Page 13 of Companion Required

“Ben, when you reach terminal two, look out for someone who’ll be waiting with an airport buggy.”

“Roger that, Mr Grey.”

Smooth. Efficient. Polite. No fuss. Not afraid to call in a favour. Kennedy Grey, the businessman. Kieran smirked out of the tinted window, wondering if this man could even request the plane to be delayed.

They arrived at Heathrow airport with scant minutes to spare. Outside the departure terminal, the driver—Ben—found the small enclosed airport buggy and loaded their bags. After a few private words with Kennedy, Ben the chauffeur headed off. When the buggy driver began to take them into the underbelly of the terminal, Kieran realised the route must be there for dignitaries or celebrities. Apart from both of them being scanned at an internal security post, they did not step off the buggy until the boarding gate.

By the time they reached the impossibly large plane—via a stairway to the upper deck—all other passengers had already boarded. Once again, Kennedy led the way and Kieran hurried to keep up. He marvelled at the sheer size of the double-decker aircraft. His flying experience had been limited to small jet planes travelling to destinations within Europe. As they stood at the cabin door, Kieran once again witnessed the Grey charm, as he smiled professionally, flashed their tickets and chatted with the cabin attendant. When she personally accompanied them to their places, turning left towards the front of the plane, Kieran did his best not to gasp when they stopped at two huge, luxurious chairs.

“Business class?” he asked as Kennedy settled next to his.

“Naturally. What? You think I’d ever fly economy long haul?”

“Not you, no, but I thought maybe—”

“You thought I’d stickyouin the back? No, not my style. And we’ve got background work to do before we reach Singapore. Get you up to speed not only about my family, but also about my friends.”

Kieran had just placed his bag in the overhead compartment and taken the huge comfortable seat, when a male voice sounded from the aisle beside him.

“Something to drink, Mr West, Mr Grey? Champagne?”

With a friendly smile, the handsome cabin attendant indicated the tray of assorted drinks he held. Kieran reached for the pocket of his tracksuit pants and pulled out his wallet, ready to hand over money. Kennedy placed a hand on his wrist to stop him.

“We’ll take two champagnes, please,” said Kennedy. “One each.”

After placing the flutes with coasters down in front of them, the attendant picked up something else from his tray.

“And here are your landing cards and menus,” he said, placing them next to the drinks before straightening up. “My name’s Eric, by the way, and if there’s anything you need throughout the flight, just call me.”

When Kieran peered up, he noticed the steward had singled Kennedy out with his dazzling smile. Kennedy simply nodded back, completely at ease with his surroundings. Feeling out of his depth, Kieran remained quiet, his head down studying the menu.

“I’m not sure what type of airlines you’re used to,” said Kennedy. He had waited until Eric had moved down the cabin before leaning a fraction across the divider, and speaking in a lowered voice. “But on this one, food and drink are included in the ticket price. And up here, the food’s generally above average. So relax and enjoy yourself, and more importantly, order anything you want. After we’ve finished our work, you might want to check out the entertainment system. Or if you’re feeling tired, you could ask them to help make up your bed.”

“Bed?”

“Your chair doubles as a flat bed. The controls are on the arm of your chair.”

The heat in Kieran’s cheeks intensified. Less than five minutes on the plane and already he felt out of his depth.

“Don’t worry, Kieran,” said Kennedy, his head in the menu. “There’s a first time for everything.”

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