The Choices He Made

By Jeff Turner

In the early morning hours at a remote New England airport, a string of seemingly unrelated and puzzling incidents unfolds. Hugh Clayton, a happy-go-lucky local, stuns passersby as he runs frantically and blindly through airport traffic lanes and is fatally struck by an unseen, oncoming vehicle. Meanwhile, a young girl in protective custody breaks free from her flight deputy and runs from the terminal, scampering away to freedom. Elsewhere, a cell phone containing damning evidence against a neighborhood crime boss is stolen at the airport from a key witness ready to spill the beans and reveal a bunch of dirty little secrets. Such are the circumstances facing Beau Clayton, brother of the traffic victim, and Grace Bohannon, Hugh's fiancé. The two are thrown together by fate and circumstance at the airport terminal and become trapped in a dark and ruthless underworld of violence, human trafficking, and thievery. Nothing could have prepared them for the dangers that now lurk seemingly behind every corner, but the two are committed to saving innocent lives and putting the guilty offenders behind bars, even if it means taking justice into their own hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781646285686

Book preview

Hugh

The alarm clock on the nightstand broke the morning stillness and Hugh Clayton squinted in response, blinking sleep from his eyes. Bright sunlight sliced through the partially-opened window and fresh air whispered its way into the room. While the autumn air was chilly, it provided a good wake-up call.

Hugh rolled over and for a few minutes, just stared at the empty ceiling, enjoying the peace and quiet of the early morning hour. When he was ready to fire up the engine, he hoisted his arms high over his head, yawned mightily, then threw the covers off and swung his feet to the floor.

Time to rise and shine. Time to shake a leg and step on the gas.

After a quick shower and shave, Hugh dressed and made his way downstairs. He eyeballed each room as he passed, stopping and straightening the furnishings as best he could while trying to make the place look as presentable as possible. On the way out, he switched off all the lights, checked the windows to make certain they were secure, set the alarm, and locked the front door behind him.

It was his older brother Beau’s home, and Hugh had been house-sitting for about six months. The place was a newly renovated, split level set back from the road in an upscale neighborhood. Lots of wooded acreage surrounded the home, making the property both shielded and secluded. Hugh’s assignment had been to stand watch over the property while Beau was away, and then meet him at the airport and bring him home.

Hugh had planned on staying longer, but his brother had called out of the blue a few nights ago saying he’d be coming home earlier than expected. Beau was a civil engineer overseeing road repair and bridge reconstruction from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico and would be arriving on a morning flight. He’d been given a two-week furlough from his duties in Puerto Rico, but put on a short leash and expected back in short order to help restore the island’s tangled and devastated network of travel routes.

Hugh was really looking forward to seeing his older brother. Just two years apart in age, Hugh and Beau had always been tight, as loyal as they were protective. For as long as thirty-year-old Hugh could remember, the two had vowed to be there for each other, always standing shoulder to shoulder and covering each other’s back. The loss of both parents when they were young and having no other siblings forged an enduring bond between the two, especially now as they journeyed through adulthood.

Hugh was eager to share some good news about a job he’d secured during Beau’s absence. The position, offered by a private company, involved escorting and supervising at-risk youngsters while they were being transported by car, bus, train, or airline to specified locations. His job was to ensure their safety and well-being, in addition to handling or assisting with the paperwork associated with the transfer. So far, Hugh’s travels had taken him to many different regions of Connecticut as well as almost all of New England. Next week he was scheduled to fly to Virginia.

He arrived at the airport and parked in the short-term commuter lot, grabbed his cell phone and once he locked his car, headed for the terminal. The main entrance was through a lower, underground pedestrian tunnel that gave travelers the option of avoiding the busy access road above. The tunnel was not a long one and led to escalators and stairs leading up to the airport’s main check-in counters. Once there, Hugh scanned the arrival-departure board and saw that his brother’s flight was behind schedule by forty-five minutes.

Realizing he had time to spare, Hugh strolled along the main concourse, gawking at the various bookstores, specialty shops, and food vendors. He was a ruggedly built guy, broad shouldered and standing an inch or two over six feet. Handsome with brown hair and eyes, good skin, and an easy smile made him always stand out in a crowd. He bore a striking resemblance to his older brother Beau, many often mistaking the two as twins.

Hugh stopped to purchase a morning newspaper, and a bit farther along the concourse got himself a coffee and breakfast sandwich. He walked over to a crowded food court in search of a table to drop anchor but only a few options existed. One was next to a young mother with purple, spiked hair who had just swatted her smart-alecky kid while another member of her brood played on the dirty floor in bare feet. Hugh immediately passed on that option.

Another empty table was available next to a skinny, red-haired guy in his early twenties, dressed in an oversized hoodie, torn camo shorts, and black high top Chuck Taylors. He’d cranked up the headphones dangling from his neck as loud as he could, no doubt to irritate anyone within hearing distance. Hugh never gave that empty table a second glance and kept walking.

The only option left was a table in front of an elderly gent who sat ramrod straight, keeping a watchful eye on the passing throngs while every so often guzzling from a supersize coffee container. He seemed harmless enough, prompting Hugh to claim the spot and get settled, making room on the table for his food and newspaper. He took his cell out of his pocket and also placed it on the table, just in case his brother needed to reach him.

Almost as soon as he began drinking his coffee and reading the newspaper, a crowd of disembarking passengers began making its way past him along the main concourse. They looked fried, tired and weary, an ensemble as rumpled as they were disheveled. Many took on what airport regulars called the passenger shuffle, one that required the befuddled and dazed to stumble along and drag their overnight luggage behind them, looking for daylight, fresh air and escape from stuffy, unventilated and cramped traveling conditions. Hugh couldn’t blame them.

He watched until the worn out vagabonds passed, then turned and reached for his coffee. When he did, he was taken aback to see Grace Bohannon, a co-worker he was dating, walk into the food court. But while Hugh was a bit baffled to see her, he really wasn’t surprised to find her here since traveling was a major part of her job. They’d bumped into each other quite a bit over the past few months, be it in airports, train stations, or bus terminals.

Hugh and Grace were serious dating partners but because their jobs required being on the road, it often meant that they didn’t see each other as often as they liked. They learned in a hurry that this kind of relationship wasn’t meant for everyone and navigating the ups and downs required heavy measures of understanding, patience, and trust. So far, so good.

Grace looked his way and gave him a cheerful wave before claiming a nearby table that had just emptied. Grace was with a young girl Hugh had never seen before. The girl was angular and blonde-haired, sported a small blue backpack, and dressed in khakis, an oversized denim shirt, and running shoes. She looked to be around twelve years-old.

The two females sat down at opposite sides of the table and immediately became immersed in their own worlds, Grace fishing around in her handbag for something and the girl retrieving an artist’s sketch pad and colored pencils from her backpack. Grace stood when she finally found what she was after—her cell phone of course—and then took a few steps away from the table, turning her back to the girl. She held up one finger to Hugh, a gesture saying, ‘This will only take a minute, so bear with me,’ then turned partially away from him.

Grace was average in height, shapely, and in her early thirties. She wore a body hugging black tee shirt, gray slacks, and her auburn hair was brushed stylishly to one side. She had a captivating presence about her, even though her mind appeared to be on other matters.

Judging from her facial expression, she was having trouble getting a cell connection. Her numerous attempts proved unsuccessful and she just stood there, her eyes narrowing and frown deepening. She looked at her wristwatch then turned around in frustration and walked over to the girl, leaned her way and spoke softly. The girl nodded and gathered her belongings, returning everything to her backpack and standing up next to Grace. The two walked over and placed their belongings on the next table over from Hugh’s.

Hugh stood to greet them, and Grace and Hugh shared a hug.

I didn’t expect to see you today, Hugh said, his face brightening. I thought you were catching a flight to Texas hours ago.

She bunched her brow. I was, but I got bumped and I’ve been trying to rebook on another airline. So far, no luck, she responded while rolling her eyes.

The blond haired girl stood up and asked Grace if she could have some water. Grace broke away from Hugh for a moment and produced some bottled water from her bag. The girl drank it timidly at first, then hungrily.

Grace introduced Hugh to Addy Lawrence, her young travel companion. She smiled and held her hand out to Hugh, who gently shook it. Grace later told Hugh that Addy was a bright youngster, enrolled in a talented and gifted school program. She was apparently quite the young artist. Addy politely thanked Grace for the water, then returned to the table and her artwork.

Grace took a few steps away from the table and motioned for Hugh to follow. She said, Thank goodness I ran into you. I remembered that you were meeting your brother today and that you’d be at this gate.

Hugh nodded approval. His flight got delayed, he said. He smiled and remarked, Hey, maybe you’ll get a chance to finally meet him.

That would be so special, she exclaimed, You’ve told me so much about Beau. I hope we can make that happen.

Grace swept her hair back with the flat of her hand and moved closer to Hugh. Listen, I’m going to need some help, she said.

What’s the problem? Hugh replied, head cocked.

I need to call the home office as soon as possible. I’ve got to let the boss know about this delay, and you know how he is with last minute delays or cancellations.

Hugh nodded. In the past, he had to make a similar call and the kingpin blew his stack. The boss didn’t like it when things had to be refitted or rearranged at the last minute.

Grace held her cell out and shrugged her shoulders. "For some reason my cell won’t work where we are. Something’s haywire. Just a few minutes ago I placed a call in the lower end of the concourse and it worked fine. Someone told me this part of the concourse often becomes a dead zone.

Grace looked at Hugh’s cell over on the table. Have you had any problem with yours?

Hugh picked up his cell and tried it. He got no service and when he tried again, got the same result.

No dice, he said. It’s got to be where we’re sitting.

Grace made a face and said, I’ve got another problem, too. All of my attempts have drained my cell. I didn’t have time to fully charge it before we left and I don’t know where I put my power cord. She held her cell up in the air and said, It’s dead.

Hugh didn’t waste time with an option. He handed his cell to Grace and said, Here, take mine. Backtrack to where your cell worked and make your call.

You sure?

Hugh nodded. Let me hang on to your cell just in case. Why don’t you put it in your handbag on the table and leave everything with me. I’ll keep a close eye on it. Want me to also keep an eye on Addy while you’re gone?

That would be wonderful, thank you, Grace said, smiling appreciatively at Hugh and sneaking in a quick kiss.

Addy looked up from her artwork and caught them smooching. She covered her mouth with her fingers and giggled. Hugh saw her and stuck his tongue out at her playfully. The old codger sitting behind them had a good cackle over that one.

Grace started heading back to the table, but suddenly stopped and returned. She put her hand lightly on Hugh’s forearm. One more thing. When things settle down for both of us, I’d like to talk with you about something on my mind, something that’s been building up and bothering me. I truly think this is serious.

Something about me?

Grace giggled and said, No, not about you, silly. This is about the people we work for.

What about them? Hugh had virtually no contact with the front office since he’d been hired. The pay was decent and he got along with everyone, or so he thought.

Grace leaned in closer. Like I said, we can talk about this when we have time. But for now, I’ll just say that I don’t think our boss has always been on the up-and-up with us. I’ve noticed some slip-ups on paperwork that make our transit services less than accountable and even worse, puts our clients in jeopardy. She swept her hair again to the side. Purely by accident I discovered that itinerary documents and destination papers have been altered and client background information falsified. As transporters we have every right to be concerned about such matters because if the boom is lowered, we don’t want to be blamed for something we didn’t do.

For a long minute, neither said anything.

Finally Hugh said, Those are serious claims. He paused, then added, What are you planning on doing?

At this point, I don’t know. I don’t want to risk losing my job by asking the wrong questions or getting someone’s dander up. I certainly don’t want to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, but it obviously already has. She looked down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. A part of me is saying that I’m better off ignoring what I’ve learned, but another part is telling me that if there’s any monkey business going on, I don’t want to get blindsided.

Grace moved only her eyes, flicking them toward Addy and making sure she was okay, then leaning closer to Hugh and speaking softly. Until we get the chance to talk more, I promise not to say anything to anyone. You do the same. For now this is just between the two of us.

Hugh nodded but his expression was clouded in uncertainty. He had difficulty wrapping his mind around what he’d just heard given such limited details.

She sensed his discomfort. Now I don’t want you worrying about this, mister, she said, squeezing his arm reassuringly, then softly touching his cheek.

Grace went back to the table with her cell and checked it one last time. The battery registered no signal strength at all so she turned it off and placed the cell in her handbag. She was leaving everything she owned under Hugh’s watchful eye, including her wallet, credit cards, cash, checking, and keys to her car and apartment.

She hugged Addy and kissed the top of her head. Grace reassured her that she’d be right back, then turned and left the food court.

Hugh watched as she left, not knowing at the time that he’d never get the chance to speak with her again.

Addy

Hugh Clayton took a deep breath and settled in on a chair next to Addy, quietly watching the passersby, caught up in the sights and sounds of the scuffling foot traffic. They sat awkwardly at first, their conversation toward each other both cautious and wooden. Then, Hugh shifted in his chair and pointed toward Addy’s artwork. I see you like to draw, he said gently.

She nodded, offering a little smile to Hugh.

Hugh smiled back, scratching his chin. I used to draw when I was a kid, but gave it up.

The girl looked at Hugh. Why’d you give it up?

I don’t know, baseball got in the way. Hugh coughed lightly. I had to work, so that cut into my free time.

Do you miss doing it? she asked.

Without hesitation he said, Yes. I regret not pursuing my interests, and I really loved to draw.

They watched some more passengers passing by.

Hugh turned to Addy. So, are you going to let me see your pictures?

Addy hesitated at first, but then slid her sketchpad his way. Next to the sketchpad she’d unrolled a canvas pencil wrap that held the wide selection of colored pencils she owned, including several sticks of charcoal The wrap also held an artist’s pencil sharpener, eraser, and pencil extender.

Hugh surprised her by carefully looking carefully at each picture, taking his time, page by page, admiring the sketches and her artistic style. They were engaging sketches of trees, spring flowers, statues, ponds, cows, and barns. They were nicely done, most with charcoal outlines and just a shade of color. For a twelve year-old, the girl really sketched with spirit and her artwork was full of beauty. Very gifted, as Grace had pointed out.

Hugh looked at everything then slid the sketchpad over to her. These are awesome, they really are, he said. You’re a very talented artist, Addy. He looked at her and smiled. Do you think I can have one to take with me?

She initially hesitated, not sure if he was being serious. You really want one of these? she asked. She tilted her head and smiled, wrinkling her nose.

Yes, I really do. Then I can tell everyone that I knew you before you became famous.

She giggled. Which one would you like?

He selected the black and white Holstein cow standing behind a white fence near a faded red barn. She detached it from the sketchpad and handed it to Hugh.

She said, That’s one of my favorite pictures, you know.

Hugh smiled. I figured that. That’s why I wanted it.

Addy flipped the pages of her sketchpad until she came to a blank sheet. Now it’s your turn, Hugh, she said. Time for you to draw a picture for me. She detached the blank page from her sketchbook and handed it to him.

"You want me to draw something?"

I do, she replied with a soft voice and flashing that humbling and disarming smile. She was no doubt totally unaware of her charm as her blue eyes sparkled and danced.

Hugh hadn’t anticipated being asked, but knew he possessed a little ability to produce something of value. As a school-age child, Hugh loved watching television cartoons and reading comic books. Along with these interests came the unusual, self-taught artistic skill of drawing perfect renditions of his animated heroes. He wasn’t able to sketch much else, but his cartoon characters were produced in astonishing detail and each portrait was completed at surprising speed. However, with the exception of his older brother Beau and a few of his neighborhood pals, most never knew about Hugh’s hidden talent. It never captured the eye of any teacher, nor was it ever displayed on school bulletin boards or hallways. While Hugh’s parents knew of his skill, they paid little attention to his drawings, instead regarding his cartoons as silly doodling and a waste of time. As a result, his artistic talents went underground, buried during his childhood years but still managing to spring forth.

Hugh hemmed and hawed but eventually conceded. He said, Okay, I’ll draw something, but I’ll need just a simple charcoal marker, you know the kind.

I’ve got one, she said, producing a charcoal pencil from her backpack.

Beau examined the pencil while feigning a scowl while looking sideways at Addy. Now don’t go laughing at me.

Never, she replied.

Hugh placed the blank paper in front of him and went to work. First, he sized up the page, deciding where he wanted to place his cartoon characters. Then, he hunched over the paper. His hand movements were fluid, very deliberate and without pause.

Addy inched her chair closer to his, tilting her head, this way and that, to watch the creations taking shape. She watched with great curiosity and interest. When Hugh was done, her eyes widened and she stared at his creations with surprise and amazement. In less than five minutes, he’d divided the blank page in half and created perfect likenesses of Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. The drawings were undeniably accurate with their cartoon features.

Hugh pushed his chair back and handed his artwork over to Addy. Well, what do you think? he asked, pumping his chest out. Any good?

Addy looked again at each of the likenesses, and then at Hugh. Her eyes flicked back and forth, and she was truly impressed. Wow, these are so neat, she cooed, her eyes taking in the two characters. You’re really good. Are you a cartoonist like the ones who work for Disney? The ones who create cartoon characters?

Hugh smirked. No, but I’ve often been called a character.

She laughed with him.

Addy said, Well, you could be a professional, like the artists who do cartoon strips or Marvel superhero comics. The ones who work for the newspapers. Even the political cartoonists. She kept grinning at the cartoon likenesses, her hands clasped under her chin. Can I have this? she asked.

Of course, Hugh replied. I sketched it just for you. He took a marking pen and wrote Addy’s name, then scrawled his full name at the bottom of the page along with the date. Now you can tell your friends that you met the artist. The finished product truly looked like it had been drawn by a professional cartoonist.

A bond had been forged. She rolled it up, then slipped it into one of her pockets.

Hugh eyeballed considerable activity occurring at the far end of the concourse. A wave of deplaning passengers began walking toward them, more than likely coming from Beau’s incoming flight. Hugh told Addy to stay at the table and walked over to the outer reaches of the food court. He looked for Beau as far as the eye could see, but to no avail. He stood there gaping for several minutes.

Hugh turned to walk back to his table but suddenly stopped.

Addy was nowhere in sight.

He looked for Grace but she, too, was nowhere to be found.

He immediately went into a panic mode. He had to find Addy and bring her back, but he had no idea where she might’ve gone. He went to the table and found only Grace’s black handbag sitting there.

Otherwise, Hugh had no clue as to which way Addy went. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of the skinny guy in a hoodie, the one with the red hair and the blaring headphones. Of all people, he was there offering help. He stood at the far corner of the food court frantically waving his arms. She went this way, heading for the exits! he shouted, pointing down a corridor.

Stop her, please! Hugh yelled. Go now! I’ll catch up to you!

The guy obeyed and turned tail before Hugh gave chase, scurrying out into the corridor again to look for Hugh. Luckily, he saw him approaching from the far end. Beau, he shouted through cupped hands, I’ll be right back! Wait for me in this food court!

Beau raised his chin and signaled with his arm that he got the message.

With that, Hugh took off along the specified corridor toward the exits, dodging people, both old and slow. Several times he lost his balance and bumped into somebody, and a number of travelers swore and hurled insults at him as he rushed by. He encountered a number of pedestrian jams where the foot traffic barely moved, forcing him to push, inch, and wedge his way through.

Finally Hugh reached the entrance to the main exit areas.

Up ahead, he could spot the skinny guy in the hoodie entering the pedestrian tunnel. But much to Hugh’s surprise, the guy suddenly stopped and walked away. Out of nowhere Grace appeared, but Addy was well ahead of her. Hugh could hear