Severed Artery (Chapter 1)

I sat at the bar, slurping the last of my beer. I set the glass on the beer mat and wiped my upper lip with the back of my hand. I could feel the liquid snaking its way through my body, a runaway train seeking freedom. I flicked my dark hair out of my eyes and glanced up at the television screen. Not long now and I would be up in the air, leaving all my problems and worries behind, jetting into the starry sky. I reached behind me and grabbed my jacket, slipping it on over my crisp white shirt. I stood and reached for my rucksack and briefcase, nodded my thanks to the barman and strolled out into the deserted departures lounge. I headed toward the large window and peered out through the midnight dark. There were a few lights flashing, people preparing the aeroplanes for their last flight of the night. I stared at the impressive aeroplane, a huge silver eagle that would soon be on its journey over the sea. A sudden spasm of pain ripped through my body, making me gasp with surprise. My hand shot to my side as I remembered the recent events that had caused such pain. I smiled to myself as I thought of Big D going berserk back in his office, furious with what had happened. He thought he was so clever, always thinking he was one step ahead of everyone else. Well not me, and I had proven that more then once. A voice coming from a loudspeaker nearby dragged me from my thoughts.
“Would all passengers boarding the midnight flight from Heathrow to Miami International airport, please come to gate thirteen ready for boarding please. Thank you.
My eyes twinkled with excitement. All I had to do was board that plane and I would be safe. It was just so easy. To easy I found myself thinking. And, lord only knew, I was right.
***

I stood behind the few other people waiting to board the plane. As far as I could see, most of the other people had boarded. My eyes turned and locked on the beautiful woman behind the desk taking passports and boarding cards. She had platinum hair that shone when it caught the light and these crystal blue eyes that shimmered like water. She had a tanned complexion and her soft oak eyebrows formed a soft v above her eyes. Quite a cute little thing I found myself thinking. I caught her name badge as the small line of people thinned. Sam. I was still smiling to myself when I finally reached the desk a few minutes later. She flicked her hair to the side, tiny crystals glinting in the light. She smiled as I approached; luscious rose lips widening, pearl white teeth showing.
“Can I have your passport please, Sir?”
She had a cute little voice too, that reminded me of soft honey.
“You certainly may,” I said, giving her a wink as I handed it over. She smiled again before turning her eyes onto the passport. Her eyes scanned over the small page, glanced at me and then returned to the passport. After a few more moments of studying the page intently, she flicked the passport closed and glanced up. I noticed straight away that something was wrong.
“I’m sorry sir, but I can’t allow you to board this plane. Your passport expired last week. I’m afraid you’ll have to get a new one done before you think about leaving the country.” I snatched my passport and stared in horror at it. The expiry date stated that the passport ran out on the 20th June. Today was the 27th. How could I have been so stupid?
“Don’t worry sir, I think I can help. Just come through here and I’ll see what I can do.”
I didn’t quite know how she could help, but the idea of being alone with this woman really did appeal. She walked out from behind the desk and started towards a door a few meters behind me. I followed in close pursuit, both curious and suspicious. She allowed me through the door before closing it behind herself. She fiddled with a lamp that was on the chestnut desk in the centre of the room. There was a soft clicking sound and the centre of the room was filled with a dim light, leaving the outsides of the room in darkness. Sam walked behind the desk and rooted through some drawers. It was then that I saw them. Four men stepping out from the shadows, deathly pale against the outside of the room.
“Well, well, well lads,” one of the men muttered. “Looks like we’ve found our runaway thief.”