Touching the Clouds (27 page)

Her stomach clenched. She’d been dreading this day.

“You said it’d been a long while since you’d done any water landings.”

“Yeah,” Kate said, quaking inside. “But first we’d better check out Jack’s plane.”

“My plane? Why?”

“When I drove by, it was . . . in the lake, floating freely. It’s off its moorings and looks like one of the pontoons is damaged.”

“What?” Jack exploded, leaping out of his chair and striding to the door.

Kate’s eyes met Mike’s. Everyone followed Jack outdoors. He strode toward the lake, cussing all the way.

Mike hung back with Kate. “What happened?”

“I don’t know. I just noticed it when I drove in.” Kate hurried to catch up with the guys.

At the dock, Jack gaped at his plane, then turned accusing eyes on the group. “Who in blazes did this?”

No one spoke.

Sidney was the first to offer an explanation. “I’m sure it was an accident. No one here would set your plane afloat.”

“So you’re saying the plane did it all by itself?” The veins in Jack’s forehead bulged and his face was crimson. Cursing, he waded into the water. By the time he reached the plane, he was neck deep. He checked it over, then examined the pontoon. Looking angrier than ever, he grabbed the line and headed back toward the dock.

Mike and Frank splashed in to help. Mike stood on the side with the good pontoon and Frank moved around behind the plane. The three worked together to steer the Stinson back to the dock where Jack tied it off.

Once secured, he examined the pontoon. He straightened, and looking ferocious, he bellowed, “Someone gouged a hole in it!” He glared at the pilots. “I know you’re jealous. I’ve got two good birds. And you’re lucky just to have one pathetic piece of junk.” His eyes stopped at Kate. “Fess up.”

“No one did anything to your plane,” Sidney said. He walked to the end of the dock. “We wouldn’t do that, not even to you.” He looked at the plane. “All it needs is a new pontoon and it’ll be good as new. I don’t know why you’ve got your shorts all up in a wad.”

“Replacing it will take more than pocket change.”

“Yeah, well, you’ve got plenty of that.” Sidney shook his head.

“No one’s jealous of you,” Kenny said, puffing out his chest and shoving his hands into his pockets, seemingly proud to be standing up to Jack.

“Is that right? You don’t care that I get more business than every last one of you, or that I’ve got two planes, or that I’m the best pilot?”

He sloshed out of the water, wrung out the front of his shirt while still wearing it, then directed a derisive look at Kate. “That albatross of yours can barely get off the ground.”

Just then, Kate’s parents walked up. She could see by her mother’s expression that what she’d just seen and heard distressed her.

“I thought you went sightseeing,” Kate said.

“We thought we’d stop by here first.” Joan looked over the bunch of men, her gaze stopping on Jack, unable to hide her revulsion. She moved close to her daughter and softly asked, “Are you sure you’re safe . . . working here among these ruffians?”

“They’re not ruffians,” Kate said under her breath. “Jack just lost his temper because his plane got damaged.”

Frank squeezed water from his pants legs, then followed the rest of the men to the shop.

Joan pressed her palms together. “Maybe moving up here wasn’t such a good idea.”

“She’s fine,” Bill said. “I’d be upset too if something happened to my plane.”

“You get upset, but you never behave the way that man just did.” Joan stared at Jack.

“Maybe so, but Kate will be fine. She can hold her own against anyone.” Bill gave Kate a squeeze.

She leaned against her father. “Thanks, Dad.”

“We’re heading for Palmer today. See you later?”

“Sure.” Kate considered asking if she could go along. It would mean she didn’t have to practice water landings and takeoffs, at least not today. But she knew it was time to face her fears.

Mike stepped out of the shop and headed toward Kate. “You ready? We need to get the pontoons on your plane.”

Anxiety set Kate’s pulse racing. “Sure.” She hugged her mother. “I’ll see you later. Have fun.” Kate watched them go, then turned toward the shop, her stomach roiling.

Every nerve on edge, Kate eased into her seat. Mike remained on the pontoon and cranked the flywheel. She pulled the starter and the engine lit off.

“We’re all set,” Mike said with a wink and dropped into the seat beside her.

Kate nodded, keeping her eyes on the water.
I can do this.
She gripped the stick.

“Kate?” Mike looked at her more closely. “Something wrong?”

“No. I’m fine.” She tried to keep her voice from quaking.

“You have done this before, right?”

“Sure. No problem.”

“You look kind of tight.”

Kate ignored the comment and moved out across the lake. Memories pummeled her—Alison’s scream, the icy water . . .
I
can
’
t
do this.
She stopped, then, without looking at Mike, turned back toward the dock, and shut down the engine.

“Kate, this isn’t going to work,” Mike teased. “You’ve got to be out in the water with the engine running if you want to take off.”

She didn’t respond.

“Kate.”

She looked at him. “I . . . I can’t do it.”

“What do you mean, you can’t?”

“I just can’t.” She didn’t want to tell him. She didn’t want him to know what she’d done.

“Hold on. You flew, on your own, from the states to Alaska. You’ve been all over the territory—landing on all kinds of airstrips, places without runways with nothing more than a cleared place in a field or a sandy beach—in fog, wind, snow, and rain. And you’re telling me you can’t take off from a lake on a clear day?”

She swallowed hard and nodded, fighting back tears.

His voice gentle, he asked, “Why? Tell me.”

She looked at him, swallowing hard and blinking back tears. “The last time I landed on a lake, I crashed.”

Mike seemed to relax. “Those kinds of things happen. You’ve just got to get back on the horse.”

“You don’t understand.”

“Maybe you should tell me about it.” His eyes were kind.

Kate looked down, weighing his comment. He was a good friend, one that she could confide in. “I wasn’t supposed to be in the air that day. I convinced my friend Alison to leave work early and we went flying.” She glanced at him. “She died. I killed her.” Tears spilled over. “It was my fault. I just had to go larking about.” Her voice had a hard, blaming edge to it.

Mike rested a hand on her arm. “I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. What happened?”

“When we took off, it was clear, but by the time we reached the lake, fog had set in. I’d done plenty of pontoon landings before and figured I could make it . . . I was wrong.”

“You said Alison was your friend. Do you think she’d want you to punish yourself?”

“No. But I just can’t do this.” Kate looked out over the lake. “All I can see and hear is the fog and the water—it was like ice. I heard her scream, and then we hit. I got out, but I couldn’t help her.” Kate gulped down a sob.

Mike took her hand. “I’m so sorry. How long’s it been?”

“Seven years.”

“That’s a long time ago. You were a kid. And I don’t know about your skills then, but you’re a good pilot now. And you can do this. You need to do this.”

Kate swiped away tears. Mike was right. She had to try. Pulling together all the determination she possessed, she turned over the engine and slowly headed back onto the lake.

“When you reach your takeoff speed, don’t forget to retract the water rudders and pull back on the stick.”

Kate nodded and cranked up the power. Soon she was skimming over the surface of the lake. Her muscles were tight, her hands trembled.

“Okay, just a little back pressure,” Mike said.

Kate felt the plane ease out of the water. They were free and headed skyward, leaving the lake behind. Gulping in air, she gripped the stick and looked at the blue pool below. Now, how was she going to get down?

“Perfect!” Mike whooped, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. He smiled broadly. “Now make a few passes over the lake and we’ll head back. It’s just like landing on any other airstrip—keep your nose up but don’t set your tail down in the water.”

Kate wet dry lips. She made another pass over the lake, checking for debris. She was a little heavy on the pedals and the Bellanca rocked back and forth.

“Calm down, now. You’ll be all right.”

She took in a shaky breath. The crash tried to push its way into her mind.
Focus.
She gently pushed the stick forward and soon cruised just above the lake. Careful to keep the nose up slightly, she was also conscious not to let her tail drag in the water. She felt the pontoons touch and the Bellanca gently settled on the lake. She was down.

“You did it! Good job.”

Kate’s hands shook, her heart pounded, but she managed a smile. She’d done it. “Thank you, Mike. Thank you.” She wanted to kiss him, but instead gave him a hug. Now there was so much open to her. She’d be able to use the lakes and rivers to make landings instead of having to trust unpredictable and rough landing strips.

He held her tightly for a moment, then looked into her eyes. “I knew you had it in you.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Okay. You owe me one, then. How ’bout dinner tonight?” “I’d love to, but my parents will be expecting me. Maybe next week?”

“It’s a long ways off, but I guess I can stand it.” He grinned.

21

K
ate walked across the airfield, her parents on either side of her. Angel padded along in front. Keeping her eyes on the dog, Kate fought tears. Her parents were heading home. She looped her arms with theirs.

Joan smiled at her daughter. “Thank you for showing us Alaska. It’s a remarkable place.” She gave Kate’s arm a squeeze. “I could almost imagine living here myself.”

“Maybe you should think about it.” Kate leaned against her mother.

“We will,” Bill said. “When I’m done farming.”

“You’ll never leave your orchards.”

“Gotta retire some day.” He grinned.

“The Matanuska Valley has good fertile land.”

“Yeah, but it’s not right for apple trees. I checked.” He released her arm and rested his hand on her back. “We can’t come right away, but one day.”

“I’m going to miss you,” Kate said, struggling to keep the tremor out of her voice.

Bill stopped and gazed down at his daughter. “We’ll be back.”

When they reached her father’s plane, Kate walked around, giving it a thorough inspection. “You have your maps and charts?”

“Sure do. Figure we’ll do a little sightseeing on our way home.”

“Be careful. The coastal weather can change in a flash. ”

“I’m not worried.” He glanced at Joan. “My copilot here will keep me in line.”

“Don’t believe a word he says.” Joan shot him a teasing look. “He does as he likes, always has.” She turned to Kate, her expression more serious. “I always knew you were special, Kate. I’m proud of you.” She glanced at the Chugach Mountains. “This is a beautiful place, but it’s awfully rough. You be careful.”

“I will. I promise.”

Bill nodded at Mike, who stood in the shop doorway, hands in his pockets. “Figure he’ll watch over you.” He smiled. “Nice fella. Wouldn’t mind seeing more of him.”

Kate glanced at Mike, not sure what she felt for him. He was a good friend. Could he be more than that? “Well, you just might.”

Bill raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“We’re dating, that’s all for now.” Kate shrugged.

“He’s a fine person, I can tell.” Joan hugged her daughter. “Time we were on our way. You have a mail run to get to.”

Bill pulled his daughter into his arms and held her tight. “See you next spring or sooner if you can make it down before winter.” He gave Angel a pat. “I’ll miss you too, girl.”

Her tail beat the air and she snuffled his hand.

“Maybe by next summer I’ll have a house,” Kate said. “That way when you come for a visit, you can stay with me.”

Joan kissed Kate’s cheek. “Love you, dear.” She stepped up to the plane and Bill gave her a hand in.

Kate watched as they taxied down the runway. Her father waved and her mother blew her a kiss. Sadness soaked into Kate. It was unlikely she’d have a chance to fly down before winter, and next summer seemed a long way off.

Her father’s Stinson lifted into the air. Kate watched until it disappeared into the haze of blue sky. She headed to the shop, Angel trotting alongside her.

Mike offered her a smile and draped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a squeeze. “You’ll see them again soon.”

“Sure.”

“Did you have breakfast this morning?”

“Yeah. With my parents.”

“Oh. Well, how about dinner with me tonight? We can go to the café.”

Kate felt a bubble of delight, but thoughts of the day ahead tamped it down. “I’ve got my mail run and I’m getting a late start, so I probably won’t be back in time for dinner.”

“We can eat anytime we want. The café stays open late. And I’ve got a couple of short runs, so I won’t be back before six o’clock anyway. How about seven?”

“Probably ought to make it eight.”

“Eight it is.”

When Kate stepped into the shop, Sidney was in his usual position—leaning back in his chair, feet propped on the desk. “So, they’ve headed home, huh?”

“Yeah.” Kate sighed.

“Nice folks.”

“They are. I wish they’d move up.”

She walked into the back room and started sorting envelopes and packages. Angel lay just inside the door, head resting on her paws. Kate came across a letter for Paul from Robert Anderson in San Francisco. He wrote to Paul often. She wondered which Anderson he was—brother, cousin, father? She hoped Paul would meet the plane.

“You need help?” Mike asked.

Kate shoved the letter into the delivery bag and glanced at him, feeling guilty and wondering why. She and Mike weren’t exclusive, and there really wasn’t anything between her and Paul. “No, I’m just finishing up,” she said, feeling her face flush. She felt as if she’d been caught daydreaming about Paul.