by Bonnie Leon
“Yeah, a little.”
“You’ll be fine,” she said and leaned over and kissed him. “In fact, you’ll be great. Remember, I’ve seen you work.”
Paul felt a spark of elation. “Thanks. It’ll just take awhile for me to get into the swing of things.”
Kate turned her attention back to flying. “Who cleared the landing site?”
“Patrick and me. We figured since you’d be making extra stops here, we ought to make sure you had a safe place to set down.”
“You did a good job. Thanks.”
Paul and Kate fell silent, the drone of the engine the only sound.
They lifted off and the white world fell away below.
“You sure it’s not too much trouble, your coming all the way out here to get me?” Paul asked.
“Can’t lie—it’d be easier if you lived in Anchorage. But I’m just grateful that you’re willing to do this and it gives me a reason to come out to get you. I love it here.”
“I said I’d give it a try. We’ll see how it goes.”
“Oh . . . right.” Kate’s voice trailed off as if she wanted to say more.
“That was our agreement, remember.”
“Yep. That’s what we said—just a trial.” Kate stared straight ahead and chewed on her bottom lip.
Paul knew she wanted more from him, but he wasn’t ready. He hadn’t practiced medicine since his wife had died and that had been nearly six years ago. If Susan’s death hadn’t been his fault, he might feel differently, but it was clear to him she’d still be alive if he’d taken her condition more seriously.
“We’ll be gone about a week. Who’s looking after your dogs?”
“Patrick’s boys. Since Douglas is the oldest and most responsible, he’s in charge.”
“They’re good kids.” She glanced at him. “Has there been any word from Lily? I know Sassa misses her. It must be especially hard since she’s Patrick and Sassa’s only daughter.”
“Yeah. It’s hard on them, especially Sassa. Patrick said she writes pretty regularly, though. She found a job and an apartment in Seattle and decided to stay. I think she might have found a man too.”
“How does Sassa feel about that?”
“She knew it was bound to happen. Lily’s easy on the eyes and she’s sweet. My guess is Sassa’s fine with it, although I’m sure she’d have preferred Lily had fallen for an Alaskan. That way she’d be closer to home.”
“Lily has a whole new life. Seattle’s a big city—a far cry from Bear Creek. Kind of like when you moved out here from San Francisco.” Kate gave him a sidelong glance.
Paul clenched his teeth. He knew she was fishing for information. He couldn’t tell her everything about his past, not yet. “Yeah. S’pose it is.”
“Do you think Lily will ever move back?”
“Hard to say.” Paul folded his arms over his chest. “’Course from what I’ve seen, once an Alaskan, always Alaskan. It’s hard to get it out of your blood.”
“I already feel that. When I left Yakima, it was hard on my mother. My dad understood, though. In fact, he encouraged me to go after my dream. Mom wanted me to stay put, but I think she’s better now. Especially after their trip up during the summer.”
“It’s been nearly two years since you moved, right?”
“In July.”
“Well then, I’d wager you won’t return to the States. The territory either runs you out the first year or it snags you for good.”
Below, Susitna Station looked serene, resting along the river with a forest of bare-limbed trees hedging it in from behind. Smoke drifted from cabins, and Paul thought he spotted Charlie Agnak, out on the dock in front of the mercantile. He glanced up and waved as they flew past and headed north.
“This is my home now,” Kate said. “But I miss my family.”
Paul felt the familiar tightening around his heart. He kept his eyes on the scenery. “Don’t suppose a person ever completely gets over missing loved ones.” He rolled his shoulders back, trying to relax his muscles. “So, what’s on the agenda?”
“Our first stop is a homesteader’s place not far from here.”
“What’s the problem?”
“It’s the Kennedys. One of their boys is sick. Sidney didn’t say with what.”
Kate landed on a well-packed airstrip in the midst of a broad white field. A small cabin huddled amidst piled snow, stunted spruce trees, and naked birch.
Before Kate brought the plane to a stop, the door of the cabin opened and a black dog barreled toward them, lunging through chest-deep snow. Kate moved to the door and opened it.
“Hey, Max,” she called.
Angel leaped out and sprinted toward the other dog. They nearly collided, then gave each other a good sniff before bounding off, nipping at one another and taking an occasional tumble as they frolicked in the white meadow.
“Angel has friends everywhere,” Paul said.
“Good thing she gets along with other dogs. Otherwise I’d have to leave her in the plane most of the time. Out here, everyone has dogs.” Kate took Paul’s hand. “Thank you for giving her to me.”
Paul gave her hand a squeeze. “Nita had a fine litter, but when I picked up Angel I knew she was the perfect pup for you.”
“You were right.” She flashed him a smile, then trudged toward the cabin.
Paul followed. Cold air stung his cheeks and seared his lungs. He wanted to put an arm around Kate but refrained. He didn’t know how she felt about showing affection in front of people.
Kate glanced at him. “Jack’s not as friendly as Max, but he’ll be all right.”
“Jack?”
“The Kennedys’ other dog. He’s an old man, but isn’t about to give up his post as guardian.”
“Hope he won’t mind my visiting.”
“He will.” Kate grinned, giving Paul’s arm an affectionate squeeze.
As they approached the cabin, a man with thick curly red hair and a beard to match stood at the top of the porch steps, his hands shoved into the pockets of his overalls. “Howdy.”
“Hello,” Kate called.
Jack pushed his aged hulk up off the porch, and with his hackles up, he woofed as he charged to the top of the steps.
“It’s all right, boy,” the man said, resting a hand on the dog’s head.
Kate approached the house. “I’ve brought the doctor.”
The man moved down the steps. Jack stayed at his side, bristling and warily eyeing the newcomer.
“I’d like you to meet Paul Anderson, our new bush doctor.”
The man extended a hand. “Good to meet you. I’m Bill Kennedy. Grateful you could check on my boy.”
Paul grasped the man’s big hand. “My pleasure.”
“Come on in,” Bill said. “Too cold out here for dallying.”
Paul stepped forward, but Jack growled and blocked his way.
“That’s enough, Jack,” Bill commanded.
“He’s just protecting his family.” Paul figured the dog was more bluster than bite and knelt, tugging off a glove. He extended a bare hand to Jack, palm down. The dog sniffed it. Cautiously, Paul placed his hand on Jack’s head and stroked his thick fur. The animal relaxed and moved forward, running his head under Paul’s palm and rubbing his heavy, tufted coat against his leg.
“Guess you’ve passed the test,” Bill said with a laugh. “He won’t forget you. Come on in.”
After introductions, the Kennedy boys hung back, obviously lacking enthusiasm over a call from the doctor. “Come on, now. Nothing to be afraid of.” Bill turned to Paul. “Carl’s the one who’s having trouble. His ear’s been hurting him for more than a week.”
Paul listened to the boy’s heart and lungs. He placed a thermometer in his mouth and then examined his ears. “That left ear’s infected, all right.” He glanced at the boy’s mother, Iris. “Has he had this before?”
“Yes. Pretty regular in fact. Probably four or five times a year.”
Paul took
out the thermometer and checked the reading. “A hundred and one—not too bad.” He returned the thermometer to its case. “You might want to think about having his tonsils and adenoids removed. That usually takes care of the problem.”
Iris paled. “That seems kind of extreme for a sore ear.”
“It’s done all the time. Repeated infections can damage hearing. And . . . I don’t want to alarm you, but sometimes infections can settle in the mastoid bone, here.” He touched Carl’s head behind his ear. “If that happens, it’s a serious problem.”
“Really?” Iris’s fingers played over the collar of her dress. She glanced at her husband. “I suppose we’ll have to talk about it.”
Paul smiled and reached into his bag. “In the meantime, I’d like you to put two drops of this oil in his ear three times a day.” He handed the medicine to Iris. “And a hot water bottle placed on the ear will help with the pain. Do you have aspirin?”
“Yes. I always keep some on hand.”
“Good.” He closed his medical bag. “Give him one tablet every four to six hours. It’ll keep the fever down and decrease pain.” He rubbed the top of Carl’s head with his knuckles. “He’ll be fine in a few days.”
“Thanks so much for your help, Doc,” Bill said. “We don’t have much money, but I was hoping you’d take a couple of pelts. Been a good year for marten.”
“My traps have been mostly empty this season. I’d appreciate the pelts.”
Kate and Paul left the Kennedy homestead behind and moved on to a mining camp. Several men who needed to be seen were packed into a small room in the back of a general store. It stank of sweat and stale bodies.
Paul introduced himself and dove into work, diagnosing and treating the men’s ailments. Time slipped away from him, until he looked up to see Kate watching from the doorway.
“Where you been?” Paul asked.
“I took care of the mail and dropped off supplies.”
“Can you give me a hand here?”
“Uh . . . sure,” Kate said.
“One of the men had sliced his hand pretty badly while cleaning a fish. As soon as I took off the wrappings, it started bleeding,” Paul said. “Can you keep the blood clear while I stitch it up?” He handed her several pieces of gauze.
“Okay,” Kate said, glancing at the wound, then turning away from the man’s splayed skin.
“I’m going to need you to watch what you’re doing,” Paul said.
“I’m a pilot, not a nurse.”
Paul let out an amused grunt as he began to clean the wound thoroughly, then went to work sewing up the injury. Kate managed to keep it clear of blood, even though she looked away a lot of the time.
Once back in the air, Paul blew out a breath and leaned back in his seat. “I’m beat.”
“I didn’t know doctoring was so much work,” Kate said.
“It can be.” He opened one eye and looked at her. “You did a good job. If you ever decide to give up flying . . .”
“Sorry—not my cup of tea. I hope you won’t need me to help very often. I almost gagged a couple of times. Especially with that man who had the infected toe. Didn’t know a toe could get so ugly.”
Paul chuckled. “It was pretty bad.”
Kate took Paul’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’re a good doctor. If I’m ever in need, I know who to call.”
Paul winked at her. “Thanks.” He looked at the frozen tundra below. “It’s kind of nice to be back at work.” All Paul had remembered about being a doctor was feeling like a failure, a murderer. He hadn’t expected the satisfaction he’d felt today. He was glad he’d come.
“Did you get paid at the camp?”
“A couple of fellows paid me. Don’t figure miners have much. Money’s not what I’m after anyway.” Paul looked at her. “How you getting paid for your flying time?”
“While you’ve been doctoring, I’ve made some deliveries and there were goods to pick up. I don’t have any extra passengers this trip, but there’ll be more than enough in the weeks to come.”
That night Paul and Kate stayed at a roadhouse in McGrath. After a supper of caribou stew and fresh-baked bread, Paul walked Kate to her room.
“Well, I’ll see you in the morning.” Paul wasn’t sure just how to say good night. He didn’t want to tarnish Kate’s reputation, but he also didn’t want to leave without a kiss.
“I had fun today, stinky feet and all.” She leaned in to Paul. “I’m proud of you.”
“It was pretty simple stuff,” Paul said, but her respect made him feel good.
Kate gently kissed his cheek, then circled her arm around his neck and pulled him closer. “I’m so glad we’re working together.” She pressed her lips to his.
Passion flared and Paul pulled her to him, answering her kiss. He longed for more, but forced himself to step back. “We better say good night.”
“Okay,” Kate said, her voice breathless. “I’ll see you in the morning.” A soft smile touched her lips.
“Tomorrow, then,” Paul barely managed to say.
The next few days Kate and Paul hopped from village to village. At the end of the fourth day, they moved up the coast of the Bering Sea. Paul was eager to get to Kotzebue. He hadn’t seen Joe or Nena since Kate’s accident. He wanted to see how Nena was getting on.
He gazed out at the endless bitter landscape. “I’ve never seen anything like this—miles of . . . nothing.”
“A lot of ice and wind. Once in a while you’ll see a pack of wolves or a bear. The villages are spread out. Nome’s the main hub. They have a doctor there, but we’ll stop anyway from time to time to drop off and pick up supplies and passengers.”
Paul’s eyes turned to the ice-covered ocean. “Hard to imagine that much water being frozen.”
Kate glanced out at the ice. “This area always makes me feel small.”
“More like microscopic.”
“I never really feel alone, though. It’s such an amazing place—huge and endless—and I’m reminded that God created it. I feel his presence here. And I know he sees me flying along.” Kate smiled.
“You think so? I’d like to have your faith. Some things in life make it hard to believe.”
Kate gave him a questioning look, but didn’t say anything. Instead she glanced at her watch. “We’re nearly to Kotzebue. Good thing. By three thirty it’ll be dark.”
Paul didn’t want to think about how God had let him down. He willed away thoughts of Susan and all that had happened in San Francisco and let his gaze roam over a ridge that flowed across the frozen arctic. “The mountains and the land blend together,” he said, studying the white wasteland. “It’s incredible.” He turned to Kate. “Thanks for introducing me to Alaska. I’ve been holed up all this time and didn’t realize there’s so much to see.”
“By this time next year you’ll be well acquainted with the territory . . . and its people.” Kate’s lips curved up into a soft smile as she surveyed the expanse sprawling north. “I love Alaska.”
She turned her gaze toward the sea. “I can’t imagine what Amelia Earhart is experiencing right now. It must be amazing. She’s flying over places people have never even seen. I’d love to do something like that.”
“You’d like to fly around the world?” Paul shook his head.
“Yes. Can’t you imagine it?”
“It would be an adventure.” Paul chuckled. “But she’s got to be a little crazy, don’t you think? A woman and a navigator, on their own, flying across thousands of miles of unknown territory and up against all kinds of weather conditions. Not to mention how undependable planes can be.”
“She has the best equipment and she’s in touch with people on the ground.” Her eyes alight, Kate didn’t seem to be concerned with the dangers. “Just imagine seeing India and Australia and—”
“Don’t you get any crazy ideas.” Paul’s stomach tightened. Sometimes Kate seemed to lack all reason. And yet, her adventurous spirit and her courage were part of what h
e loved about her.
“I won’t. I couldn’t afford it anyway. But I’d love to meet her someday.”
By the time they approached Kotzebue, the sun, looking as if it had been drained of color, rested on the horizon. Firepots were lit and set out along the airfield.
As soon as the plane was down, Joe Turchik headed onto the airstrip. Paul opened the door and Angel bounded out with Kate following. Joe smiled, his almond-shaped eyes nearly disappearing in his round, tanned face. “Glad to see you.”
“It’s good to be back,” Kate said. She turned to Paul. “You remember Paul. He was at the hospital when Nena was hurt.”
“I remember. You helped save my Nena. Thank you.” Joe grasped Paul’s hand. “Welcome to Kotzebue.”
“Glad to be here.” Paul turned to look at a small village that huddled against the frigid Arctic. Icy wind tugged at the ruff of his hood and burned his cheeks. He pulled his hood closed around his face. “It’s freezing out here.”
“Outsiders,” Joe said with a laugh.
The three worked together to secure the Bellanca. The oil was drained, the engine covered, and the craft securely tied down before they headed toward the village. Wind swirled particles of ice off the frozen ground, creating a sparkling mist in the fading light.
As they’d traveled, Paul’s respect for Kate had grown. She was an incredible woman. He grabbed hold of her arm and stopped her. Joe kept moving.
“Kate.” How did he say what he felt?
“What is it?” She stared at him with a puzzled expression.
“I just want you to know . . . I didn’t understand.” He blew out a breath. “All this time . . . I didn’t get it—the risks you take, the kind of life you lead, the lives you touch. I’m so proud of you.” He glanced at Joe’s back, then gave Kate a quick kiss. “You’re amazing.”
“No, I’m not.” Tears washed into her eyes and she shook her head. “I’m not even close to anything like that.”
“You are,” Paul said. “Don’t let your past hold you back.”
“I’m not. Why are you?”
— 3 —
Wind and cold chased Paul into the Turchiks’ home, a combination mercantile and living quarters. It was small, overly warm, packed with provisions and furniture, and smelled of cooking meat.
