Read Online Joy Takes Flight by Bonnie Leon - Free Book Online

Alan. “Can you get the saw and axe?”
    â€œSure.” Alan hurried back inside the shop.
    Fishing gear in hand, the men hurried onto the ice to their fishing spot. Kate followed along behind, but kept slipping. Finally Paul and Sidney made a chair with their hands and carried her.
    Embarrassed, Kate started a conversation. “Glad we’ve got clear skies. Seeing the sun almost makes me feel warm.”
    Sidney snorted. “Sunshine or not, it’s freezing out here. But Jack’s got everything ready, including wood for a fire. Figured I couldn’t back out. Don’t like fishing much.” He studied the men who had already reached their fishing spot. “He seems a little softer around the edges these days.”
    â€œA woman can do that for you,” Paul said with a smile for Kate.
    â€œWe’ll see how long she lasts,” Kate said. Paul and Sidney set her on her feet. “Thanks for the ride.”
    Alan and Kenny were clearing new ice from the hole while Jack built a fire. Linda huddled near the fledgling flames.
    â€œSidney, it’s good to have you back. But I’m sorry about your dad,” Paul said.
    Sidney nodded. “After the stroke, he never really came back. His going was God’s mercy.”
    Kate’s mind went to her parents. Death was inevitable, but she couldn’t imagine life without them.
    â€œI’d probably still be there, but my family convinced me that this is where I belong.” He turned and looked at the airfield. “It feels good to be back.”
    â€œHow do you think it’s going to work out—you being Jack’s employee instead of his employer?”
    â€œIt’ll be all right. Jack’ll give me a hard time, but I’m just glad to be flying again. Figure I’ll like it better, just being a pilot—more time in the air that way.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jack’s sorry he bought me out.”
    â€œYeah, some days I’m sure he wishes he was just a hotshot pilot again. But I think it’s been good for him. Sometimes I’m almost convinced he actually cares about his pilots, even me.” Kate smiled.
    Sidney chuckled. “Jack’s always been full of himself, but I figure he’s got a good soul he keeps hidden from the world. Looks like Linda might’ve found it.” Sidney pulled a hat with ear flaps out of his pocket, braced his cowboy hat under one arm, and pulled on the cap, tugging down the ear flaps. He planted the cowboy hat on top. He looked silly, but warmer. “The new fella . . . Alan, what’s he like?”
    â€œQuiet. He keeps to himself mostly, but he’s dependable and from what I’ve seen he’s a good pilot.”
    â€œWith my being back we’ve got a full crew again. That’ll take some of the heat off Jack. He might be able to fit in a few extra runs.”
    â€œMaybe,” Kate said.
    Paul slipped and nearly took a tumble, almost falling into Sidney.
    â€œHey, watch it,” Sidney said. “Hate to have us all go down.” He sucked in a breath.
    â€œIt hasn’t been that long.” Sidney straightened slightly. “Sorry to hear about Mike. Doesn’t seem right—his not being here.”
    â€œIt’s never been the same since he was killed.” Kate’s heart squeezed. She leaned against Paul, thankful for him. “He was a good pilot and a good friend to everyone.”
    Squinting, Sidney looked at the men settling around the fishing hole. “Over the years, we’ve lost a lot of good pilots. Sometimes I wonder if we’re all just a bunch of nitwits.”
    â€œI don’t understand the appeal,” Paul said. “Long hours, and sometimes the work is rough, and pilots never know if their present flight will be their last.”
    Kate could see worry in his eyes and so she said, “Today we’re fishing, not flying.”

    Kate