Free Search for the Phoenix: Phoenix Series Book 2 by Jim Proctor Page B

away.”
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “I know how that feels. I lost my husband recently.”
    “I’m sorry. I lost my Sally four years ago. Since then, it’s just been me and Shelby. You know what I’ve learned? It’s worse if you keep frettin’ over it and livin’ in the past. If you want my advice, either get yourself a new man or get a dog. Personally, I’d go for the dog. They’re better company.”
    Megan laughed. “Maybe I’ll do that.”
    “Well, that’s it, ma’am. You’re all filled up. Are you heading back out tonight?” he asked.
    “No. I plan to get some sleep and leave in the morning,” she replied.
    “There’s a hotel just up the road a bit. Do you want a ride?”
    “No, thank you. That’s very kind of you. I’m going to sleep in my aircar.”
    “The hotel has nice beds,” he said, “and it’s cheap.”
    Megan smiled. “It’s not the money. My friend is already asleep in the back, and I’d hate to wake him up just to go up the road to the hotel. We’ll be fine.” She looked around. “I was assigned pad eighteen. Can you tell me where it is? The numbers aren’t easy to find in the dark.”
    “Awe, heck, don’t worry about it. Just take your pick of any open pad. It won’t matter.”
    “Thanks,” she said as she handed him her payment card. He swiped it through the reader and handed it back.
    “I hope you and your gentleman friend have a nice night,” he said. “Come on, Shelby, it’s time to go back inside.” The dog turned and ran over to the attendant, walking next to him toward the building.
    “Hey!” she yelled. “I forgot to ask your name.”
    He stopped and turned around. “Name’s Hank,” he said with a wave. “What’s your name?”
    “Megan.”
    “Nice to meet you, Megan,” he said, and then turned and continued on his way with Shelby by his side. Megan watched Hank and Shelby walk to the building and enter. Hank waved again from the doorway before he pulled the door shut.
    She climbed into her aircar and closed the door. Taking Hank at his word, she moved the ship to the nearest empty pad. After shutting down the drive system, she went to the back of the ship, slipped out of her clothes, and climbed into bed. “Goodnight, Nolan, wherever you are,” she said to the quiet darkness. “I hope you’re safe.”

Chapter 7
     
    The Independence slipped away as Nolan held the throttle open, trying to catch her. The fuel gauge crept downward as the jets burned. Judging large distances in space was nearly impossible by eye, but he was pretty sure the gap between himself and the ship was no longer growing. Ten percent fuel left, and now he thought the gap was decreasing. He’d burn a little longer, until he was sure he was moving toward the ship, and then he’d shut down and coast for a while. He had to save some fuel to match the ship’s speed when he got there, or he’d slam into the hull or fly past going the other direction. Sweat was rolling down his face, getting into his eyes and making it hard to see. He knew he was now closing on the Independence. Just a bit longer, to make sure I have enough velocity to reach her, and then I’ll shut down.
    The Independence was definitely getting closer. Closing the throttle, he checked his fuel. He had just three percent remaining. That wouldn’t be enough to match the ship’s speed when he got there. His pulse was racing, his breathing much too fast for the suit’s scrubber to handle. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and held it, hoping to keep from hyperventilating. He imagined Megan flying across Caldon on her way to visit Uncle Ethan. She was going to love the old man, and his horses, too. No matter what happened to him up here, she was going to have two wonderful weeks down there. Then he realized she would never know what had happened to him, how he had died. He simply wouldn’t return. She’d come back to Dawson spaceport, expecting to meet him, and he wouldn’t be there. She’d