Family Ties — читать онлайн бесплатно полностью

I sat there for a moment and let the adrenaline wear off before I removed my headset and hung it on the hook.

Christy did the same beside me. Then she unbuckled her seatbelt, climbed to her knees, and kissed me.

“Not that I’m complaining,” I said after, “but what was that for?”

“For being the most awesome boyfriend ever. That was amazing. It was kinda scary at the end, but you were incredible!”

“Thanks. I thought we might have to go around again when that gust caught us.”

“My stomach still hasn’t settled down.

“No kidding,” I said. “I’m really glad we left South Carolina when we did.”

“Hold that thought,” I said at last. The squall line was even closer, and I could see the rain slanting along its leading edge. “We’d better get a move on if we don’t wanna get soaked.”

She nodded and leaned out of the way so I could unlatch the door. She pulled the handle, and the door blew open in a strong gust. She climbed onto the wing, and her blonde hair immediately whipped around her face. The wind felt heavy with moisture when I followed her out.

“Grab our stuff from the baggage compartment,” I told her. “I need to tie the plane down.”

We made it to the FBO just as the rain hit. Earl Walker and a couple of his cronies were there.

“Nice landing,” he said. “We were taking bets on how many times you’d bounce.”

“Me, of course.” He turned to his buddies. “Taught him everything he knows.”

“And did a fine job, too,” I said. “Good to see you, Earl.

“And you. Who’s your little friend?”

“Earl, this is my girlfriend, Christy, the cutest copilot ever. Christy, this is Earl Walker, Air Force vet and flight instructor extraordinaire.”

They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. We chatted for a few minutes about where we were coming from and why. Earl and friends offered their condolences and then he changed the subject.

“When’re you gonna start your multi-engine rating?”

“Funny you should mention that,” I said.

“Nice plane. We have one here if you’d like to get your rating in it.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I said. “Let me get through the holidays and then I’ll give you a call once my schedule settles down.”

“All right.” He glanced through the windows. “In the meantime, looks like you’re gonna get a break in the weather. Dunno how long it’ll last.”

“Then we’d better make a run for it,” I said.