Читать книгу Swerve - Michelle McGriff - Страница 12

In the meantime somewhere over the Atlantic.

The largest of the three men spoke little English. His native tongue was Arabic. He was Egyptian. The other two were from Cairo and their English was clearly understood. The airport lines were less complicated for English-speaking foreigners.

They each carried bags that gave them the appearance of traveling businessmen who also wanted to enjoy a little California fun. Floral shirts and sunscreen also set the stage for their American vacation.

Settling into the seats, they smiled at the flight attendant. She was tall and blond.

“You gentlemen want champagne?” she asked, making her way through first class.

“Yes, I believe we do,” one of the men answered for all three. The woman smiled. It was obvious her eyes caught sight of the ring on the Egyptian’s finger. The large ring clustered with diamonds in an odd shape on his middle finger had to have dazzled her.

“Your ring is lovely. Fraternity?” she asked. Another of the English-speaking men looked at the ring and then smiled at her, lifting the Egyptian’s hand so she could get a closer look.

“It’s a phoenix. Do you know what that is?”

Her face scrunched up a little in a cute way. “Um, a mythological bird that, um, rises from the ashes, right?”

“You’re close. It is a beautiful woman born to rule. She’s elusive and seductive and unaware of her power. With just a glance, she can set a world on fire and walk away unburned,” the man answered her. “Yet, she’s far from mythical. She’s standing right in front of everyone,” he added. The flight attendant smiled and blushed as if having just received a compliment. She had no idea what the man was talking about.