FIRE ON HIGH
“Fire On High” is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. All characters and settings © Tigermark 2003-2009 unless otherwise noted. Request permission before using them, please.
The characters of Anatol Altaisokova and Melinda Altaisokova are my names for characters © Max Blackrabbit. They appear in this story with his permission. The characters of Brandy, Maxwell, Tonya and Zig Zag are also © Max Blackrabbit and appear here with his permission. Events and information relating to Tonya, Anatol, and their family are presented here, but are not to be considered canon to those characters or any other story but this one. ZZ Studios, and all characters associated with ZZ Studios, James Sheppard, and Marvin Badger © James Bruner and appear here with his permission. Although characters from and events referring to Zig Zag the Story appear here, this story is not canon to that one, and the author will disavow any knowledge of this story. Wanda Vixen © Chris Yost and appears here with his permission. Sabrina Mustidalae © Eric W. Schwartz and appears here with his permission. This story is not canon to Sabrina Online the comic, or Sabrina Online the Story, either. Matt Barstock, Angie Rockwell, Intermountain Charter, The Bitch, and her crew, and Jerry Kitt © Silver Coyote. See their story HERE. Gail Rutherford © me and is not canon to any other story involving ZZ Studios. Gabrielle Ryder and Jean LeBrun © Aslaug, from her Transitions stories. See them at her site, The Axe Shed, available from the links page. ¹Refers to events that transpire in “Transitions.” Dr. Elias Kahn, mentioned in this chapter, is © Shere Kahn from his story “From the Depths to the Heights,” available on the Raccoon’s Bookshelf.
Author’s Note: Lewiston, Maine’s airport, identifier KLEW, is actually uncontrolled. That is, it has no control tower. Poetic license was used for this story, so Alex and company talk with a control tower whilst aviating there.
Chapter 56
Meet and Greet, Part 2
It was late afternoon when the wheels of Stripes One kissed the runway at Bluegrass International. Corrie was trying to take in everything at once. Bluegrass was larger than Lewiston, that was certain. The commercial terminal itself was larger than the whole complex of hangars in Lewiston. The two commuter airliners at the gates were larger than most anything that flew from the small airport in Maine. Out in front of one hangar across the tarmac from the terminal, on what looked to be the general aviation side of the field, an F-4 fighter stood, with another jet in military markings beside it.
“Luv, what’s with the Phantom ovah there? Not even the National Guard flies them anymore, do they?”
Alex smiled in his mask. The lady was certainly observant. “No, that belongs to the Kentucky Aviation Museum. Kentiger’s hangar is the one back toward the runway from it.”
“Oh I see. Looks like a big reception, or do that many furs always line up to meet you when you get home?”
Alex glanced in that direction as they taxied toward the turnoff between the commercial and general sides of Bluegrass. Sure enough, a small crowd stood in the shade of the main hangar door. They reached the turnoff, and Alex deftly taxied the T-38 onto Kentiger’s ramp. He couldn’t resist making a show of turning Stripes One in front of the gathered furs, so that the aircraft swung in an arc and stopped so that when they exited, they’d be facing the group from the bottom of the boarding ladders. He went through the shutdown checklist, and the same young canid who’d pulled the chocks for him the morning before put them back around the wheels. The boarding ladders clunked into place as soon as he raised the canopies. Before turning off the main switch, Alex spoke over the intercom.
“Do you want to get out together, or would you like me to go first?”
Corrie glanced out at the gathered furs, who still waited by the hangar. At least they hadn’t surrounded the aircraft as soon as the engines shut down. Corrie was feeling a bit overwhelmed, but she bucked up her courage.
“We’ll go togethah. That way I can hide behind you if they rush us.”
Alex gave a snort and a laugh. “We’ll be fine. Let’s go”
He shut off the main switch and finished unhooking the comm. and oxygen lines. As he stood up, Corrie did the same. She was now familiar with how to extricate herself from all the lines and belts. Alex winked at her as they in unison turned and descended the ladders with their helmets still on and their tails to the crowd. Once on the tarmac, they turned and removed their helmets almost unconsciously in exact unison still. A round of applause spontaneously erupted from the crowd. Corrie looked at Alex, feeling a bit of stage fright. He merely nodded his acknowledgement both to her and the group. He then began to walk toward the assembled furs, Corrie a half-step behind him. She stopped when he did, about ten feet in front of the group. Alex spoke, loud enough to be clearly heard.
“Well, thank you for the warm welcome, but I know you’re not out here to see me. This is my girlfriend, Corrie Patterson. I’m sure you’ll all get to talk to her before we get out of here today.”
Billy stepped forward, gave Alex a broad grin, and then extended a paw to Corrie. “Corrie, pleased to meetcha. Billy Panelli. Wow, Alex said you were beautiful, but that barely covers it. Welcome to Kentucky.”
Corrie hesitated for a second, but then her Aussie attitude kicked in. “Why thank you, Billy, but what’s barely covered? This flight suit doesn’t have any holes in it.”
Billy blinked, and then gave a hearty laugh. “Oh you’ve been around Alex too much. Now, before everyone else mobs you, Penny will tie a knot in my tail if I forget to invite y’all for dinner tomorrow.”
Alex glanced at Corrie, and she smiled. He gave her a smile back and answered for them. “Sounds good. Have Penny call me with what time to be there.”
“Great! I’m heading inside so the others can have a chance to say hello. Don’t let them keep you out here too long. Thunderstorms were about an hour out when we came out here.”
“See you in a bit,” Alex replied as Billy turned to go. Loni and Duncan Jetter stepped up next. They extended a warm greeting to the lioness, and then went inside to get ready to head home for the day. Several of the flight crews bid them hello on their way either home or out on flights. Janet Satterly, Rebecca DeLeon, and Jackie Tortelli extended their greetings as well. Rich Farraday stumbled through his greeting. The ferret had always been a bit shy around femmes. The last of the group to step up was Allastair McCrory. The bulldog nodded to Alex first.
“I see ya brought yer toy back in one piece. Any problems we need to fix?”
Alex grinned. Both he and the bulldog made sure Stripes One stayed in top shape. “No, she’s in fine shape. Thank you for keeping that jewel so well polished. I’d not trust her to very many.”
Allastair snorted. “Ah, flattery’ll getcha nowhere.” He then turned to Corrie and looked her over for a second. A strange transformation came over him. Alex had seen the retired Marine chew up and spit out a pilot who mistreated an aircraft with just a look. Male or female, they were all just pilots to him, but when he locked eyes with Corrie, he suddenly seemed a bit shy and uncertain.
“Ah, Miss Corrie, pleased to meet ya. I’m Allastair McCrory, the one who sees to it the aircraft for Kentiger stay operational.”
Corrie looked him over for a second in return. She then gave a nod and smiled. “Like a right propah Marine should, I’m sure. Pleased to meet you too.”
Alex stifled a laugh as it looked like the bulldog might either melt into the tarmac or start wagging his stump of a tail. He then caught himself and stood up straight. He gave a nod to them both and stepped around them to go begin berating the ground crew that now worked on getting Stripes One ready to be towed into the hangar. No one wanted to leave the jet out in the coming storm.
“Well, that was unusual,” Alex commented as he and Corrie walked in the door of Kentiger’s hangar. “I’ve never seen that ol’ bulldog act like that.”
Corrie giggled. “Yeah, turned him right roundabout. Me mum always told me about how to get on a Marine’s good side. She nevah would say just how she came by that bit of knowledge, but apparently she knew what she was talking about. Thanks for telling me about him yestahday.”
Alex winked at her. “I think it was the accent, but maybe that’s just me.”
Corrie rolled her eyes and gave a smirk that became a smile after a second. They walked into the pilot’s locker area, where Alex stopped at a locker with his name on it.
“You can stow your flight gear in here with mine. We just got these put in a couple of weeks ago. Before that I stored my gear in a closet in my office, or just took it home with me.” Alex began removing his G-suit and parachute harness after putting his helmet on a shelf near the top of the locker. “We’ll go see Billy next to see when he wants to have his talk with you. After that, I’ll take you to your hotel so you can get checked in. We’ll play it by ear after that.”
“Sounds good,” Corrie replied as she stripped off her G-suit and harness. Alex froze in place for a moment as she wriggled her hips and tail to get the G-suit off. That set up motions that locked his brain up for a moment. She hung the gear up on hooks beside Alex’s, and then stretched up to put her helmet on the shelf above his. Alex recovered enough to lead the way into the admin area. As they walked in, Loni called out to them.
“You two better run and get your luggage out of Stripes One. Allastair just called to say they’re ready to tow her, and if you don’t want to come all the way to their shop, you’d better hurry.”
The tiger and the lioness exchanged a look, and then turned and ran; laughing all the way, back out to the T-38. The western sky was almost black with thunderheads, and lightning flashed every few seconds among the dark, roiling mass. They ran to the belly pod and grabbed their bags. As soon as they were clear, they heard Allastair bark a command and a tug began towing the aircraft toward Bluegrass’s hangar. Corrie and Alex ran back into Kentiger’s hangar and stopped to catch their breath. They were both still laughing, and after a moment they moved into an embrace. Instead of walking back to the Admin area, Alex led the way to a door that faced the coming storm. As their breathing settled, the two stood and watched the dazzle of lightning and rush of wind from the fast-approaching storms. They had their arms around each other’s waist and their tails casually entwined. Billy Panelli, who’d just walked into the hangar bay, grinned and turned to walk back to his office. He’d been going to tell them to head out, he’d talk to them tomorrow, but he wasn’t going to spoil their moment for anything.
# # #
Jack tapped on the sliding door from the patio, and Andrew opened the door to let him in.
“Hi Andrew, your mom in the kitchen?”
“Hi Mr. Jack. Yeah, that’s where she is. Tia, too. ‘Scuse me, Mom needs the big bowl from the dining room cabinet.” As Andrew hurried on, Jack turned toward the kitchen.
“Sure, see you in a minute,” he replied. The big wolf went on into the kitchen, which bustled with activity. Tia was making a big bowl of salad, and Jenna was stirring a pot on the stove. Jack spoke so he wouldn’t scare either femme.
“Wow, something smells great. Hi Tia, how are you?”
Tia flashed him a smile as she broke up cauliflower into the bowl. “Fine, Mr. Jack. I passed my belt test with Sensei Quai! Next one is for the black belt!”
“That’s fantastic!” he replied as he made his way over to Jenna and embraced her from behind. “And how about you? Hi Sweetheart.”
“Hi, yourself. Really good now,” she replied as she arched into the embrace. “Now, go have a seat. Alex and his girlfriend should be in before long. They’ll probably go up to his place for a bit, but they’re having dinner with us.”
“Great! I was hoping I’d get to meet her while she’s visiting. It’s really dark to the west, and I could see lightning. Think that might delay them?”
Jack looked concerned as Jenna turned to face him. She was about to voice her own concern, since she hadn’t been aware of the approaching storms. Just then the sound of a truck passing the house and heading on up the driveway made it a moot point.
“Guess that answers that question,” she quipped with a smile.
In a moment four sets of eyes peered out the patio doors toward Alex’s home, trying to catch a glimpse of his girlfriend.
# # #
“Well, you live even farther from your business than I do where I work, Luv,” Corrie commented as they turned onto another two-lane road. Alex gave a quick grin toward her as he accelerated out of the turn. They had caught a brief break in the rain, and managed to get around Lexington and out ahead of the line of storms. The thunder and lightning seemed to be weakening a bit as the line moved eastward, as well as slowing down. They had even had time to stop by Corrie’s hotel on the way.
“Yep. It’s times like this I could put my newly-minted rotorcraft rating to use,” Alex replied.
“Coo, not in weather like what we saw at the airport! Choppahs and thunderstorms don’t mix at all, remembah?” A quick glance told Alex that Corrie was teasing him. He grinned in return.
“Aww, but I bet it’s fun to fly through ten thousand foot up- and downdrafts in a helicopter. Plus the hail on the rotors makes such a great beat.”
Corrie gave a snort and put a paw on his shoulder. “You are insane. Must be why you love me.”
Alex gave a tilt of his head, his tail curling slowly behind his seat. “I’m crazy about you, so if that qualifies, then I’m certifiable.”
Corrie smiled broadly, but before she could say anything Alex noticed their turn coming up. “Look up on the hill to the left. That’s my house.”
The lioness looked up the hill at a house near the treeline, over two hundred yards from the fence that ran along the road. It was a single story affair with lots of glass along one end and grey stone and wood throughout. On another design, it would have been imposing or depressing, but this home gave the impression of being open and airy, yet strong. The view disappeared as trees along the fenceline blocked their sight. Alex turned on his signal and began to slow down. They turned into a driveway situated between two large oak trees. The opening didn’t seem too confined, as the weeds and brush that had encroached along most of the road appeared freshly cut here. Corrie saw a modest red brick ranch home with a large front porch to the right. There was a minivan and a pickup truck parked in the short driveway, and as they drove by Alex told Corrie who lived there.
“That’s where Jenna, Tia, and Andrew live. Looks like Jenna’s fiancé is there, too. That’s his truck. After I show you around my place, we’ll come down here for dinner.”
At that Corrie became quiet. She was still a bit nervous about making a good impression on Alex’s family. They drove on up the long driveway and Alex stopped in front of the garage. He shut the truck down and looked over at Corrie.
“Here we are, home sweet home.”
Corrie looked at him with a half-smile on her muzzle and nodded, so Alex got out. He was halfway around the truck to open her door when the lioness popped it open and got out. She grabbed the paw he had ready to open the door and grinned at him mischievously. He rolled his eyes and led the way up to the front door. He opened it and did a sweeping bow.
“Welcome to my home, Corrie Patterson. Treat it as your own while you’re here.”
Corrie arched an eyebrow, but decided not to ask if that meant he wanted her to move in. Others in her past had meant just that when couching the invitation in polite, formal speech. After a short pause, she decided it was just southern hospitality at work, but she couldn’t help teasing a bit.
“Thank you, I’ll staht rearranging the furniture right aftah supper.”
Alex gave a wry grin, and then began showing Corrie around his home. The décor was minimalistic without being Spartan. It made Corrie feel at ease, but left no doubt that a male lived there. When they got to the den, Corrie took in the wall of awards and diplomas. She looked at Alex in awe for a moment.
“You seriously have done all this, and you came to Maine for choppah training? I’ve got to admit I feel a bit overwhelmed here.”
Alex looked at her for a moment, and then took her paw in his and lifted it to his lips, gently kissing it before he spoke.
“Love, I don’t want you to feel that way at all. I’ve had many opportunities and I’ve tried to make the best of them all. Now the Lord has given me the opportunity to love someone, and for that someone to love me back. The circumstances that brought us together were way beyond the control of either of us, so please don’t feel you aren’t right where you’re supposed to be.”
A smile slowly crept across the lioness’ muzzle. “Luv, that has got to be . . . the most romantic load of bull I’ve evah heard, but it sounds good to me.”
She managed to plant a kiss on him between laughs, and he shook his head. “C’mon, let me show you the back yard and the running trail before we go down to Jenna’s.”
“Lead on, Jet Jockey,” she replied, with a very respectful tone rather than the teasing one she normally used with her nickname for him. Alex led her by the paw toward the back of the house.
# # #
Jefferson Mastifson the Third watched his target carefully. The doberman femme had caught his eye as he sat on a barstool in the small club he frequented in west Lexington. He’d been without “dessert” as he called it since coming back from the disastrous hearing in Cincinnati. This femme was new to the club, and she also reminded him of a certain doberman femme he’d had as his mistress before his departure from the Air Force.
Seeing no other males in her company, Mastifson stood and walked over to her table. He stopped right beside her and motioned to get the attention of the scantily-clad waitress.
“Another of whatever she’s having for the lady.”
The vixen nodded and headed for the bar. The doberman looked up at him in a rather aloof manner as he moved to sit down at the table with her.
“Ah, my lovely femme, it is indeed your lucky day. I have no company at the moment, and you appear to be in need of some.”
She pursed her lips for a second and then replied, “I’m Sheila Roland, and you are?”
“Jefferson Mastifson the Third.” The rotweiller gave an imperious nod. Sheila cocked an eyebrow up.
“Your attitude matches your name. Now if—”
Jefferson interrupted her and put his paw on her forearm. “Oh, but that’s only one of my good qualities. I can assure you of a wonderful time in my company. I can be most entertaining in a variety of ways.”
The femme looked at him intently for a long moment, and he began a predatory smile. The femme was taking the bait and perhaps, if she proved to have the same aggressive, cruel bent as his previous doberman lover, tonight’s dessert might become a regular indulgence. She leaned back in her chair a bit, as if evaluating him before she spoke.
“Mr. Mastifson, perhaps I should re-introduce myself. I am Detective Sergeant Sheila Roland, Lexington Police Department. Now, if you do not remove your paw and leave this table immediately, I shall be glad to arrest you for assault on a police officer and disturbing the peace after I kick your skinny tail up between your shoulders. Do I make myself clear?”
Mastifson was frozen in place for a second, and then his jaw dropped. He suddenly jerked his paw back like he’d laid it on a live rattlesnake. He abruptly stood up and attempted to recover the shreds of his dignity.
“Well, obviously you have misinterpreted my actions. Good evening to you, Detective.”
The rotweiller turned and stiffly returned to the bar. As she watched him go, Sheila made a note to do some checking on him. She was off-duty, and had stopped in the small club to listen in on the buzz from the streets. The encounter hadn’t seemed to draw any attention, so she felt at ease to continue to sit and listen discreetly to the conversations around her. As far as this Mastifson, anyone that pompous and aggressive could be trouble for any naïve young femme he might encounter, so she would keep an eye out for anything about him.
For his part, Mastifson paid his tab and headed for home, his mood now most foul. He’d been laying low and watching for any opportunity to catch O’Whitt at something, but so far nothing had presented itself. He was sure if he could settle the score with the tiger, mishaps like what had just occurred would cease to plague him. The next day was Saturday. Perhaps he could begin to covertly monitor Kentiger Executive Air Service’s operations again and find something useful.
# # #
“Mom! They’re walking down the driveway holding paws!”
Jenna could almost hear the unspoken “eww” in her son’s voice.
“Thanks Andrew, now don’t stare. Alex’s girlfriend might be a bit nervous. Let’s not add to that.”
Andrew turned away from the window and joined the rest of his family as they moved into the dining room. They were trying to act casual when Alex and Corrie stepped up to the patio doors and Alex knocked. Tia was already in motion, so she went to the sliding door and opened it.
“Hi Uncle Alex! Come on in, dinner’s ready.”
Alex smiled at the intensely curious looks on all the faces turned in their direction. For her part, Corrie thought it was a good thing she could read feline expressions, or the looks would have been intimidating. They stepped inside, with Alex leading Corrie by the paw.
“Hello everyone, I’d like you to meet Corrie Patterson, my girlfriend.”
A chorus of greetings sounded out, and Corrie gave a nervous smile.
“Hello all. Alex has spoken so highly of you all, I feel like I already know you. Ah, Luv, could you introduce us again one by one? Just to make sure I get it right?”
The request was a bit off for Corrie, as with the ages and genders of the O’Whitt family plus one there wouldn’t be any way to mistake one for another. Alex realized it was nerves and nodded. He began the individual introductions with Tia, who had just turned back toward them after shutting the door.
“Okay, here we go. Corrie, this is my niece Tia.”
“Hello Miss Corrie,” Tia stated as she extended her paw to shake. Corrie was a bit taken aback at the formal title. She shook the offered paw and her smile turned a bit wry.
“Hello Tia, and it’s just Corrie please. You start calling me Miss and someone will think I’m a bl, —ah, a beauty queen or something. Alex tells me you’re into flying. We’ll have to see about getting you up in a choppah sometime.”
Tia really lit up at that. “Wow! Anytime, that’d be great!”
Corrie gave her a warm smile. Alex moved on to Andrew before Tia could launch into a barrage of questions. “This is my nephew Andrew.”
“H’lo,” Andrew said in the way a young male his age greets older femme relatives. Tolerantly friendly.
“Hello Andrew. I’m afraid I’m not much into computahs and gaming, but I do like a good practical joke as long as nobody gets hurt. We’ll have to talk sometime.”
Andrew’s eyes showed more than a casual interest at that. Alex moved on before either of them could start planning anything.
“This is my sister-in-law Jenna.”
Jenna had a warm, friendly smile as she went to shake paws. “Hello Corrie, it’s wonderful that you and Alex found each other.”
“Thank you Jenna, I know I’m happy about it. Alex speaks very fondly of you,” Corrie replied as Alex moved on to Jack.
“Last but not least, this is Jack Lazarus, Jenna’s fiancé.”
“Hello Corrie, welcome to Kentucky.” The big wolf put out his paw to the lioness. Corrie shook it, but Alex noticed a slight hesitation. No one else seemed to, so he didn’t comment on it. Her reply held no hint of anything wrong.
“Thank you, Jack. I’m happy to be here.”
“Let’s get ready to eat.” Jenna motioned everyone toward the dining room with one paw as she beckoned Tia to come help with the food with the other. “Alex, you know where everything is, so show Corrie where to wash up.”
Alex nodded and went with Corrie to wash their paws. Jack, and a slightly reluctant Andrew right behind them. Soon everyone was seated at the table and Jack said a short grace. Corrie was still a little nervous at first, but before long everyone was laughing and talking as they ate. After dinner, the group adjourned to the living room to continue the conversations. Corrie gradually opened up, telling them of her adventures in Maine and growing up in
Corrie too felt wonderful that things had gone so well, but in her dreams a dark shadow kept interfering. It seemed to loom between her and Alex and his family, constantly pushing her away from them.
# # #
“Hey John!”
The scruffy feline in maintenance coveralls turned at the sound of his name. One of the baggage handlers walked quickly up to him. He gave a lopsided grin and answered.
“Hello Barry, what’s up? Soakin’ up the overtime?”
“Hey, wid a wife n’ three cubs, ya do what ya gotta do. Thought ya might like ta know da FAA rep is watchin’ da ramp out his office window. Lookin’ kinda put out, too.” The tall bruin gestured upward toward the office area next to the terminal, now out of sight because of the overhang they stood under.
The feline grinned. “Ain’t he always? Thanks, I’ll tell the crew to make it look as good as it is. See ya at lunch.”
“Sure thing. Later.”
The bruin turned to get back to work and the feline shook his head. So much for a routine Saturday.
Up in the FAA offices, Jefferson Mastifson was indeed watching the airline ramp, or at least appearing to. He was actually using the high-powered binoculars in his paws to observe any and all activity around the Kentiger hangar. So far, the secretary had come in, and the crews for a Citation and two King-Airs had arrived, received and pre-flighted their aircraft, and departed. All precisely correct and lacking anything Mastifson could use.
As he watched a commuter Dash 8 preparing to leave, he shifted his attention to Kentiger in time to see O’Whitt’s partner arrive and go inside. That wasn’t unusual, as one of the two usually checked in when their aircraft were out. A half hour went by with no other activity, and Mastifson’s attention had wandered over to his actual job. He’d not seen anything he could harp at the airline furs about, either. He was feeling a growing frustration when he noticed movement on the Kentiger parking lot. He quickly focused his binoculars in that direction. Alex O’Whitt’s big black pickup truck was pulling onto the lot. It parked in O’Whitt’s usual spot, and after a moment the white tiger got out. Instead of going inside, he came around the truck and opened the passenger door. A blonde lioness got out, accepting his offered paw. Mastifson nearly choked. The lioness was very attractive, and the thought that the hated tiger had scored a beauty like that while he was going without made the rotweiller growl low in his throat. The pair disappeared into the building, leaving Mastifson to sourly look over the ramp yet again. In the back of his mind, he heard a tiny voice warning him that he was treading the thin line of sanity and madness with his obsession, but he paid it no heed. He could barely hear it over the mental laughter at the thought of taking O’Whitt down with some fine, subtle plot.
# # #
“Ready, Corrie?” Alex asked. He’d managed to get the door for her this time, so she accepted his paw and got out of the truck.
“I guess so, Luv.” The lioness hadn’t slept well, and was still trying to finish waking up. As Alex led the way into the building, he noted the vehicles in the parking lot. Billy and Loni were already there. The lynx stood up to greet them when they walked into the Admin/Pilot’s Lounge room.
“Good morning, Alex, Corrie. Billy is in his office waiting for you.”
“Good morning, Loni. Thanks, we’ll head on back.” Alex continued paw-in-paw with Corrie, who managed to say “G’morning” as they headed for the office hall. She noted the door with Alex’s name on it as they passed.
“Show me your office before we leave?” she asked as Alex stopped in front of Billy’s door.
“Sure thing,” he replied as he knocked on the door. They heard a muffled “come” and Alex opened the door. Billy was sitting at his desk, and Alex noted that only one chair was in front of the desk. They stopped by the chair and Alex greeted his friend.
“Good morning, Billy, how ya doing?”
Billy had watched them enter and still maintained a stern look. “Good morning, Alex, fine. Now scram, I want to talk to Corrie.”
Alex was a bit taken aback, but then he saw Billy give him a one-eyed squint. He gave a nod in return and held the chair for Corrie. The lioness was caught between perplexed and nervous, but after a second she sat down. Alex put a paw on her shoulder and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before walking out of the office. He was sure he could find something that needed done in his office for a while.
Billy now eyed Corrie keenly for a moment, and she had the distinct feeling of being appraised, and not just for her physical appearance. She shook off the cobwebs of sleep that still fuzzed her thoughts and sat up straight, looking the tiger right back in the eye. After another moment, a smile began to curl the edges of Billy’s mouth.
“You’ll do. I’ve read your qualifications. Alex just happened to have a copy of a résumé for you, can’t imagine how or why. I want to talk to you about what kind of flying you prefer, and what type of jobs you’d be interested in.”
Corrie lifted her chin and tilted her head slightly. “You’ll do, too. Alex has good mates around him. As to what kind of flying, if it has a rotah, I’m theah.”
Billy’s smile grew. For the next hour he and Corrie talked about flying and helicopter operations. At the end of that time, Alex heard a knock on his door.
“Come in,” he called. Billy opened the door and ushered Corrie in. The tiger was smiling broadly,
“Well, I take it the talk went well,” Alex commented. Billy nodded and answered, as Corrie was busy taking in the details of Alex’s workspace.
“Yep! I’ll be able to recommend her in good conscience for any helicopter job I hear of. I’m gonna go check with Loni and make sure nothing is amiss with any of our flights today, and then head for home. Corrie, see you later.”
“Bye Billy,” Alex and Corrie replied in unison, causing them both to dissolve into laughter. Billy shook his head and walked out grinning. Alex stood up and gave Corrie the grand tour of his office, which took about five minutes. She took everything in, and then she spied the picture of Alex and Zig Zag on his desk.
“Nice picture. Leave it to you to have your cousin on your desk. Should I be jealous?”
Alex gave a lopsided grin. “Well, many guys would give a lot to have Zig sitting on their desk, but I just wanted a family picture. We are cousins, you know.”
Corrie laughed softly. “It does look nice, and of course Stripes One is the backdrop.”
“All the stripes matched up pretty well.”
Corrie just smiled. Alex was just so solid with his family, even with his cousin. She found the thought of being a part of that family jumped to the surface of her mind very easily. She mentally chided herself about rushing things and held out a paw to Alex.
“If you aren’t too much in the middle of work, I’m ready to go when you are.”
Alex smirked and shut down his computer. “Nothing that’ll shut down the company.”
In a few moments, he and Corrie were out the door. They spent the rest of the afternoon looking around Lexington as Alex played tour guide. Both enjoyed themselves and the day, and before they knew it the time had come to head for Versailles.
# # #
“They should be here any time now,” Billy commented as he looked out the front door. Penny was sitting on the couch looking relaxed, but Billy could tell she was a bit nervous, too. Professionally, Billy thought that his meeting with Corrie had gone very well, and he’d reassured Penny that she would like the lioness. Still, just because of Alex’s track record with relationships, they were both a bit on edge. They didn’t want anything to happen that might put tension on the new couple.
Just then they heard Alex’s truck rumble into the driveway. Billy opened the door, which he’d shut only a moment before, and would have met their guests outside if Penny hadn’t called him on it. A few moments later, Alex and Corrie appeared in the doorway.
“Hi Billy, hope we’re not too early.” Alex and Corrie stepped inside as Billy reached to shake their paws. Billy answered as he shepherded them in.
“Nah, not at all. Come on in. Did you have a nice afternoon?”
“Oh bonzer! Alex is a great tour guide,” Corrie replied. Billy ushered them on into the living room where Penny stood to greet them. Billy took his time, allowing both femmes to get a feel for the emotional atmosphere before introducing them to each other. “Corrie, it’s wonderful to meet you. Welcome to our home, and to Kentucky.”
Corrie smiled, feeling the warm greeting in Penny’s grasp. “Thank you, Alex has said a lot of good things about you.”
“I’m glad to hear he thinks well of me,” Penny replied teasingly as she released Corrie’s paw. The lioness noticed the small feathered clip in Penny’s hair.
“Oh that looks pretty. Are you Native American?”
Penny’s smile increased. “Yes, Arapaho. Most who notice think that clip is just a decoration.”
“Well, living in Maine, and flying to the lumbah camps and such, I’ve dealt with Native Americans a bit. They’re mostly Aroostooks.”
“Ah, I met Billy out in Wyoming. I’m Northern Arapaho. Come on and sit down, dinner’s ready.” Penny gestured toward the dining room.
“It smells wonderful,” Alex commented, sniffing the air as they walked into the dining room. Alex and Billy moved to hold chairs for Corrie and Penny. Once the femmes were seated, and the two males also, Billy said grace and they began to eat. Penny and Corrie traded stories about their background and lives. Billy began telling “war stories” about his life and experiences as a fighter pilot, which got Alex started as well. After the meal was finished, they moved back into the living room. By the time anyone realized it, it was well past 2200.
“Well, this has been a great evening, but I’d better get Corrie to her hotel. We’ll need to be up early for church. Uh, that is if you’d like to go, Corrie?”
The lioness looked at Alex a long moment, but then gave a bit of a smirk before grinning. “Thanks for remembering to ask. Sure, I’d be glad to go.”
“Great! I’ll be there by 0830 to pick you up. Nothing fancy needed.” Alex smiled in return. They exchanged goodbyes with Billy and Penny, with Penny surprising Corrie with a warm hug this time. As the pair got in Alex’s truck and pulled away, Penny grabbed Billy in a tight embrace.
“Whuf! Thanks, Princess. Why the hug?”
Penny eased the embrace, and looked at Billy with tears wisping the edges of her eyes. “Oh Cowboy, it finally, finally did happen. She’s the one. Now if only Alex will be patient with her.”
Billy looked puzzled. “Alex is a pretty patient sort. Why do you say that?”
Penny smiled enigmatically. “Cowboy, you’re a male, you wouldn’t see it. She’s got something she needs to work through. I don’t know what, exactly, but something. Alex needs to be patient with her while she does.”
“Should I say something to him about it?” Concern showed on Billy’s face.
“Oh no, no. If she would find out he was told that she had something to work through, she would wonder if he treated her with patience out of pity. No, don’t tell him, but if he should say anything, suggest he be patient with her.”
“Uh, well, okay, if you say so,” Billy replied uncertainly.
Penny caressed his cheek fur. “Relax. Alex is pretty astute. I think he’s already doing what she needs him to do.”
Billy just shook his head. “I’ll never figure femmes out.”
Penny just winked at him as she turned out the living room lights and grasped his paw in hers.
“You figure me out just fine, Cowboy. Now let’s get some sleep, we have church in the morning, too.
End of Chapter 56