Shell Game

by Bill Flaherty

  “Good afternoon,” the operator boomed in a deep baritone. “And who might you two be?”

  “Hi, I’m Nick and this is Devon.”

  “Welcome aboard. I’m Joe.” He held the small step ladder that rested against the balloon carriage and reached for Devon’s hand to help her over the edge. Nick waved off assistance and stepped over without trouble.

  Another couple was seated already in the carriage. The man stood up and shook Nick’s hand. “I’m Chip, and this is my wife Janet.” He gestured to the woman next to him. Nick guessed they were in their early forties.

  Devon said hello. She looked nervously about the small enclosure and then up at the balloon that was above her head. Devon glanced at Janet, who seemed perfectly at ease. “Have you ridden in a balloon before?” she asked.

  “Oh, yes, we come to this event every year,” Janet replied. “I think this is the tenth in a row, isn’t it, hon?”

  “I believe so. It’s always a lot of fun.”

  Devon was skeptical. She didn’t want to ask her next question, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Has the ride always gone well?”

  Both Janet and Chip nodded their heads.

  Chip said, “Always. These things are safer than airplanes. It just takes a little getting used to since you’re outside, and the wind is blowing. It’s very exhilarating. Is this is your first time?”

  Nick chuckled and reached over to put his arm around Devon’s shoulders. ”What gave it away? Was it the look of sheer terror on Devon’s face?”

  Devon smacked Nick hard on the arm. “Wise guy.”

  “Ouch,” Nick said, rubbing his arm. “Remind me to stay on your good side.”

  “Okay, we’re ready for takeoff!” Joe announced. “Please take your seat. Get ready for an adventure!”

  Joe untethered the ropes that were holding the balloon on the ground. As the last rope released, the balloon lifted slowly upwards.

  Devon buried her face in Nick’s shoulder again and he didn’t mind at all. He enjoyed the physical closeness, the proximity of Devon’s body to his own. He’d gone so long without physical contact with a woman. Every nerve ending in his body sparked simultaneously. He rubbed his hand across Devon’s back and whispered in her ear, “I’m so happy to be here with you.”

  Devon lifted her head and looked into Nick’s eyes. “Me too.”

  The moment was disrupted when Janet said, “Look at that view!”

  They had risen above the treetops and could see several miles of wooded forest. Hills were ablaze with late autumn colors: red, orange and yellow banded together like nature’s potpourri. The trees at higher elevations were spread more sparsely, and looked like sentinels preparing for winter’s assault. A red-tailed hawk circled slowly in the sky, rising on unseen currents that allowed the bird to spiral higher and higher. The raptor moved closer to the balloon, as if investigating why this huge being was invading its space.

  Nick and Devon broke eye contact and took in the view across the hills in the distance.

  “This is so beautiful!” She looked back at Nick. “Thanks for giving me the courage to do this.” She leaned closer and kissed Nick softly. Nick’s mouth lingered on hers, exploring for a moment the soft fullness of her lips.

  The ride continued for about twenty minutes. The group conversed quietly, as if speaking loudly would disturb the transcendent beauty of the tableau that unfolded below them. Their guide would occasionally remark on points of interest in the idyllic scenes that they floated quietly above. The balloon passed a white steeple church ensconced in the center of a small New England town. Its location marked, literally and figuratively, the core of the community it supported. A flock of Canadian geese, wings flapping in unison to destination unknown, lifted from a crystal blue pond. A perfect ‘V’ formation rose before them and headed west.

  Joe pointed to a large open area directly ahead of them. “That’s our landing zone. We should be touching down in about five minutes.”

  The group expressed disappointment that the ride was almost over. “I will definitely do this again!” Devon said.

  “Ah, a new member has joined our fan club, Janet,” Chip joked. “I hope you’ll come back next year.”

  “What is that guy doing?” Joe suddenly asked, interrupting the conversation around him. He was pointing at a balloon that was several hundred yards ahead of them. Concern traced across his brow. “He’s flying too low. He needs to pull up.”

  The group followed Joe’s out-stretched finger to see what he was referring to. The balloon ahead of them was already barely skimming the treetops, although it was about a quarter mile from the landing area.

  “He needs to clear the trees first. But after the forest, there are high tension wires. Those are even more dangerous.”

  Devon and Nick watched in trepidation as the balloon approached the end of the forest. Its carriage brushed the highest branch on one of the pine trees as it flew past, tipping the basket almost ninety degrees before righting. Screams from the four women riding in the carriage carried across the wind to Devon and Nick.

  “Oh my god, I don’t think they’re going to make it!” Devon cried, her hand rising to her mouth. She watched in shocked anticipation of seeing something terrible about to occur.

  Nick had opened his phone and was dialing 911. They stood by as mere witnesses as the balloon carriage dipped below the last tree and disappeared from view. Only the bulbous body of the balloon was still visible.

  “They’re too low, they’re too low,” Joe growled. “They’re going to hit those damn wires!”

  As if in confirmation, an explosion burst over the treetops, rocking Nick and Devon’s balloon so badly that each of them grabbed onto one of the safety ropes and held tight until the swaying stopped.

  Moments later their balloon cleared the tree line, and they could see the full carnage below them. The unlucky balloon was draped across the high tension wires, its parachute on fire. The carriage was tipped at an angle that could not support any remaining passengers. On the ground below, Nick saw four bodies lying motionless near the base of the wire tower.

  “Oh my god!” Devon cried. “We need to help them.”

  Nick knew a fall from that height would end badly, but he didn’t want to say this out loud. People were rushing across the field towards the blazing balloon. Several reached the area and pointed up to the balloon carriage. Nick couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he figured out was happening. “I think someone may still be in there!” he cried out. “Joe, get us on the ground fast!”

  “Yes, sir!” Joe adjusted the helium flow and the descent increased quickly. With a jolt that rattled Nick’s teeth, they banged into the ground and bounced along for several feet. Two of the handlers on the ground grabbed the ropes that Joe had thrown out and tied them to metal stakes that protruded above the grass.

  Nick grabbed Devon’s shoulders. “Are you okay?’

  “Yes, go. Go!”

  Nick jumped from the carriage and raced to the concrete base of the high tension wires. A large crowd had gathered. Many people were pointing excitedly at the balloon above them. Now that Nick was below the carriage, he could see what the excitement was about: a young girl dangled from the basket that was now upside down, hanging from the dangerous wires above her head. The only thing that kept her from falling from the carriage was a safety rope that was tangled around her foot. Nick could hear her crying for help.

  The balloon basket shifted and fell several feet before another one of the ropes caught it and held it in place. The girl screamed in terror. The carriage was still about fifty feet above the ground.

  She knows her fate if she falls, Nick thought. She can see the bodies of her family in the grass below.

  The balloon had fallen onto the wires about six feet from the tower structure. The basket was turned towards the pole, swaying gently in the breeze. It was too far to reach the girl, but near enough to give Nick an idea.

  He grabbed one of the young me
n who were standing nearby. “Get me one of those spikes that are used to hold the balloons on the ground. Hurry!” He shoved the boy towards the landing area. “And get some rope too!” Nick called after him.

  Nick looked up at the pole that supported the high tension wire. A set of metal brackets protruded from one side, rising as a ladder to the top of the tower.

  I can get up there next to her, he thought. Then my plan needs to work.

  “Nick!” Devon, breathless, reached his side and held onto his arm. She could tell he had something on his mind. “What are you going to do?”

  “I can help her get down before that basket falls or she slips out of it.” He saw the boy he had sent off racing back with the metal spike and a length of rope. “I need to try.”

  Devon saw the determination in his eyes. “Please be careful.”

  Nick nodded and grabbed the rope. He tied one end around the horseshoe shaped metal spike. He tested the weight and pulled hard to make sure it was secure. Then he tied the other end of the rope around his waist and through his legs to add some additional support. He flung the spike over his shoulder and reached for the first rung on the metal tower.

  “Be careful, Nick!” Devon cried again.

  He looked back with a brief smile, then started to climb. The crowd sensed what he was doing and some people started to clap.

  Save the applause for later folks, Nick thought. I haven’t done anything yet.

  He climbed steadily and within a couple of minutes he was across from the girl in the upside-down basket.

  “Hi sweetie. What’s your name?”

  The girl looked across at Nick. She was sobbing. “Anna. My name is Anna.”

  Nick could tell that the girl’s strength was waning. She had spent close to twenty minutes hanging upside down, blood rushing to her head. Nick prayed that she didn’t pass out.

  “How old are you, Anna?”

  “Twelve.”

  “You’re being very brave. I’m going to help get you down. Anna, do you hear me?”

  “Yes,” she responded feebly.

  Nick raised the rope with the spike. “I’m going to toss this rope to you. You see the metal spike at the end? I want you to catch the rope and then grab the metal spike with both hands. Can you do that, Anna?”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Good girl. Here it comes.” Nick started to swing the rope in a pendulum, moving it closer and closer to the girl. A gust of wind buffeted him and he almost lost his balance. The crowd below him gasped in unison.

  Nick started the rope again. He tossed it higher and higher towards Anna. “Okay the rope is getting close, Anna. Try to reach for it.”

  The upside down girl watched the rope approach. When she thought it was in reach, her hand shot out to grab it. The rope glanced off her fingers and fell back towards Nick. The crowd moaned again.

  “Good try, Anna. Let’s do it again.” Nick swung the rope as before. Closer and closer. He could see that Anna was concentrating hard, her attention solely on the swinging rope that meant safety.

  With a quick move, Anna’s hand shot out and grasped the metal spike. “I got it, I got it!” she cried. The crowd on the ground cheered approval.

  “Good job, Anna! Now hold on tight with both hands.”

  The girl grabbed the rope with her other hand. Nick could see her knuckles turn red with the tightness of her grip.

  “I need you to have faith, Anna! I’m not going to let you fall, okay? I want you to work your foot out of that tangled rope that is holding you. When your foot comes loose, you’re going to swing right over to me and I’ll grab you.”

  “I’m scared!” Anna cried.

  “I know you are, sweetie. But I will not let you fall. You need to trust me.”

  Anna looked into Nick’s eyes and nodded. She looked up at her foot that was stuck in the safety rope and wiggled it. “I can’t get my foot loose!”

  “Try to slip out of your sneaker,” Nick called. He could feel his legs trembling as he tried to maintain his balance on the narrow metal rung. He didn’t know how much strength he would have left when Anna’s weight fell on him. He needed this to end soon.

  Nick watched Anna try to kick her foot out of her shoe. He sensed before he saw that something bad was about to happen. Anna’s kicking had shifted the delicate balance of the basket hanging from the wire. All of a sudden the basket began to fall. Anna screamed as she realized what was happening.

  “Hold on tight!” Nick yanked the rope with all of his remaining strength. Anna flew out of the basket towards him as it fell to the ground below and splintered like matchsticks. Anna crashed into Nick’s legs, and she wrapped her arms tightly around his thigh.

  “Good girl, Anna! You did it!” The crowd burst into cheers and applause, high fives and back slaps.

  Anna looked up at Nick, relief flooding her face.

  “Okay. Let’s get down from here.”

  Nick and Anna slowly made their way to the ground. Hands reached up to grab the girl as she got close. Nick jumped from the last rung and Anna wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  Nick picked her up and led Anna away from the bodies of her family. People were shouting, slapping Nick on the back as he moved toward an ambulance that had just arrived. He put Anna on the ground. “You’re going to be okay, Anna.” He gestured to the paramedic, who took the girl’s hand. Anna looked up at him.

  What’s your name?”

  “I’m Nick.”

  “Thank you, Nick. You saved my life.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetie.”

  Nick realized the tension of the last hour was over. His adrenaline was spent. He started shaking uncontrollably.

  Devon was immediately at his side, holding him. “It’s okay, Nick. Everything’s okay.”

  Nick took a deep breath. “Let’s go home.”

  *****

  It was some time before Nick and Devon were on their way. Nick spent almost an hour answering questions from the police about the accident. Then they were driven back to the departure site where their car was parked. Devon offered to drive and Nick was so exhausted he agreed. He quickly fell asleep.

  “Nick, wake up,” Devon said, shaking his shoulder. “We’re home. You slept the entire way.”

  Nick opened his eyes and stretched his arms. “I really needed that.”

  “Would you like to come in for a while?” Devon asked. “Maybe I could fix the big hero something to eat,” she teased.

  “That sounds good. But no spinach. That’s only for Popeye.”

  Devon laughed. “Come on, before your ego gets so big you can’t fit through the door.”

  Nick followed Devon into her apartment. It was tastefully decorated, a bit avant-garde for his taste, but still very nice.

  “I have a good bottle of merlot. Something mellow. We deserve that after the excitement of today.” Devon called out as she stepped into the kitchen. “Have a seat and get comfortable.”

  Nick kicked off his shoes and sank into the softly upholstered couch. The deep brown cushions enveloped him. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

  “Nick.” Devon was shaking his arm. “You must be exhausted. You fell asleep again, so I left you alone while the food cooked.”

  Nick detected a delicious aroma wafting in from the kitchen.

  “That smells so good. What is it?”

  “Lasagna al forno. It’s one of my favorites.” She reached out to help Nick get up. “Come on, let’s eat.”

  They moved to the small dining area. Nick poured two glasses of wine from the full bottle that Devon had opened earlier. He held his glass aloft. “Here’s to an exciting day!” Devon clinked her glass against his and they each took a sip.

  Dinner passed quickly. Devon did most of the talking. She described life growing up with her rambunctious brothers. She was very close to her mother, and they still spoke each day. Devon mentioned her father briefly, a dark cloud passing across
her eyes as her memories took hold. Her devotion to her mother was clearly a result of her broken family and the impact of her father’s departure.

  Nick thought, she reminds me of Ellie. But Devon was different too. Unlike Ellie, who had been brash, Devon was subtle and quiet, with an internal fortitude that let her stand her ground when necessary.

  Nick looked at the clock and saw it was past 10pm. “I should be going.” He started to rise.

  Devon reached across the table and took his hand. “Don’t.”

  Nick searched Devon’s face. Her meaning was clear. In a moment, he had lifted her to her feet and pressed his body against hers. His mouth found hers, hungrily pressing his lips against it. Devon opened her mouth and flicked her tongue against Nick’s teeth. A small moan escaped her lips.

  “My bedroom is back there,” she pointed down the hall.

  Nick grabbed Devon beneath her ass and lifted her body against his own. She wrapped her legs around him and buried her face into his neck.

  The bedroom became a blur of clothes tossed in all directions. When Devon turned towards the bed, Nick pressed himself against her, his excitement growing. She took Nick’s hand and pressed it between her legs. Devon arched her back and moaned.

  Devon pulled Nick onto the bed and reached for him, and quickly guided him into her. Nick groaned at the soft touch that surrounded him. He moved slowly at first, his rhythm increasing at Devon’s urging. Devon wrapped her legs around him and raked her fingernails along his back. Nick watched total abandon envelope her eyes. He leaned down and kissed the soft skin on her neck, and grabbed the headboard so he could increase the intensity of his thrusts. Devon cried out and slipped her arms around Nick’s shoulders. She cried “oh” again and again, and when she lost control, her body bucked hard against him. They reached climax together, each groaning softly at their simultaneous release.

  As their heart rates subsided, Nick moved to lie next to her. Devon held his face in her hands and kissed him lightly on the lips.

  “That felt so good,” she whispered. She rested her head on Nick’s chest, and he caressed her hair.