Saving Her Pack

By JD Moore

JD MOORE AWARD WINNING AUTHOR

You're a young, aspiring pilot eager to put your skills to the test until an incident on your first flight nearly claims the lives of you and your closest friends. You quickly appreciate that life is precious and resolve to make a difference by flying humanitarian missions. You rapidly learn, howev

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ile Bonaventure Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218186340

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Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Ile Bonaventure Publishers

All rights reserved

Disclaimer: all names of people are fictional for the purposes of privacy.  Any similarity to real persons,  living or dead,  is not intended by the author. The contents of which are original to best of the author's knowledge.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher. Exception made for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

EPUB: 979-8218186340

ISBN-13: 979-8218033941

First paperback edition July 2023.

Cover design: SelfPubBookCovers.com/andrewgraphics

Book was written by a human.

ilebonaventure.com

To Mark

Copyright

Preface

Chapter 1: Dirty

Chapter 2: From Tragedy to Take Off

Chapter 3: Wheels Up

Chapter 4: Stick the Landing

Chapter 5: Sun, Soaring, and Syrup

Chapter 6: Cloudy Skies

Chapter 7: MayDay!

Chapter 8: Safe and Sound

Chapter 9: Burgers and Bold Adventures

Chapter 10: Investigation

Chapter 11: The Smell of Smoke

Chapter 12: Flights and Fires

Chapter 13: Joining the Crew

Chapter 14: What Happened Back Then

Chapter 15: A Mission in the Mountains

Chapter 16: Grizzly Valley

Chapter 17: Clear Skies, Murky Intentions

Chapter 18: A Storm is Coming

Chapter 19: A Close Call

Chapter 20: Wounds and Worries

Chapter 21: Against the Wind

Chapter 22: Riding the Whirlwind

Chapter 23: Smuggling Scheme

Chapter 24: Operation Red Rescue

Chapter 25: Safe and Sound

Chapter 26: Surviving the Skies

Chapter 27: A Twisted Tale

Chapter 28: Who to Believe?

Chapter 29: Something Shady

Chapter 30: The Betrayal Within

Chapter 31: Confirmed Suspicions

Chapter 32: Cracking the Code

Chapter 33: The One Last Thing

Chapter 34: Righting a Wrong

Chapter 35: Breaking and Entering

Chapter 36: Lizard Heist

Chapter 37: The Aftermath

Chapter 38: The Melody of Awakening

Glossary

About the Author

Preface

Saving Her Pack contains several flying anecdotes based on the author's real-life experiences as a pilot flying the West Coast of the United States. This is a light STEM book with aeronautical elements throughout, allowing the reader to learn about single engine aircraft. Because the author has written acronyms that aren't explained in-line, the glossary at the back of the book is a handy resource for readers.

The author's plane, Racer-9, or Maul, is based on her own plane, which she piloted in the Palms to Pines Air Race years before writing this book. This was her first attempt at a cross-country air race.

Note that some spellings of words are British English.

This is the first book of a short series.

Chapter 1: Dirty

Lucas is late to meet with the medical examiner. This is not intentional; he simply does not manage his time very well—nor his criminal friendships.

I'm sorry, sir. I had to meet Raphael at the bank to sign a— He brings his fist up to his mouth and swallows hard, his chest heaving. It was a purchase agreement. We're buying a restaurant—um, oh, and then dropping Margot off at school.

Lucas is wearing a white Oxford shirt. Save for the tawny armpits, the cuffs are frayed, and it fits loosely on his body. With a flushed face, he looks down at the examiner's extended hand, quickly wipes his clammy palms on his pants, and reaches out wryly, Late for that, too.

Not a problem at all, Doctor. We're ready when you are. Take all the time you need. The examiner leads Lucas through two doors and into a warm, closet-sized room with a desk pushed against a large, draped window, one chair is off to the side. Please take a seat if you'd like, he says, motioning to the lone chair. 

All right, thank you. There is a painful dragging sound when the chair is moved along the cold tiles like a nail pressed against a sidewalk. He sits.

Dr. LaRue, we're only asking you to identify your brother Hugo, not his wife, Rachel, today. If you want to view Rachel, we can arrange that, as well. Or we wait for her family to arrive from Israel; it's no problem. 

Lucas' face, recast from red to pale, looks up at the examiner. I'll identify them both now, please.

The examiner nods and lifts a mustard-coloured phone from the wall next to the window. He explains to the technician the change in plans and hangs up. After a few moments, the examiner asks Lucas if he's ready and then taps on the window. The curtain is swept back to reveal two draped bodies, their charcoaled heads visible. They are side by side on morgue slabs. Lucas stands, leans forward, and drops his forehead against the glass. He lets out a heavy sigh and breathes in, That's my brother, Hugo, and his wife, Rachel.

The rest of the day passes in a haze for Lucas as he floats from meeting to meeting like a shadow, alternating between deep thought and staring out the office windows. Leaving work a bit early, he meets Raphael at home, where they gather in the kitchen to prepare dinner.

I need to apologise for years ago, Lucas awkwardly confesses, holding his hands against his heart. Remember when we started that small pharmaceutical business testing drugs for veterinarians and I partnered with Larry Dirty? He provided half the seed money to get the project off the ground. Hugo provided the other half. Lucas watches Raphael and waits for facial indications of acknowledgement. Raphael finally nods and sips his wine. Well, I never told you this, but I was experimenting with Telaz and wanted to see if I could recreate the drug as a less harmful analgesic for our vet clinics. Dirty, I discovered, was stealing a few of the vials of Telaz each week and selling them to people on the street, making bank. He put some of the money back into the business and pocketed the rest. I didn't realise he was doing this thieving for several years. Lucas appears abashed; he pours more wine and tops both glasses to the brim. 

Woe! Now I can't move the wine glass; it's too full. While marvelling at this absurdity, Raphael leans forwards and sips wine from the rim of his glass. He then strokes his short beard and answers, Thank you for informing me. Why are you telling me now? What exactly have you done? 

Lucas rattles off more of the story like a schoolboy in front of the headmaster. I kicked him out and told him I'd call the cops if he ever came back. Suffice to say, he never showed his face again. And I closed down the business pretty quickly.

What about all the money you made as a drug dealer? Sorry, being a dick, I mean, what about Dirty's money?

I kept it. I know. I know. But we needed it, and what's done is done. Hey, we couldn't have bought that little restaurant today for you without it. I won't get involved with dirty money again. No pun intended. Lucas stretches across the table, his olive skin smooth and his hands unblemished. Raphael momentarily pulls back, then returns; he wraps his larger hands around Lucas'. 

Lucas, I'm so sorry about your brother. I loved Hugo and Rachel very much. You've had an extremely tough day—probably the worst day of your life. I understand you're coming clean now because you feel guilty about taking your brother's money for a, basically, criminal endeavour. And now that he's just died, you're getting this all off your chest. Well, your timing sucks. Do not lie and hide things from me again. We need to talk about something more important right now: Margot.

Raphael takes down a picture frame from a stack of cookbooks. He holds the picture up to Lucas and taps the centre, there's a girl in a Micky Mouse shirt. Lucas takes the picture frame and offers a warm and polite smile.

She'll be nine soon. I know it's only a few days, but I've contacted our lawyers and they tell me everything will be done very quickly. She'll be ours. We're doing this together, Lucas. You're not alone. I'll take care of our girl's affairs, for now, until things settle for you. Okay?

She's going to be amazing, Raph, if she's anything like her parents.

Chapter 2: From Tragedy to Take Off

Out! Let me out! Pulling, pushing, turning right and left, the student pilot squeezes the life out of the plane's control wheel. 

Let go. Get your hands off. The flight instructor's voice is even, almost pleasant. Margot is observing things from the back seat when the aircraft's nose quickly rises. The plane goes up then loses lift and airspeed; the stall horn sounds.

Seated in the co-pilot seat, the instructor takes his eyes off the skies for a moment and struggles to peel the student's small fingers from the control wheel. Let go. Get your hands off!

Wham! With one hit from the instructor, she bounces her head against the left window and slumps over, releasing all control. Watching in horror, Margot sits paralysed.

Like a corkscrew, the plane rolls and spins down through the clouds. Pushing hard against the left rudder, he drops the engine power to idle. The plane rights itself and stops spinning; the instructor pulls back on the control wheel and the plane begins to level off. 

The young student in the pilot's seat is still out cold. Margot, also a student pilot, was enjoying the lesson a minute ago until the student panicked. Margot manages a few words to the instructor, Woe! That girl just lost it, right? I mean, what the hell? 

The instructor turns the plane towards the home airport. After landing, the student is more alert and apologetic; thankfully, no one is seriously hurt. It's no surprise to Margot that this student doesn't return to that particular flight training academy.

Margot's uncle, Raphael, picks her up from the airport. She tells him about her flying lessons: how to slug a fellow pilot if needed, and a bit about stalls and spins. 

Raphael gapes and replies, Oh my, what? Tell me more about how to slug someone on a plane. He lets out a short scream and laughs. Margot explains that she's nearly done with her lessons and will be a licensed pilot after the written and flying exams next weekend. 

I'm so proud of you, Margot. Raphael briefly turns his head, looks at Margot, then back at the road. I'm just— 

Spit it out, Uncle Raph, Margot giggles. 

It seems as though it were yesterday, but it's been nearly eight years since we became a family. You've grown up so fast and in a few days when you turn sixteen, you'll be a pilot, like your mom—an ace pilot, a fearless flyer, a true adventurer. Your Uncle Lucas will love hearing about your lesson today, but he's busy in his office so we won't bother him just yet. Maybe tonight we'll amuse him with your stories. Sound good?

I guess. Looking out the truck's window Margot notices two milk cartons talking to each other—graffiti across a boarded-up liquor store. She wonders what it means. Lucas is always working in his office. I never see him, so what else is new? With her folded hands fidgeting, she pulls on her ponytail. 

Now, now, you never call him Lucas. What's gotten into you?

It's nothing…never mind. I'm going to tell Ben all about today; he'll listen. Driving up to the house, she sees Ben on the couch, sunning himself through the large front window. She slides out of the truck, pulling her big pilot bag off the seat and onto her shoulder. Entering the house, Ben races up to her. She bends down to give him a lift onto her shoulder. 

Hi, little buddy! I missed you today. I'll be a real licensed pilot after next weekend, and we'll go flying all the time. Sound good? Ben nods and puffs his beard. He's large for a bearded dragon lizard. Margot has had him since she was nine years old; he was a gift she received soon after her parents died. Hugo, Margot's father and a brilliant scientist, had Ben all set up for her. Since he was unable to give Ben to her, Lucas did.

Margot and Ben make their way up to her room together. She drops her bag in front of the bookshelves as Ben climbs onto the bed and lays flat on his belly. Looking up at Margot with his dark eyes, she recognises that he wants scratches on his back and snout. 

Let's call Zoe. You can tell her about your day and I'll tell her about mine. Dope? 

Zoe answers after one ring, What's up? Have you had dinner yet? What are you having? I bet it's something really tasty. Your uncles are mean cooks. Or Raphael is. Do you even have another uncle? Haha! Joke.  

Hey girl, yep, I ate. Do you wa-nt t- ea-r abo-t tt-t ? Ben growls at the phone. Margot reassures him that he's okay but she needs to replace his power chip. She turns him over, peels back a piece of lizard skin, pulls the chip with tweezers, pops in a new one, and kisses his dry scaly skin. 

Better? Let me flip you back over. She very gently places him on his belly. 

I'd rath bung gut gutter. Ben's voice is muddled; he gives her a blank stare. Margot's mouth opens and shuts. Ha! I scared you, didn't I? Yup, I did. They both smile and snort. 

Hey, you there? Ben bud, how'd you handle being home alone today without Margot? We could've hung out. Next time, okay? That is, if there is a next time. I figure you're going to go on every flight with Margot from now on. Zoe waits for a reply, but there's a long pause. 

Finally, Margot responds, I wish sometimes I could just stay up there, flying all the time, forever in the sky and not be here, on the ground, having to deal with so much BS. 

Zoe tosses her pencil and closes her algebra textbook. What shite are you going on about? You have e-v-e-r-y-thing! I wish I had your uncles. The um, the plane you're going to get and you know it. Your brain…I'll have one of those. You're super smart at science and math. Dude, you're so lucky. I'd much rather live your life! I've got a huge family where I'm a nobody. Getting lousy grades this year sucks.

You're a badass athlete! You're practically the state champ in track and field. You're tall, a total hottie, and dudes are always staring. I mean, I know you don't care about that, but still. Margot gets up from her bed and grabs a hairbrush. Today, just once, I wanted Uncle Lucas to pick me up from my lesson. This was my last lesson! He's so busy, always busy, busy, busy in his office. I hardly see the man. Margot's voice lowers, softens, and goes quiet. He reminds me of my dad. They look exactly alike. 

Zoe struggles to express words of encouragement, Are you crying? I'll cry with you. I'll be right over.

No, but thanks anyway, you dork. I'll ask Uncle Raph for some suggestions. Margot mumbles, He spends more time with me and he's not my real family! I mean, he is, but he's not. I just have to do better, fly better, get better grades, and go out and save all of Uncle Lucas' foxes. Then he'll pay attention. His foxes mean everything. If I can only figure out a way to help him with the foxes, right? Are you still there? Hellooooo?

I'm here—stuck on this algebra problem. I'm asking Uncle Raph to help me next time I'm over. Yah, hey, you need to get involved with his organisation and then he'll notice.

After final exams, summer begins in earnest. Monday, June 6, is Margot's sixteenth birthday celebration. She has a small gathering at her house with her family and Zoe. Her uncles inform her of a surprise gift they intend to give her in a several days, which keeps her on her toes.

Margot takes her pilot's written and oral exams, then a flying test, over the weekend. 

Zoe, I passed! I passed my tests and I have my license to fly. We're going up next weekend—you better be free. I have a feeling Uncle Lucas bought me an old plane. They'll be messaging you about the big surprise.

The uncles tell Margot they have something to give her over at the airport. Everyone arrives at the airport the following day. The plane is parked in its own space, tie-down number 45. It's covered with a large red ribbon, and inside are the keys with a card from the uncles, Ben, and Zoe. Margot isn't very surprised, but she is excited. She rushes up and kisses the plane's nose while hugging the propellers. Ben imitates Margot by leaning forward from her shoulder and kissing the plane.

AAAHHHHHGGG! This is just unreal, Uncle Lucas, Uncle Raphael. Thank you sooooo much. I'm taking Ben and Zoe up this weekend, okay? The uncles nod and exchange a rewarding smile. They all huddle together for a big family hug and photos. 

Well, you deserve it, sweetheart. You're a good student, a good pilot, a great friend to Ben and Zoe, and we love you heaps, so there. Raphael reaches for Lucas' hand and tightly squeezes. 

Lucas agrees with Raphael, We're absolutely so happy for you. We wouldn't have it any other way. Your mom and dad would be proud, too. It's almost like I can hear them saying, 'You're so grown up, Margot. Where did the time go?

Margot reaches for Lucas and hugs him around his waist. He pulls her arms off, takes her hands, and looks into her eyes full of tears. He reminds her, pointing to her chest, that her parents are always present in her heart, watching over her. Ben climbs on top of Lucas and rubs his snout against both of their faces. 

Let's get home; it's getting late. Lucas ushers everyone to the truck.

When they arrive, Margot goes right up to her room, leaving Lucas and Raphael alone in the kitchen. Hey, I don't think I've thanked you lately. So, thank you for all you do for Margot, Raph. Thank you for taking the time to introduce her to airplanes, taking her up with you, doing short flights around the area, getting her mind off whatever she struggles with as a teen. She appears to be happier since you started taking her up and encouraging her to get her license. 

She struggles with you—your absence, how despondent and distant you are with her. Buying her a plane isn't going to take away all her problems. This is more than being a teen! Raphael slams his hand down on the countertop, ignoring the compliments Lucas is trying to use to patch a void much bigger than he can imagine. She's been shoving her grief down and storing it away somewhere. She's going to implode or explode—one of the two—one day soon. I don't think she's really faced—er, processed—what happened, and it's been eight years! I agree that her spirits have lifted since we started flying together and experienced safe flying; she's slowly coming to grips with conquering that fear. But that is a minute detail in her story of incredible loss. I'm not getting on your case, Lucas; I just want us to stay in tune with the fact that she might come crashing down one day. She must face what she fears the most, and I hope we can help her through it.

Isn't the Maule a great little airplane? We can't afford it, but it's a great plane for us. He takes a large swig of wine while looking up, then his eyes meet Raphael's glare. And yes, of course, I hear you. I hear you! She does rely on Ben a lot, you realise. In fact, I know she confides in him, and apparently he's been a great comfort to her, getting her through the past eight years.

Sure. Raphael takes the bottle of wine that Lucas is holding, puts it away, and leaves the kitchen.

Chapter 3: Wheels Up

Margot fears clouds. In pilot school, she