Corey arrived at the Scottsdale Airport a half hour before Henley's flight from Baltimore. He had his carryon bag in hand, special permission to check through his unloaded handgun, and his police identification, a verification for the security detail assigned to Henley. I was all about bringing her home as quietly as possible.
Getting a cup of coffee and passing casually through a magazine and gift shop, he made a covert effort to see if anyone was alerted by his presence or seemed suspiciously awaiting him. He continued this vigilance all the way to the restroom nearest the gate where Henley and an undercover officer would be arriving in a matter of minutes. There he took out the sealed package used to transport his firearm and box of ammunition, and loaded the handgun, putting it safely into his concealed holster. Corey was concerned about his movements being monitored that day. So much so, he did not even tell Elora of the assignment to, as yet again, leave Nevada.
Watching the passengers arrive through the glass partition, he finally saw a robust, thirty-something man accompanying a young, frail-looking blond. She wore a standard gray warm up suit, probably provided her by the hospital. As they entered the reception area, Corey approached them casually. He took out his phone and produced his identification on the screen. Showing it to the undercover officer, Corey got a quiet nod and the three of them proceeded out of the airport terminal to the parking area where he felt isolated enough to speak freely.
"Henley . . . I trust officer the officer here's been good company?"
"Yeah. He's been great . . . It's good to see you again, Lieutenant." She gave him a reassuring smile.
"So, we finally get to meet again."
The girl, looking pale and somewhat undernourished, managed to be socially astute.
"Yeah, but I think that first time was much more . . . memorable."
Corey smiled back. "It was pretty intense, wasn't it? To be honest . . . I really wasn't sure we'd get rescued like we did."
"God. I had my doubts too. But now, you might say I owe my life to you, Lieutenant."
"Hey. All part of this crazy job I've chosen. Greely here knows the risks. Right brother?"
"Absolutely," the undercover officer said, opening the back door for Henley. He then reached out a hand for Corey to shake.
"Rob Greely, Jeffers. Glad to meet you."
"Likewise, man. Let's get this young lady back to her mom."
As the two men sat in the front, Henley leaned forward from the back, expressing enthusiasm, "I've told Jaelyn I'm coming home from the hospital. But was told not to say when."
"That's important," Corey said, starting the car.
"They were so strict there. That FBI guy had to be right next to me every minute when I was given a phone to call mom and Jae . . . Absolutely no privacy! There was so much I wanted to say to Jaelyn."
"Well, once home, you'll get to feel a bit freer, I'm sure," he said. He reflected on all Henley had told him about her and Jaelyn long term relationship. "It's just that . . . any details about the case should not be discussed, Alright? As I explained to you back in the hospital."
"Yeah, I understand why. But trust me, that was the last thing I wanted to talk to Jay about. God. I missed her so much!"
"Well, I'm sure your mom's going to be pretty excited to see you, too, young lady. So, let's get you there."
Corey set the GPS on his phone to Henley's mom's address. Then spoke to officer Greely as he commandeered the Nissan out of the airport parking lot.
"Rob, I understand there'll be a Scottsdale sheriff detail outside Mrs. Templeton's home when we get there?"
"That's the plan."
"And what's your plans beyond that?"
"So I guess when our girl's under their watch, I'll be flying right back to Baltimore. Got a seven PM flight this evening. My chief's pretty demanding about our time and schedules."
"Know the feeling."
Corey entered the freeway onramp and headed for Scottsdale's suburbs. Looking into the rearview mirror, he could see Henley's eyes were closed now and her head was leaning back against the seat. She seemed to be sleeping.
* * *
It was an emotional reunion when Mrs. Templeton, Henley's mother, greeted the three of them at the door of her home. Due to the secrecy of the return, Corey found the event amazingly quiet, and well planned, including the Arizona Sheriff's patrol cruiser parked across the street. Henley embraced her mother for a good long time while the two men looked on, holding back their own expressions of joy for the two.
"Well, I knew you'd be coming home in a day or two," Mrs. Templeton said excitedly. "But this is such a wonderful surprise," She wiped away tears with the back of her hand.
"Oh, mama. Come on now. Not in front of these gentlemen."
"I really don't have anything prepared for ya'll to eat," she said apologetically and more soberly.
Both men chimed in that it wasn't necessary. That they would be leaving, once communication with the officers outside was made.
"I'll be staying a day or so in town," Corey told the two women. "Once Henley is settled here and you have some time together, I'll come back tomorrow to get an official deposition from her. Then, in good time, she can get back to her former life."
"I hope it's that easy," Henley responded somewhat cryptically, for his benefit.
"And as for me," Officer Greely chimed in. "I'll just hitch a ride with you, Jeffers, back to the airport on the way to your hotel. If you can swing that."
"Absolutely."
At that point, the officer's phone rang, and he immediately opened it.
"Yeah . . . Great guys. We saw your vehicle. No prob. She's safe and sound inside now."
Corey looked over at Henley and nodded, signally things were going to be alright.
"That's affirmative," Greely concluded. "We're shifting the mission over to you guys. Now be sure to let your chief know my boss in Baltimore gives his regards. Just wish we had the weather you guys have out here." He laughed. "So, look. I'm putting you through to the primary investigator on the case. Lieutenant Jeffers from Las Vegas. He'll have some instructions for you, I'm sure."
He handed the phone over to Corey.
"Hello sheriff. I know you'll be hanging around here for a few days. Just be sure to allow no media interviews. And no visitors with the victim. Not until a deposition is made with her and the level of threat to her as a witness is low. I'll give you the progress on that. No one is allowed up to the house, and unfortunately, Miss Marlow cannot leave until things clear up."
He looked over at a disconsolate Henley, suddenly looking about to cry. Corey was silent a moment.
"However . . . there can be once exception to that . . ."
She looked back at him in anticipation.
"There is a . . . Miss . . . Jaylyn Coe, who will be allowed to visit the house over the next days and nights. She's been vetted my me, and for, let's say, emotional reasons, she'd be good for Miss Marlow's mental health. This young lady's been through a lot and could use the company of a good friend. Please check her identification. That's Jaelyn Coe, C, O, E, and stipulate she can only visit the house alone."
Corey could see Henley's face light up across the room.
"Otherwise, thanks for your help, guys. Chief Meyers over in Vegas will be in touch with you about when your assignment can end. Until then, we appreciate your help."
Corey handed the phone back to Greely and signaled they get moving to the airport, and Corey's hotel.
Henley surprisingly ran up and threw her arms around him. "That was so sweet of you, Lieutenant. I'm going to call Jae as soon as you leave."
He stepped back from her, a bit embarrassed, then reached out for Mrs. Templeton's hand.
"I'll be in touch with you both," he said while preparing to leave. "Henley? Midday tomorrow. Expect me back for that statement."
With that, the two men nodded once more to their tearful guest and headed out for Corey's car.
* * *