I’m talking royalty here, you know, Princes and Princesses.” He added sarcastically. I’m sorry but that just isn’t going to happen. “I’m covering the wedding of the year and now you are telling me that I can’t get there. If I’m not in Brasilia by Friday night, there is going to be hell to pay.” He tapped the camera with a long, tanned finger. My trip has been booked for weeks and while I know I’ve made a slight deviation, I was assured only two days ago that there wouldn’t be any problems. “Look lady, this isn’t anything personal, but if you don’t find me another seat on a flight to Brasilia, I am going to have to make an official complaint. He kept his gaze firm and his tone impossibly calm. Well, there was no harm in attempting it the ploy had worked on numerous other occasions after all. He now tried using his generous size along with a hardening of his deep blue eyes. Pleading, with all the charm he could muster, had not swayed her rigid stance at all. It looked as though the favour was going to cost him dearly. He had arranged his flights weeks ago and had only re-arranged them to include a stop at Mexico City as a favour to his old friend Shaun who wanted a portfolio of modelling shots of his very un-model like seventeen-year-old daughter Lisa. Jack Conner placed his beloved camera carefully on the counter and tried to remain calm. “Now please move aside while I help other clients.” The bored tone of the receptionist was not helping the man’s temper.

I can give you contact details of local pilots if you wish.” She shoved a piece of paper across the counter towards him. They can either take you to your destination themselves or to another airport with connecting flights. Your only alternative is to hire a private jet. As you paid on a credit card, I am sure a refund will be offered. The airline has gone into liquidation and there is absolutely nothing I can do. She pursed her lips impatiently and spoke again. She looked up again, opening her eyes wide as if surprised when the same man still stood before her. She sniffed audibly and flicked through the manifold on the desk. The woman cast her eyes downwards as she tried to dismiss the huge man in front of her.

Tinted Lenses by Jackie Williams