Chapter 25 ~ Flight Path

Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean

The flight had been unusually quiet. The occasional sound of guitars playing or the muffled whispers of Shaun and Stevie as they huddled next to each other were offset by the steady and agitated pacing of Danny who finally flopped into a seat after several drinks and slept fitfully.

Even Heydon had been uncommonly withdrawn. It didn't surprise Cooper that Tyler had been quiet; remembering his own first big tour, he imagined what was going through the young guitarist's head. In fact the only one who seemed to be in bright spirits aside from Shaun and Stevie was Aidan.

London, England ~ Royal Garden Hotel Entrance

After the long 9 hour flight their private jet landed in Heathrow and its occupants shuttled to their hotel. Cooper stood outside the entrance and stretched inhaling deeply. It was hazy and humid in the early morning hour and a slight breeze ruffled his hair. Mentally counting back the hours he was anxious to call Beth the minute he made it to his room.

Slim would be arriving in a few days' time with Stevie's backup as well as Rafe. Still unsure of whether or not this whole thing with Rafe was a good idea, Cooper put it out of his mind for now, picked up his cell and dialed. "Hey baby," his rough voice was laced with fatigue although Cooper felt wired physically, "how's my girls?"

Hotel Lobby ~ King George Bar

Daniel sat at the bar nursing the same cocktail that had been placed in front of him 30 minutes earlier. "So much for cutting back," he muttered to himself as he finally downed the drink in one gulp. Settling into the seat next to him was Aidan who gestured to the bartender for two more as he regarded Danny.

"What are you doing down here Aidan? I figured you be sleeping by now," Danny stared straight ahead as he spoke. Taking a breath Aidan answered frankly, "I'm a little concerned Danny; you're wound up pretty tight. I thought if you needed to talk…well, I'm willing to listen."

The truth was Daniel occasionally resented the closeness that the other band members shared. Their bond had been forged long before he joined and despite the friendship that had developed, he felt disconnected at times. "Can't sleep, that's all, no big deal," he muttered.

Aidan turned on his stool and studied the crowd that had begun to thin. "It's going to be a long six months Danny," he began as he continued to watch the patrons, "If something is eating at you, the offer stands."

Finishing his drink, Aidan stood and noticed a pretty blonde who had caught Daniel's eye and was flirting with him. Aidan smiled slightly and turning his head toward Danny, urged, "Don't stay up too late, man; we've got a sound check at the arena tomorrow."

Royal Garden Hotel, late morning

When Cooper finally climbed out of bed, it was early afternoon. Pulling the drapes open he looked out at dark skies and a downpour that threatened to last well into the evening. He met up with Heydon in the lobby and after a quick bite to eat, Cooper and Heydon headed over to the arena.

O2 Arena

The last time they had played in the UK, the arena had been different. Now a state of the art center that showcased only the hottest rock bands, the O2 had jumped at the chance to kick off Mercury Rising's latest world tour. After making small talk with the management there as well as security, Cooper and Heydon strolled across the stage. Tour sponsors had already put up their logos as vendors busily stocked their shelves with souvenirs.

"Did you ever think we'd get quite this big Coop?" Heydon asked as he stood alongside his friend and band mate. Smiling, Cooper responded, "Yeah I did, but it still catches me off balance sometimes. It was a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, but it was worth it." Cooper's expression was melancholy as his thoughts drifted back to the early days while Heydon plucked absently at one of the guitars that had been set on stage.

"A penny for your thoughts?" a warm female voice questioned from behind Cooper. Turning, he faced the source of it, "Selene Coyle," Cooper was surprised, "since when does Gibson send you on an international meet and greet?"

Selene's smile was always enigmatic and she laughed as she responded, "Since I was promoted to marketing worldwide. Weatherstone wanted to remain domestic after his wife gave birth to twins. You can't blame him really. As for me…well the timing was fortuitous with your first world tour in a long time. I'm looking forward to working with you and the bands."

Cooper gestured toward Heydon as he guided Selene over to introduce them. "A pleasure to meet you Heydon," she said shaking hands as their eyes locked briefly.

Turning once more toward Coop she asked, "Is the rest of the band here? I've heard some good things about your opening act. You will be bringing them to the reception I hope."

"We'll be there…looking forward to it actually," he responded.

Satisfied, she smiled once more, "Wonderful; I have some interesting business propositions to discuss. Perhaps we'll have a moment to chat." Selene paused briefly, "Well I should be off. I'll see you at the show." Turning once more to Heydon, she said, "Again, it was a pleasure."

Watching her walk away, Heydon stood next to Coop and commented dryly, "She's quite a package." Shaking his head, Cooper remarked, "She's ambitious, I'll give her that. Good at what she does or she would never have gotten this gig."

Picking up his guitar, distracted and anxious, Cooper stated, "Let's do a sound check on these acoustics."

O2 Arena Early Evening

Several hours and several equipment disasters later, Cooper paced edgily as the stage crew rectified problems with the amps, the lights and Danny's kit. Livid over the fact that his second base drum had been damaged during setup, Danny had thrown a fit. His timing had been off as a result and the rehearsal had gone downhill from there.

Storming off the stage, Danny headed toward the makeshift bar to cool off followed shortly after by Heydon. "What's the big deal Danny? Just get another bass drum!" Heydon persisted. Turning on him, Daniel shot back, "That's a custom drum Heydon; where in the hell do you think I'm going to get one quickly?"

Toe to toe the two men silently scowled at each other. Their anger had nothing to do with the rehearsal or the drum. "You don't always get what you want Daniel. Maybe you'll need to settle for something else," Heydon hissed.

Danny's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, "I don't settle for something I don't really want." "What's that supposed to mean?" Heydon snarled.

Not batting an eye Danny fired back, "You know exactly what I mean. She settled because she was pissed off at me. You were second choice." Heydon's jaw worked furiously, "You're out of your fucking mind if you believe that. Get out of my face Daniel." Not moving Danny challenged, "Or what?" Furious, Heydon spat, "Step back or I'll make you."

Stepping between them quickly Cooper berated both men, "Do I need to hire a damned baby sitter for you two?" Looking intently at Heydon he ordered, "Go on Danny, get out of here man. Go cool off."

Sucking in a breath he hurled one last look at Heydon and thundered toward the exit. A glance toward Aidan from Coop had him following the enraged drummer out. Turning back toward Heydon, Coop sighed, "We don't need this shit man. Pull yourself together."

Heydon followed Danny and Aidan out still angry as Cooper pulled him back hard. Straightening himself Heydon looked wearily back, "Damn it, I saw them together Coop, at Peri's art studio the day before we left." Rubbing his neck Cooper asked the question he didn't want to consider, "You think something happened between them?"

Sinking to the floor, dejected and spent, Heydon replied, "No, she sent him away. I'm tired Coop; tired of him playing the wounded animal, tired of her throwing it in my face. But she gives him an opening and he makes a move on her. He just won't let go!"

"Peri loves you Heydon. All these years, she's been there by your side. That's not going to change," Cooper's voice was reassuring.

Rising he smiled weakly, "Yeah…don't worry about it Coop. I'll make it right with Danny. I brought it on, I'll fix it." Miserable, Heydon walked away. How could he admit that deep down, he thought Danny was right?

Bay View ~ Taylor Residence

Still uneasy and trying to hide his apprehension Rafe exited the house while his family waited near the limo. Stopping in front of Timmy Rafe spoke in a low, quiet voice, "I'm counting on you to keep an eye on things while I'm gone. If my cousin Gabe shows up here for any reason or" Rafe hesitated, "anyone suspicious, call Marc…or Tony immediately. I left all the numbers in the kitchen drawer."

Collecting his baby daughter in his arms he murmured to her as she reached tiny fingers out to grip his leather jacket. Randi gurgled and cooed melting Rafe's heart all over again. Kissing her lightly, Rafe placed her in the stroller.

"All right little man, no bugs in the house while I'm gone; in fact nothing that crawls, slithers, or hops." Wrapping small arms around his father, Nic protested slightly, "Aw Dad." "Be good for your mom, Nic," Rafe embraced his son tightly. "You'll bring home something cool right Dad?" Nic asked.

Pulling his wife close Rafe inhaled and hesitated just a moment before kissing her deeply. "I love you baby; I'm going to call as often as I can. If you need anything…" Rafe paused. She smiled reassuringly, not wanting Rafe to worry, "We'll be fine, I promise. I love you Rafe."

He had already gotten his wife's assurance that she would call Beth if she felt unsafe for any reason. As he walked to the limo, Rafe was confident he could count on Beth and her bodyguard to watch out for his family.

Millwood ~ Parsons Residence

"Are you sure I can't fix you some breakfast before I go Daddy?" Adam Parsons continued reading his newspaper without responding to Anya. He was not happy with her decision to pursue a career as a musician and was particularly dismayed at the prospect of her touring with a bunch of rock musicians as a substitute no less.

Anya sat in silence as she picked at her omlette. Unable to bear the silent treatment anymore she sighed, "Is this really the way you want to leave things Daddy? The car is going to be here soon and I'll be gone for a long time." Folding the paper, Adam shut his eyes and tried to reign in his emotions before responding, "Anya, this is not what your mother would have wanted for you, traveling with amoral rock musicians."

Laughing, Anya took the last bite from her fork. "You find my concern for my only daughter amusing?" he questioned her. "Mother would chastise you for stereotyping people. These are decent, talented musicians and the chance of a lifetime for me," Anya chided.

Their conversation having been interrupted by the shrill ringing of the phone, Anya rose from the table and collected her plate as she went to answer it. "Mother would be proud of me for pursuing my dream Daddy." Watching as she walked away, Adam knew his daughter was right.

Following her to the kitchen he listened silently as she repeated the instructions she had been given over the phone. He honestly didn't know how he would manage without her for the next several months. She had been his lifeline when his beloved Zenaida had died at such a young age.

Anya could not contain her excitement as she spoke with Slim on the phone, "Yes, I'm all set. My bags are packed; my kit was picked up yesterday. I'm ready to go. Did I mention how grateful I am for the opportunity?"

South Beach ~ Coastside International Airport

The trio boarded the private jet and settled into their seats to await take-off. Anya fidgeted in her seat and Slim recognized at once that it was not the typical reflexes of a drummer who can't stop moving. "Are you nervous Anya?" he asked. "I guess I am a little; I've never been on a long flight before, especially over an ocean. It's a little disconcerting I guess," she admitted.

Slim offered a reassuring smile in an effort to put her at ease. It was going to be a long flight indeed if Anya lost it. "Don't worry; there is plenty to keep you occupied on the flight. We'll be there before you know it."

Anya settled back into the thick, comfortable leather seat and watched the two men in idle conversation, not really paying much attention to what they were talking about. She could think of worse things than traveling across an ocean for hours with two good looking men.

London ~ Royal Garden Hotel, Stanfield Suite

Cooper paced back and forth in his suite. Scowling, today had been disastrous, he stared out at the black clouds that had relentlessly poured rain onto the balcony. Somehow he found comfort in the heavy rainstorm. Turning, he went to the computer in his hotel room, connected the video device and logged on, hoping he hadn't missed Beth.

"Hey baby," Cooper smiled warmly as he saw the images of Beth and Rayne on his computer screen. The tension already began to melt as his shoulders eased. "You're not at the beach house? What happened?" "Our flight was canceled due to the storms. We're going to try again as soon as it lets up but I'm more interested in how you are? Is everything all right? You look tense."

She always could read him; he never bothered to try and hide his feelings. "I'm fine now that I'm talking to my girls. I'm glad Rainie is still awake." Laughing Beth answered, "I haven't been able to get her settled. She is so wound up and she misses her daddy."

"Da!" Rayne reached out to the screen and smiled. "Do you need Daddy to sing you a lullaby?" Cooper began to sing, his rough voice softened somewhat by the gentle melody.

"Tiny fingers weave their way into my heart, your smile lights up the night. Golden eyes so warm and bright don't want to say goodbye. Storm clouds gather up above like pillows in the sky. Rest my head as rain pours down, raindrops in my heart."

Rayne began to lay her head on Beth's shoulder comforted by the familiar sound of Cooper's voice. "I think that did the trick," Beth softly spoke. "I'm going to put her down," she whispered, "then you tell me everything."

---------------------

NEXT CHAPTER: South Beach Chapter 33