of crap did not have airbags.

“What happened?”

When I heard her voice and saw the sign of the cross, I knew she was not seriously injured. Bright lights coming through the rear window almost blinded me. The flashing red and blue gave an almost surreal appearance. I tugged and freed her from the belt. I rolled the window down as a face appeared.

The flashlight in my eyes was blinding. After a moment, the light was aimed down and I saw a police officer...obviously off duty, since I knew that the Chicago police do not patrol the expressways.

Thinking quickly, I put on my corporate executive friendly face and said, "Officer, thank you for stopping. My wife and I are trying to get to Union Station. Her mother died, and the funeral is tomorrow in Boston." I felt sure that a mere business appointment would not impress her. I knew that Chicago officials were susceptible to 'inducements' from time to time.

"Her mother meant everything to her. Is there a way that someone would help us? Money is no object."

The reply was as I expected. She said that she was off duty, would call for a tow on her radio, and would be happy to take us to the station.

To complete the picture, I brushed Daisy's hair gently from her eyes, and kissed her softly on the lips. I did not want the officer to think too much about the disparity in our ages and having a bereaved spouse was the best way to get to the station. I slid out of the wrecked Escort and opened the passenger door. As I helped Ms Arrogant out I said - for the officer's benefit, "Come darling, this wonderful officer is going to take us to the station so we do not miss the train." I whispered in her ear much more quietly, "Play along, she is sympathetic and also sees some 'reimbursement' for her trouble.

 

[chanaud]

Daisy played along. She had to. Her mind was paralyzed by all emotions, all she felt were the soft lips that met her own. His kiss was a surprise, and it was none other than anything else she’s experienced before. From a spectator’s point of view, she was the perfect accident victim, a distressed damsel being helped by a knight, or a loving wife succumbing to her husband’s ministrations. Inside she was a ball of tingles wanting to shout out something, anything for the world to hear, to chase away the perplexing emotions stewing in her stomach.

Instead, all she could do was nod slightly and wrap her arms around his neck as he carried her ever so effortlessly into the backseat of the officer’s car. He held her close to his wool coat, she inhaled deeply and was comforted immediately by a faint combination of woods and spices and soap. She felt surprisingly safe with him, despite the police car tearing down the highway with it’s sirens screaming to announce their arrival.

They reached the train station in record time. This time, Daisy helped herself out of the car, while Thor looked on lovingly, acting like the perfect caring husband. The officer took notice of the scene and smiled. It was a delightful change, for he didn’t see tenderness love in his line of work. He even looked on after them, as Thor held Daisy close to him while they entered the station.

The station was even more crowded than the airport. Even though they were out of the officer’s sight, he continued to hold her close. Through the maddening crowd, they forged ahead like Napoleon in battlefield and didn’t stop until they reached their destination.

“How may I help you?” A tired ticket agent muttered without looking up.

“A reservation for Hammer. Thor Hammer.” He spoke quietly and with conviction.

Daisy looked around her, noting the depressed setting. People filled every available seat and all corners of the station. Even the children were quiet and depressed, while a baby screamed out helplessly. As much as the thought depressed her, she knew she had to spend the night, so she can book the first available seat… to Boston. The price she would have to pay for the golden job at the end of the rainbow.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

"A reservation for Hammer, Thor Hammer" As I spoke, I looked at Ms Arrogant from the corner of my eye. She seemed softer, somehow. 'Come on Thor, she is an expert at manipulation - especially males, I am sure' Something inside had caused me to slide slightly out of kilter. When I kissed her to make our charade believable, I lost focus - something I NEVER do.

Shaking off the strange, for me, feeling, I waited for my ticket. The clerk slid my compartment assignment to me and waited for payment. Something made me open my mouth and ask, "Do you have another compartment?" The answer was predictable - NO in about four different variations. I smiled, reached into my pocket for a $100 bill and slid it unobtrusively across the counter.

"This lady is a colleague of mine and it is most important she gets to Boston on this train. Could you at least sell me a standing room ticket?" As I waited for his reply, I glanced at Daisy. I was completely nonplussed. Why in the world would I care if Ms Arrogant gets to Boston or West Bumfuck?

The clerk smiled. The $100 had predictably disappeared. As I waited for his response, I glanced, once again at Daisy.........

 

[chanaud]

While the ticket agent was preparing Thor’s seating arrangement, he glanced back at me. His mouth puckered and his eyes narrowed at my sight. It was obvious he didn’t think much of me and was still tasting something awful from our kiss. How quickly he forgets, I mused silently. From the softness of his lips and the added pressure, I was sure he had enjoyed it. Obviously he had changed his mind. And in such short amount of time too. Too bad, I thought. Despite that sour expression, I had found him handsome and under different circumstances, would even find him interesting. Still I knew when I had overextended her welcome. I threw out my chin as far as I could and looked around at the bleak room and sighed. This is as far as I’ll go with him, and then I’m on my own. Thank goodness!

When he approached me, he still bore the same sourness. I will be the bigger person, I decided and extended my hand. He stopped short as if he was afraid I was about to smack him. Sequestering a giggle, I smiled broadly.

“Well…it was fun while it lasted. I thank you for your kind generosity and hope your visit to Boston proves to be fruitful and prosperous.”

There! Good riddance!

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

“Well…it was fun while it lasted. I thank you for your kind generosity and hope your visit to Boston proves to be fruitful and prosperous.” 'Talk about stilted,' I thought.......

When she stuck out her hand, for just a moment I thought that she was going to belt me. I suspect my usual forbidding, semi-arrogant expression put her off....at least judging by her expression.

Instead of shaking her hand, I placed the newly purchased (with a small bribe) ticket to Boston in her palm.

"No need to thank me. From what you said, it is as important to you as it is to me to see our favorite senator." With that, I spun on my heel and headed to platform number six - the alledged location of my train to 'Beantown'. I took a few steps and then said, over my shoulder, "The ticket is coach, and standing room only. Unfortunately there were no more compartments."

I had the strangest sense of disappointment. The play acting kiss had stirred me somehow.....

 

[chanaud]

Thor’s thoughtfulness, his generosity had overwhelmed me. Mumbling instructions, he walked away from me, and glanced back shyly.

Seized with gratefulness, I ran up to him and threw my arms around his neck. His arms grasped my back, only to keep himself from falling backwards. I kissed him hard and full on the lips. His body stiffened for a brief moment. Soon all awkwardness melted away, his lips softened and pressed back with eagerness. Though the platform was utter chaos, time stood still for us as our tongues met and danced a waltz.

When we finally parted, his blue eyes were shining down at me. With eyes swimming of gratitude, I whispered softly. “Thank you, Mr. Hammer. Thank you so much.”

His lips mouthed something, but I couldn’t hear for the train chose that exact moment to screech into a halt. My ears were numbingly deaf, and I couldn’t make out the words on his lips, for he was being pushed by the masses.

Eventually, I, too, was pushed into the car. My eyes searched desperately for a silver haired savior, knowing full well he wouldn’t be here. During that time, I had missed my opportunity for a seat. It didn’t matter. My body was still vibrating by the his lips.

“I must find him.” I mumbled to myself as the train started to roar towards Boston..

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor Hammer

Deluxe Bedroom 4 in car 3471 on Amtrak's Beantowner.......

As I settled back into the soft swivel chair, the gritty South Chicago trackside graffiti-laced buildings gave way to the more rural view of Northern Indiana. The deluxe bedroom was amazingly nice - an unexpected surprise for a 200,000 mile frequent flyer. The double bed was currently a sofa, and I noticed the bunk bed above would swing out from the wall. A small restroom, complete with hand-held shower and toilet was contained within the compartment.

I was still strangely unsettled. That kiss from Ms Arrogant....no, her name is Daisy, its about time I drop the cute nickname, was stirring. When our tongues touched, electricity coursed through my body. I sensed that she had also moved from using me to something else....

I decided to shave, take a quick shower to get rid of the travel grime, and find the bar car on the train.

Later.............
I thought of asking the attendant to get something for me, but I decided that the exercise would do me good. Turning right, I headed for the bar car that the attendant had told me was four cars back, just behind the restaurant car. I had also asked for a reservation for dinner (included in my 1st class fare) about 8 - an hour from now.

Clickety clack........the wheels made the comforting sound as I stepped from my car to the next one.......... 'I wonder where Daisy is riding....damn, it is a pity that she does not even have a seat'.