Novel | Harry Hogg | Drama | Romance | Publishing
The Ghost Writer — Part 9
A completed novel in short parts.
If you’re late to the series and wish to start at the beginning, there are links at the end of this chapter.
Catchup:
In this mesmerizing tale of intrigue, romance, and the power of words, The Ghost Writer weaves together the enigmatic life of an unknown author, the relentless pursuit of an editor, and the unexpected bond formed between two souls brought together by fate. Will they uncover the truth behind the mysterious author’s disappearance? And what secrets lie within the pages of The Ghost Writer? Will Joseph and Sylvia become involved romantically, and more importantly, will they find the author?
Chapter 9: Gut Feeling
Thirty seconds after it started, the pilots had the airplane handling smoothly. The aircraft was caught in clear air turbulence almost four hours into the flight. Nature doesn’t always provide a visual indicator for turbulence, and therefore catching the pilots without warning.
Joseph places a reassuring arm around Sylvia’s shoulders as she comes around, her streaming eyes revealing her fear as she tries to bury her head deeper into Joseph’s chest.
“Take a deep breath, Sylvia. You’re going to be okay. The pilots have the plane under control,” he tells her.
“I want to stay like this, just like this, is it going to happen again?”
Two flight attendants give first aid to one of their colleagues, having a nasty gash on her forehead after being thrown against the cabin ceiling and landing on passengers who were belted in. All down the cabin, oxygen masks had deployed, but were no longer swinging and several passengers were wearing them.
“I suspect we hit some turbulence, Sylvia, but we are through it now,” he says, interrupted by the pilot coming on to give an update.
“Sorry, folks, the turbulence we experienced was unexpected, but we’re past the worst. The flight attendants are coming around to ensure everyone’s safety. The plane is stabilized, and we have two hours flying time to London. There will be medics standing by to care for any passengers with injuries. Once again, sometimes, in nearly clear skies high up at cruising altitude, planes will suddenly encounter a jarring bumpiness. The plane, I assure you, is in good shape. I’ll talk to you again shortly before landing.”
As Joseph speaks quietly and calmly to Sylvia, diverting her attention away from the chaos when a flight attendant comes by checking for possible injuries.
“How is she? Any injuries?”
“No, just panicked. She’s doing okay, thank you though,” Joseph says.
“I’m sure. It’s a terrifying experience. Please push the button if there’s anything I can do,” the flight attendant says, pointing to the call button, and then checks in with the passengers behind. Unbeknownst to Joseph and Sylvia, many people in the back of the plane had not been belted in. Two minutes later, the captain comes down the aisle toward the main cabin, passing through the business class. Joseph says nothing.
For now, Joseph is content to leave her where she feels safe. Both have remnants of dinner in their hair and down their clothes. The elderly woman across the aisle holds hands with her husband, Joseph assumes, and wonders if the old girl thinks Sylvia is his wife. Her eyes, too, reflect an array of emotions, painting a vivid portrait of her inner turmoil. He notices her steel nature; while chaos swirled around her, her eyes revealed a profound mixture of fear and something else, a determination not to die.
After those moments of distress, the old girl’s eyes were still wide, mirroring the shock and uncertainty that, seconds ago, gripped her. Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, reflecting the vulnerability she feels. Yet, beneath the fear is a flicker of old age resilience, a spark of strength that refuses to be extinguished. I got to this age, and I’m damned if I’m going to die on someone else’s terms.
Sylvia slowly raises her head as she gets used to the calming atmosphere. Her eyes dart around, searching for answers, solace, or a glimmer of hope after the turmoil. They are filled with questions, silently pleading for reassurance and understanding, and as she processes the situation, her eyes, too, reveal a raw sense of vulnerability, and Joseph imagined he was peering into her soul.
“How are you doing, Sylvia,” he asks, showing none of the fear that had gripped him momentarily.
“Is it really over? Are we safe?”
Joseph doesn’t think twice. “Over, and we are perfectly safe, Sylvia.”
“Joseph, I want to stay like this until we land, is that okay. Please say it is.”
“Of course. You’re going to be fine, Sylvia,” he says.
Joseph lets Sylvia rest. He keeps his arms reassuringly around her shoulders. There is an undeniable beauty that shines through when fear grips the heart. It is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find grace in the most challenging circumstances. Joseph suddenly feels that grace, whispering, ‘Thank you, God.’
As the clock strikes 9 pm in the Chief Editor’s office at Random House, Bernstein finds himself engaged in an internal battle, haunted by an unsettling belief. His long-time intuition whispers that there might be someone within the organization who is deliberately obstructing the search for the elusive ghostwriter while simultaneously leaking valuable information to a rival competitor.
It’s a gnawing gut ache, the weight of suspicion settling heavily upon his amply fed stomach. For Bernstein, it’s an intangible feeling, a deep-rooted instinct that refuses to be ignored. Questions swirl within his mind, tormenting him with elusive answers. Who could it be? A trusted colleague? A familiar face he’d never suspect? The possibilities play out like an intricate puzzle, each piece rife with uncertainty.
The thought of an insider working against him at this crucial time for Random House sends shivers down Bernstein’s spine. Some trusts have been built, and that camaraderie is now tainted by doubt and suspicion. Bernstein doesn’t want to grapple with conflicting emotions, torn between loyalty to his team and the necessity to uncover the truth that lurks in the shadows. He settles his gaze over the New York night skyline from the office that has been, for more than thirty years, a place for collaboration but now feels like a battleground of hidden agendas.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, Bernstein remains steadfast. He understands the significance of finding this author, not only for the company’s success but also for the integrity of the publishing industry. In the solitary confines of his office, Bernstein resolves to trust his instincts, relying on his keen sense of observation and his unwavering commitment to the truth. If it comes to it, a battle against any unknown adversary will only fuel his relentless spirit to keep Random House at the top.
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