Page 42 of Conquered
EPILOGUE
The Gulfstream touched down on the asphalt runway sending small particles of stone flying away from its path.
Inside the air-conditioned waiting room, Noelle watched the plane’s progress as it came to a halt at the end of the runway before making a 90-degree turn and headed towards the hub.
Earlier, a motley group of reporters spotted their arrival and followed them inside, curious about their presence at the airport.
“Senator Blackwell, are you expecting someone important? That’s your private airplane isn’t it?”
Noelle cocked an ear for Hunter’s reply. She too was in the dark why he asked her to come. She thought, just like the reporter did, that it was for an important dignitary. But she immediately recognized the private plane when it came in for a landing.
“Guys, guys really,” Hunter replied, palms out warding them off. "It's no one important. You're wasting your time. But if you hurry on to the next terminal, I think that was Kim Kardashian's limo right behind mine."
The reporters looked at one another and made a mad rush outside.
Hunter joined Noelle and placed an arm around her waist. She glanced at him and read the poker face.
“You Jerk!” She tittered, “sending those men on a wild goose chase.”
“It was the only way they’ll leave us alone.” Hunter quipped.
"Uh-huh. But mind telling me who we're meeting exactly? You've been acting weird since this morning."
“You’ll see,” he replied mysteriously.
The nose of the jet was only a few meters away from the glass window where they stood. Noelle heard that whiny metallic sound before its engine was turned off.
In the silence that followed, Noelle glanced up at her husband. There was something on her mind and now was a good time as any to ask.
“What do you think happened to Diggs? I never heard from him again.”
Hunter grimaced liked she brought up some bad news. Then he exhaled loudly and replied, “I think he was wise enough to look for the deepest darkest hole he could find after I got elected senator.”
Noelle felt intense relief. She doubted Diggs would ever show his face around her ever again. Not with a powerful man in office to protect her. She reached for his hand and squeezed, telling him she understood.
Hunter guided her towards a small doorway that led to the tarmac. They walked a few meters and stood at the foot of the jet.
Noelle looked up curiously. She still didn’t have a clue.
The door opened with an audible hissing sound.
A woman’s silhouette came into view. She wore a loose-fitting blouse with a V-shaped neckline and long sleeves. The white blouse ended lower than the waistline. A long wrap-around skirt with birds-of-paradise patterns was enhanced with a rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and hips and tucked in at the end. Her hair was encased in a headdress that bore the same color pattern as the skirt.
She looked uncertain as she stood there by the door. It was Noelle’s cry that got her attention.
“Miranda!”
Miranda came running down the steps and straight into Noelle’s arms. They hugged one another never wanting to let go. Tears streamed down both of their faces as they gibbered at the same time.
Noelle knew this was all Hunter. He must have searched for Miranda in Nigeria, arranged her papers and brought her back home to Noelle. Now her family was complete.
Holding on to Miranda’s hand, she turned to him with tears of happiness flowing down her face. She leaned in close and kissed his cheek.
“Thank you,” she murmured into his ear.
“I love you Noelle and I will do anything to make you happy” Hunter whispered back as he held her close to him.
*****
THE END