Page 69 of Degrees of Control
It is not long before the pilot announces our impending decent. It is quick and deliberate and he sets the plane down with perfect precision and we begin taxiing down a long runway in between vast forests of green pines covered with heavy snowfall.
“Chase, where are we?” I ask.
“We’re not far from our house. We just never use this strip,” he says as the jet comes to a stop.
“Ladies, as soon as we get the all clear I want you to move quickly,” Chase says, guiding us to the plane’s ramp. “Jay’s got security in place, but it’s imperative we follow their direction,” he says as security falls in around us, shielding us as we proceed from the jet to the awaiting limo. The rifles at their sides demonstrate the gravity of the situation and my heart is beating rapidly as I think about the implications, but we are soon tucked safely into the long black stretch limo. There are two cars in front of us and two behind us all the way to the estate and we arrive home and are escorted inside the complex without incident.
Gaby greets us with unabashed concern and admonishment as we walk into the vast foyer. “I’m so glad you are both okay. I was worried sick when Jay called to let me know what was happening and told me to make plans for the two of you to stay here all week. There’s never a dull moment working for you,” she says, ushering us into the kitchen.
“It’s been an interesting day, that’s for sure, Gaby. Security is just taking precautions. Nothing for anyone to be alarmed over,” Chase says.
“Thanks for everything, Chase, but I really should get going. I still need to get a lot of work done and pack for my trip. I thought we would be landing at the airport and I was planning to take a cab back,” Jenny says.
“What trip?” Chase asks.
“I told my parents that I would come visit them for a couple weeks and spend a little time with them since I’ll be with you and Kate on Christmas Eve and most of the day on Christmas,” Jenny says.
“In all honesty, I would feel better given the circumstances, if you stayed with us for a few days, Jenny.”
“Chase, I appreciate your concern. After everything that happened today, I wouldn’t mind if you had security follow me back to my house while I get packed and onto the road, but then I should be fine,” she says.
“Your parents live seven hours away on a good day by car. You’re not driving. I’ll arrange a team to fly with you to your parents. It’s highly unlikely anyone will follow you, but you were with Katarina on her recent trip to Brazil and you were also with us in New York, so I want to be certain,” he says.
“Chase, really, I don’t think it’s necessary,” she says.
“You are Katarina’s closest friend, and as such, getting to you affords them a way to get to me. You won’t even know they are around once you get to your parents,” he says.
“Very well, Chase,” she says, rolling her eyes at me and I can’t help but laugh.
“I saw that,” he says, narrowing his eyes at us.
“I actually think it’s a good idea and besides you’re not likely to win this argument. Have a piece of coffee cake while they make the arrangements,” I say as Gaby sets a glass dish on the kitchen table in front of us. It smells deliciously of cinnamon and has nuts and a swirling cream cheese frosting covering it.
“Jay is assembling a team who will be ready to leave for your house in about ten minutes. They’re having a loaner jet prepared for takeoff from JFK, just to be certain we don’t have tails,” Chase says, reading a message on his phone as he joins us at the table.
“I’m already packed. I’ll plan the next two weeks with Mom and Dad and then I’ll work at Torzial Monday and Tuesday, probably work from home Wednesday morning, and then fly into New York that afternoon or evening. I can help you and your mom with any last minute details before Friday,” she says.
“Jenny, Matt will be your key contact while you’re visiting your parents. You’ll clear all plans through him. Just be sure to give him advance notice if you and your parents are going out. He’ll arrange to have you flown home, too.”
“That’s amazingly kind of you, Chase. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I have to admit it sounds much nicer than dealing with airport check-in and delays around the holidays,” she says.
“Good, then it’s settled. Just let Matt know the details and he’ll take care of all the arrangements. Looks like the teams are in place and are ready for you,” he says, glancing down at his cell.
“Thanks for everything,” Jenny says.
“You are most welcome. Ladies if you will excuse me I need to take a call,” Chase says, heading towards his study.
“I’ll see you in a couple weeks. Make sure you call if there’s anything you need help with before the wedding,” Jenny says, giving me a hug goodbye.
“Are you serious? Something my dear mother hasn’t thought of?” I say, walking to the entrance with her.
“That’s true,” she says laughing.
“Remember to text me when you know exact times for certain,” I say.
“Will do,” she says, waving as she is ushered to the helipad by Matt and I go in search of Chase.
“I’m giving you my advice, Chase. You asked me for it and that’s what you pay me to do,” Sid says.I am at the door, but don’t want him to think I have been eavesdropping or that I have to stay for the conversation. I motion that I will come back, but he shakes his head, urging me in with a wave of his hand gesturing for me to close the door. He is behind his desk and a look of consternation mars his handsome features.
