Flight of Fancy

FLIGHT  OF FANCY

by D. HASSEN

Sandra was a very lucky young lady, in several  specific ways.   Her parents

inherited the more than two-thousand acre Texas ranch from their parents.

Sandra was beyond the term beautiful.  She was more like a Goddess in

looks.  Her desires were fulfilled in a passive-agressive manner. Somehow

she always succeeded in acquiring what she wanted.

The Texas  ranch was a haven for Sandra.  She lived with her dad,

David.  So much of the surrounding territory had been bought and turned

into housing projects that increased the density and disfigured the original beauty

of the earlier established ranches.  Sandra had made up her mind she would

never let that happen.  She would preserve what had been in the family from

the late 1800′s.

Far out, in the south area of the fabulous ranch was the meadow. It was

Sandra’s favorite place.  It had a few trees, but enough to relax

under, a small stream to water the horses after an exilarating ride.

As a ten year, she rode her favorite horse to this contented spot, relishing

the serenity as a growing girl.  It still held as a recuperative place when

any incidents of life threatened her.  She was now twenty-three.

Sandra cherished the moments she was able to spend in this

haven. Listening to the rush of the wind through the trees and the sound of the creek

water bumping over the river rocks.  Many other things tugged at her.  To remain

there forever was impossible.  Sandra did want romance, a family and grand-

children, but, at this time she had not met anyone who fitted into her romantic

dreams or her financial capability.   She knew exactly what she wanted.

It was right after the depression, around 1935 that grandfather Paul took

the savings that he and Grandmother Claire had accumulated from the sugar jar.

They spent those savings on the vacant land, now the ranch.  Sandra’s parents

wanted to enjoy what their parents had worked so hard to accomplish.  The

heirs all realized the money had been gotten during prohibition.  Old salt Great

Grandpa Jim made his money from liquor sales.  He was the family rascal.

When he made up his mind to do something, he did it.  Sandra followed his

pattern.  It was well known that all of the money was made from the still.

That thought sometimes annoyed Sandra, but there again, it was a way of life and

survival during those pressed times.

Sandra had just come back from a long, dusty ride on her favorite horse, chum.

As she entered the house she heard the combination of voices echoing from the

library. She had also noticed a strange car parked in the driveway.  Her Dad’s

voice was very pronounced, but the other one, she did not recognize.

David, Sandra’s father, called out, “Sandra is that you?”

“Yes, dad.”

“Will you come in here for a moment?”

“Well, I have been riding and not really all that presentable!

“No thought to that, I would like you to meet someone that is going to work with us.”

“Be there in a minute.”

Sandra stopped and glanced into the mirror, gave a finger- lift to her

curly chestnut- colored hair that was disheveled from the wind.  She used the sleeve of her shirt to mop her wet forehead.  She was very thankful for taking that moment to ready her for the next issue in her life.

With all her natural vitality she entered the library. She was stunned by

the handsome figure that stood towering over her father’s chair.  He was

like a roman gladiator, without the armor.  Sandra knew instantly,  knowing

nothing about this person, that he would be the one her life would be wrapped

around  for now and into the future!

“Sandra, this is Nick  Norton.”  Sandra shuttered a little from the chill that

consumed her whole body.  The name did not match this incredible looking

male, the profile or the single thread of ink-black hair that hung, wetted from the

heat, across his forehead.  It fell over his right eyebrow.  His looks were

exceptionally demanding.  Sandra stood in a state of awe.  She did not want to

destroy the moment.  it was as if she were walking in slow motion.  She could not

believe she was moving her own feet.  Robot like, she stood directly in front of this

masterpiece of humanity.  Sandra looked up, his eyes captured her.  They sparkled

like two purple diamonds.  Sandra sucked in her breath, void of words.  Her dad spoke, bringing Sandra to reality.  She cleared her throat, extended her hand to

this figure.  He grasped it with a soft but determined effort.  He laid his other hand

on top of hers. A gesture to assure Sandra he accepted her.  He knew she was

the type that would offer a challenge, appearing  slightly dangerous.  The moment

between the two was electrifying

Sandra’s father, started into a long talk.  He motioned to Sandra and Nick

to be seated.  As the story unfolded, David was hiring Nick to crop- dust the acreage.

He explained he had planned this for quite some time, after purchasing the old

single engine.  Nick would also be responsible for the maintenance of the plane. The old “wreck” as David referred to had been stored in the barn for a number of

years and he knew it would need attention.  Sandra shook her head agreeing that

she also knew it had been there for over ten years.

Nick confirmed he had inspected it and decided with a little upgrading it was

useable for that purpose.

“Oh Dad,” Sandra burst into the conversation, “can Nick teach me to fly it?”

David answered, “well, my dear, that depends upon how much time Nick has

alloted to us.”

Sandra directed her gaze to Nick.  She expected a yes answer

Nick looked completely startled, “I guess… that could be arranged.”

Sandra was pleased, however, she was not exactly excited about what came

next in the three way conversation.

“My wife will most likely come here to visit on the week ends while I am getting

the plane in flying condition and passing the inspections!”

Sandra could not contain her surprise.  She explode with, “Your Wife?”

Realizing her instant mistake, she withdrew the outburst by calmly following it

with, “Oh, yes, of course, you two can occupy the guest house, right, dad?”

It was right then, Sandra began to formulate her plan.  Nick was to be hers.

Her next statement was, “You two will have to excuse me now, I have to clean up

it is almost dinner hour and my ride made me very dusty and I smell like a horse.”

This created a snort of laughter from Nick.

“Certainly, “Nick responded like a gentlemen.  He stood up showing his respect for her decision to exit.

Sandra performed her first part of her plan.  She moved slowly, tapping her

riding crop lazily on her free hand.  When reaching the double door, she tossed her

head, looked towards Nick, directed her expression to Nick and coyly said,

“You are staying for dinner?”

Before Nick had a chance to answer, David immediately confirmed Sandra’s

invitation.

“That would be very pleasant, then I can head back to Houston!” “Super, you two can visit until then.”  Sandra wafted her riding crop to her

shoulder.  The body language indicated her plan was in progress.  Sandra always

got what she wanted!

David and Nick continued for about a half-hour, deliberating on a viable contract, to start the following weekend.

Sandra decided to show off her best qualities.  She dressed in totally feminine

attire for dinner.  She had examined the racks of clothing in her closet, which was as

large as most bedrooms.  Sandra was not a shopper, but when she did, she selected

only the best of what she purchased, classic style that suited her perfectly and that

which emphasized her lean figure.  She always captured everyone’s attention when-

ever she appeared.  She was very used to the ohs and ahs of the public, including

all the eyes of the opposite sex that followed her every motion.  She selected for

the next visit with Nick a clinging dark navy blue sheath.  It outlined all of her best

attributes, including a good amount of cleavage.  It was a delicate proposal.

Sandra placed the dress on her bed.  She undressed, becoming birth naked

before the full length mirror.  She approved of what she saw reflected.  Her thoughts

were, “wife, you are in for a battle, I want that man!”

Nick and David’s conversation came to a conclusion.  All seemed to be settled

and agreed upon.  Nick proposed to David, he would like to freshen up as it was

approaching the dinner hour.  He felt pretty dusty also, after climbing over the old

plane making the list of the parts he would have to purchase and bring back with

him when he returned.

Sandra reappeared in the library and settled herself in the fireside chair.  It

gave her a sense of power with its high back, square wooden arms and covered in

the gold threaded tapestry pattern.  It offered the sitter a feeling of complete control.

It completed her confidence.  It also insured her power with the flirtation that was

about to happen.  Shortly after she and her dad enacted a moment of small talk,

Nick meandered back into the library looking very fresh faced, very male and more

intriguing than the previous moments.

Sandra could not fathom that one individual could expound such a stimulating

presence just standing still and not issuing a word.  She awaited the words that would

spill from his delicious looking lips.  She arose from the chair, mastering the body

language that would enhance Nick’s view. She deliberately moved close enough

to Nick so the scent of her perfume would tantalized him.  Nick reacted exactly as

she expected.

“You look lovely and you don’t smell like a horse!” Nick’s masculine laughter heightened her feelings.

“Grand compliment,” was Sandra’s reply.

Sandra  was content.  She had pulled the compliment as she had imagined.

She thought to herself, ‘first step accomplished.”  She directed her question to

Nick, “are you hungry?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.”

“So then, let’s get Dad out of that comfy chair and into the other room where we can devour Lettie’s fine offering.”

Both advanced to the sides of David’s chair.  They proceeded to assist him to

his feet.  David, himself, was quite the figure of a man, but he recently had trouble with

his knees which was caused by a damaging fall from one of the stallions.  The

stallion was put to pasture shortly thereafter.  David did not allow anyone to ride the

sire of chum.  The stallion was too temperamental.

Dinner conversation revolved around politics, horses and airplanes.  Sandra   listened more than she contributed.  Nick’s voice mesmerized her.  It was sexy.

Nick’s excitement was obvious when he entered his world of airplanes.  She could

tell it was his basic love.  All the more reason she wanted to learn about the

mechanics and flying.  Step two, another good way for her to spend time with Nick.

It was thrilling just to listen to him.  It was informative to watch, to study his body

language.   His hand motions, his head nods.  There was no further indication as to

his relationship with his wife.  This puzzled Sandra, as to why she was not brought into

any part of the conversation.  Even the slightest reference to her name.

Sandra thought, that was good!  At this point she really did not want to hear about

that part of his life anyway.  She had other intentions.  She wanted time to develop

her plan and further eliminate any wife competition.

It was just past 8:30 p.m. when all finished Lettie’s decadent chocolate cake.

The maid entered the dining room stating there was a phone call in the library for David.

He excused himself.  Sandra took this opportunity to gain a little more history about

Nick’s flying.  She was very interested in keeping in close touch with this handsome

stranger.  Sandra elected to not let him be a stranger.  Instead she made him her goal.

He was to be hers.  She chose to take any steps necessary to claim him as hers.

She had decided a most subtle manner would be her approach.  Sandra

suggested they take a walk to the guest house to inspect it and decide if anything else

was necessary to make his stay comfortable.

“Come, Nick, let me show you where you will regain your piece of  mind.”

Sandra laughed sincerely, as she further explained, “David is very particular

about all of his property.  She placed her hand on Nick’s shoulder to emphasize

her pointl  She was thrilled to feel the bulk of his body.  Sandra was not normally

a touchey-feely individual, but this man brought forth instant excitement she had

never felt before.  Another confirmation, married or not, Nick was to be her conquest!

They reached the guest house.  Sandra pulled out a set of keys from a little box

mounted below the window.  It was her secret hiding place.  She could use the Guest

House whenever she decided David was being over protective.  She felt he was too

controlling when it came to her personal friends, especially the male friends.

Sandra took out a ring of keys, selecting the second one of the group.  She

placed the key into the chamber.  This was an ideal time to pretend the key would not

turn.  She suspected Nick would volunteer to come around close to her and offer to try

to make it work.  The moment happened.  Sandra felt his arm go around her.  He

encompassed her and leaned forward to reach the lock.  His intenseness charged

through her body.  He proceeded to turn the stiffened lock.  The door sprung open.

They both fell into the room and on to the floor.

Nick came down hard, pushing her against the floor.

“Oh, my god, are you hurt?”

Sandra answered, “I don’t think so.”  The moment would be described as

sensitive, calm but very sensual.  She lightened and broke the stimuli by smiling, asking for a hand up and heightened the excitement by saying, “That was

kinda fun!”

Nick clambered to a standing position, offering both his hands to Sandra.

He pulled her up with a slight jerk, Sandra was on her feet and standing within

inches of his chest.

“Thank you so much!”

Sandra was still shaken, not from the fall but the extreme presence of Nick.

“I am so sorry.”

“Forget it, it could happen to anyone, no damage!”

Sandra’s thoughts were, strictly pleasurable. She went further, to give Nick a quick  tour of the bedroom…twin beds…

Her devilish nature brought forth a smirk traveling back to the wife…she said

aloud…TOUCHE.

Nick questioned, “did you say something to me?”

“No, just babbling…my mind was wandering!”

“Now here is a quaint kitchen. At least some snacks can be prepared,

are you a good cook?”

Nick ignored her inquiry…he brushed past Sandra to investigate the bathroom.

“I prefer a shower!”

Sandra giggled, “so do I. Time to lock up…right?”

“Of course, now do I replace the keys in the secret box?”

Sandra decided they had reached personalities and common enjoyment.

They walked slowly back to the main house in a silent mood.  Both pondering

individual thoughts.  He about the airplane and getting to work on it.  She strictly about

him.

As they entered the main house, David was sitting on the circular stairs.  He

approached them.  “You people disappeared!”

“Yes, Dad, I was showing Nick the guest house and explaining it would be his

future quarters.”

“Good girl, Now I think it is time we let this man go, we have taken up almost

his complete day and evening.”

Nick interrupted, “that’s fine, David, it was my pleasure.  Your beautiful daughter

has given me an excellent tour.”

There was no mention of the fiasco with the key.  It would remain very prime to

Sandra.  What it meant to Nick was a bit of a mystery.

Sandra gave a quick wave to Nick, “I am headed for some sleep, see you next

week end.”

Nick returned the wave, “thanks!” his only comment.

Several days had passed, Sandra could not erase Nick’s image.  She began to

prepare for the week end.  First on her list was to make sure her camera was in order.

The digital that her Dad had given her for her twenty-first birthday.  Now it was a

necessity to eliminate all of the unnecessary stuff on the image card.  She needed to

capture every possible picture of Nick, and, of course, the debut of the plane.  This

was going to be a collector’s collection!

Sandra heard a car skim the circular driveway.  It was about 8:00 o’clock

Friday evening.  She quickly pulled the drapes to see if it was Nick.  The two

seater corvette convertible had stopped dead in front of the guest house.  She

was thrilled, it had only one occupant.  No wife to deal with…yet.  She slid the

bannister of the stairs like a six year old and dashed out the front door.  She slowed

her pace not wanting to appear over anxious.  Sandra saundered slowly across the

front lawn and as Nick stepped out of the driver’s seat spoke quietly, “look who’s

here?”

“Just me, no one else,” was Nick’s reply

Sandra was controlling her anxiety, “well, where’s the wife? We were

all hoping we would meet her?”

“Well, she had her sister as a guest this week and they planned to do some

final shopping before Lucy returned to Arizona.  I was appointed to load the car

with all of the things planned for here and Inez would follow later.”

“Very good plan, can I help hang up clothes or something?”

This gave Sandra an idea of the wife’s fashion picks, personality and size,

precluding the physical person and the competition.

“That would be a big help, Sandra…the trunk is loaded with a lot of stuff.”

The next hour was filled with popping suitcases, grabbing hangers, innocent

and supposedly innocent chatter on Sandra’s part.  Nick seemed oblivious to her

devilish inquiries.

Sandra got the feeling that Nick liked being around her but was extremely distant

when the conversation lead in the direction of his wife.  Sandra did find out, no children

and Inez had her own social functions, which many of them he did not attend.

Sandra accepted this as a plus to her plan to steal Nick.

David’s voice penetrated the still evening.  He was easily heard as the door

to the guest house had remained open.   The call rendered “dinner in five minutes!”

Sandra was the first to exit.  She wondered if Nick would follow her.  He did.

He overtook her as if in a race.  She thought he is exerting his masculinity, for what reason was he trying at that time to impress her.  He did not need to do that because she was designing that from the start.  It was a slight sign to Sandra.  She cautioned herself, ‘not too fast girl’, patience is a virtue.  Yes, she knew that and this would certainly test that old cliche.

Dinner survived like a charm.  The three reached perfect harmony.  Their

conversation touched on new movies, actors and actresses nominated for the

Academy Awards which was going to hold the attention of all the T.V. viewers within

the next month.  David was the first to bid the two, “good night.”

Nick immediately followed stating, “see you all in the early morning. I will be

in the barn unpacking some of the parts i brought with me!”

Sandra voice sounded with a little resentment, but said, “fine, I might sleep

in a little but I will be there after breakfast.

“Good plan, good night”, and walked away.

Sandra finished her coffee, deposited the china cup on its saucer with an

exerted bang showing her disappointment.  She went into the library and sat in her

favorite chair.  She placed her head back against the padded upholstery allowing her

imagination to run wild.  She wished she could go to the guest house to see Nick

disrobe and climb into the crisp sheets.  She longed to be beside him.  Perhaps the

thought could become a reality if she played her cards in the right manner.

Sandra stood up, stretched her lovely body, whirled around showing her pent

up desire.  The anticipation was fantastic.  She headed for her big bed wishing

strongly it was not empty.

Sandra woke with David pounding on her door.

“Wake up sleepy head, breakfast is almost over!”

“Okay, Dad, be there in a few…”  Sandra ran the hairbrush through her

smashed curly hair, grabbed a terry robe and stuck her feet into the purple mules.

She knew she was not the picture of beauty this early but said to herself, “Oh,

God, I really should not go this way…who cares…it’s only dad.

As she walked past her Dad’s chair she gave him a kiss on the back of his neck.

She really loved him dearly. “what’s on the server?”

“The usual, my princess.!”

“Okey, man of my life, what is the big hurry this morning?”

“Well, my dear heart, I have a favor to ask!”

“What’s that, but wait just one minute till I pour my coffee and I will sit and listen to your tale of woe!”

“Do you want another cup?”

“Yes, thank you!

“Then, ole man, hand me your cup!”

Sandra poured for both of them and slid into the chair on his right.

“Now you can tell me…go for it, what is this big favor?”

Nick…the mention of his name made her give complete attention.  David

continued, “Nick forgot to swing by the post office.  There is a package of heat

treated bolts that he needs for the plane.”

Sandra added, “Of course, Dad, you know that’s not a big deal.”

“I will be on my way as soon as I swallow this delicious breakfast! Sustenance

is most important, yes?”

“Good girl, Nick will not have to lose time working on the plane!”

Sandra knew this was just the opportunity she was looking for, to get over

to the barn and be with Nick.

All went well, it was about 11:45 when Sandra returned to the house.  She

quickly changed clothes.. She put on tantalizing shorts, tee shirt which elaborated

her breast lines. She raced into the kitchen and asked Lettie to prepare a lunch.

The instructions were, “pack it good, it’s for Nick!”

The barn doors were standing on an angle, Sandra sneaked quietly

around to see where Nick was.  He did not appear to be there.  Sandra called,

“anyone home in here?”

Nick popped up from the floor of the Pilot’s seat.

“Here, girl!”

“There you be!…I brought you lunch and your old stinky bolts and if you would

care to climb down out of that thing, we could eat.  I personally am starving…I drove

all the way to the post office for these stupid things.”

“Give me a couple of seconds.  There’s two or three old hay bundles over in the

corner, why don’t you drag them over.  We can sit on them!”

Nick seemed pleased.  He said, “we”.  That excited Sandra. It was what she had

hoped would happen.  It was like a scene in a movie.  Handsome Nick giving her all of

the attention.  A little on the juvenile side…but a beginning.They chatted and ate,

thoroughly enjoying each others company.

Nick made the motion it was about time to get back to the work he wanted to

finish.  He was almost ready for a trial run.

Sandra asked, “can I go?”

“Why, do you want my job?”

“No, silly, I only want to know how to do it?”

“You mean, fly this create?”

“Sure, Dad has been talking about this for a couple of years, making the

dirty, old bucket useful”.

Nick’s voice showed enthusiasm.  He continued to explain that it was quite

simple, being an old one there was not as many controls to be concerned with as

there would be in today’s designs.  He laughed and stated, “it takes more pilot skill.”

Sandra answered “You fake, but it does sound like a challenge, when do we start?”

Nick seemed to be agreeing with all her speech and enjoyed her excitement.

He was not sure it was all about flying.  At that moment he saw something in Sandra.

Something special.  Her acceptance of his interest. Her chattering on about the

plane, asking questions about the wind-drafts, and what seemed like a million others.

David appeared at the barn door.  He looked at Sandra, stating, “I wasn’t

aware you had returned!”

“Well Dad, the library doors were shut and I thought business was taking place, so

i packed a lunch thinking Nick could use a little boost in energy.”

“That was nice,”  David looked at Nick who had been non talkative, and stood

unproductive while the two chatted.  David knew his daughter was attractive and

most men followed his thoughts.  He was quite certain something was being created

between the two.  David was too much the gentleman to ask of Nick’s relationship

with his wife.  His main question was, would Nick resist the personality and beauty

of Sandra?  He dismissed those thoughts, “any sandwiches left?”  He hoped his

moments of silence did not transfer to Sandra and Nick.

David had only once before seen such a spark in Sandra.  He knew that

Sandra would go after anything or anyone she wanted.  She was like a Delila.  He

was also aware there were times after Sandra’s mother passed, he had succumbed to

most of Sandra’s wishes.  Perhaps that was not a good thing.  He also knew when

Sandra entered a room the ahs were expressed.

Nick took the motion of placing his drink back in the basket.  David wondered

further when Nick looked at Sandra and said, “some other time!”.

Sandra in her usual perky personality replied, “Okey handsome, lessons later.”

She lifted the basket, took hold of David’s arm, “let’s move it out, dad!”

David picked up on her mood, “anywhere you want to go, my lady!”

As Sandra and David entered the house, the phone was ringing. Sandra

stepped quickly to answer, “hello, Sandra here!”

A soft female voice shocked her, “Is Nick there?”

“Why yes, but not exactly available. I would have to fetch him from the barn.”

“This is inez, can you give him a message?”

Sandra felt a strange twang surge through her.  She knew this must be

the wife.  However, this person did not identify herself as such.

“Sure thing, will do…what is the message?”

The soft voice said, “tell him my car broke down and I will be taking the train.  I

should come into Houston about 9:00 P.M., and to please meet me there.  Have him

confirm, please?”

Sandra’s heart sank, the lump in her throat would not allow her to answer only.

“okay!”

David recognized the extreme disappointment that crossed Sandra’s face, as she

hung up the phone.

“Bad News?”

“No, not really, Sandra forced a smile and said, “it’s a message for Nick!”

Sandra swallowed hard and continued.  “Nick is supposed to meet her in

Houston.”

David responded, “well that’s normal, you best let him know right away!”

Sandra said, give me a piece of paper and I will write it down…you take it to him, I have a couple of things I want to do.  She knew she had only three days

to seduce Nick!

David continued to chat about a message pad on his desk in the library.

Sandra said, “back in a minute and headed to the desk.  She suddenly found

herself in the fireside chair and pounded the wooden arms, letting out an experasted

“Damn!”

“This is going to spoil everything!”  She jumped up from the chair, circled around

the desk, grabbed the pen and pad and began to scribble the information she had just

received. Sandra returned to David.  She spoke to him in a much lighter voice which

was followed by a chuckle, “take this to our boy!”

David knew this was a bad sign, but glanced at the note, said, “right!”…then

strode towards the barn.

Dinner that night was a little more silent than the previous ones.  David and

Nick exchanged chit chat.  Sandra listened intently, but did not take part in the

conversation.  She was deliberating her next move!

Nick usually retired about the same time as David, around 9:30 P.M.

They were both early risers.  Sandra thought perhaps she should follow their

pattern since time was running short.  She announced, “think I will hit the sack

early too, and maybe, while you are working in the morning, Nick, you can show

me and explain the controls.  Is that a deal?”

“Right, that’s a working plan!”

There was a heavy clanging noise coming from the barn that awakened Sandra.

She showed quickly, dressed in some old jeans, remembering the agreement she

had made last evening.  When she reached the barn it appeared Nick had been working

for several hours.  His hair was wet with sweat and his blue denim shirt was sticking

to his fantastic body.  His chest and back were showing the signs of labor.  There

was no air conditioning in the barn and the temperature was rising. Nick’s appearance

emphasized her desire.  Nick excited her in whatever clothing and position she found

him in.

“Your a very early bird, what time did you start?”

“Guess it was about five, couldn’t sleep!”

Sandra gave him a slow smile,” was it I or the plane that disturbed your

dreams?”

Nick tore his intent look away from her but made no comment.

Sandra knowing how restless she was just answered, “it happens!”

Nick declined to look at her.  “What’s the matter, fly boy?”

Sandra was prodding him, and attaching a little sarcasm.

Nick finally spoke, “Just me, I guess!”

No commitment came from Nick but he questioned Sandra. “Are you

ready for this?”

“You bet!”

The two squeezed into the small cockpit and Nick gave her very good

instructions about the controls.  Sandra’s mind was strictly on Nick, but she tried

desperately to concentrate on what he was offering.

Nick realized the closeness caused him some discomfort.  He suggested

Sandra get in the second seat behind him and they would be able to take a short

run down the field.  He was pretty sure everything was in order.

Sandra gave him an agreeable smile and climbed graciously into the second

seat.  She noticed it had all dual controls.

Nick turned the key, there was some sputtering, then a roar, it delighted her

and she let out a cheerful scream.  Nick was pleased.

It was about five minutes and the plane lifted.  Sandra leaned toward the front seat and tapped Nick on the head.  There was so much noise he could not hear her

plea to take the plane down.  She had noticed one of the bars propping the wing had

broken lose.   Suddenly, it flew off and hit Nick in the side of the head.  Nick dropped

forward.  Blood streaked Sandra’s goggles!

“Oh my god, we are going to crash!”  Sandra cleared her goggles, regained her

composure and thought about Nick’s instructions.  She talked to herself, “be calm,

remember what Nick said about pilot skills, do not panic, just get the damn plane on

the ground.  Luckily they had not reached too high an altitude, she figured maybe

they were about 500 feet above the ground which was normal for dusting.

Sandra recalled Nick saying to pull back on the stick to go up, try to keep the plane

level and push the stick slowly forward to go down.  When you feel the wheels pulling

the wind, push the stick with more effort, cut the engine and treat it like a glider.

Pull the Lever that lets the flaps break the air helps to slow the plane down and

to a stop.

Sandra remembered she had stuck her cell phone in her jeans hip pocket.

She reached it and dialed the emergency number, telling them they had set down

a small plane in the far east of the simpkins ranch and that they were approximately the

length of a football field from the highway.  In her excitement she dropped the phone

on the floor of the plane.  “forget that!”…concentrate on Nick!”

The ambulance arrived.  The paramedics pulled Nick out of the seat and placed

him in the ambulance.  He was still unconscious.  Sandra yelled to the paramedic,

“where are you taking him?”

“To Mercy Hospital, it is the closest!”

Sandra questioned the paramedic, “can you drop me at the front gate of the

ranch so I can get my car?”

” Sure can, girl, we go right past there! Get in the front seat!”

Right before Sandra got out of the ambulance, the paramedic handling Nick

confirmed, “all his vital signs are good.  The bleeding has stopped!”

Sandra breathed a sigh of relief.  It only took minutes to reach the front gate.

She hollered, “Go!, I will meet you there!”  She ran, calling as she ran, “Dad,

wherever you are…come quick…the plane lost a rod, it hit Nick…I flew the plane…

he’s headed to Mercy Hospital…get in the car!”

David came at top speed out of the house, met Sandra, practically catching

her physically.  She was so out-of-breath…he said, “get in the car, I’ll drive!”

By the time they reached Mercy Grand, Nick was in the operating room.  He

had severe lacerations on the right side of his neck.  The Doctor that met Sandra

and David advised he needed a number of stitches. That Nick was very fortunate

the rod just missed the carotid artery.

David and Sandra waited the several hours for Nick to be released from the

recovery room.  The Doctor explained Nick was a healthy male and could go home as

soon as discharge papers were complete which would take about an hour. The

Doctor also suggested that Nick not do any strenuous labor at least for a few days.

Sandra added, “I will see to that!”

Sandra gave a wicked glance to David.  David returned her look. She explained

she would take him to the guest house.  She smiled at her dad…he knew she wanted

to care for Nick.

Sandra spoke sharply, ” oh, dad, Nick was supposed to meet Inez tomorrow

night in Houston! You will have to go!”

David showed no signs of distress about the suggestion.  He said only, “okey!”

The ride back to the ranch was uneventful.  The trio rode in semi-silence.  Nick

was starting to come out of the anesthesia and was babbling about the plane…the flight…and asking about the crash.

Sandra was very proud to announce, “I saved your life, you clown, I flew

the plane…now go to sleep you son-of-a-gun I’ll tell you the rest of the story later!”

David helped Sandra get Nick into bed.  Upon pulling off the rest of his blood-

spattered clothing she commented, “he is handsome, right, dad?”

“Have to agree with you, baby!”

Sandra decided she would spend the night watching Nick.  It would be her sheer

pleasure.  She talked Nick into closing his eyes.  Nick reached for her.  She kissed him

gently with all the passion she knew he could handle.  Her words were, “Sleep deep,

my darling, for now!”

David left the guest house, checked his car for gas.  It was a good long ride

to Houston, he had made it many times.  He began to feel a certain anticipation!

He was becoming a little nervous.  How could he ever explain to Sandra, that he

was in love with Nick’s wife.  His plan for getting Nick to come to the ranch had

all worked well.  He knew Inez would follow!.

THE END