Joy Takes Flight (23 page)

W
hen Donald first went to work at the airfield, he took the easiest runs. He was friendly and laid-back—Kate liked him. He didn't look anything like Mike, but he approached life the same way Mike had, as if each day was just another adventure. Sometimes he could be overconfident, which worried Kate. Too much confidence could get a pilot into trouble.

Kate heard the sound of a plane approaching the field and looked out the window just in time to see Donald's Fairchild come in. The rear end whipped to one side and he lost control and headed toward the hangar bay. “No!”

Jack leaped to his feet. “What?” He swung open the door. “He's going to hit the hangar!” Jack let loose a string of profanity as he ran toward the field and watched Donald clip the side of the building and then roll to a stop. He stormed across the field toward the plane.

Kate hurried after him.

When Donald climbed out of his plane, Jack laid into him. “What in tarnation do you think you're doing?”

“I got hit by a crosswind and—”

“The winds aren't bad. In all my years I've never seen a pilot lose control over a little bit of wind like we got today.”

“It came out of nowhere.”

“You're fired. I knew you weren't ready for this job. Now, take your plane and get off my field!”

Donald's mouth dropped open. “But—”

“Git!” Jack headed toward the hangar. “And you'll pay for the damage to my building.”

Kate followed Jack. “Hey, Jack. Give him another chance.” She glanced back at Donald. “Everyone makes a mistake now and then. And sometimes the winds can gust pretty hard through here.”

Jack stopped and glared at her. “And why should I give him a break? Novices cost me money—they're either too afraid to take a full load just in case they can't make a clean takeoff or they overload and end up in the drink somewhere. Today
he
nearly cost me a hangar.”

“If every novice was fired because they made a mistake, there wouldn't be any pilots,” Kate said, remembering how she'd felt when she first came to Alaska. “And you need pilots. All you've got is me, Sidney, who's out in Kenai a lot of the time, Alan, and Kenny. And if anyone needs to be fired, it's Kenny. He's not exactly the best pilot around.” She glanced at Donald. “Sure, Donald's got a lot to learn, but he's doing all right. Give him another chance. One day you'll be glad you did.”

Jack folded his arms over his chest and stared at the young man, then at the hangar. He looked back at Donald. “All right. One more chance. But that's it. If he makes one more mistake, he's out of here.”

Kate smiled. “Thanks.” She glanced over her shoulder at Donald and gave him the thumbs-up, then hurried toward her plane.

She took her mail run that day and then headed for the cabin. She'd spent too much time in town. Maybe the peace of the homestead would help bring her life back into focus. She didn't know if Paul wanted to stay in San Francisco. He hadn't said he did. She was probably just overly emotional because of everything that had happened. But what if Paul did want to stay? Could she live there and be happy?
It's not about where you live, it's about who you live with
, she told herself, but she wasn't sure she believed it.

When she flew over the landing strip, Clint and Lily were working on it. They both waved and then hurried to get off the ice and out of her way.

Kate made a pass over the frozen creek, double-checking for berms or debris. It looked clear. She set down and Lily and Clint ran to meet her.

Lily threw her arms around Kate. “I was wondering when you'd be back.”

“I've been working and it's easier to stay in town, especially with Paul gone.”

Angel trotted off with her nose to the ground, and when she heard the barking of the dogs, she tore across the creek and up the bank. Kate found herself wishing she were like Angel, oblivious to the disappointments and sorrows of life and happy just to be home.

“She's in high spirits,” Clint said, wearing his usual large smile.

“I think she's been missing this place.” Kate looked at the cabin. “I know I have.”

“You hear from Paul?”

“Yes. His mother passed away.”

“I'm so sorry,” Lily said.

Kate gave a nod. “It'll be awhile before Paul can come home. There are a lot of things to do with his mother's estate.” Kate set to work tying down the plane and Clint and Lily chipped in to help.

“You should have radioed to let us know you were coming,” Lily said. “We could have gotten the cabin warmed up for you.”

“I didn't want to bother anyone.”

By the time Kate had the oil drained out of the plane, Lily and Clint had it tied down and were ready to secure the tarp. Kate gave them a hand.

“I'd offer you a cup of coffee,” she said, “but it'll take awhile.”

“How 'bout let's get a fire going in your cabin and while it warms up you can come to my house. You must be hungry and Mama made bread. It's still warm.” Lily smiled.

“I love fresh bread, just out of the oven. Thanks.” Kate already felt better. It was good to be among friends.

When Kate, Lily, and Clint approached the house, Sassa stepped onto the porch. She planted her hands on her hips and smiled. “How good to see you. Come in.” She gave Kate a hug and bundled her inside. “We've missed you. And when is that Paul coming home?”

Kate shrugged and tried not to let Sassa see her apprehension. “I don't know exactly. His mother died and he will likely have to help get the house ready to sell. Plus he's going to go to work at the hospital for a while.”

“I'm so sorry about his mother,” Sassa said. “But it's time for him to come home . . . and be with his wife.”

“He wants me to go down for Christmas.”

“What you need to do is go get him and bring him back here.” Sassa folded her arms over her chest. “Patrick needs to have a talk with him.”

“Please don't say anything. He's been away from his family for such a long time. I'm sure he feels he's got to stay . . . at least for a while.”

Silence swelled and filled the room. Finally, Lily said, “Mama, would you mind if I sliced some of the bread you made?”

“No. And I have fresh butter too.” Sassa trundled into the kitchen and returned with a loaf of bread and a knife. “Would you like some hot chocolate? I've got extra. I made some for the boys.”

“That sounds delicious. I've had a long day. There was a lot of mail. I guess with Christmas coming . . .” At the reminder that her Christmas was ruined, disappointment washed over Kate like the rapids of the Susitna.

After sharing a meal of buttered bread and hot chocolate, Kate pushed away from the table. “I better get home. The dogs need tending and I was hoping to pack down some of the deep snow around the cache before dark. I'd hate to have an animal get in there.”

“I'll walk back with you,” Lily said.

“Me too.” Clint stood. “The bread was good, Mrs. Warren. Thank you.”

“You're welcome, Clint. Come by anytime.” Sassa smiled at the handsome native man.

Kate held back a chuckle. Obviously Sassa was hoping that Clint would become part of the family.

“Thank you so much for the food and your company,” Kate said, giving Sassa a hug before leaving.

Sassa settled kind eyes on Kate. “I'm always here . . . if you need me.”

Kate walked the path with Lily and Clint. When they came to the spur trail that led to Clint's cabin, they stopped.

“See ya tomorrow,” he told Lily, then gave her a quick kiss on the lips. He offered both women a wave before trekking off toward his house.

“He's awfully handsome,” Kate said quietly, watching the tall man walk away.

“He is.” Lily looked flushed.

Kate turned and continued along the path, Lily beside her. “Are you two serious about each other?”

“We are.” Lily looked at Kate, her face shining. “He's wonderful. I'm in love with him. And he loves me too.”

“Do you think you'll get married?”

“He hasn't asked yet, but I think he will.” Lily lifted her brows. “I'm waiting.”

“I like him. And I think you two are just right for each other.”

“I remember thinking there would never be anyone for me.” Lily's eyes teared. “Teddy couldn't have a better father than Clint.”

When they reached the cabin, Kate was surprised to see Jasper sitting on his perch by the back door. “Well, hello, Jasper. It's good to see you.” The bird tipped his head to one side, blinked his small black eyes once, and then stared at her. It was good to have him home. Kate felt as if a piece of Paul had returned. She reached out to touch the bird, but he flew off.

Kate heard Jack's voice coming over the radio inside. She hurried indoors. Clicking on the speaker she said, “This is Kate. Over.”

“Kate. I have a run for you. Kotzebue needs medical supplies for a flu outbreak. Over.”

“Is it serious? What kind of flu? ”

“Fevers. Coughs. Pneumonia. It's bad. They could sure use Paul. Wish he was here.”

Me too
, Kate thought. “He's still with his family.”

“Well, tell him to hurry up and get his backside home. Over.”

“I'll tell him. And I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning.”

“I'll have everything ready to go. Oh yeah, you'll have a passenger—James Brinks. Over.”

“Good.” Kate liked the idea of sharing the flight with James. He was a nice man even if he did trade in reindeer antlers as aphrodisiacs. “See you tomorrow. Over and out.”

Kate's thoughts went to Nena and her family. She hoped they weren't sick.

She studied solid clouds that looked like a gray blanket. “I hope the snow holds off. If the skies clear, moonlight will give me more flying time.”

The following morning, Kate woke before daylight. The temperature was -5 degrees. She'd have to clear the wings and fuselage of ice before taking off. Coffee cooked while she packed a knapsack and heated the oil for the Bellanca. When she headed down to the plane, she looked at the sky. The stars were turning faint in a deep blue canopy. The sun would be up soon.

“Thank you, Lord,” she said as she walked the trail, snow squeaking beneath her boots. Angel trotted along beside her, eager to be on her way.

By the time a crease of light arced across the horizon, Kate had the plane ready to go. Angel was inside resting on the front passenger seat. Kate checked the gauges. Everything looked good. She revved the engine, headed down the snow-covered ice, and lifted into the air. It was urgent that she get to Kotzebue. She hoped the medicine would help. If only Paul were here.

When she landed in Anchorage, Jack ran out to meet the plane. He handed up a box. “This is the medicine along with instructions on how to use it. Something I never heard of, but it's supposed to help. The doctor at the hospital called it colloidal silver. Said it was a good drug.”

Kate set the box on the backseat. “Thanks. I'll do my best.”

“I tried to get a doctor or a nurse to fly up with you, but the doc said they didn't have anyone they could spare.”

Kate nodded. “Where's—” she started to say, then spotted a tall lanky man walking toward the plane. When he approached, Kate shouted, “Good morning, Mr. Brinks.”

“Morning. Nice to see you.”

“Climb on in.” She stood aside while he made his way up the ladder and disappeared inside. “I'll be back in a few days,” she told Jack.

Jack gave her what almost looked like a salute and Kate returned the gesture. She wondered what was going on with him. Lately he'd been treating her like she was just one of the guys.

Kate climbed in, pulled the door shut, and latched it. As she moved up front, she gave Angel a pat. Settling into her seat, Kate asked, “Isn't it late in the season for your trip to Kotzebue?”

“Yeah. I had some business that got stalled, but my supplier says he's got a shipment for me.”

“You sure you want to go? There's a lot of sick people up there.”

“I heard. But I'm not worried. I never get sick.” He glanced out the window at the sky. “And God's given us fine weather. I'd say that's a good sign, wouldn't you?”

“Hope it holds.” Kate lined up for takeoff.

For winter flying, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The skies were clear, no headwind, and the temperature warmed into the high teens. Kate made good time. When she set down in McGrath, remnants of daylight still glowed in the sky. Mr. Brinks helped Kate put the plane to bed and then they headed for the roadhouse.

After sharing a meal with him, Kate went to her room while he joined a conversation with another man over a beer. She hoped for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow would be a long day. If the weather remained clear, she planned to make a run all the way to Kotzebue. It would mean flying by moonlight part of the way. She remembered her first night-flying experience in the far north. She'd nearly panicked in the darkness but spotted a point of light in the frozen wilderness and followed it to the village of Kotzebue.

The next day, with a white world below and a moonlit sky above, Kate made Kotzebue. Joe greeted her warmly.

“Welcome.” He patted Kate's arm, then turned to Mr. Brinks. “Alex said you'd be here. He's got lots of antlers for you.” He grinned.

“Good.” Mr. Brinks slung his pack over one shoulder.

“Mr. Brinks,” Kate said, “I was thinking about staying a couple of days. Would that be all right with you? I thought I might be able to help with the flu epidemic.”

“Sure. I've got friends, and last time I spoke to them, they were in good health.” He smiled. “So, I'll see you at daylight in two days?”

“Daylight.” Kate watched him trudge toward town, then with Joe's help she drained the oil, tied down the plane, and tarped it.