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    Evidence of Mercy
    Evidence of Mercy
    Evidence of Mercy
    Ebook595 pages6 hours

    Evidence of Mercy

    By Terri Blackstock

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    The plane crash nearly ended Lynda's life. Was it an accident or sabotage? Lynda Barrett, a young lawyer, hates to sell her plane, but she can no longer afford to keep it. Enter Jake Stevens: wealthy, arrogant, and interested in buying Lynda's beloved Piper. Together, he and Lynda embark on a test flight that ends in disaster--hurling them into a terrifying sequence of events. One thing becomes clear: Someone is out to get Lynda . . . someone who will not be satisfied until she is dead. This riveting novel takes the reader on a suspense-filled flight into a world where the dark side of human nature meets with a higher power . . . where love finds root in the midst of hatred's savagery . . . and where terrifying and uncontrollable circumstances become the unlikely catalysts for forgiveness and faith.Evidence of Mercy is book one in the Sun Coast Chronicles by award-winning author Terri Blackstock. From absorbing legal drama to lightning-paced action, the Sun Coast Chronicles offers suspense at its finest, tempered with remarkable realism and penetrating insights into the human heart. Look for Ulterior Motives, Justifiable Means, and Presumption of Guilt at your favorite bookstore.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZondervan
    Release dateFeb 23, 2010
    ISBN9780310858560
    Author

    Terri Blackstock

    Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com; Facebook: tblackstock; Twitter: @terriblackstock.  

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    • 3/5
      I think I might have read this book once before (before I started a Shelfari shelf) because I figured out who the culprit was long before it was revealed (earlier than usual--about halfway through the book). I still enjoyed the book though. I wish the book had split a little better in following the inner thoughts of Lynda and Jake/the spiritual journeys of each/their budding friendship and love and the Paige/Brianna/Keith storyline.

      I like Terri Blackstock's books. She has a good blend of suspense/mystery/romance etc. in her storylines.
    • 3/5
      Jake and Linda struggle to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they piece their lives back together after a disastrous plane crash, but with a killer on the loose they're in for a hard battle.

      Blackstock provides a good, fast-paced plot with a continuous string of life-changing, and life-threatening, events. It did seem a bit depressing for awhile when one catastrophe after another batters these characters, but the author's Christian perspective sheds a definite ray of hope. I generally liked the characters and the way they were presented as neither too perfect nor too flawed. The ending seemed a little too "happily-ever-after" to be entirely believable, but it makes for a nice feel-good conclusion. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will probably read others in this series.

    Book preview

    Evidence of Mercy - Terri Blackstock

    CHAPTER ONE

    Solitude—the perfect name for the toy that defined Jake Stevens, not because he liked being alone. He didn’t. He’d always found it better to be surrounded by the right kind of people, and Jake had a knack for collecting friends just like he collected brandy snifters from the cities he’d traveled to. But the only way to be completely autonomous was to be unattached. It was a credo Jake lived by, and it meant that he knew the value of his own solitude. At the top of the pyramid that was Jake’s life, there was only one person—the one he smiled at in the mirror every morning. At thirty-nine, he was just where he’d wanted to be at this point in his life. Unfettered and financially fluid, he had the world by the tail, and today he was going to bag it and take it home.

    Ignoring the doorman who greeted him, he trotted down the steps in front of the Biltmore. At the bottom of the steps, his red Porsche idled as the valet got out. Hey, put the top down, will ya? Jake called down.

    The kid, who looked no more than eighteen, knew exactly how to do it, and as the top began to buzz back, Jake’s attention was snatched away by the blonde on her way up the steps. She was college aged, probably twenty years his junior, but he’d never found that to be a problem. Tipping his sunglasses, he gave her that engaging grin that had always worked for him before.

    She smiled back, as they always did, and slowed her step as he came toward her.

    I’m not usually this blunt, Ma’am, but I’ve learned over the years that if I let an opportunity slip by me, I sometimes never get it again. And you are, by far, the most beautiful woman I’ve laid eyes on since I pulled into St. Clair yesterday.

    She laughed, as though she’d heard the line before, but it didn’t seem to hurt his chances. I’m Sarah, she said. Are you staying in the hotel?

    Yes, he said, and if I had time, I’d turn around and escort you right back inside. But alas— He threw his hand dramatically over his heart and sighed heavily as she laughed again. I have to be somewhere—to look at a plane I’m thinking about buying. He waited a beat for her to be sufficiently impressed, and when her eyebrows lifted slightly, he went on. Now, I don’t want you to think I’m the kind of guy who hits on every woman he sees, but do you think, by any chance, you’d care to meet a lonely transplanted Texan for drinks later? I can call you when I get back.

    He knew he wasn’t imagining the sparkle in her eye, for he’d seen it many times before. I’m in room 323, she answered. But if I’m not there, I’ll probably be out by the pool.

    The pool, he thought with a grin. Perfect. I’ll call as soon as I get back.

    You haven’t told me your name yet.

    Oh, yeah, he said. Jake. Jake Stevens.

    But already he’d forgotten hers. The room number was all that really mattered. Waving, he trotted the rest of the way down the steps. Tossing a five-dollar bill at the valet, he slid behind the wheel.

    Florida was great, he told himself as he pulled onto Highway 19. Opportunities everywhere he looked. It was pure luck that he’d gotten transferred here. He only wished he could spend less time house hunting and more time playing in the few days he had left before he had to report to work.

    He pulled up to a stoplight and leaned his head back on the headrest, letting the morning rays of sunlight beat down on his face. The wind was picking up, haphazardly blowing his hair. I should stop somewhere and get a haircut, he thought, glancing into his mirror. But it didn’t look so bad a little longer, and the women seemed to like it. Idly, he decided to wait.

    The stoplight didn’t change, and he started to get irritated.

    Traffic often made him feel out of control, and there was nothing he hated worse.

    He glanced around at the billboards that dominated the four corners and saw one for his favorite cognac, another for a restaurant near Honeymoon Island, a third for the outlet mall, a fourth for a television station.

    The light still hadn’t changed, and he began to perspire. He flicked on the air conditioner, knowing that it would do little to combat the heat with the top down, but Jake had never been one to let logic interfere with his quest for comfort.

    When the light flashed green, Jake stepped on the accelerator and flicked on the radio. The wind in his ears made it impossible to hear, so finally he turned it off and tried to concentrate instead on the new toy he was going to buy—a Piper Arrow PA 28. Just what he needed to make life complete.

    Once he had it, he would finally have everything he wanted.

    The wind was too strong for a leisurely afternoon test flight, and Lynda Barrett wished she’d scheduled it for another day . . . another month . . . another year. But this fellow Jake Stevens was her first potential buyer, and she had already delayed showing him the plane as long as she dared; she didn’t have the luxury of waiting any longer. The maddening thing about listing something for sale is that, sooner or later, someone will buy it.

    Lynda stood on the wing of the Piper, gently polishing the name she’d had painted on the side when she’d bought it two years ago. Solitude. This plane was her escape, her refuge from the pressures of her job as an attorney. She would rather have sold her home, her father’s home, and everything else either of them owned than the plane.

    But she had tried selling both houses, and there hadn’t been any buyers. Now the only way she could see to get a start on paying off the enormous debts her father had bequeathed her was to sell her favorite possession—the only thing she had that anyone seemed to want to buy.

    The wind picked up, blowing an empty paper cup across the tarmac. Her eyes followed it—until she saw Gordon Addison leaning against the wall of the hangar, smoking a cigarette. He was watching her the way he always did, with that narrow-eyed look that gave her chills. He hadn’t spoken to her in weeks, not since she’d come up with her fifth excuse not to go out with him. He was the one thing about this airport she wouldn’t miss when she sold her plane.

    Moving to the other side of the wing so he couldn’t see her so easily, she looked into the wind and ran her fingertips over the cold, smooth metal of the fuselage. She remembered the day she bought Solitude. It had meant that she’d finally risen above the humdrum existence of her parents—whose lives consisted of Jeopardy and macaroni-and-cheese. Lynda had had a plan—to have more, to do more, to be more. Buying the plane had meant that she had finally arrived.

    As her love for the plane had grown, she had begun casting off friends, as though they exceeded the weight limit of the baggage she could carry. She had shaken off her hobbies, her clubs, and her church in order to free up more time to spend in the cockpit. The cockpit she was about to sell. Where would she anchor herself once the plane was gone?

    Shaking off her quicksand depression, Lynda went back to polishing the plane. The prospective buyer would be here any minute, and she supposed she should be practicing some kind of sales pitch. She did need the money after all. But somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she was still hoping some miracle would keep her from having to go through with the sale.

    She heard the sound of a car and turned around. Across the tarmac, a red Porsche was weaving through the parked planes, as if the driver had a perfect right to drive wherever he pleased. Lynda stopped polishing and watched as he made his way toward her.

    The man who got out was in his late thirties and sported a dark tan and designer clothes that mocked his attempt to look casual. He grinned up at her, a cocky grin that set her instantly on guard. This isn’t a parking lot, she called down.

    It’s okay, he said. I parked here yesterday when I looked at the plane, and nobody objected. I’m Jake Stevens.

    The confidence with which he uttered his name riled her, and she resisted the urge to say, "Oh, well. Since you’re Jake Stevens—"

    Climbing down, she eyed him more closely. He was too good-looking, too self-assured, and probably had too much money. The combination made her dislike him instantly.

    Grudgingly, she extended her hand. I’m Lynda Barrett.

    I figured as much, he said. Did Mike tell you I came yesterday?

    Yes. He said you’d want to take a test flight today.

    I wanted to take one yesterday, but he had a problem with it.

    He runs the airport, she said, but he doesn’t own this plane. I do, and I was in court.

    So he said. He took off his Ray Bans and dropped them into his shirt pocket, as if by showing her his mesmerizing eyes he might soften her mood a bit. No problem, though. Today’s as good a day as any.

    Not really, she said, looking into the breeze. The wind’s a little stronger than I like.

    Not for me. I can handle it.

    The ego behind his words made her grin slightly. Of course you can. So, Lindbergh, any questions you wanted to ask about the plane?

    He cocked his head at her barb. No, but I might have a few about its owner.

    Such as.

    Such as, where you get your attitude?

    "My attitude?" She breathed a laugh and shook her head, her comeback forming on the tip of her tongue. But something stopped her. No need to make him angry, she told herself. Unfortunately, this is business. Sighing, she took a stab at honesty. Look, I guess I’m just having a little trouble with this. I’m not looking forward to selling my plane.

    I don’t blame you. Walking under the Piper, he checked the wing flaps and glanced back at her. I looked it over pretty well yesterday. You’ve really maintained it.

    I spend all my spare time taking care of it, she said. She watched him drain a little fuel from the wing sump and fought the proprietary urge to tell him to keep his hands off her plane. Did Mike let you see the log books?

    Yeah, and the maintenance records. He was able to answer most of my questions, but he didn’t really know why you were selling it.

    Lynda’s stomach tightened. Financial reasons.

    Your law practice isn’t doing well?

    My practice is fine, thank you.

    Frowning, he turned back to her. Excuse me for asking, but before I sink a wad into a plane like this, I need to know the real reason you want to sell.

    I told you the real reason.

    Okay, okay. Don’t get so hot. Save it for something worthwhile.

    It was his type that she hated she finally realized, and this guy fit every macho stereotype she could think of. You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?

    Sometimes. Grinning, he checked the engine sump and the oil, and Lynda watched, shaking her head at his arrogance.

    The attitude, she thought. Her attitude was coming back again, filling her with bitterness, and somehow she had to fight it. Taking a deep breath, she tried to change the subject. How long have you been flying?

    About twenty years, he said. Right now I fly a 747 for TSA Airlines.

    Lynda raised her eyebrows. Then why would you want your own plane? I’d think you’d be tired of flying when you aren't working.

    Jake went to the propellers and ran his hands along the blades. Flying for work and flying for pleasure are two different things. There’s nothing like leaving the world behind and being up there all alone without anybody telling you where to go.

    Lynda looked up at the sky and realized that, finally, they had found common ground. It’s a sanctuary, she said quietly. If my church could blueprint that feeling, they’d pack the pews every Sunday.

    He looked around the prop, eyeing her narrowly. Oh, no. You’re not one of those, are you?

    Those what?

    Those flower-selling, tract-passing, baloney-flinging religion junkies.

    She couldn’t decide whether to be offended or not. Do you mean Christians?

    Whatever they call themselves, he said, turning back to the plane. I attract them, you know. They flock to me in airports like I’m wearing a sign that says, ‘Try me. I’ll believe anything.’

    I’ve never sold flowers or passed out tracts or flung baloney, and you certainly don’t attract me. At the moment, the only thing I’m trying to sell you is my plane.

    Chuckling slightly, he touched the name painted on the side. "I like what you named it. Solitude. It fits me. I think I’ll keep the name."

    You haven’t even decided to buy it yet.

    No, but I’m really interested. It’s the best I’ve found for the money.

    You’d better fly it first. It’s a big step down from a 747 to a single engine.

    No kidding.

    You might not like it.

    His grin returned. You’re trying to talk me out of it, aren’t you?

    No, of course not.

    He stepped up onto the wing, opened the door, and turned back to her. Come on, get in. Let’s see what she can do.

    Reluctantly Lynda followed him up and slipped into the seat next to him. She attributed the feeling of dread taking hold of her heart to her despair that she might have to surrender the plane today.

    CHAPTER TWO

    Am I making you nervous?" Jake glanced at her as he pitched the plane downward then pulled back up, like a Thunderbird performing for his fans.

    I always get nervous when my life is in the hands of a psychopath. Gripping the edge of her gray vinyl seat, she closed her eyes as he dove again. You know, you won’t get a good feel for the ride if you keep showboating.

    He laughed and brought it back up. I’d forgotten how much lighter this feels. I love the hands-on quality instead of everything being so automatic. The pilot is in complete control.

    I knew you were one of those control types.

    He laughed. Don’t tell me you’re not. You wouldn’t own a plane like this if you didn’t like being in control.

    She looked out the window and saw the airport growing smaller below them. I don’t fly for control, she said quietly.

    Then why do you?

    Because unless I’m in the company of an aspiring stunt pilot who asks a lot of questions, I can think up here. Reflect.

    So how long have you been hiding up here in your Piper?

    She shot him a look. I’ve had the plane for two years if that’s what you mean. The best two years of my life.

    He chuckled. You almost sound like you’re talking about a husband.

    Oh, no. A plane can give a lot more pleasure than grief. Not like a husband at all.

    Those are the words of a bitter woman. You must be divorced.

    His presumptions amazed her. Actually, I’ve never been married. And I’m not bitter. Just smart. Her eyes trailed back out the window, and she wished he’d hurry and land so they could get this transaction over with.

    Me either, he said. I try not to strap on anything I can live without.

    Lynda laughed out loud, surprising him. You’ve got to be kidding. You could live without that Porsche you drove up in or that Rolex on your wrist or that diamond cluster on your finger? Those are not the trappings of a man who likes to keep things simple.

    Hey, I never said I don’t like a little self-indulgence now and then. Besides, we were talking about spouses, not possessions.

    We were talking about keeping things simple, she said. I’m just pointing out your contradictions.

    He was getting annoyed, and something about that pleased her. It’s not a contradiction to want a few material things. I’m a firm believer in going after whatever makes you happy.

    Is that what all those things do? Make you happy?

    Don’t I look like a happy guy?

    She smiled, unable to help herself. But owning a plane would make you happier?

    You got it, darlin’. It made you happy, didn’t it?

    Yeah, she whispered. It did most of the time. That melancholy fell over her again, and she tried to steer her mind from imagining what life would be without Solitude.

    I’d like to close the deal as soon as possible, Jake said, cutting into her thoughts. When we land, we can discuss the particulars. She sighed. I guess the sooner the better. Are you ready to land now?

    Sure, he said. I’ve seen what I need to see.

    Taking the radio mike from its hook, she held it to her mouth. St. Clair Unicom—Cherokee 1–0–1–2 Delta. We’re ready to land, Mike.

    Mike’s voice crackled in their headphones. All clear, Lynda. No traffic reported. Runway 4.

    She glanced at Jake as he began to fly parallel to the right side of the runway. I’ll land, if you want me to.

    I’ve got it, he said.

    She watched out the window as he boxed around the airport and began his descent, and her heart grew heavier. Absently, her fingertips stroked the soft gray cloth of the seats that were so comfortable to her, and she wondered if she’d ever find another sanctuary that was quite as fulfilling. Jake was getting a real bargain, and she was the big loser. She almost wished she hadn’t cleaned the charcoal carpet last week or polished the instrument panel or vacuumed the cloth ceiling. All those things only contributed to the comfort and luxury of the quiet cabin. If it had been dirty or ragged or badly maintained, maybe he wouldn’t have wanted it.

    Jake reached for the lever to release the landing gear, and a short whirring sound followed as it started lowering. But the sound was too short, and Lynda shot a look at the instruments.

    Is there something wrong with these lights? Jake asked.

    Lynda checked the gear indicator lights. According to them, the landing gear hadn’t gone down. She leaned up and grabbed the lever. Nothing happened.

    I heard them go down before, Jake said. Didn’t you hear it?

    It didn’t sound right, Lynda said. Either they’re jammed, or the light’s not working. Pull up.

    She waited as Jake aborted the landing and climbed again. I’ll check the circuit breaker, she said. Keep trying the lever.

    Jake tried again and failed, as Lynda pressed on the circuit breaker marked gear.

    It seems okay, she said, maintaining her calm. Let me pump it down manually.

    Gripping the hand pump between the seats, she tried to pump it down by hand, but the light still wouldn’t come on.

    Here, let me, he said, trying to move her hand.

    Something’s wrong, she said, surrendering it. The pump moves too easily, and nothing happens.

    Jake tried it, his face growing tense. It has to be a busted hose, or there’d be more resistance.

    No, she argued. It can’t be. It just can’t.

    But she couldn’t think of anything else it could be, and as panic began to rise inside her, she tried it again.

    There was nothing Mike Morgan hated worse than a hotdogger playing with a plane as though it were a paper kite. Aggravated, he watched out the window as the plane feigned a landing, then pulled up at the last minute.

    It couldn’t be Lynda flying, he told himself, sitting in his makeshift control tower that looked more like a concession booth. Lynda had too much respect for her plane. It had to be the arrogant guy who belonged to that red Porsche. Grabbing his microphone, he called up to the plane to put a stop to this.

    Cherokee 1–2 Delta—St. Clair Unicom. What’s with the touch-and-go’s, Lynda?

    He waited for an answer, and when he didn’t get one, he pushed the button again. Lynda? Do you read me?

    Finally, he heard her voice. We’re having a little problem with our landing gear, Mike. We’re not sure whether it’s down or not.

    Oh, no, he said to himself then glanced out at the plane circling overhead.

    Mike, we’re going to do a flyby. Could you come out and see if the gear’s down?

    Mike grabbed his binoculars with his left hand and pressed the button again with his right. Affirmative, Lynda.

    Then dashing through the glass doors, he tried to see just how much trouble they were really in.

    Cherokee 1–2 Delta—St. Clair Unicom. You reading me, Lynda?"

    1–2 Delta. Bracing herself, Lynda looked over at Jake, whose temples glistened with perspiration. How does it look, Mike?

    Worse than we thought, guys. The landing gear is only partially down, and one looks like it’s down further than the other.

    Jake swore, and Lynda closed her eyes and tried to let the news sink in.

    "We can’t even do a smooth belly landing if it’s partially down! Jake said. And if it’s not locked all the way down, it could squirrel all over the place."

    Even if it’s locked where it is, we’ll land lopsided, she said. We’ll lose a wing and cartwheel.

    Jake grabbed the microphone out of her hand. Mike, could you see any oil?

    I was just getting to that, Mike said. It looks like there could be oil streaming down the belly behind the gear. Did you try to pump it manually?

    Lynda and Jake exchanged worried looks, and Lynda took the mike back. We tried, Mike. It has to be a loose hose.

    Jake snatched the microphone again. Mike, we’re gonna have to take our chances and land with what we’ve got.

    No! Lynda shouted. We could crash! My plane would be destroyed.

    Not to mention its passengers! he shouted back at her. But there isn’t enough fuel for us to stay up here long enough for a miracle, so unless you’ve got any better ideas. . . .

    Viciously, Lynda tried the hand pump again and then the automatic lever, as if the plane might have healed itself in the last few minutes.

    Finally giving up, she took the mike back. "It won’t go up or down, Mike. He’s right. We don’t have any choice."

    I’m so glad you agree, Jake said caustically.

    Lynda ignored him.

    I don’t see any alternative either, Lynda, Mike admitted. This could be bad. The wind isn’t gonna help any. This crosswind could be a nightmare.

    Yeah, she said, and if the gear isn’t down all the way, then our brakes aren’t working, either. And the fire hazard. . . .

    Jake jerked the mike back. If we had a choice, Mike, we’d sure find another way. But we don’t. Are you ready for us or not?

    No, not yet, Mike said. It’ll take some preparation. Just stand by, and I’ll get back to you.

    Silence followed, and Jake set the microphone back on its hook and continued circling the airport.

    For a moment, neither of them spoke.

    It was the closest Lynda had ever been to death, yet she didn’t feel the peace she had always thought she’d feel. She wasn’t ready to die—not mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Wasn’t there supposed to be a warning so good-byes could be said, apologies made, and affairs put in order? She just wasn’t supposed to take off into the sky on a morning test flight and then never come back down.

    I hope somebody moves my Porsche, Jake said, eyeing the small airport below them.

    Again, Lynda was amazed. We’re about to crash, and all you care about is your car?

    His expression betrayed his growing anger. You’re the one who cared more about your plane surviving than the people in it.

    "Hey, I’m in it. I’m not crazy about the prospect of death either!"

    Wiping his forehead with the back of his sleeve, he said, Look, we don’t have time for this. We have to get ready, whether we like it or not. I’ll land the plane. I have more experience with emergencies.

    "You don’t have experience with this plane, Lindbergh. The weight’s different, and you don’t have a feel for it. You might bring it down too hard, and with this crosswind—"

    How many real emergency landings have you ever made? he cut in.

    None. But I know—

    I’ve had two, he said. "I’m landing the plane."

    This is no time for ego!

    You’re right. It’s not.

    Livid, they stared at each other neither wanting to back down. Suddenly, the cabin seemed too small for both of them, and she wished she could put more space between them. If she could just breathe. . . .

    On the verge of tears, she said, "All right, maybe you are more experienced. You land it, and I’ll cut off the engine and the fuel. We’ll need to shut everything off before we touch down. This is gonna take both of us."

    Cursing, Jake tried the pump again, his hands trembling. When it was obvious how hopeless it was, he sent another expletive flying and slammed his hand into the instrument panel. Piece of trash! Don’t you ever check your landing gear?

    Of course I do, she said. I’ve never had any problem with it at all! I just had an annual three months ago, and everything was fine.

    A pilot should know every inch of his plane!

    "I didn’t notice you sticking your head up the wheel well on the preflight!"

    "It’s your plane. He wiped his forehead again. Are you sure you weren’t just trying to unload it on some poor soul before you had to foot some major repair bills?"

    Her mouth fell open. I didn’t even want to sell it! If my father hadn’t died and left me a mountain of debts, you wouldn’t even be here!

    Lucky me.

    Again, thick silence filled the cabin, and she told herself she wouldn’t cry. She couldn’t do what had to be done if her eyes were blurry with tears. Look, we have to try to get this plane down without either of us getting killed. Now, if we could just—

    Cherokee 1–2 Delta, the radio cut in. St. Clair Unicom.

    Lynda took the microphone. 1–2 Delta. Go ahead, Mike.

    We’re trying to clear the runway, but we need a little time to clear the tarmac, too, so no other planes are damaged. Just hang on for a few minutes. You have plenty of fuel, don’t you?

    Enough to blow us to kingdom come, Jake muttered.

    She sighed and checked the gauge. About forty minutes’ worth.

    Well, Mike said, it won’t hurt to burn some of that off to cut down on the fire hazard. While we’re waiting, is there anyone either of you would like for us to contact? Jake?

    Jake hesitated for a moment, racking his brain for someone who would care. The little blonde on the steps came to mind, but he only remembered her room number, not her name. He thought of his boss, but in case things came out all right, he was afraid of the conclusions the airline might draw about the crash landing.

    Dismally, he realized that there really wasn’t anyone.

    Jake? Mike prompted. Do you read me?

    Jake took the mike. Nobody, okay? I don’t want you to contact anybody.

    He couldn’t escape the long look Lynda gave him.

    Lynda?

    Jake handed the mike to her and saw the emotion pulling at her face. Yes, she said quietly. Contact Sally Crawford at 555–2312. Tell her to cancel all my appointments for this afternoon. But you don’t have to do it now, Mike. Wait until . . . afterward, so she won’t have to sweat this out.

    Jake gaped at her. "Cancel your appointments?"

    Her face turned rock hard, and she didn’t answer him.

    Don’t you have a mother or a lover or somebody? he asked.

    No.

    So the closest person to you is your secretary? That’s pretty pathetic.

    Her face reddened. "Who do you think you are? At least I had somebody to call. What about your mother or a close friend or even an enemy or two? Surely you must have a couple of women somewhere who’d be interested in knowing you’re about to buy the farm!"

    His jaw popped. Both of my parents are dead. And I’d rather admit there was no one than to hide behind some secretary and all those important appointments.

    If I wanted someone, I could have someone. There are plenty— Her voice cracked, and she cut herself off, unable to go on. Tears came to her eyes, making her angrier, and she struggled to hold them back.

    But right now there’s no one who cares that you’re probably about to die. You’re just as alone as I am.

    There are worse things than dying alone! Lynda threw back at him.

    Are there? His voice softened by degrees, and as he looked out the window at the activity on the tarmac below them, he said, Right now it seems to me that the worst thing in the world is. . . .

    What? she asked. What is the worst thing in the world?

    Dying with a total stranger.

    The reality of that concept knocked the breath from her, and she fought the conflicting feelings assaulting her. As her first tears fell, they were both quiet, embroiled in battle with their own raging thoughts.

    Her tears softened him, and finally, he let out a long, weary breath. You’re right, you know. There’re at least three women who would like to see me burn.

    They probably have good reason, she whispered.

    Yeah, probably. I guess if you condemn a man for not wanting to tie himself to one woman for life, I deserve what I get.

    Life isn’t really that long, though, is it?

    Not lately, he said.

    He looked out the window, searching the area around the airport. If we could just find a pasture or something to land in. If we landed in the dirt, it would cut down on the fire hazard.

    The joys of flying in this part of Florida. Nothing but pavement and swamp. And the swamp has too many trees for a water landing.

    It might not be so bad if the gas tank weren’t so low. I think I could get us down on the belly, maybe without cartwheeling, but the sparks could start a fire.

    Maybe they won’t, she

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