She closed her eyes and saw Mark’s face, right in front of her, lying on his side in his bed. Her eyes shot open. She couldn’t think about Mark right now. She wanted to forget about Mark for three weeks. Vera brushed past her on her beat back along the aisle. It was so uncanny how things had suddenly changed. Forty-eight hours ago, she couldn’t contemplate seeing Mark again after what had happened. Couldn’t contemplate talking to him. Couldn’t imagine what he might say to her. But now it seemed so irrelevant. Unimportant. He knew. He knew about Zoë. But so what. It changed nothing.
Unsolicited, the events of the evening in her hotel room replayed in her head. She didn’t want to relive it, but it seemed like she couldn’t find the pause button, and like a song you just can’t get out of your head, her mind replayed the evening in detail. It had been unbelievably unfortunate that he had been there to witness her encounter with Nick. She couldn’t really remember why she had let him into her room afterwards. But she remembered being thrown by his reaction. She still was. He had been so gentle. So, caring. He seemed to have understood her in her confusion. She can’t have made much sense. And she didn’t ever expect anyone to really understand how she felt, not even her Dad, or Emily. Certainly not Mark. But he hadn’t judged her. He hadn’t tried to cheer her up. Christine pressed her palms to her forehead. She was suddenly overwhelmed by the vision of them sitting on the floor of her hotel bathroom. It struck her only now, sitting in what was effectively a hijacked plane on the airport runway in Bangkok, that she had felt completely cared for there, on the cold tiles with him. With Mark. Cared for and protected. As she sat in the darkness reliving the scene, Christine could feel her heart beating in her chest.
Loved.
She had felt loved.
~
“The Thai Prime Minister is on his way back from China.” Shay referred to a page of scribbled notes he held in his hands. “The Irish Consulate hasn’t much information really, except that they expect the situation to be resolved sooner rather than later after his return. They say the protestors have only gotten this far, because the airport security are helping them.”
“What do you mean?” Mark sounded angry. “Why would the security staff be helping them?”
“They’re protesting about the government,” Shay shrugged. “The security staff probably feel the same. They seem to be in cahoots one way or another.”
“Jesus.” Mark shook his head.
“Either way, the consulate seems to think that the Prime Minister coming back will help matters. And if not, they said the King might intervene.”
“What can he do?” Mark looked hopelessly at Shay.
“I don’t know. But the people seem to listen to him. I think.”
Petra walked straight into the office, startling them both. She acknowledged Shay, and stood in front of Mark’s desk. She too had pages of notes in her hands.
“Okay. You could fly to Chiang Mai, and get a train to Bangkok from there. It’s difficult to see a better route right now, but it seems that some local flights are being diverted to a second, smaller airport in Bangkok, so if you were to fly to, say Dubai, or maybe Delhi, you might have a better chance of getting a Bangkok flight from there.”
Shay looked at Mark. “Are you seriously thinking of going out there?”
Mark glared at him and looked back at Petra. “Is that the best option then really?”
“Well,” Petra dropped her arms by her sides, “Henry Lee in the Singapore office says that he could get you on a train from Malaysia to Bangkok.” Petra shook her head. “But it would take half a day to get to the train from the airport in Singapore, and then another twenty-four hours on the train. It just sounds -”
“Sounds what?” Mark’s voice was hard.
“Sounds crazy.” Petra said, looking at Shay. “This could all be over later today. And even if you do get to the airport in Bangkok, well, what then?” She looked at Mark, and then seemed to cave a little and sat down on the arm of the sofa. “It’s not like you can just walk in and over to the airplane and insist that they let her off,” she said in a more gentle tone. “It’s just not, sensible.”
Mark thought about it. It sounded eminently sensible from where he sat, behind his desk. Christine was in trouble. She was being held on an airplane against her will somewhere in Asia. What didn’t sound sensible to him was staying here in his comfortable chair, drinking coffee and checking updates on the news websites now and then. But then, Petra couldn’t know how he felt.
“I presume I’d have more options flying from London?” he said.
“Of course.”
“Well get me on the first available flight to Heathrow so.” He stood up and opened a drawer in his desk, taking out a phone charger and his passport. “I’ll head home now and go straight from there to the airport. Anything after,” he looked at his watch, “two-thirty should be fine.”
“What else can I do?” Shay looked worried.
“Nothing. Thanks Shay. Go to the hospital. I’ll keep in touch over the weekend.”
“Do that.” Shay reached his arm out over the desk and shook Mark’s hand. The gesture unnerved Mark. Petra looked a little bemused, but made no comment.
“I’ll go and sort that flight now,” she said. “I’ll let you know if I can confirm a route to Bangkok.”
“I’ll keep this on,” Mark waved his BlackBerry at her. “Thanks Petra.”
Just then, Amanda appeared, followed by a man with grey hair and a worried expression on his face. Shay was standing nearest the door, and he reached out his hand again when he saw them.
“Mr. Grogan. Shay McAvoy. We met last year, you mightn’t remember. I’m really sorry about all of this.”
“Thanks, Shay. I do remember meeting you. Your baby? She’s sick? Is she okay?”
“Actually yes, thank you. She’s okay now.” Shay put his hands into his trouser pockets. “She gave us a bit of a scare.”
“They keep doing that,” Matt smiled at him. His eyes seemed to be glistening. “Even at almost thirty years of age.”
Shay nodded silently.
“Mr. Grogan?” Mark walked over to where everyone was crowded around his office door. “I’m Mark. Mark Harrington.”
“Mark.” Matt stepped into the office and shook Mark’s hand. “Thanks again for this. I don’t want to disrupt your day.”
“Please,” Mark gestured to the sofa. “We don’t have much news. Shay was on to the consulate.”
“They’re hopeful that it will be resolved in the next twenty-four hours,” Shay said almost apologetically.
“We’re waiting to hear back from the Singapore office.” Petra now seemed to be embracing her role as crisis co-ordinator. “They should be in a position to get better information from their embassy in Bangkok.” She looked up at Mark. “I’ll make Mr. Grogan some coffee and book your flight.”
“I’m afraid I have to get back to the hospital,” Shay shook Matt’s hand again.
“Of course, of course. Please give your wife my best.” Matt’s voice broke a little. “I know Christine thinks very highly of her.”
Shay and Petra left the room. “Please,” Mark held his arm out and Matt sat down on the sofa.
“I really am grateful for this Mark,” Matt said. He unbuttoned his coat but kept it on. “I was going crazy by myself at home, staring at the news channel on the television. At least, at least now I feel like I am doing something.”
“Of course, of course.” Mark sat on a chair and set the phone charger he was holding down on the low table in front of him. “I meant it when I said that Christine is more than an employee to us.” His eyes flickered up at Matt. “To me. I… I care a lot about Christine.” He turned his BlackBerry over and over in his hand. “I got quite a shock when you phoned this morning.”
Matt was silent. Just then, Petra knocked and came in with a tray of coffee.
“Amanda has your flight booked to Heathrow,” she said to Mark, setting the tray down before Matt. “It leav
es at three. The travel company are working out the best option after that. I’m hoping to hear from them in the next hour or so.”
“I’m sorry Mark, I’m sure you must be very busy.” Matt looked like he was about to stand up again. “I shouldn’t be taking up your time with this.”
“Oh, but Mark is flying to Asia,” Petra began. “We’ve been trying to establish the quickest way of getting to Bangkok as, of course, the airport is clo -”
“Okay, thank you Petra.” Mark stared at her. “Let me know if you hear back from the travel agent.”
Petra looked from Mark to Matt and back again. “Of course, Mark.” She smiled at Matt and left the room.
“You’re flying to Bangkok?” Matt looked confused.
“Mr. Grogan,” Mark could feel the heat in his face. “I can’t, sit here, knowing that she’s over there. Alone. In trouble.” His voice was almost a whisper. His eyes darted to Matt’s, and he recognised their blueness instantly. “I need to get over there.”
Matt said nothing for a moment. After a second, Mark pushed the coffee tray over closer to him, but he ignored it.
“Are you and she…?”
“Not really. I don’t know.” Mark sighed heavily and looked straight at Matt. “I love your daughter, Mr. Grogan.”
The bizarre circumstances under which they were having this conversation made Mark want to laugh. Or cry. He wasn’t sure which. Matt just sat quietly, looking at this man professing his love for his daughter. Mark sat up straighter in his chair, suddenly conscious of the fact that he was being assessed. He could see that Matt was worried. Of course, how could he not be. But somehow, he sensed that the worry was farther-reaching than current events.
“She told me about Zoë,” he said. Mark saw Matt’s eyes widen.
“What?”
“In London. On, on Tuesday. We were at a conference together.”
Matt didn’t move in his seat. “She told you?”
Mark was beginning to feel a little disingenuous. “She met Zoë’s father. By accident.” Mark hoped that he wasn’t being disloyal. “She was very upset. And, and I happened to be there.”
Matt closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. “I suspected something had happened,” he said at last. “Her sister had been asking her to visit her for months. But she,” he stopped. “She visits that grave every week. She can’t let it go.” Matt pressed his eyes with his fingers, before looking up suddenly. “I’m so shocked she told you. I don’t think she’s ever told anyone.”
Before Mark could say anything, Petra reappeared at the door. “Mark, you need to get going if you are going to make that flight to Heathrow.”
“Yes.” Mark stood. “Look Matt, stay here. Amanda and Petra will keep you informed as to any update. Our best source is the Singapore office. They’ll have better information from their embassy in Bangkok. As soon as I know my travel plans, I’ll let you know.”
Matt stood. “Thank you Mark,” was all he could say.
“I’ll get to her,” Mark said. “One way or the other. I’ll get to her.”
Twenty Eight“So I should be in Delhi at seven AM local time. And then, well then I’m not sure yet. The travel agent said that some flights are being diverted to Don Muang.”
“Where’s that?” Nina sounded distressed.
“It’s in Bangkok. It’s the old airport. Apparently they’ve opened it to some international flights while all this is going on.”
“Right.”
“Otherwise, I’ll get a flight to Chiang Mai.” Mark rubbed his eyes. “But that’ll mean I have to get a twelve hour train ride to Bangkok. Not ideal.”
“Jesus, Mark. None of it’s ideal.”
“I know. Anyway, how are you holding up? It’s great news about Lucy.”
The phone went quiet, and for a moment Mark thought he had lost the connection. But then he heard Nina take a sharp breath. “I just can’t believe it, Mark. It’s been such a nightmare. But we’ll have her home tomorrow. And she’s in such good form. She’s keen to get home of course, but thank God she’s, she’s -” The phone crackled, and Nina sniffed loudly. “But poor Christine. What must she be going through.”
Mark turned to lift his bag down from the seat he had left it on, as a large Asian family began to congregate next to him. The mother smiled at Mark, and nodded her head in thanks.
“I know, Nina.” Mark rested his elbows on his knees, staring at the hard-wearing grey carpet on the floor. “I actually feel sick.”
“But Mark,” Nina spoke quietly. “I have to ask you. Did anything happen between the two of you since New Year’s Eve? I mean, don’t get me wrong. If you think you should go to Bangkok, then you should go to Bangkok. But, it’s just -” Nina sounded like she was spending time choosing her words.
“I love her, Nina,” Mark interrupted her. “And regardless of how she feels, I have to go. I just can’t not go.”
Nina was silent for a moment. “I’m glad you’re going,” she said at last. “You’re right to. I just wish I was there to give you a hug.”
“I do too,” he laughed. “But you have enough to be worrying about. I’ll phone Shay from Delhi when I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay. Take care Mark. I mean that.”
“I know. I will.”
~
“Petra. It’s Mark. Can you hear me?”
“Yes Mark. How was your flight? Did you get my text?”
“Yeah. So it’s Air India? And it’s flying into Don Muang?”
“Yes. Although -”
“Although what?”
“Lorraine at the travel agency said that she couldn’t be one hundred percent sure that it will actually fly. They’ve routed a number of flights to Don Muang but not all of them are actually taking off. And a few of them were diverted to other airports at the last minute.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake. Okay. Look, I’ll pick up my ticket and get to the gate. That’s all I can do.”
“Okay Mark. I’m sorry I can’t do more.”
“No, no Petra. You’ve been great. It must be the middle of the night there in Dublin? I really appreciate all this.”
“It’s not a problem, Mark. And there’s been no change in the situation at the airport? At least it seems that way from the TV here.”
“I don’t think so. I’m going to call Henry Lee once I get my ticket.”
“Okay. Well, you should hurry. The flight is due to leave at nine-thirty local time. And it must be -”
“It’s seven-thirty now.”
“Right, well good luck Mark.”
“Okay Petra. Thanks again.”
~
“Mark? It’s Henry Lee.
“Henry. Where are you?”
“I’m still in Singapore. At Changi. I’m about to get on a plane to Don Muang.”
“Henry, I really appreciate all your help.”
“No, no Mark. We are all worried too. Christine’s very popular here. My staff are very concerned. They’re on my case.”
“Look, my flight is just boarding. I should be there by three this afternoon? If it lands there, that is. Have you any more news on what’s going on? Has there been any change?”
“Not really Mark. But the Prime Minister is meeting a representative of the protesting group this morning. I’m hopeful that it could all be resolved.”
“How hopeful? You don’t sound hopeful Henry. And what if they don’t resolve it? What then? It could escalate. There’s already at least one person hurt.”
“Yes, but not a tourist, Mark. The only injuries have been to the protestors themselves. Overstepping their mark with the security staff, most likely.”
“But if the talks don’t go well?”
“We can never be sure in situations like this, Mark. You know how these things can go. I’m sorry I can’t be more, upbeat.”
“Yeah. So am I. Look, I’ll see you in Don Muang. Wait for me in the arrivals hall. Keep your phone on.”
~
“Mr. Harring
ton? I’m sorry to disturb you. But you were anxious to hear any news from Bangkok?”
“Yes. Was I asleep? God. Is there, has something happened? Is there news?”
“Yes. It’s good news. It seems that the situation has been resolved. The protest is over. The airport is open again. Not for air traffic yet, but the people are free to go. Yes? You wanted to know?”
Mark stared at the kind face of the air stewardess. He reached out across the man sitting quietly next to him and took her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you,” he said, and she nodded and drew her hand away.
Mark looked out of the small window beside him. He stared out at the cloud horizon which was illuminated with the purest of white lights.
“Thank you,” he said again.
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