to obtain the job I had set my heart on as soon as I graduated. I work on the TOWN CRIER as a reporter with the goal of becoming an investigative reporter,” she sighed. “My chosen career will have to be placed on hold. My parents need me, and I wouldn’t think of doing anything else. I love them dearly and they’re the best parents in the world.”
“We have something in common, interest in newspaper work. I’ve graduated and want to be a photojournalist, but my dad had a conniption when I mentioned it. He wants me to work in the family business.”
“What does your mother say about it?”
“Mom usually does whatever Dad decrees. She loves her children with all her heart, and has stood by us through thick and thin, but everyone knows Dad has the main part of her heart.
“It sounds as if you have great parents, too.”
“The best. Uh oh. Here comes the Port Authorities.”
A tall man got out of the vehicle and walked with long strides to them. “Excuse me. I’m Lt. Kooper of the Galveston Port Authority. We received a report that someone parachuted on the beach in this area. Do either of you know about that?”
“Yes. I’m the one who parachuted. I was forced to bail when the engine quit on my plane. There was nothing else for me to do unless I went down with the plane,” Amanda answered politely. Her chin came up but Daniel could hear the quaver in her voice.
“I’m sure you didn’t do it deliberately, and I’m very happy that you were able to get out without injury. I need to know you’re safe and what you’re going to do about the plane.”
“She’s fine, and I’m coming back tomorrow to dive and see what I can salvage from the plane. We’ll have it lifted as soon as arrangements can be made,” Daniel said, slightly surprised at himself for taking charge. He was a little perplexed at his attitude. After all, he had been one who deliberately avoided relationships.
“I need for both of you to come with me and give some necessary information. You won’t be kept long.”
“I’ll drive my jeep behind you and we’ll do whatever is necessary or required,” Daniel said.
“Thank you for your cooperation. I’ll see you in a few minutes in the office up there.”
Daniel looked at Amanda’s white face. “Are you truly all right?
“What came over me?” Amanda mumbled astonished, as Daniel pulled out behind the official vehicle. She turned toward Daniel. “I just sat here like a dweeb and let you do all the talking, and I just barely met you. I’m usually a very independent person and depend on no one.”
“Whups! I guess I should apologize to you. I jumped in without thinking. Dad taught me that a gentleman always protects his lady, or in this case, the lady that needs help. It was pure instinct, and I didn’t do it with any thought that you are not capable.”
“Oh, it’s really no big deal. I guess I’m shaken more than I realized. It never dawned on me that I would have to answer to the Port Authorities.”
“You’re not answering to them; well you are in a way, but they have a job to do and I’m sure you want to cooperate. After all, you’re not guilty of any crime. As Lt. Kooper said, you didn’t drown your plane deliberately, and they’re not considering you a criminal.”
“Drown my plane,” she smiled. She realized he was teasing her to try to ease the strain. “I feel so silly for feeling - oh, I don’t know, like I’m standing to one side and watching myself.”
“It’s okay. You had a shock whether you realize it or not. I would guess that in the back of your mind you’re wondering how it will affect your father.”
“That’s one of the first things I thought of. Dad is so worried about Mom, and he’s disgusted with his own illness. Too, he worries about me being alone with the work even if we do have an excellent mechanic who is a dear friend and has been with us for years.”
“You’re not alone. I’m here. I can’t explain it, but I feel as if there’s a master plan for us to meet and become friends.”
“Just like a man,” she smiled. “I’m not going to question that statement because I’m grateful for your assistance. Let’s get this over with,” she said as they stopped in front of the building where they were going. In the Port Authorities office, the officer taking the information asked for names, home address, phone number, social security number, birth date and place of birth. Amanda had to give her business license number and her pilot’s number, the address of the hangar and the purpose of the Eagle Flying Service. She then had to fill in a form concerning the purpose of her flying trip that day.
This took longer than Amanda had anticipated. She walked out of the office on wobbly legs.
Daniel placed his arm around her waist, and led her to the jeep.
“Daniel, I’m honestly grateful for your support even though it’s a little embarrassing. I don’t know why, but I feel comfortable with you. I don’t usually take up with anyone this easily and go with a person without question as soon as I meet them. Forgive me I’m babbling. I always babble when I’m nervous, and I’m so whipped. A hot shower and a short rest will do wonders.” She nodded as if convincing herself that it was the thing to do.
Following Amanda’s directions, Daniel was at the Wescott hangar in about twenty minutes. “Do you need me to wait and take you somewhere else?”
“No thanks. I have my car here. If I can ever do anything for you, just let me know.”
“You can.”
“What?”
“Have dinner with me tonight.”
“Tonight! But we just met.”
“So?”
“I don’t know anything about you except that you’re courteous and kind, and a gentleman. As far as that goes, you don’t know me.”
“So much better. We need to eat and what better way to get acquainted than to eat, relax and talk.”
She stared at him as if she were trying to read his mind. “I honestly do appreciate your help, but I have obligations to meet and I need to get better acquainted before making plans to socialize. Forgive me and try to understand. By the way, how did you plan to help me?”
“I’ll bring one of the ranch trucks and we’ll get duplicate supplies for your orders. Then I’ll drive you to Port Arthur, and when we return, I’ll dive to your plane and see if anything can be salvaged.”
“Are you really a diver?”
“It’s just a hobby, but I am experienced and I’ll be willing to do whatever I can to help you.”
“To reiterate, we just met. Why would you volunteer to do so much for me - a stranger?”
“A stranger is a friend we have yet to meet,” Daniel quoted.
“What time do you want me here tomorrow morning?”
She
