Free Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon

the territory, she’d met a number of remarkable people. Kate figured the ones who moved to Alaska were likely adventure seekers, which made them different right from the start. And the ones who stayed had to be the hardiest of all. She was determined to be one of those.
    The airfield came into sight and her stomach did a little flip. She stopped and pushed down her nerves. I can do this.
    When Kate stepped into the shop, Sidney stood beside a bench laden with tools and airplane parts. He straightened and glanced at the clock. “You’re early.” He smiled, which made his boyish face look even younger.
    “Better than being late.”
    “Got that right.” He wiped his hands on a rag. “Work never ends. You know anything about plane engines?”
    “Just enough to get me back in the air when I’m stuck on the ground, at least most of the time.”
    The door opened and a thickset man with short black hair stepped into the room. He flung the door shut with a bang. Full lips clamped themselves around a cigar. In spite of the stogie, the man managed to scowl.
    I hope he’s not Mike.
    “Hey, Jack, I’d like you to meet our new pilot, Kate Evans. She’s going to take the inlet run.”
    “Heard you’d hired a dame.” The cigar bounced as he talked.
    Wearing a frown, Sidney said, “Kate, this is Jack Rydell, one of my pilots.”
    “Your best pilot.” Jack pressed his backside against the workbench, crossed his legs at the ankles, and folded his arms over his chest. “Been flying Alaska for eight years, and I’m the best aviator you’ll find in the territory.”
    Sidney shook his head. “And the most modest.”
    “Pleasure to meet you,” Kate said, extending a hand, thankful the ill-mannered man wasn’t Mike.
    Jack grasped it halfheartedly, then turned to Sidney. “Thought I had a trip this morning.”
    “You do.”
    “Where’re my riders?”
    “Simmer down. They called in and they’re running late. They’ll get here.”
    “I don’t have time to laze around while a bunch of trigger-happy hunters try to get their . . .” He looked at Kate, then continued, “Get their stuff together. It’s just a scouting trip.” He moved toward the door. “Guess I’ll give my plane a once-over while I wait.” He walked out of the building, slamming the door behind him.
    Sidney shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder why I keep him around.”
    “Why do you?” Kate asked without thinking, then wondered if she was being too forward. After all, this was her first day.
    He looked at Kate with resignation. “He’s a good pilot.”
    The door opened again and Kate prepared for another onslaught from Jack. Instead, it was a young man who looked as if he’d never seen a stressful day in his life. He stepped into the doorway. Fingers tucked into his pants pockets, he leaned his slender frame against the doorjamb. A quiet smile rested on his lips as his pale blue eyes sized up Kate. “So, you’re my student?” He lifted off his cap, revealing unruly brown hair.
    Kate felt her skin prickle. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but he wasn’t it—he was much too good looking. Propelling herself forward, she held out a hand. “I’m Kate Evans.”
    “Mike Conlin.” He snapped a piece of gum he was chewing and winked, but his grip was firm. “Nice to meet you.” He turned his attention to Sidney. “So, how much mail we got today?”
    “Plenty. Be glad for good weather.”
    “Better get to it, then.” Mike stuffed his cap in his back pocket.
    “Already packed it for you,” Sidney said.
    “Thanks.” Mike looked at Kate. “So, you ready?”
    “I am.” Kate tried to sound confident, but felt anything but. So much was riding on her doing a good job. If she botched this, there’d be no other chances.
    Hauling two canvas bags, Mike led the way to the airfield. Kate followed, a box tucked under one arm and a heavy sack draped over her shoulder. She wondered just how big a route she’d be covering. There was a lot