Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon

own boss, nothing I can do. And the people flying with him should be able to think for themselves.” Sidney shook his head. “Jack’ll catch it one day. He’s got bush pilot’s syndrome bad. A close shave’ll usually cure most pilots, but not Jack. Only makes him feel more invincible.”
    “Is Mike out?” Kate asked, feeling a prickle of fear.
    “He’s in Talkeetna. Figure he’ll stay put until the weather clears. He’s mostly levelheaded.” Sidney finished off his coffee, then walked to the stove and refilled his cup.
    Kate watched the black liquid dribble into the tin. “Don’t know how you drink that stuff. It’s got more bite than a mama bear.”
    Sidney kept his eyes on Kate and took an extra-large slurp. “Ahh, good and strong, just the way I like it. You need to adapt your taste buds.” He grinned, then with his voice laden with concern, said, “Frank’s still out.”
    “Where is he?”
    “Fairbanks. The storm’s coming down from the north. Figured he’d put in a call by now. Haven’t heard anything yet.”
    “Frank’ll be okay. He’s the most sensible one of us all.” Kate grabbed a piece of peppermint candy from a dish that Sidney kept on his desk. Using her tongue, she pushed it into her cheek. “So, when do I get to take out something other than mail? I’m ready.”
    “You think a month of flying makes you ready?”
    “I’ve been in a plane most of my life.”
    “Not up here you haven’t.” He set his cup on the desk. “I know you’re antsy to take on more, but caution’s your best bet.”
    “How long did Mike have to wait before he was given real runs? Or Jack?”
    Sidney shifted his gaze away from Kate. “That’s different.”
    “How is it different?”
    “Well, they’re—”
    “Men?”
    Sidney clenched his jaw.
    “It’s not fair. And you know it. I can fly with the best of them.” Kate’s frustration drove her to push harder. “I understand the treatment from guys like Kenny and Jack, but I figured I’d get better from you.”
    Annoyance flickered in Sidney’s eyes, and Kate knew she’d gone too far. If she wanted to keep her job, she’d best retreat. She stomped to the door, opened it, then stopped and turned to look at Sidney. “I’m sorry. I know you’re just watching out for me.”
    Sidney gave a nod, but said nothing. Kate stepped outside and into the rising gale.
    A gust of wind and spattering of snow blew in with Kate when she walked into the store. Warm, spiced air welcomed her.
    Helen smiled from behind the counter. “I was wondering when you’d get in. I’ve been praying for you.”
    “I’m glad to be here instead of out there,” Kate said, pushing back her hood. “It’s really blowing.” A corner of her mind went to Jack. She hoped he’d be sensible and cancel his flight.
    “Mail came for you today.” Helen pulled open a drawer.
    “Who from?” Kate stripped off her gloves.
    Helen fished out two envelopes. Looking at them she said, “One from your parents. And this says Richard Benning.” She lifted her eyebrows. “And who is Richard?”
    Kate stared at the envelope. “Richard?” She could see his handsome face and sky blue eyes. She hadn’t allowed herself to think about him. “He’s just a friend.” Trying to act nonchalant, she took the letters.
    Wind blasted the front windows. Helen reached for her coat. “I was just getting ready to head home. If I don’t go now, I’m liable to spend the night here.” She pulled on her coat, buttoned it, and snugged her fur-lined hood around her face. “Will you be all right?”
    “Don’t worry about me. I’ve got plenty of firewood. I’ll just snuggle down and read a book.”
    “Okay, dear. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
    Once in her room, Kate set the mail on the table, then stoked the fire. After putting water on to boil, she sat and unlaced her boots. She slid them off and pushed her feet into slippers, then picked up her mail and moved to the sofa. With her feet