High Flying

by Kaylin McFarren

  “But that’s not true. It just isn’t!” He covered his ears with his hands. “I don’t want to hear this.” He bowed his head and remained there, frozen in place.

  “What are you doing?” Lily’s voice trembled. “I…I want you to leave.”

  He continued to stare down, not moving—defeated and rightfully broken.

  “Look at me!” Lily demanded. “You can’t stay…not if I’m here.”

  Dylan’s chin lifted. His blue eyes were filled with tears. “I can’t leave you, Lily. I just can’t.”

  Enough! Skylar couldn’t stand it any longer, watching this heartless woman turn her father into a groveling fool. She was about to step out and make her presence known when Lily began frantically tearing at her long braid, as though she would pull it from her scalp. Between choking breaths, she was saying, “I can’t do anything right! I’m a complete mess. I haven’t accomplished anything. What kind of mother am I going to be?”

  Dylan stared at Lily aghast. Then he burst into tears, threw his arms around her, and the two of them crumpled to the floor in a heap of despair.

  “I need you, Dylan,” Lily choked out. “I didn’t mean it. Forgive me. Please….”

  His voice was soft. “I’ll always forgive you. No matter what.”

  “I’m so tired. I didn’t sleep last night. I just walked around until I couldn’t walk anymore.”

  Dylan held her out in front of him. “A baby? Are we really having a baby?”

  What ridiculous nonsense, Skylar thought, leaning back against the wall. This is how your girlfriend announces she’s pregnant? And you do what? Happily accept it? But then the more she thought about it, the more she realized when you love someone with all your heart—for better or worse, broken or whole—that person’s pain is yours. And Lily was undeniably broken. And what about her father? Well, he was all about saving lost souls, including hers. Which reminded her, now that she was conceived in this time and place, how was she going to get out of this mess and back home where she belonged?

  Skylar heard Dylan’s voice in the next room. “I want you to take a deep breath. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” He took Lily by the hand and walked into the next room, shocking their unlikely houseguest.

  “Here she is,” Dylan said. “Skylar Brennen.”

  Lily was wearing the same brown top and black skirt from the night before, however, this time her eyes were slightly red and puffy. She looked angry, confused, sad, and calm all at the same time—if that were even possible.

  “Who is she?” she asked Dylan. Skylar just stood there and stared at Lily, unsure of what to say. “What is she doing here?”

  Skylar snapped out of her little daze. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “Actually, I had a problem with my plane yesterday, and your boyfriend was kind enough to offer me a place to stay. But now that you’re back, I’m think it might be best if I left.”

  Lily’s lips formed a hard line and her eyes narrowed. She looked at Dylan and said in a disgusted tone, “Why did you bring her here? Did you think I wasn’t coming back?”

  “No, of course not! Skylar’s from out of town. She performed at the airshow and had a problem with her plane. I didn’t think you would mind if she stayed here a few days. Until she can get back in the air, at least.”

  Lily folded her arms across her chest and responded in a sharp, clipped tone—her voice resonating throughout the house. “I guess all the hotels in town must be full.”

  Dylan shot Lily a reproachful look. “She’s here because of me…on account of our planes colliding. To tell you the truth, Lily, it’s a miracle we both survived. So I don’t mind the inconvenience of having her here and neither should you.”

  Lily looked away, hugging herself. Being admonished in front of Skylar wasn’t helping her case and neither was Dylan’s contentious expression, which didn’t soften, even now when he was quiet.

  At the core of her being, Lily was illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Skylar knew this to be true. Yet she could tell that she was smart, creative and kind. She took the high road, apologizing to both of them, which surprised Skylar. But Dylan, with his impatience, was slow to reply, leaving Lily quietly sobbing. Eventually, he wrapped one hand around her waist and placed the other on top of her head, petting it slowly in long, gentle strokes.

  “Skylar didn’t bring a suitcase,” he told Lily. “She wasn’t planning on staying here. But as it turns out, it’s a good thing for all of us.”

  Lily lifted her tear-filled eyes. “Why is that?”

  “Because she’s going to look after our place while we’re away.”

  Skylar stared at Dylan wide-eyed, mouthing the words, I am?

  Lily tipped her head to the side, looking positively confused. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m packing a bag for Vegas,” he said. “Then we’re getting married as soon as possible…just like we planned. We’re spending the night at the International Hotel in that beautiful suite you told me about.”

  Lily shook her head. “We can’t afford that.”

  “Yes, we can,” he assured her. “I came into some extra money a few days ago. There’s no reason why we can’t enjoy it.”

  Lily’s mouth slacked. “What? You really mean it? We’re going to Vegas? We’re going to get married?”

  “I said so, didn’t I?”

  She threw her arms around his waist and squeezed tight. “Oh, Dylan…I can’t believe it! You’re so amazing!”

  Skylar fixed her eyes on him with a disbelieving stare, but he disregarded it in favor of Lily’s smile. Holding her at arm’s length, he provided the sequence of events, as if he were explaining a story to a child. “We’ll drive your car. That way Skylar will have transportation and the time she needs to check on our planes. When the time is right, she’ll get back to her job, and I’ll get back to mine. Then you can focus on that baby of ours. Wow…a baby. I still can’t believe it.”

  He looked at Skylar and winked. “How’s that sound, Captain? I’ll even loan you my phone, since yours doesn’t seem to be working. Do you think you can manage that while we’re gone?”

  Lily answered for her. “That sounds perfect. I’ll just keep a few things in my bag and leave the rest here. And Skylar, borrow whatever you need. I know how horrible it is to lose luggage. No one wants to wear the same outfit day after day. Oh, and don’t worry about replacing them either. I’m going shopping for a new wardrobe with my wonderful husband tomorrow.” Lily spun around, obviously giddy.

  Dylan smiled. “I guess you’re going to need it soon enough. Just let me make a few calls, and we’ll be on our way.” With that said, he turned to Skylar. “Follow me and I’ll show you where the extra towels are kept.”

  When they were in the hallway out of earshot, Skylar tugged on his arm and lowered her voice. “You’re going to need those towels, Dylan. To clean up your bloody mess. What do you think is going happen when the drug money you’re hiding turns up missing?”

  “I’m not that crazy, Sky. I’m spending some of the money I was told to keep. Just a few thousand dollars, nothing more. I never really considered it mine anyway. And after hearing about my friend Max being arrested, I’m planning to be more careful than ever.”

  “What do you mean? What did your friend do?”

  “His dad gave him fourteen grand to buy some rare coins at a Vegas show. On the way there, a cop pulled him over for a broken tail light. He found the wad of cash Max was carrying and half a joint in his ashtray. So the cop just assumed he was dealing.” Dylan shook his head and huffed. “Max was charged with felony drug possession and given six months.”

  “Is he still in jail?”

  “No. His dad got him off, but the money is still being held. That’s why I don’t take chances. Not with a million dollars tucked away.”

  “A million dollars?” Skylar choked on his words.

  “Yeah. My dad’s been holding it for me.”

  Claspin
g her hands, Skylar looked upward, as if seeking infinite wisdom from a higher source.

  “What’s wrong?” Dylan asked. “You worried about me?”

  She huffed a breath. “How could I not be?”

  “Because there’s no need, Sky. Despite everything I’ve been though, I’ve managed just fine, and I plan on doing so a lot longer.” He leaned forward and kept his voice low. “But just in case anything goes wrong, that package I told you about is between my mattress and box springs. It’s so obvious that no one would think to look there. Anyway, just trust me. Everything is going to work out fine.”

  Where had she heard those words before? From Jake? On her way to La-La Land?

  Dylan laid his hand on her shoulder. “I’ve never been the smartest man around, but I’ve always had the sense to know what’s right. I’m going to make sure Lily and our baby are taken care of. They’re going to have the best of everything in this world. Just wait and see.”

  “I sure hope so.” Skylar couldn’t imagine why anyone would risk their life for someone, even if they claimed to love them. But then who was she fooling? Only a few days ago, she climbed into a biplane and performed crazy stunts after receiving hardly any training. And for what? To keep Jake’s business afloat and herself in the air?

  Dylan’s mouth twisted in a humorless smile. “The crazy thing is…sometimes insanity gives us the strength to survive.”

  Skylar snorted a laugh. True enough.

  He handed her a full set of keys. “Try not to get any scratches on my car while I’m away, okay? When I was sixteen, I used every dollar I earned as a bagboy to buy that beauty. I want to keep her in good shape for my daughter.”

  “Your daughter?”

  “Yeah. That’s what I’m hoping for. Someone as remarkable and brilliant as you. But I wouldn’t mind having a son too.” Dylan released a happy little sigh. “I’m so glad we met, Sky. I’m just hoping good fortune shines on both of us.”

  Skylar huffed. “Sounds like a leprechaun’s wish.”

  Dylan chuckled and she smiled, but inside, Skylar was cringing. Although she’d given up cutting herself and swore off hardcore drugs within three months of leaving her grandfather’s house, she took up where her mother had left off—drinking, get stoned, going to underground parties with her new friends.

  That’s when her life changed for the worst in an instant.

  It was Saturday night, unlike any other, and the music was blaring loud inside the rave. The lights were dim, and the dance floor was packed so tight there was no room to move. She was thirsty and filled her glass with Red Bull and Jaeger. After taking a big gulp, she was back dancing, having a great time—showing everyone she was as carefree and happy as the rest of them. But soon, she felt dizzy and room started to spin. She had been drugged. She wanted to tell one of her friends, but she only took a few steps before she was falling. Falling into darkness. Falling into nothingness. Falling into a predator’s trap.

  The next thing she could remember was pain. Lots and lots of pain. She couldn’t tell where it was coming from, only that it seemed to radiate throughout her entire body. The crushing weight on top of her was making it hard to breath. Her arms didn’t work, and she couldn’t speak. She struggled to open her eyes to see what was happening—to see if she could stop whatever was causing the pain. But all she could see was a blur, and before she could comprehend what was happening, she was falling again. Back into the darkness. Back into the nothingness. Back to the brink of despair.

  Cold water hit her face. She started flailing and screaming and heard voices calling her name, telling her it was all right. Their panic and chorus of “you’re going to be okay” and “we’re so sorry” was confirmation enough. She shut down and refused to call the police. After gathering her belongings, she went to a friend’s house and cried herself to sleep, that night and many nights after. It became impossible to close her eyes without reliving the horrible assault she’d endured, even four years later. Sadly, the idea of a long-term relationship ended that night, along with any dream of having her own family. But like all of her secrets, Skylar kept this to herself, shoving it down deep where no one would know.

  “There you are,” Lily said, drawing back her attention. “I wrote down the phone number for the International Hotel, although I’m sure you won’t need it.” She handed Skylar the slip of paper she’d scribbled on and displayed a thin smile. “Dylan assured me we’ve got nothing to worry about. Not with you looking out for us. Isn’t that sweet?”

  Skylar nodded. “Indeed.” It seemed with no one else to count on and Dylan constantly assuring Lily, Skylar had become as close to trustworthy as someone was capable of being in their lives.

  “I know we started off on the wrong foot,” Lily added, “but I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends.”

  “That would be nice.” A smile returned to Skylar’s lips. But inside, she felt sorry for her. Lily stepped toward her, coming in for a hug, but instead of accepting her affection, Skylar awkwardly put out her hand. Lily looked a little startled, yet she accepted her less than friendly response.

  Skylar didn’t know why she did it. Perhaps it was just an automatic reflex. But after seeing the disappointment in Lily’s face, she thought she had messed up big time. She followed Lily outside and watched her slip into the passenger seat of her small blue car. Dylan closed her door and climbed into the driver seat. Then Lily waved in what looked like a gesture of thanks as they drove off, leaving Skylar feeling relieved.

  After closing the front door, she locked it and leaned back against the wall. With the house now quiet, she thought about the rape and how for years she had resisted standing up for herself. She pushed up her sleeves and looked down at the faded scars on her arms, reminding herself that there was no undoing the mistakes of her past. Despite everything that was currently happening, she needed to stay strong to keep from regretting what she had done in the future.

  9

  Forewarning

  “Always trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t figured out yet.”

  — ANONYMOUS

  Skylar’s first two assignments of the day were to check on the repairs on Dylan’s aircraft and pay for refueling her plane, if she could scrounge up enough money. What was the cost of aviation fuel twenty-one years ago? She’d have to do a quick check on that as well and cross her fingers that it didn’t exceed the cash loan Dylan had provided, although she had no idea when she’d be paying that back.

  For the first five minutes of her trip to the airport, her vision was restricted to the taillights ahead of her, but her mind was filled with thoughts of her parents. It was surreal to think about the fact that she’d been shown a fascinating glimpse of their lives and their destined-to-fail marriage. Although she grew up believing her father’s absence was the cause of her mother’s unhappiness, she now realized it was simply a contributing factor. Lily’s fragile mind and inability to cope with any stress would escalate over time and infect all of her future relationships, especially her relationship with her daughter. She couldn’t fix her parents, nor did she have any desire to try. But she also couldn’t help wondering if she could change the lives of others—maybe even save the one person who had made the greatest impact in her life.

  Roxy.

  Skylar’s lips settled into a smile as she thought about her high school friend and the memories they had shared. What she wouldn’t do to change Roxy’s future. If her friend had lived, she imagined that her life would have been so much more. More adventurous, more daring, maybe even more content.

  Did Roxy’s mother live in Reno or Las Vegas before she was born? Was her home address the same? She needed to find her and warn her of what was to come in her not-too-distant future.

  Skylar relaxed her grip on the steering wheel and focused on the street light up ahead. She would be hard-pressed to explain the dates on her driver’s license, if she was pulled over for running a red light.

  Stopping at the signal, she stared
mindlessly at the street ahead. A quick look at her watch confirmed it was 12:35 P.M., which explained the inactivity around her. Obviously, everyone who could manage it had gone to lunch, leaving the streets and sidewalks vacant.

  Bam! The sound of metal slamming into the ground came from the opposite direction. Skylar stared wide-eyed as a silver sedan bounced off the median, rolled onto its roof, and slid to a stop in the intersection.

  Skylar threw Dylan’s car into park and opened the door. While circling the sedan to get to the driver’s side, she spotted a black ’97 Lincoln Navigator like the one she’d seen at the park and again in front of Dylan’s house only a few hours ago.

  It slowly approached and the passenger side window rolled down. Instinctively, Skylar ducked her head to avoid detection and crept back to the passenger side. She glanced up and witnessed two shots being fired into the wreckage, both hitting the driver in the chest.

  Oh, my God! It was the vicious hoodlum from the park. The same gang member who had attacked Dylan and gotten away. Julian! She saw recognition in his eyes.

  “Skylar.” He hissed.

  She turned around and ran down the alley, hoping to escape.

  “You think you can outrun me? Go ahead. Try it. When I catch you, I’ll take you apart piece by piece!”

  Within seconds, she heard the sound of feet thundering after her. She turned a corner and ducked as a shot whizzed above her head, sending bits of brick into her hair.

  Julian growled, as he struggled to keep up. “Stop running!”

  She turned another corner, squeezed herself through a partially open door, and searched in the darkness for a place to hide.

  Julian’s voice echoed from the doorway. “Listen to me, Skylar. I just wanna talk.”

  Yeah, right. She slid behind the stack of crates. To stifle the sound of her frightened panting, she covered her mouth with one hand.

  “I’m only going to ask one more time.” He was getting closer with every passing second. “Come out, Skylar! I mean it!”