Page 82 of Final Approach
“Without using the words, she basically said I liked to play it safe. I haven’t told her or Ethan or even my dad about my lessons, so we weren’t talking about that, but the conversation led me to connect the dots for this. Solo flying wouldn’t be playing it safe.”
“Since when have you ever played it safe?”
She shot him a sad smile. “You’d be surprised.”
“Come on. Being an air marshal isn’t exactly playing it safe.”
“Well, it’s not like you guys. On the front lines fighting crimes, going undercover with gangs, handling hostage situations, being on SWAT and whatnot. I handle drunks and the occasional ragey flier. Discounting most recent events that have nothing to do with my job, I’ve never been shot at or even had to draw my weapon. So ... yeah, I’ve mostly played it safe because I’ve been able to. I mean, my father would disagree, but nevertheless, it’s true.”
“Okay, when you put it like that, but still...”
“Yeah.”
“And you’ve trained, worked hard to get your license, done everything you’re supposed to do to fly solo. Safely. People do it every day. Why do you say that’s not playing it safe?”
“One of the reasons, I think, is because if something happens and I crash and die, then it would be something I did to myself—and my family. The hijacking situation, being chased by gang members and getting shot at, is something that was donetome. That’s pretty much out of my control other than fighting back. This solo flying thing, though? I can control that and it’s something that could take me away from people who love me. Who’ve made it very clear they still need me. And I think that’s why I’m so hesitant. Which is weird, because when I’m with my instructor, Mac, I don’t even think about all that. Much.”
“Do you enjoy flying?”
She smiled. “Yeah, I love it.” And frowned. “I just...” Her smile vanished and she bit her lip. “I had a bad experience. Went up for my first flight and the engine went out on me.”
He gasped. “What happened?”
“It was a glitch in the engine. I obviously managed to get it started again and land safely, but now, I want to hurl every time I think about flying solo. I think about what could have happened. I think about Emily and Ethan and even my dad and the effect it would have on them.”
“I can see why you’d be a little hesitant about going up again.” He fell quiet, then said, “Maybe if you talked to Emily and Ethan about it, it would help settle that?”
She studied him. “Maybe. Or maybe it would completely freak them out. They’re supportive of what I do. At least when I work, I have two highly qualified pilots flying the plane. I’m not sure Emily and Ethan would like the whole solo flying thing. I know how my father would feel.”
“I’m sorry, Kristine. That’s tough. I get what you’re saying, but maybe by talking it all out with them—” His phone pinged. “We’ll have to continue this another time. We’ve got the green light.”
EIGHTEEN
Kristine’s phone rang just as she reached Emily’s room. It was Cole. She swiped the screen and stood outside the door. “Hey, Cole, what’s up?”
“There’s no easy way to tell you this, but I’ve been monitoring the investigation on Emily’s car wreck.”
Kristine frowned and stilled. “Okay. And?”
“The brakes were tampered with.”
Weak-kneed took on a whole new meaning as she leaned against the wall to stay upright. “Dana was driving. It was her car.”
“The detectives are looking into her background to see if anyone has a grudge or if there’s a disgruntled boyfriend, but so far nothing’s turning up suspicious.”
“Right.” She ran a hand over her head, then pressed her fingers against her eyes. “I’m at the hospital with Emily. Let me talk to her and see what she has to say.”
“Tate and his new partner are on the way to question her. They need an official statement.”
“Of course. All right.”
“Just wanted you to know.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the heads-up.” They said their goodbyes, and she walked into Emily’s room to find her sitting up in bedeating a bowl of something that was probably supposed to be orange Jell-O. Or trying to eat. With her left hand in a cast up to her elbow, she was struggling. She was alone and Kristine was glad. She wanted some time with her sister without anyone else listening, because this wasn’t going to be an easy conversation. Seemed to be all she had lately. Difficult conversations. “Want some help with that?”
Emily looked up and pushed the cup aside. “No. I managed to get all I wanted. I’d rather have cherry.”
“I’ll let Naomi or Leanna know. They’ll make it happen.”
