American Cocktail
Copyright© 2021 by Zipper
Chapter 11
Both Lewis and Laura were feeling mixed emotions on their last day in Johannesburg. They were excited at their imminent return to Ranchos, yet they were so reluctant to be leaving Johannesburg behind, knowing they had barely scratched the surface of a very dynamic city.
They had a couple of hours that morning to tour around locally from the hotel and found themselves widow shopping at a small Jewellers, just off the main shopping area where they had stopped earlier for a cooling drink in a small locally run taverna.
Their business trip had been a complete success, with the Money Men having voted to back the ‘Ranchos Project’ as they had dubbed it.
There had been plenty of questions at the board meeting about the venture they proposed, and a sticking point had been the guaranteed supply of ‘Flogging Victims’.
Laura and Lewis had themselves delved into this thorny question long before they had decided to seek finance in Johannesburg and were able assure them that with handsome bonus paid to those who wished to submit to a flogging, a victim would always be available for those who had come to Ranchos for the experience.
That had clinched it. The Ranchos Project was sealed!
As they peered at the varied gems through the jewellers window, Lewis put his arm around Laura,
“Why don’t we go in and buy something as a keepsake of this trip?”
“Yes! Of course, we must darling!” ~ ~
~ When they came away from the shop, Laura was already wearing the eternity ring they had chosen on her index finger.
It was a simple gold band; studded with tiny green emeralds and red rubies.
Within a few hours they were side by side on the train for Durban; and a bit sleepy from the monotony of the landscape.
But suddenly and mercifully came the sudden darkness of the long mountain tunnel they had encountered on first journey; their hands came naturally together; and they closed their eyes for a slumber... ~
Suddenly came a blinding light as the train broke into sunlight!
Lewis opened his eyes and was content to sit and gaze at the colour and commotion of the family picnic taking place around him.