“Thanks for coming for me, Katie-Bear,” Susan said. “I knew you still cared. Hey, Greenlee – where do you keep the booze?” She reached over the seat for Kate’s hand.

Kate slapped it away. “I don’t know why I keep coming back, but here I am once again. Lord, help us all!”

“Clear!” Trax said as he started the left engine. He started the second, went through his checklist, and
the plane began to taxi down the runway. Kate looked out of the left wing window, staring at the flashing wingtip lights. She was startled by the sound of the intercom.

“We gotta new stereo in this bird, ladies. We’re next in line for takeoff, but I’m gonna crank it up for Mr. Greenlee while we’re waiting. I hope you all like country!” Moments later the twang of a steel guitar was heard through the plane’s speakers. It grew much louder as they took off down runway 32.

“Ehaaa!”

Once they were airborn, Trax leveled off and Mr. Greenleee’s voice was heard over the intercom. “I’m coming back to see how you two gorgeous ladies are doing!”