“Mission to Impress”

 

    It was an act of sheer genius, requiring numerous people and coordination on an optimum level to achieve this impossible task. The stakes were high and to get caught may have adversely affected all our lives, especially mine.  One simple mistake and the mission would have been detected. 

    Explosions rocked our senses and the exhilaration of fireworks caused responses of delight from the surrounding spectators. It was New Year’s Eve, and our ill-conceived plan was about to be set in action.

    Soon after the last concussion sounded, I said my goodbyes. Leaving my home without detection required skill, blocking of a GPS tracking device on my phone and the use of my best friend’s credit card to reserve a red eye flight leaving Birmingham, destination-Flagstaff Arizona. 

    Covid had just started it’s horrid escapade around the world and I had not followed suit. After what seemed to be a mile walk to the airport ticket counter, I was turned away for lack of ineffective piece of paper face covering. 

    Upon my return, I was told it was too late to check a bag, but the ticket could still be processed. My southern manners were taught well, so there was no disrespectful banter. It did not stop me from trying to melt her with my x-ray vision.  Fear in her eyes reflected the message on my face and I quickly regained my senses when I thought about the armed security which was surely just one push of a button away.

   After a two-mile sprint to deposit my suitcase in my vehicle and back, I proceeded to security.  I had never traveled with the freedom of not having a bag.  My inner child giggled knowing that I would not have to retrieve a suitcase.

 

 

It was zero seven hundred hours when the plane bounced around the concrete runway that led to the worlds largest ditch where the plan of action was to take place. Up until now there had been no communication with the team on the ground, but we must now synchronize.

   I listened as the phone rang for the fifth time, then a whisper sounded.

    “Where are you.”  Nathan murmured.

    “At the airport, in a rental, waiting on instructions.” I said in a whisper, as if someone could hear me.

    “There has been a change of plans. It is snowing at the canyon.  Going to have to meet at a lower elevation.

    I thought for a moment. The plan would not go as scheduled.  A lesser backdrop may cause a negative reaction to any questioning.  After thirty seconds in a deep comma, I responded.

    “What do you suggest?”  I waited on a response.

    “Buffalo Canyon.”  He said softly

    “What?” I said loud enough for people to hear me outside the car.

    “It will be fine, trust me. We will take care of the details. Notify me on your arrival.”

    The famous three beeps sounded and now nothing but silence and my inability to grasp what this entailed.  I could not use GPS, because any transmittal by my phone would cause my location to appear.

   I drove aimlessly asking any target of opportunity for directions. 

   “Take the first right passed the old mine, there will be a dirt road by the old stagecoach, and you can’t miss it.”

   “Can you repeat that?”  I asked politely as I scribed every word.

   “Dude, I am joking. I’ve never heard of the place.

   For the second time I broke out my x-ray vision, then sped silently back onto the highway.  With a great deal of luck, I found the park.

    “I am here.”  I said into the phone as I walked breathlessly down the stone path.

   “We have created a diversion, come to the first rock formation on the right.” He said quietly.

I spotted the target, ran quickly the next forty feet, then crept up silently.  I reached forward and placed my hand on her shoulder, she turned.  Her eyes grew wide, her lips parted and then I softly kissed her.  My knee fell upon the rocky plain.

   “Will you marry me?”