by Elaine Meece
Grounded
by
Elaine Meece
Grounded – Flight for Life Series - Book Two.
Author -Elaine Meece
Copyright ©2017 by Elaine Meece
Sassafras Publishing
686 Brinsley Cove
Memphis, TN. 38017
Published December 2017
ISBN- 13:978-1979853538
ISBN- 10:1979853533
Cover Art by Valerie Tibbs Design
Published in the United States of America. Publish date May 2017. All rights reserved. This book should not be copied or photocopied without written permission of the author except in case of brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, dialogue and events are products of the author’s imagination are used fictitiously, and any likeness to actual person, living or dead, business establishments or locales is entirely by coincidence. References to any real people, places, groups, or organizations are intended to only provide a sense of authenticity and are fictitious in use.
Other books available by Elaine Meece
Eye of the Abductor
Under Currents
Dark Side of the Mirror
When Death Calls
Deceitful Hearts
Fatally Yours
Blood Tide
Love in the Shadows
Turbulence - Flight of Life Series
Book One
T
Acknowledgements
I want to thank retired pilot, George Malone. I couldn’t have written my final flight scene without him. Also, I’d like to thank Ellen Stucker, who used to be a flight attendant. Finally, a special thanks to Wanda Cooper for her help.
Dedication
To, my husband, Geoffrey, for your help and support. You’ve never given up on me or my writing. I couldn’t do it without you.
Chapter One
Had something gone wrong? Annie Spencer closed the mailbox. Her stomach twisted with anxiety. It hadn’t come. She’d expected the letter to arrive by mid-June. Today was June twenty-eighth. If their correspondence had been discovered, Megan would face harsh consequences.
Don’t panic.
Annie drew in a deep breath. Maybe the lady who mailed her sister’s letters hadn’t made it to the commune this month. There could be a number of reasons why her sister wasn’t able to get a letter out of Cactus Point. Her sister had lived at a communal home with the fanatic religious group for almost a year. During that time, she had managed to mail a letter each month, for the last six months.
Megan had written the group was once a part of the FLDS communities of Hidale and Colorado City. They had Mormon roots, but unlike the Mormons, their twisted doctrine had been written by Joseph Hawkins, their leader.
Annie sighed. If she didn’t receive a letter in June, then she’d worry.
As she walked into her house, the phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Dwayne from Zurtel. “Hello, Dwayne.”
“Can you come in?” She had planned to finish the watercolor she’d started painting last month. Lately, Zurtel left her very little free time.
“I wasn’t scheduled for today.”
“Heather called in sick. I’m sorry, but this is important.”
“When?”
“Be at the airstrip by noon. You’ll be going to Jacksonville. This might turn out to be an overnighter. Pack a bag. Cynthia Reynolds is giving the new CEO a tour of the Jacksonville manufacturing plant, labs, and testing facilities.
“It’s Conners. She’s married now,” Annie reminded.
“Cynthia Conners. I keep forgetting.”
“I’ll be there.” She sighed. So, what if only one side of her painting was finished? She liked staring at half a picture.
After disconnecting the call, Annie laid out her uniform, then showered. Her gaze landed on the bridal bouquet she’d caught at Cynthia’s wedding.
Silly, but she’d thought it was an omen that something more would happen between Evan and her, but nothing had. They’d spent almost a week in Belem, and it had been magical. But from the moment Evan saw her catch the bouquet, he had withdrawn.
Neither spoke of Belem and the intimacy they’d shared.
Heather, the other flight attendant, had mentioned seeing Evan with a woman at the mall that week.
Annie grabbed the bouquet and tossed it into the trashcan. She didn’t need false hopes.
Before Evan, Annie had been in one serious relationship. Cameron had ended up calling off their engagement and moving back in with his ex-wife. Annie had been heartbroken. Not only had she lost Cameron but also his two daughters who she really loved.
Evan had never been married, making him seem perfect.
Annie twisted her hair in a bun and pinned it, then stared at her reflection. She never bothered with makeup. The last time she’d worn it was for the Conners’ wedding. She opened the drawer and pulled out the tiny cases of blush and eye shadow, a bottle of foundation, and eyeliner. Maybe it was time for a change.
After applying the cosmetics, she smiled.
Annie glanced at the clock. If she had more time, she would curl her hair and wear it down. As a kid, she’d been all legs and arms, and to top it off, she’d worn braces. Her hair had been the only exceptional thing about her.
At the airstrip, she approached the jet. Would Evan be the copilot on this trip?
It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t humiliate herself again by throwing herself at him. In her defense, she thought they’d continue what had started in Brazil.
Outside, the new Gulf Stream 280, Evan walked around doing the preflight check. Annie ignored him and climbed the steps. Inside, she made sure the refrigerator had cold drinks and brewed a pot of coffee, then set out a variety of pastries. She checked the small bathroom at the rear of the jet and made sure it was in order.
Seeing some of Mallory’s toys left aboard from the last flight, she scooped them up and placed them in a bag. Tristen’s daughter had quickly developed a strong bond with her step-mom. No one would ever suspect Cynthia wasn’t Mallory’s biological mom. Even more amazing was how quickly a bond formed between Gina and Mallory. Though they were half-sisters, they both favored Tristen.
Since Gina had reentered her life, Cynthia had never been happier or easier to work for. Longing for the daughter, she’d given up for adoption had made her difficult to work with. She’d kept the secret from everyone including Tristen.
Thinking about her own secrets, Annie sighed. No one at Zurtel knew about Megan and her situation.
The sound of the outer steps vibrating drew her attention.
Tristen Conners entered alone. “Annie, sorry we pulled you from your day off.”
“I wasn’t busy.” She handed him the bag of toys. “Mallory left these.”
He grinned. “Thanks.”
“Where are the girls?” Annie asked.
“Sierra doesn’t have a class today, so she’s keeping them. Tomorrow, my ex-mother-in-law will pick them up and keep them at her house.”
“I’m glad things worked out between you and Danielle’s family.”
Tristen shrugged. “When I think of how they tried to take Mallory from me, it still hits a nerve, but bottom line, they love her. Rose has really come around. She’s been very understanding about the relationship I had with Cynthia before Danielle came into my life and treats Gina like she’s her own granddaughter.”
“It has to be difficult to lose a daughter, then see her family move on,” Annie said.
“I’m sure it is. That’s why I gave Rose a second chance.”
Annie really liked Tristen Conners. Not only was he an exceptional p
ilot, he was a great guy. She couldn’t help but notice Evan sneaking past Tristen to the cockpit without glancing her way.
Cynthia talked with the man boarding with her. No doubt the new CEO.
Annie had expected him to be old, fat, and bald. She had never been more wrong.
His Armani suit revealed broad shoulders. He had to lower slightly to enter the jet. He reached up and smoothed down his head of dark brown hair.
When he faced her, Annie became breathless. Get a grip.
He had a masculine face—square chin and chiseled jaws. He reminded her of Hotchner off of Criminal Minds. He had sort of a hawk look about him.
Cynthia came up to her. “Brice meet Annie Spencer; Annie meet Brice Jordan. Brice is Zurtel’s new CEO.”
“Nice meeting you, Mr. Jordan,” she squeaked out.
“Call me, Brice.”
Annie’s knees grew weak. Any minute she expected to fall at his feet. Thank goodness, she’d worn a touch of makeup.
He extended his hand to shake. “Nice meeting you.”
She placed her hand in his and tiny nerve endings sent all kind of erotic messages to her brain. But it died the moment the wedding ring on his finger caught her attention.
Not that this gorgeous male species would give her the time of day other than wanting her to serve him drinks or food.
“Annie, you look nice today,” Cynthia said.
Rather than mention the makeup, Annie smiled. “Thanks. Is there anything I can get either of you before we depart?”
“I’d like my usual,” Cynthia said.
“Coffee, please,” Brice requested. He shifted his attention to Cynthia. “This Gulf Stream 280 is amazing. Mind if I take a look in the cockpit?”
“I forgot you’re a pilot. Go ahead,” Cynthia said.
Annie let Brice go ahead of her. He entered the tight flight deck. She continued to work in the space right outside the flight deck.
“Thought I’d take a quick look before we depart,” Brice said to Tristen. “She still has that new jet smell.”
“Sweet, isn’t she?”
“Yeah. What’s her absolute ceiling?” Brice asked.
“Forty-five thousand,” Tristen replied. “Her sleek wings and aerodynamic body allows her to climb to forty-three thousand feet in twenty-three minutes or less. Thanks to MX7, she’s lightweight and uses twelve percent less fuel.”
“I notice you have autobrake and auto-throttle.”
“She’s loaded with the latest technology,” Tristen said.
“She’s a beast,” Evan said. “This baby can fly from here to London.”
“We’d better get rolling,” Tristen said.
“Sure. I’ll take my seat.”
Hearing him coming, Annie busied herself. She reached in the small refrigerator and grabbed Cynthia a diet soda. As she raised up, she bumped into Brice Jordan. “Sorry, sir.”
“No, I’m invading your work space.”
You can invade my space anytime.
“Not a problem,” she replied and stepped from the compact galley to allow him to pass. “I’ll have your coffee ready in just a second.”
“Just hold it until we take off.”
“Will do. Cream or sugar?”
“Black, with one sugar.”
She nodded. “Got it.”
After handing Cynthia the drink, Annie buckled herself into her special little seat that pulled down just outside the galley. Although convenient, it tended to be uncomfortable.
The sleek jet taxied onto the tarmac outside the hangar. Its engines roared as Tristen prepared to depart. Finally, it started down the runway and lifted into the air.
Once the jet rose and leveled out, Annie unfastened her seatbelt and stepped in the galley. She poured a cup of coffee and carried it to Zurtel’s new CEO. “Here you go, sir. Black with one sugar. Be careful. It’s hot.”
A slight shift in the jet sent the coffee tumbling. She tried to catch it, but it was too late.
“What the hell?” Brice grimaced. “Shit, that’s hot! Son of a bitch.”
Cynthia gasped. “Grab a towel.”
“I’m so sorry!” Annie rushed back to the galley, grabbed a cloth, and hurried back to them. Without thinking, she slapped it over his thigh and rubbed. “I don’t know what happened.”
“Annie, calm down,” Cynthia said. “It’s not like you did it intentionally. Bring him a bag of ice.”
Within minutes, Annie returned with ice and offered it to Brice. “I hope this helps.”
Brice slapped it on his thigh. “Thanks. I’m sorry about the language.”
“I understand,” Annie said.
“We’ve both heard worse,” Cynthia added.
The man had only been on the flight a short time and Annie had already found a way to get his attention. Problem was this wasn’t the kind of attention she wanted.
She recalled the feel of his tight thigh muscles when she’d blotted the towel over him. He was built like a Roman statue—a solid block of muscles.
He handed her back the wet towel and ice.
“I’ll bring you another cup,” Annie offered.
He held up his hand. “No thanks. I’ll pass.”
Her heart sank. This man would never want her serving him anything.
Cynthia smiled. “He’ll survive and so will you.”
After Annie returned to the front and took her seat. She removed Megan’s last letter and unfolded it.
Dear Annie,
I was such a fool to trust Dan and come here. I realize now what he and his religious group were after. They wanted new breeding stock. Not just me, but Libby as well. The group has inbred so much, their children are born with severe retardation and dwarfism.
I’m still not accepted by his other wives. They grew up in this lifestyle. I’m very much an intruder and a threat.
Joseph Hawkins has already claimed Libby as one of his maidens. Next month when she turns twelve, he’ll marry her and three other girls. Dan tells me it’s an honor. I should be proud she was selected. These people truly believe Hawkins is the angel, Michael, who has come to earth to prepare the way for Christ.
I want out. The problem will be Libby. She loves it here. She has no idea what’s in store for her. There’s one more thing. I’m pregnant.
I’m so glad I had a chance to see you earlier this year even though it was only for a few minutes.
If you get back this way, we still go to the market on the first and third Thursdays of each month. It’s the only time we leave the commune.
I’m excited about you and Evan. Maybe he’s the one.
Love, Meagan.
Annie sighed. “Apparently, the last letter she’d mailed hadn’t reached Megan, because her sister wasn’t aware things hadn’t worked with Evan.
Annie had written to every Arizona law enforcement and government agency telling them of the atrocities going on at Cactus Point outside of Phoenix.
With her sister being pregnant, Annie didn’t think they’d murder her, but they could make her life a living hell.
She raised her gaze to Cynthia and Brice. They both stared at the tablet screen while they discussed business. Annie doubted he could concentrate wearing damp pants. She’d offer to have them cleaned.
She pushed her glasses up from the tip of her nose and frowned as she considered the first impression she’d made on the new CEO.
♦♦♦
Brice Jordan glanced at the flight attendant. Behind the owlish glasses, enormous brown eyes stared back. She quickly lowered her lashes to the letter she read. She carefully folded it up and put it away as if it were the Declaration of Independence.
The rigid uniform didn’t hide her shapely legs with narrow ankles that matched her slender frame. He couldn’t tell much about her hair that she wore pinned up.
His thigh still burned from where the coffee scorched him. Though the jet had shifted slightly, it shouldn’t have caused her to drop the cup.
Earlier while giving an
overview of the employees, Cynthia Conners had mentioned the attendant’s crush on the copilot.
The attendant approached them. “We’ll land within the hour. Are you done with your drink?”
Cynthia handed her the soda can and other trash. “Annie, I hope you don’t have any plans for the Fourth. We’re flying to Komar Industries in Utah, so Brice can get a firsthand look at how MX7 is produced. Be prepared to stay three nights.”
The attendant’s eyes lit as though asked to carry the Olympic torch. “I’m available. I hadn’t made any plans. If it’s all right, I’ll stay with my friend again?”
“Certainly.”
“Will the kids come?” Annie asked.
“Yes, they’re excited.” She turned to him. “Bring your sons. The town puts on a fireworks show.”
“They’d like that. I’ll bring them.”
We’ll leave early Wednesday, so we arrive in plenty of time for the celebration,” Cynthia added.
This would give him an excuse to call Shea. He hadn’t expected her to go through with their divorce, but she had. And now he only had weekend visitation with his boys—Shawn, eight. Gabriel, six.
He truly believed after Shea experienced life on her own, she’d be begging him to come home. Hell, she couldn’t even change a light bulb. Being away from her and his kids made him miserable. His new job might keep him sane.
When the jet hit a rough patch of turbulence, Brice snapped from his thoughts. He fastened his seatbelt and waited for the jet to land at Cecil Field.
Tristen Conners landed the Gulf Stream 280 smoothly on the runaway. Brice figured he could get a few flying tips from him. But he doubted they’d let him pilot this forty-three-million-dollar jet. To think, Zurtel had purchased three of them.
The Jacksonville facility spread out across twenty acres with its own tower and runways for testing. A tall wire fence surrounded it.
