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9 05 2008Collin heard the snap behind him. He didn’t even have to look to know what had happened. His suitcase was laying flat, about a yard away from where he stood. He lifted his arm and looked a the cheap metal handle that had popped out of his luggage. He had only been in Sioux Falls for five minutes, and his trip was already careening towards disaster. He was about to take a step towards the suitcase when he felt the presence of someone standing behind him. He turned slowly around and looked up at a very large man looking down towards him. The man was smiling, but it looked very forced. The fluorescent lights reflected off the lenses of his sunglasses, which were balancing on his forehead.
“Excuse me sir, it looks like you need some help.” Collin turned around and watched as another man lifted up his suitcase. He swung it onto his shoulder and smiled. “Welcome to Sioux Falls” said the man who was now holding his suitcase. “I’m going to go on a limb here and say your trip isn’t going as planned.”
“Not exactly. My wife just bought me that luggage.” Collin was still a bit nervous, and very confused. The men had Northwest wings on their jackets, but they weren’t as nicely dressed as most airport workers.
“Well, we’re here to turn that frown upside down. Let my associate Jebediah help you with your other bag. We’ll get you to a cab. Or, are you renting today?”
“A cab is fine. I have a hotel downtown.”
“Splendid, right this way.” The man started walking forward. Collin was confused, but he also didn’t feel like carrying his own luggage. He handed Jebediah his laptop bag and his garment bag. “So, is this your first time in South Dakota?”
“Well, yes. I’m in town for a meeting with Citigroup on a new ad campaign.”
“You’re from Los Angeles then?”
Collin smirked. “Actually, San Franscisco, but I grew up in Los Angeles.”
“No kidding? Same here. Jeremiah Smith.” Jeremiah extended his free hand for a handshake. Collin heartily shook his hand back.
“No kidding? How did you end up out here?”
“I came out for college, then decided I liked the slower pace and the friendly people.”
Collin looked at Jeremiah and smiled. “Really? I can’t imagine living anywhere but a big city.”
Jeremiah started laughing. “My friend, you are in the largest city in either Dakota. The town will do all it can to make you feel at home.” Just as Jeremiah said that, a few of airport security people ran past them. “Does that help?”
“A little” Collin said. “I had a layover in Cleveland, and I found the town’s newspaper site. There was some kind of highway pile up yesterday. There was also a story about a policeman being gunned down, but the police weren’t releasing a lot of detail about it. This isn’t a dangerous town, is it?”
Jeremiah smiled wide. “No sir, you’ll find things like that are very rare.” The trio walked out into the sunny Saturday afternoon. Jebediah flagged down a cab within seconds, and soon Collin’s bags were loaded into the trunk.
“Thanks a bunch guys” Collin quipped as he reached for his wallet.
“We don’t need a tip sir. Please. Just have a good day and enjoy your stay.” Collin looked at Jebediah with some surprise, as Collin had began wondering if Jebediah ever spoke. Collin shrugged.
“Well, thanks again.” Collin hopped into the cab and shut the door. After giving the driver the name of his hotel, he glanced behind him. He saw Jeremiah and Jebediah walking away from the airport, into the parking lot, where they soon faded away.
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