The flight was long, but the new first-class seat/beds were comfy. About fifteen minutes after takeoff, Krista invited me to join the "Mile-High Club", to which invitation I happily responded yes. She re-introduced me to the membership of the club four times during the flight, the last time just completing as the "fasten seat belts" sign as we touched down in Palermo.

Landing in Sicily was part of my plan; I'd hired a company of private detectives to learn of my cousin's situation and to come up with some helpers for us on our the rest of our trip. The other major part of my plan was floating in the harbor; one of the largest pleasure yachts in the world was waiting and stocked. The helpers would assist us in our plans to rescue George (and Darlene... if she wished). The yacht came with crew-people who would assist us in establishing our cover story.

First I had to learn about Ivan, though. Formerly of the old SovUnion's KGB, his strengths were put to use in his several years at the Lubyanka Prison. Many victims of his talents suffered the pains of the damned, reportedly; few lived to tell of the experience, but one of them was in Palermo for me to talk to. He could not talk very well, had a hole in his throat where he used an electronic device to testify of the many horrors of the dungeons in that awful place. We talked for hours, while Krista sat with me and listened, taking some notes about things.

Once we were finished talking for the day, we made an appointment for the next to discuss the layout of the island we were going to visit. I took Krista out that evening for some wonderful Sicilian cooking, and to walk the shops, buying some more appropriate clothing for both of us. This was something my Pretty Bird enjoyed; the Black AmEx card got a workout as she picked many pretty blouses and skirts, some bathing suits and such. And one really slinky gown for a truly special occasion, with 5" fuck-me pumps that had little locks on the straps. After that, we spent a wonderful night, baptizing another bed.