Wings of Promise (6 page)

Helen gazed out the window. “He’ll adjust. Give him time.” She took a drink of her coffee. “How did things go between you and Paul on your trip?”

“Good. We work well together. I even assisted in a surgery.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Paul removed Nena’s boy, Peter’s, appendix.”

“My goodness. Is Peter all right?”

“Yes. Or he was when we left.” Kate took a sip of coffee. “It was amazing to help in a real surgery. At first I was so scared I couldn’t keep my hands from shaking, but Paul was very competent and calm, and he told me exactly what to do. Before I knew it, I wasn’t scared anymore.” She let out a sigh. “He’s a wonderful man. We’re crazier for each other than before we left, except . . . I still don’t know much about him, his past anyway. He’s kind of private.”

“Some men are like that. He’ll open up eventually.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely.”

Fear made Kate’s insides feel tight. What if he never trusted her enough to share his past? Could she love a man who couldn’t trust her with his past? And worse yet, could she trust a man who would hide it from her?

Helen draped an arm over Kate’s shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. “Try not to worry.”

Hanging on to Paul’s arm, Kate cautiously walked along the icy sidewalk. She hoped they didn’t run into Mike. She still wondered why he’d called. He knew that she and Paul were a couple. It didn’t make sense for him to inquire about what time she was going to the festival. It felt like he was trying to horn in on her time with Paul, and that was out of character for him. He was better than that.

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen crowds like this in town,” Paul said.

Anchorage teemed with people, and the air buzzed with excitement. Fur sellers talked up the quality of their pelts while buyers talked them down. Deals were made. Children created snowmen and built forts where they bombarded one another with snowballs from behind frozen fortresses. Some raced sleds, their dogs yapping and sometimes stopping in the middle of a race to fight one another.

A huge bonfire warmed a crowd at one end of the street. Not far from there, a group stood shoulder to shoulder around a blanket made from hides. They tossed a young boy into the air. When he flew up, he’d wave his arms and kick his feet before falling back to the blanket.

“That looks like fun. Let’s join in,” Paul said, heading toward the circle of people crowded around the blanket.

Too late, Kate saw Mike. He was part of the group holding the blanket.

He looked over his shoulder, and when his eyes found Kate, he hollered, “Come on. Over here.”

“Looks like fun,” Kate said, making sure Paul stood between her and Mike. She grabbed hold of the hide as the young native boy flew into the air. Everyone cheered. When he dropped to the blanket, he was immediately tossed back up. Leaning against Paul, Kate laughed as she watched the boy fly.

“You want to try it?” Mike asked Kate.

She shook her head no.

“How about a little mushing, then?”

“That sounds like fun,” she said, turning to Paul. “But I thought you were going to sell furs.”

“I decided tomorrow would be better. Today should be all about having a good time—no work.”

“I’ve got some friends with sleds and dogs,” Mike said. “You ever do any mushing, Kate?”

“No.” Kate felt a weight in her stomach. She didn’t want Mike butting into her time with Paul. “Paul’s going to teach me.”

“Oh. Sure,” Mike said, his tone glum. “That makes sense.”

Paul took Kate’s hand. “You hungry? I saw a fella down the street roasting meat.”

“Sounds good,” Kate said. “See you,” she tossed at Mike as Paul led her away.

After finishing off a baked potato and a chunk of roasted moose meat, Kate and Paul watched a game of ice hockey and competition between dogs pulling weighted sleds, then they headed toward the end of the street where there were sled dog races. Kate couldn’t remember having so much fun. She wasn’t sure if it was the events or that she was with Paul.

“Hey, Paul, how you doing?” asked a tall, friendly looking man. He separated himself from a group of men and walked toward them. “Haven’t seen you for a while.”

“Jake. Good to see you. I’m well, just not in town much—either working on my place or out and about with Kate here.” He put an arm around her and pulled her close as if to make sure Jake knew they were together. Kate liked the feeling of belonging to him.

Jake turned friendly hazel eyes on Kate. “So, what is it that you do that keeps Paul out of town?”

“I’m a pilot, and since Paul’s working as a bush doctor, I’m usually the one flying him from place to place.”

Jake’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “I’m impressed. Never met a woman pilot before, and I didn’t know you were a doctor, Paul. You’re one for keeping secrets.”

He is at that
, Kate thought.

“I used to work as a doctor when I lived in California. Gave it up when I moved north, but with a little encouragement from Kate I decided to go back to work.” He grinned. “I like it.”

“I’ll look you up if I need a doctor.” Jake turned to Kate. “So, you ever drive a dog sled?”

“No. Never.”

“You want to take a ride?”

“Sure. Sounds like fun.”

“Well, I’ve got a team that’s raring to go. I’ll give you a ride.” He headed toward his team of dogs.

Paul led Kate to the sled. “Climb on.”

Kate sat on the sled. “What should I do?” She pulled her hood closed around her face.

“Just sit. I’ll do the rest.” Jake chuckled and then asked Paul, “You want to drive?”

“You bet. I’d love to take my girl for a ride.” He stepped onto the boards.

Kate’s heart warmed—
my girl
. She looked at him and smiled.

“How about a race?” another man, Billy Johnson, called.

“Nah, this is just for fun,” Paul said.

“What, you afraid I’ll beat you?”

Paul’s eyes narrowed and he looked down at Kate. She gave him a nod. With a smile, Paul turned to Jake. “So, your dogs worth betting on?”

“Not a problem. They’re a good team. In fact, I’ve got a five spot says you win.” He pulled a wallet out of his back pocket and fished out a five-dollar bill.

“That’s pretty steep,” Billy said.

“Well . . . if you’re afraid—” Jake acted as if he were going to put away his money.

“I ain’t afraid.” Billy pulled out a five-dollar bill and waved it in the air. Several others joined in on the bet.

“If this is going to be fair, Billy, you’ve got to add some weight to your sled,” Jake said.

Billy looked around. His gaze landed on a woman who was much smaller than Kate. “Hey, Sooz, you wanna ride with me?”

The tiny blonde smiled. “Sure.” She pranced over and settled herself on the sled.

“You ready?” Paul asked Kate.

“I guess so.”

“Hold on. Don’t want to lose ya.” He looked at Billy. “Anytime.”

Jake held up one arm, then as he dropped it, he yelled, “Go!”

Paul lifted the lines and hollered, “Hike up.” The dogs lunged forward, and he and Kate charged into the lead. Billy soon caught up and moved ahead. Win or lose, Kate didn’t care. She loved the feel of the snow flying beneath the sled blades and the cold air splashing her face.

In the end, Paul and Kate came up short, but they made a good showing. Paul and Billy shook hands. “Good race.”

Kate climbed off the sled. “That was fun.”

“Want to learn how to drive one of these?” Jake asked. “It’s okay with me if Paul gives you a lesson.”

“Really?” Kate’s blood pumped with excitement. She looked at Paul. “Would you mind?”

“This is as good a time as any, if you’re game.” He stepped up to her and pulled her close. “You sure you want to do this?”

At the moment, Kate would have preferred to remain in Paul’s arms, but she wasn’t about to say that, not in front of everyone. “Yeah. I’m sure. It can’t be as hard as flying.”

Kate stepped behind the sled. She caught sight of Mike. He huddled inside his parka and was heading back up the street. By the set of his shoulders, it looked like he was not happy. Kate felt a flash of sadness.

“You can ride on the boards or run behind if you want.” Paul handed her the traces. “These control the dogs. If you want them to go, you just tell them to ‘hike up,’ and if you want them to turn right, say ‘gee’ or to go left is ‘haw.’ When you need them to slow down, all you have to say is ‘easy’ and to stop them it’s ‘whoa.’” He rested a hand on her arm. “Got it?”

“I think so.” Kate stepped onto the boards, took the towline in one hand, and held on to the sled bar with the other.

Paul stepped up behind her and showed her how to hold the lines. He stood so close Kate could feel his breath. She turned and looked at him and her eyes locked with his. She wanted to kiss him, but didn’t dare, not in front of everyone. The two lingered for a moment and finally decided they didn’t care who was watching. Their lips met. Hoots and hollers of approval arose from onlookers. Paul stepped back. Feeling heat in her face, Kate glanced at the faces of friends and strangers.

She smiled at Paul, then turned and faced the front of the sled. “Okay, I’m ready. Hike up!” she hollered.

The dogs lunged forward so abruptly that Kate lost her balance and fell on her backside. “Whoa!” she called, thankful the dogs listened and stopped instead of heading off down the street without her.

Laughing, Paul helped her to her feet. “Don’t worry. Almost everyone has a rough beginning.”

Kate brushed snow and ice off her pants. “It’s not funny.”

“It’s not?” He grinned, and then his expression turned more serious. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No.” She looked at the band of men still snickering.

“Maybe today’s not the best time for a lesson,” Paul said. “I’ll teach you with my dogs out on the creek.” He kissed her cheek.

“That sounds like a good idea,” she said, casting a caustic look at the spectators. “I’d rather it was just you and me anyway.”

T
rudging through freshly fallen snow, Kate headed toward the shop. She looked up through a flurry of white flakes. “May in Alaska,” she muttered, pulling her hood closer around her face. It was spring—didn’t it know better than to snow? She was ready for summer.

Why had she even bothered coming to work? She had more chance of joining Amelia Earhart on her round-the-world flight than she did of getting a run on a day like this. She imagined herself copiloting with Amelia—what an incredible adventure that would be. Miss Earhart hadn’t actually announced an official date for her great adventure yet, but the scuttlebutt was that she’d be making a try beginning in early summer. Kate wished she were doing something extraordinary like that.

A glance at the cars parked in front of the building told her everyone had made it in.
Must be hoping for a break in the weather
.

Blustering wind and snow accompanied Kate indoors. She shut out the tempest and then pushed back her hood. The usual smells of woodsmoke and overcooked coffee met her as she stepped into the room.

“It’s miserable out,” she said, moving toward an ancient woodstove belching heat. “You think there’s any hope it will let up?” No one answered. She looked around the room at brooding faces. Something was up.

His feet propped on the desk and a cigarette resting between his fingers, Sidney stared out the window. Kenny and Alan sat across from each other. Kenny shuffled a deck of cards. Mike glanced at her, and then he grabbed a piece of wood and chucked it into the stove. Jack was the only one who seemed content. Wearing a smug grin, he leaned against the far wall.

Alarm made the hair on Kate’s arms prickle. “What’s up?”

All eyes went to Sidney. He blinked, slow and resolute, then looked at Kate, as if seeing her for the first time. Furrows creased his brow, and he looked like he’d aged ten years. He took a drag off the half-burned cigarette. Ashes spilled onto his flannel shirt, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Sidney, what’s wrong?”

Tears swamped his eyes. “My dad had a stroke.”

“Oh!” Kate pressed fingertips to her lips. “I’m so sorry. Is he all right?”

“Doctor says he’ll live.” Sidney’s tone was somber. “But he’s not himself anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

Sidney studied the cigarette, drew smoke into his lungs and then slowly blew it out. “Can’t talk—can’t walk—can’t do much of anything.”

“He’ll get better though, won’t he?”

“Not likely.” He shrugged. “But you never know. The doctor might be wrong.” He smashed the cigarette butt into an ashtray. “My mom’s not doing so good.”

“I’m truly sorry.”

Sidney dropped his feet to the floor and walked to the window. Hands in his pockets, he gazed out at swirling white crystals. “Soon as this stinkin’ weather clears, I’ll be leaving. Family needs me.”

Kate sat in a chair near the stove. “Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”

He turned and settled a troubled gaze on Kate. “Could be a long while.” He let out a breath that sounded like a wheeze.

Kate wondered just what that meant, but she didn’t ask. She pressed her elbows on her thighs and rested her chin in her hands, allowing her eyes to graze over the men in the room. What would happen to the business?

“He offered me the airfield,” Jack said, wearing a syrupy smile.

“That’s not true. I didn’t offer it to
you
.”

At that moment, Kate thought she actually hated Jack. He was so full of himself. And he’d given her nothing but trouble from her first day at the airfield. He’d harassed her and made life miserable for just about everyone else on the team. And now, when Sidney was facing a family tragedy, all he could think about was himself.

Sidney looked at Kate. “It is for sale . . . to
anyone
with the money. You want to make an offer?” He tried to smile. “I need the money. It’ll take awhile to find a job—not a lot of work in Kenai.”

Kate’s mind reeled. Jack had spoken the truth. He was the only one with any money, so for all intents and purposes the business
had
been offered to him. “Maybe one of us could manage the airfield until you come back.”

“Wish I could do that, but my dad’s going to need extra care and that takes cash. Mom doesn’t have any. Everyone in the family’s strapped right now.”

Kate mentally calculated her own finances. She had barely had enough funds to see her through the winter, let alone buy the airfield. Every cent she’d set aside had gone to purchasing her new plane. She looked at Mike.

He shrugged. “I don’t have it.”

“There must be someone.”

“Me.” Jack smirked.

Sidney pulled on his coat. “Figure I’ll be here ’til tomorrow. Kate . . . Mike.” His eyes scanned the room. “If any of you come up with the dough, call me. Or maybe you know someone else who might want the business.” His eyes moved reluctantly to Jack. “Otherwise . . . it’s his.”

“I’ll take good care of the place.” Jack puffed out his chest. “Make a first-rate airfield out of it.”

Kate’s stomach tumbled. Working for Jack would be torture. Of course, she probably wouldn’t have to worry about it—he’d fire her the first chance he got. Her eyes locked with his. She couldn’t just let it go to him. “I’ll see what I can come up with,” she said.

Kenny and Alan weren’t concerned about who took over the airport, so it was up to Kate and Mike. They spent the rest of the day trying to find someone who would either loan them the money or buy the airport outright. They talked to everyone they knew and some they didn’t. There was no one willing to buy it. Some didn’t want to take a risk. Others reasoned one airfield in Anchorage was more than enough. And people like Albert and Helen were willing to help but didn’t have the money.

Mike and Kate seemed to be the only ones motivated enough to work at finding a buyer, so they had decided to combine their efforts. After a day of brainstorming and seeking out anyone who might be interested, Mike invited Kate back to his place for something to eat.

It was late when Kate dropped onto Mike’s sofa and watched him mix up a batch of waffle dough. She knew she ought to help but couldn’t drag herself up off the couch.

“Got some of Helen’s strawberry jam,” Mike said, wearing a smile that didn’t touch his eyes.

Kate nodded, her mind still searching for a way to keep the airfield out of Jack’s greedy hands. “There must be someone out there who wants the airport.”

Mike opened a hot waffle iron, slathered the griddle with lard, and poured in dough. Closing the lid, he asked, “You want some eggs?”

“No thanks.” Kate planted her feet on a coffee table and folded her arms over her chest. “Who haven’t we thought of?”

“What about Paul?”

Kate sucked in a breath. “I know he has enough to take care of himself, but he’s obviously not a wealthy man. And he makes almost nothing as a doctor.”

“Wish we had more time.” Mike poured coffee into a mug. “You want some?”

“Sure.”

He handed the cup to her and poured another for himself. He took jam and syrup out of the cupboard and grabbed a plate of butter off the table. “I haven’t talked to my brothers in a while. They might—”

“Your brothers? You’ve never mentioned them before.”

“They live in Chicago. They’re partners in a pub. When prohibition was lifted, they stepped right into the business. From what I heard, they’ve done pretty well. But I doubt they’d loan me a penny. We’ve never been close.”

“Call them. It won’t hurt to ask.”

“It’s late.” Mike studied the waffle iron. Steam rose from around the edges. “And they’re four hours ahead of us.”

“If they work in a bar, it’s still early for them.”

“I don’t know. It’s a long shot.” Mike lifted the griddle and peeked at undercooked waffles. He closed the lid.

“It’s worth a try. I’ll do everything I can to help.” Kate pushed off the sofa. “You’ve been working up here a long time. You know everything there is to know. You could do it.”

“I don’t know. There’s a lot to owning an airport, and it wouldn’t leave me much time for flying.”

“We can’t let Jack buy it,” Kate pressed. “Life will be unbearable. And not just for me, but for all of us. You know how he is. He’ll run roughshod over every one of us. And first chance he gets, he’ll cut our pay.” She strode into the kitchen. “I’ll take care of these.” She peeked at the waffles. “You make the call.”

“Okay. Okay.” Mike moved to the phone on the wall and flipped through a tablet that hung beside it. When he got hold of the operator, he gave her the pub’s phone number, and then waited.

Kate closed her eyes and said a quick prayer.
Please, God, make this work.

“Hello. This is Mike Conlin. Can I talk to Jerry or Robert?” He waited.

“Are they there?” Kate asked.

“They’re getting Jerry.”

Her stomach quivering, Kate checked the waffles again. They were done. Using a fork, she lifted them out and onto a plate. After adding lard to the griddle, she poured in more dough and closed the lid.

“Hi. Jerry? This is Mike.” He waited while Jerry responded. “Yeah. I’m good.” He nodded. “I know. It has been a long time. Sounds like you have a full house tonight.

“I have a proposition for you. It’s a good deal.” He was silent, but Kate could hear a voice on the other end. “No. It is . . . really. Hear me out. This fella I fly for is selling his airport—” Mike stopped and listened. “I know money’s tight.” He nodded. “Yeah, it is here too.”

Kate could hear the booming sound of a voice coming from the other end of the phone.

“Sure. No problem. I understand.” Mike’s head bobbed. “Okay. Stay in touch. I’ll see you too. Good-bye.”

He hung up and looked at Kate. “He said no. I knew it was a long shot.”

“At least you tried.”

Mike sat at the table. “If we weren’t just coming off the winter months, I’d have some money, maybe enough to hold Sidney over for a while.”

Kate dropped into a chair across the table from him. “Me too.” She took a sip of coffee. “So, how are your brothers?”

“Okay . . . I guess. Jerry said they’re barely keeping up, like everyone else.” Mike stared into his cup. “Can’t imagine working for Jack. He’ll run the place into the ground.”

“Maybe not. He’s been in the business a long time. He might do okay. But he’ll probably fire me right off.”

“Nah. He needs you.” Mike took a big drink of coffee.

The idea of working for Jack made Kate’s stomach hurt.

Her gaze wandered to the waffle iron. Smoke rolled out and over the top. “The waffles are burning!” She ran into the kitchen and threw open the griddle, then poked the blackened waffles with a fork and speared them out. “Can’t even make a decent waffle.”

“Guess you ought to stick to flying.” Mike chuckled.

Kate laughed. “You don’t think I ought to take on a second job . . . say as a cook?”

“Can’t think of anyone who’d hire you.” He laughed and soon the two were doubled over, laughter releasing the day’s worries.

When they quieted down, Mike took the fork. “I’ll make some more.”

“I’m not hungry.” Kate shook her head. She knew how things would be—Jack belittling her, giving her the worst runs and as little work as possible. “I don’t see how I can stay on.” Unbidden tears pooled in Kate’s eyes.

“It’ll be all right. We’ll work out something. And the fellas and I will stand up for you. You don’t have to worry about Jack.”

“He’s not going to be easy on you either. And I doubt he’ll get along with the customers. They’ll be falling off like flies.” Kate wiped away her tears, hating that she’d let someone like Jack get to her. “Thanks, but I can stand up for myself.” She sniffed and grabbed a handkerchief out of her pants pocket and blew her nose, then moved to the closet and grabbed her coat. She wished Paul lived in town. She really needed him right now. “Well, I better go. Sorry we didn’t come up with anyone, but thanks for your help.”

“No problem. Just wish we could have figured out something.” Mike opened the door for Kate. “See you tomorrow.”

The following morning, Kate felt crummy. She’d lain awake most of the night, trying to come up with an answer. She even considered asking her father for the money. She was sure he had some put aside. But an airfield was a risk, and she couldn’t ask him to jeopardize his savings.

While Kate washed her face, dressed, and combed her hair, melancholy wallowed inside her. She didn’t bother with makeup. When she stepped outside, she glanced at the sky. It was clear. Sidney would be leaving.

She climbed into her car and prayed that something had happened overnight. Maybe Sidney’s father had made a miraculous recovery, or Mike’s brother had changed his mind.
God, you can do anything. Please provide the money we need
.

When Kate pulled up at the field, three cars were parked out front—Sidney’s, Jack’s, and Mike’s. She didn’t see Kenny’s or Alan’s.
They don’t care enough to even say good-bye to Sidney
, she thought with disdain.

When Kate stepped into the shop, Mike was bent over the stove. He used a poker to stir the embers. He glanced at Kate, his expression glum. After adding kindling to the coals, he closed the door, leaving it open a couple of inches to help it draft.

She tossed Mike a nod, then turned to Sidney. Even though she already knew the answer, she asked, “Any news on your father?”

“Nothing. Figure he’s the same.” He settled blue eyes on Kate.

She remembered the first time she’d met him. He’d been dressed in blue jeans and cowboy boots, and he’d had on his overlarge cowboy hat. He’d looked more boy than man.

“You ready to buy the place?” He forced a smile.

“Wish I could.” Kate’s mind reworked the figures—if only there was a way. “Maybe if we had a little more time.”

“I’m out of time.” Sidney turned reluctantly to Jack. “I guess we have a deal. The place is yours.”

Jack held out a bank draft. “Exactly what you asked for.”

Sidney took the note, glanced at it, and then folded it and slipped it into his shirt pocket. He looked around the room. “That’s it, then.”

No one said a word. Wood crackled and popped in the stove.