Page 55 of Forever Fascinating

“No. Everything is black. I can fly back, but I need someone to stay with me, so I know what my heading and altitude are. I really don’t want to fly blind and hope that I judge the ground correctly.”

“Ohhhh ho?! So, now Houdini needs a wingman? Ironic,” Caboose muttered bluntly, causing several men to chuckle tensely as they realized that the man’s words hit very close to home – and he said aloud what everyone else was thinking.

“Can it, Caboose,” Reaper said. “We are all heading back. Houdini, I want that plane in mechanical and you in Reilly’s office, immediately. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Hot Cakes, how’s your plane?”

“I think I’m good,” Hot Cakes announced – and Matthew hoped he wasn’t exaggerating. There was a stream of smoke coming from one of the wings. He could still fly or land even if he lost an engine, but things couldn’t get much worse than that.

All of the planes began to circle around to return to base and there was a tangible relief that shuddered through him as he looked at the nearby planes. He knew about Lieutenant Greene being shot down, how hard the former team had taken it, and he certainly didn’t want to witness something like that firsthand… especially with Jana’s brother.

She would be devastated.

No, despite them keeping things a secret between them, Matthew had unfailingly taken it upon himself to step up to the plate to help Hot Cakes. The pilot would have someone watching his back from here on out – whether he knew it or not…

Not because he was nice to him, or got along with him, but for Jana’s sake. He would never be able to tell her if something happened to her brother, and it certainly wouldn’t be due to his own lack of action.

“Vapor?”

“Sir?” Matthew said in a distracted voice, thinking about Jana and the changes he was making in his own self unwittingly. He wanted to be a better man for her.

“Good job stepping in – thank you, brother,” Reaper said openly on the mic, for everyone to hear.

“Yes, sir.”

“Vapor?” Hot Cakes was speaking. “Thank you.”

“You can be my wingman anytime,” Caboose said quietly. “Dumb name, great guy.”

Several of the men laughed in the mic, causing him to smile like an idiot, feeling almost embarrassed at the attention from the three men he never expected to warm up to him at all.

“Anytime,” Matthew replied quietly, knowing they were all listening. “We’re a team out here. I’ve got your back, my brothers.”

* * *

As everyone landed,exited their planes, and began to walk across the runway… Matthew felt for Houdini as Caboose and Hot Cakes made a beeline for the man who’d failed to protect his assigned pilot – nearly getting Hot Cakes killed.

Reaper stepped in-between the trio immediately.

“Whoa! Stop!” Reaper snarled angrily, looking at them. “Innocent until proven guilty… remember? If he lied about his plane – then I won’t stop you again.”

“What?” Houdini balked.

“Shut your trap!” Reaper barked, barely glancing at the man. “We are a team, and we would do anything for each other, but venting your frustration out on someone,one of our brothers, because you are mad or scared? That isn’t the way!”

“Dereliction of duty, Reaper!” Caboose growled angrily, getting in Reaper’s face, as several of the other men made their way over.

“Caboose, hang on…” Handsy said quietly, laying a hand on the man’s shoulder, pulling him back as Reaper stood there. “He’s our squadron leader and you better back down, brother.”

“He’s right,” Matthew said softly, meeting Handsy’s eyes. “Don’t undermine him because you are angry. Let’s hit the gym instead.”

“A sparring match sounds pretty good,” Handsy chuckled, wrapping an elbow around Hot Cakes and Caboose. “C’mon and I’ll partner with Vapor – while you two goons try to take us down. Are you in, Vapor?”

“I’m in,” Matthew grinned. “Just watch the face. Gotta look good for the girls, you know?”

“… Like Hot Cakes’ sister?” Caboose drawled, sliding a glance towards him.

---