CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO – DOWN IN BRITAIN

After what felt like an eternity trapped in that pitching, clanging metal tube, the plane finally leveled out and settled into a smoother, sustained climb. Scarlett cracked one eye open cautiously, gratified to find the worst of the violent turbulence seemed to be over. "You ladies still with me back there?" The brusque shout came from somewhere ahead, likely the cramped cockpit partition. When neither of them replied, their surly host let out a snort of derision. "Don't matter none - we're on course now headed east over the Atlantic. Just sit tight and try not to blow chunks everywhere." Scarlett traded a look with Clara, who seemed to be battling admirably against her queasiness. Her friend managed a supremely unconvincing thumbs up that set them both grinning despite their dire straits. The cargo plane droned relentlessly onward, engines thrumming through the dimly lit hold. Scarlett forced herself to keep her breathing measured and even, mentally divorcing herself from the ince