Chapter One
It was called a no-frills flight because that's exactly what you got—the
flight. No more, no less.
Southeast Airlines Flight 201 out of a Long Island airport no one's ever heard
of, departing Gate 13 at the ungodly hour of six A.M. Not that there was any
shortage of takers-William had to queue up for a good half hour, stuck between
Sophie from Mineola and Rose from Bellmore, who kept a running commentary going
on the best buffets in Boca Raton. Sophie leaning toward General Tso's Szechuan
Splendor with Rose touting a seafood buffet that sounded vaguely Lithuanian.
Once William actually made it on board, his initial feeling was immediately
confirmed—the flight was packed solid. No matter.
You're a man on a mission, William. Remember that. William had hoped for
a senior citizen rate, but the no-frills flight was the best he could
turn up, a name that kept proving itself right on the money. When he ordered a
drink, he was told he'd have to pay for it, when he asked about food, he was
given a price list. Earphones were five dollars, and then there were only two
channels to choose from: mellow music and inspirational pep talks from America's
most famous business leaders. There were only six or so ma ... read full excerpt from Epitaph ebook
