“Susannah, I’m here.”
Her head jerked up. She stood and moved into his outstretched arms. “I’m so glad to see you. When do we go?”
“The aircraft is being serviced right now. I will need a potty break, and so will you. There are no restrooms on the plane.
“You haven’t eaten have you?” he asked.
She shook her head.
“Neither have I. The coroner’s office will be closed when we get back and will reopen at eight tomorrow morning; I have a room at the Marriott Residence Inn right on the airport. Let’s get a bite here, and then get in the air.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
“I’m fine. Why?”
“You’re acting kind of funny, What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Funny, how?”
“Do you always answer a question with a question? When I put my arms around you, you grunted, and you are walking like you’re walking on eggs.”
“OK, I didn’t want to pile something else on you. The police told me about a place called the Sugar Ranch. I went to see if Zach might be there. He had been there, but left a little over a week earlier. They had given me the name of the guy running the place, and I tried to talk to him. He told me to leave the boy alone, because he was just trying to connect with his dead mother. He ordered me to leave, and told two men to put me in the car and to make sure I left. One held me while two others pounded me.
“I drove to the emergency room, where the doctor ordered X-rays. There were two cracked ribs, so he taped them. In short, it hurts when I laugh or make sudden moves, but he said it will be all right in a few days.”
“Why don’t we wait and go tomorrow morning?” she asked. “It might be easier for you, and would only delay things a few hours.”
“I appreciate it, but I’ll be good to go as soon as I eat. It will probably be pretty sore in the morning.”
“I’m good with whatever you want to do,” she said. “Do you have anything for the pain?”
“He prescribed vicodin, but I can’t take it and fly. It might make me drowsy. Let’s get a sandwich, and get going.”
“Okay, you’re the boss,” she said and took his hand as they walked toward the small restaurant near the entrance.
“I’m the pilot, not the boss,” he said. She squeezed his hand in reply.
“What kind of plane do you have?” she asked.
“We have two, a single engine Cessna 182, and a twin engine Cessna 310. I’m in the twin, because it flies higher, and nearly twice as fast as the 182.”
“I’ve never ridden in a small plane before,” she said.
“You feel more like you’re flying than you do in one of the large airline busses.”
After they ate, he said, “Ready?”
She nodded, and picked up her small piece of luggage. “I’ve got it,” she said. “You can be a gentleman some other time.”
He led the way to the plane. After stowing her bag in the small compartment back of the cockpit, he took her hand as she stepped on the small metal step, and through the cabin door. Once she was seated, he did the walk-around to check the plane.
Back in the cockpit, he made sure she was properly buckled in, and started the engines. He called Ground Control and requested permission to taxi to the active runway. It was given; Departure Control gave him permission to take off.
He keyed his mic and said “4694 rolling.”
After they were airborne, he activated his IFR flight plan and received his clearance. Once at altitude, he looked at her and smiled. “What do you think?”
“You get a different view from what you get on an airliner. How long will it take us?” she asked.
“You’re not going to start the “Are we there yet” bit already are you?” he laughed and winced. “That hurts to laugh.”
“Then don’t do it,” she said.
“Did I tell you how nice you look?”
“No, I was so upset, I just threw myself together,” she said.
“Well, you’re a good pitcher. You look nice. “
“Thank you. I don’t get compliments very often.” She changed the subject. “How fast are we going,” she asked.
“You have the same instruments in front of you I have. The airspeed is in knots or nautical miles per hour. We have a slight tailwind so we get a little boost in speed. The other big dial is our altitude, it shows above sea level, not ground level. You have the rate of climb, and the little small airplane indicates the position of the wing. Watch it and I’ll dip the wing and you can see what I’m talking about.”
He moved the yoke to the left and she watched the small plane in the gauge move.
“Fascinating,” she said “How long have you been flying?”
“Since I was about fourteen. I soloed on my sixteenth birthday and got my private license at eighteen.”
“Did Ashley ever fly with you?”
“A few times. I don’t think she liked it very much,” he said. The radio squawked and told him he was being handed off from the Albuquerque Center to the LA Center. LA then handed him off to the Oakland Center.”
“This is really interesting. They keep track of exactly where you are, don’t they?”
“They do. We have an instrument called IFF that sends out a unique code. The Center’s computer ties it to a radar return and the controller sees a data block with all of our information. He controls us until we get within 50 miles of the airport, then we’re turned over to Approach Control. On the ground, we’re controlled by Ground Control. It’s comforting to know someone is always looking after us.”
The TRACON controller came over the speaker, and gave him wind direction and velocity and told him he was number three to land behind a Gulfstream on Runway 16L.
He greased the landing, and taxied to the FBO. He made the servicing arrangements and led the way to the rental car he had left in the parking lot some eight hours before.
It was a short drive to the Marriott Residence Inn. As they went inside, he said, “I’ll get you a room.”
“Don’t these rooms have two beds?” she asked
“Well, yes they do, but I thought you might be more comfortable with your own room.”
“There’s no point in spending the extra money. I’m fine,” she said. “I trust you.”
chapter Eleven
The Relationship Changes
The suite was on the third floor, it had two bedrooms and a small kitchen. “This is nice,” Susannah said, as she looked around. “You were alone, why did you get such a big room?”
“It was the only thing they had, and I was too tired to go looking for another. They have a great breakfast here. I don’t know about the restaurant, though. I ordered room service last night.
“Would you like to go downstairs and eat, or have room service?” he asked.
“You’re tired and your ribs probably hurt, so why don’t we eat in?”
“Okay, the room service menu is on the table in the kitchen. Why don’t you pick out something and call it in. Whatever you pick is okay with me,” he said.
“Take off your shirt,” she ordered, “I want to see how it looks.”
“You just want to see my hairy chest.”
“That too,” she said.
“Hey, don’t make me laugh, it hurts.”
“I simply spoke the truth. If you choose to think it's funny, that’s your problem.” she said, smiling, as she unbuttoned the shirt.
“She gasped. “ Oh my God, that’s horrible.”
“My chest or the ribs,” he asked.
“Now who’s being funny? There are visible bruises. I hate to think what it is like under the tape. When do you go back to have it retaped?”
“The doc told me to come to Outpatient tomorrow, and they’ll take another picture.”
A knock on the door, and a voice called out, “Room service.”
“Saved by the bellhop,” Kyle said.
Susannah went to the door, and let the bellhop in. “
Just put it on the table,” said. She turned to Kyle, “Do you want me to sign for it?”
“Go ahead, and add the tip in too.”
The bellhop left, Susannah began removing the domes covering the food and Kyle took two plates from the cabinet by the sink.
“Would milady like wine with her dinner?” he asked.
“She would,” Susannah replied.
“White or white. It’s all we have.”
“I’ll take the white,” she said.
“Excellent choice. I believe I will have the same.”
Susannah put napkins by the plates, and sat down. Kyle found two wine glasses in the cabinet, and poured the wine. When he put her wine on the table, he put his hand under her chin and tilted her head upward, then leaned over and kissed her, a soft tender kiss.
“Mm, that was nice,” she said.
Kyle held his glass up, she did the same. “Here’s to good luck tomorrow. I pray it’s not him,” he toasted.
“Hear! Hear!” she said softly.
She had ordered a New York Strip with baked potato for him and a small filet with baked potato for herself. Each had a small salad.
As they ate, Kyle said, “This is the first good food I’ve had since you fixed dinner the other night.”
“It is good,” she said. “Maybe it’s the good company.”
“I can’t remember when I’ve had better,” he said.
“Why thank you, sir.”
“I was talking about the food,” he said.
“If you didn’t have broken ribs already, I would break a couple for you.” she said.
“You’re making me laugh again. Have you no mercy?”
“You started it,” she said.
“Did not.”
“Did too.”
She stood and began rinsing the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher. Kyle touched her on the shoulder, and said, “Susannah?”
She turned to face him and moved into his embrace. He kissed her on the lips, feeling the sparks of electricity shoot between them. She tightened her arms around him, and felt him tense. “I’m sorry, she said, and immediately stepped back. I hurt you, didn’t I?”
“It was worth it,” he said.
“I think that is about the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said.
Sitting on the sofa, she asked, “Where are we going with this?”
“Where would you like for it to go?”
“There you go, answering a question with a question again,” she said.
“I don’t want you to get hurt,” he said.”
“Would you hurt me,” she asked.
Certainly not on purpose,” he said.
“Then let’s just see where it leads us.”
He kissed her again. She parted her lip and the tip of his tongue touched hers. She responded eagerly as he explored the velvety interior. Soft moans escaped her throat, as he pulled back and kissed the tender skin where her neck joined her shoulders.
“Whew, is it warm in here, or is it me?” she asked, fanning herself with her hand.
“The temperature has definitely risen a bit,” he said.
Her hands traced the outline of his face, as if she was memorizing it to be pulled out some time in the future. She leaned her head against his shoulder, and snuggled as close as she could. “You’re a good guy, Kyle.”
“You’re not so bad, yourself. You’re the one that has taken care of my son all of these years.”
“Zach’s a good guy too,” she said.
“Whatever he is, he owes it to you.”
“Listen to us. We’re getting maudlin in our old age,” she said.
“Well, this maudlin old coot is tired and is going to bed. Which room do you want?” he asked.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said. “The smaller room is fine. Let me get in the bathroom, and then I’ll get out of your way” She got her bag and went into the bathroom and emerged ten minutes later, wearing a light blue robe. “All yours,” she said.
He went to his bedroom, undressed and got in the bed. He fell asleep immediately. His dream had changed. It no longer was a raging fire. He was looking everywhere, calling her name. She didn’t answer. He saw her off in the distance walking away from him. He called to her, but she never turned, and just continued walking until she faded in the distance.
He was startled awake by a touch on his shoulder. It was Susannah. “Are you all right? You must have been having a nightmare. You were tossing and turning.”
“I guess I did. I’m sorry if I woke you,” he said.
“I wasn’t asleep. I’m scared of what we might find out in the morning.
“Whatever it is, we’ll face it together,” he said.
She turned back the covers and lay on the bed beside him. “I don’t know if I could handle it if it’s Zach in the morgue,” she said.
“Turn over,” he said, “and I’ll hold you.”
She turned her back to him and snuggled back into his arms. She moved once, causing his hand to come in contact with her breast. She covered it with hers and squirmed back against him. She murmured something, Kyle didn’t catch, and she was asleep.
“He woke, as the first signs of daylight began to peek around the drawn curtain. He tried to remove his arm without waking Susannah, but was unsuccessful.
She opened her eyes, and smiled at him It was suddenly brighter in the room. “Hey you,” she said.
“Good morning,” he said. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did. How about you?”
“I did as well, My ribs didn’t bother me at all. Must have been the company.”
“I’m glad you did, I was really down about this morning, and you were there for me. Thank you for not taking advantage,” she said.
“I would not do that,” he said.
“Do we have to get up yet?” she asked, and pushed back against him. This is comfortable.”
“Let me stretch my arm. It’s gone to sleep,” he said.
“Has it been there all night?” she asked.
He nodded. “You poor thing. I don’t see show you slept at all.” She turned over to face him. “Is this better,” she asked.
He tightened his arms around her, and said, You’re just asking to be kissed.”
“I know,” she said, looking into his eyes, “so what are you going to do about it?” He kissed her thoroughly, and received her best effort in return. His right hand found her breast, and began to feel the firmness if her nipple.
“Mm… she said. “It’s getting warm in here again.”
He moved his hand. “Why did you do that,” she asked.
“Susannah, I want to make love to you. I don’t want it to be in a moment of weakness, with some big unknown hanging over us.”
“Kyle, I don’t sleep around. I can’t even tell you how long it has been. You are a special person, and I really do want you.” She put her hand over his, and held it against her breast.
chapter twelve
It’s Not Him
The Residence Inn does have a good breakfast as a part of a suite rental. Omelets are made to order. Kyle asked for his favorite, the Western Omelet, Susannah decided on bacon and cheese. After getting coffee, they sat at a corner table. Kyle ate with a coming appetite, and attacked his food.
“You’re not eating, Kiddo, is there something the matter. She looked up, and smiled, her eyes moist from the tears close to spilling out.
“I lost my appetite,” she said. “The thought of what we might see has me scared to death.”
“Susannah, you don’t have to do this. I can make the ID. Why don’t you just stay here? I’ll call as soon as I learn anything.”
“No, I have to do it. I owe it to him and myself. I owe it to you,” she said. “I can do it. I have to.”
Kyle finished his meal, and looked at his watch. “Let’s go. By the time we get there, the office will be open. Let’s get this done.” He took her hand as they walked to the car. Nothing was said, until th
ey entered the Police Station and asked for Officer Corley.
He came out in less than two minutes. “Officer Corley, this is Susannah Stewart. She’s Zach’s legal guardian. Susannah, this is Tim Corley. He heads the Juvenile Department. He’s going with us.
Corley led them to the basement, where the morgue was located, to meet with the Humboldt County Medical Examiner. He showed them to a viewing room.
“Let me explain the procedure. The attendant will bring out the deceased on a gurney. When he is in place, he will open this curtain. If it is your relative, just tell me, and the curtain will be closed, and then we’ll make arrangements for the body to be released to a mortuary. After that, it will be up to you to make any arrangements with the mortuary,
“If it isn’t your relative, again, just say so and the curtain will close, and you will be finished. Do you have any questions?”
She shook her head, and they stood in front of the closed curtain. Kyle put his arm around her shoulders to brace her.
The curtain opened. She gasped and sagged against Kyle. “It’s not Zach. Oh thank God, it isn’t him.”
Kyle thanked the ME and Officer Corley, and then he and Susannah left the police station to drive back to the Marriott.
“That boy is some mother’s son, and it sounds terrible to say, but I am so glad it was him and not Zach,” Susannah said.
“It’s not selfish at all. It’s a relief,” he said.
Back in the hotel, Kyle said, “Why don’t you lie down for a little while. You are emotionally exhausted.
“I’m going to go to a clinic and have my ribs checked. Maybe I can get rid of this tape.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”
“I’m sure, now you take a nap.
He let himself out, and asked for directions to an emergency room.
He showed them the doctor’s orders from the Reno ER, and asked if he could be checked. The middle of the afternoon is a quiet time for most ER’s, since the crazies don’t come out until dark, and he was seen immediately. The doctor removed the tape, and ordered X-Rays. He decided they were healing nicely. After admonishing Kyle to be careful, he did not retape the chest.
Getting the tape off left Kyle in a good mood and he whistled a nameless tune as he drove back to the Marriott.
Kyle's Modern Montana Bride (The New Montana Brides Book 6) Page 5