at our accident?”
“How dare you,” she glared at him, “but you surely heard me warning you.”
“Yes. I heard, but this isn’t a beach for parachuting, therefore, it didn’t occur to me that someone was dropping from the sky. I might have called you an angel if it were not for your unreasonable hostility.” He smiled, admiring her and struggling to think of what to say.
She glared at him as Daniel stood.
“I guess I should apologize,” she took a deep breath. “I had no choice but to bail out.” She pointed out over the Gulf of Mexico. Daniel looked to see the tail of a plane slipping under the water.
“My mechanic assured me that the plane had checked out and was safe to fly. Well, he didn’t actually say it, but he’s been with us so long, I assumed it. Usually I check for myself, but, as I was only going to Port Arthur to pick up an order, I took everything for granted. Even if he’s been with us for many years, and is a superb mechanic, I know better than to take someone’s word for the safety of my equipment.” She seemed to wilt as she looked sorrowfully over the water where the plane had gone down.
Concerned, and being a gentleman, Daniel said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear a plane. I have a good excuse, or at least I think it’s good. To be honest, I was wallowing in my own misery and not paying attention. I’m glad you had the beach to land on, and I’m sure glad you’re okay. You are, aren’t you? Okay?”
“I’m fine. Physically at least. My guardian angel is with me,” she stepped closer to Daniel.
“Good grief. How tall are you?” She was astonished at the sheer masculinity that seemed to radiate from his tall, powerful body.
“Six-five. How tall are you?” Daniel was surprised to be almost looking eye to eye with the young woman. For some inexplicable reason, he was drawn to this fiery female.
“I’m five-ten,” she stammered. “It’s unusual for me to have to look up at a man.” She hesitated and then ordered him in a no nonsense voice, “Here, help me get this parachute together, and I would appreciate a ride to the hangar.”
“You’re fortunate the parachute worked,” Daniel said reaching to fold it.
She shuddered. “Yes, I’m thankful. My mother says that God takes care of babies, fools and drunks. Since I’m no longer a baby and I don’t drink, I guess that tells you what I am. Can you give me a ride? Please?”
“Sure, I’ll be glad to take you. Let’s get this chute in my jeep and we’ll be off. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, just shaken up a little. After all, this isn’t an every day happening. Thank God for that.”
Although her shoulders were back and her head high, Daniel knew she wasn’t as unaffected as she pretended to be. He could read the uncertainty and vulnerability in her eyes. He held the door of the passenger side of the jeep for her and assisted her in, closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.
He turned to her smiling. “By the way, my name is Daniel Cortland,” he hesitated. No answer from the woman, just a polite look. “I live just outside of Sugar Land, but my day is yours if you need more help.”
“Well, Daniel Cortland, I’m sorry I landed on you, and I’m sorry I yelled at you, but I’m grateful you’re here. Everything happened too quickly for me to be frightened. I’m Amanda Wescott, and I live here in Galveston. I have - or had - two light planes that I do pick-up and delivery for customers. Actually, my dad owns the business, but he had a heart attack four months ago and is still recuperating. I’m keeping the business open for him until he can take charge again.”
“It’s great he has you. I’m sorry to hear of his illness. I bet your mother has her hands full.”
“That’s part of the problem. Mom has been in a wheelchair for a little over a year with crippling arthritis. Dad has waited on her, kept house and run his flying service. It breaks my heart to see Dad so down and Mom helpless. They’re both very independent and adore each other. They have worked together since they married and now it seems as if everything is falling apart.”
“How are you managing? That’s a lot for you to take on your shoulders. Are you in college?”
“Thanks. I needed that. I’m older than I look. I’ve finished college and was fortunate 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.”