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
A sharp sting, screaming violent voices all came down around him. He clutched his chest! He had been
