Starry Night

telling you the truth. I have something to give him from her.”
    “Sure you do,” Sawyer commented, continuing to walk away from her.
    Carrie chased after him, dragging her suitcase. She had to duck her head in order to walk beneath the Cessna’s wing. “It’s his father’s wedding band. Joan asked me to deliver it to Finn.” She hated the desperate pleading quality to her voice, but she had to convince Sawyer she was legitimate.
    Sawyer hesitated. “Show me the ring.”
    “Okay.” She slid the purse strap off her shoulder and dug inside for the ring, which was wrapped in a tissue inside a plastic bag. Once it was free, she handed it to Sawyer. “His name, Paul Dalton, is engraved on the inside, along with Joan’s name and the date of their wedding.”
    Sawyer carefully examined the gold band, and then Carrie, before returning the ring. “There’s a storm due. I’m heading back to Hard Luck in fifteen minutes. I’ll land on the lake outside Finn’s cabin and return in the morning or whenever, depending on this storm. Is that agreeable?”
    “Yes, perfect.” At this point, Carrie would have agreed to practically anything.
    “Finn isn’t going to like this, so I’ll radio him you’re coming.”
    “I don’t expect he’ll have the welcome mat out.”
    “You’ve got two things against you.”
    “Is that all?”
    “First, you’re a woman, and second, you’re a reporter. Make that three things.”
    “Three?”
    “Yes. You’re bringing him something from his mother. He doesn’t want any reminders of her.”
    “So she said.” Curiosity got the best of her. “Not that I want you to change your mind, but can you tell me why you’re helping me?”
    The bush pilot shrugged. “I’ll probably regret it. Finn’s a good friend, but it’s time he broadened his horizons some, and you, pretty lady, might be just the ticket.”
    “Whatever the reason, I’m grateful.”
    “Finn will probably stop speaking to me, but he’ll get over it eventually,” Sawyer continued. “I feel I should warn you, though; he’s bound to be as inviting as a wolverine.”
    “Got it. Any other advice?”
    Sawyer scratched the side of his head. “I wouldn’t start off mentioning the ring and his mother.” He gave her the once-over a second time. “You pack anything practical for the weather?”
    “I live in Chicago. It freezes there.”
    He snorted as if to cover a laugh. “You’ve got fifteen minutes. Make use of them.” He pointed in the direction of the airport, and Carrie took off running. She wasn’t sure what she’d need, but with the help of the clerk picked up a couple of pieces of gear, including a hat and thick scarf. It seemed extravagant to purchase anything else, seeing that she intended to be in Alaska only a short while.
    By the time she returned, Sawyer had moved the planeout of the hangar and had the engine running. “You ready?” he asked.
    Because she was winded and excited, she only nodded.
    “Okay, climb inside. We need to get going.”
    “Right now?” She’d hoped to have a few moments to gather herself.
    “Yes, now,” he snapped. “There’s limited light, and with the coming storm, that window is closing. Ready or not, I’m leaving.”
    “I’m ready.” Carrie had never flown in a private plane, but that one small detail wasn’t about to stop her. She eyed the Cessna, sucked in a deep breath, and loaded her suitcase. It wasn’t easy climbing inside and locking the passenger door. Carrie was relieved she’d worn her jeans, and thankfully her boots had only a moderate heel.
    Within a few minutes they were airborne, circling the airport and heading due north. Carrie clung to her purse as if that would save her from imminent danger and held her breath several times when the plane rocked after encountering moderate turbulence. Sawyer had handed her a pair of headphones, but he wasn’t much for conversation, preoccupied as he was with flying the plane. He radioed Finn twice but wasn’t able to reach him. Although Sawyer didn’t say so, Carrie had the feeling he already regretted agreeing to this. Fearing anything she said might do more harm thangood, she remained silent until it was clear that he was preparing to land.
    “Where’s the airstrip?” she asked, studying the landscape below. In the dim light, all she could see were snow and trees.
    “Airstrip?” Sawyer repeated incredulously. “I’m not landing on any strip. Didn’t I already mention I’d be