The Seasons of a Heart

By Constance Irvin

A plane crash in the frozen wilderness of northern Wisconsin leaves only three survivors, and airline stewardess Diana Forrester must shoulder the heavy responsibility of caring for the two passengers-Urbano Rivera and Casey Morgan.

Despite her warnings, Diana can only watch as Urbano and Casey leave the wreckage and trek through the snow and freezing temperatures in search of help. It's not long before Casey returns-alone. Within a few days, the two women's hope of rescue fades, and they struggle to survive.

Back home, Diana's father, Martin, refuses to give up hope. His love for his only daughter propels him to continue searching, even after the search is called off. But treachery and deceit by the airline owner thwarts him at every turn.

As the days turn into weeks and then months, Diana and Casey realize that love and a sense of permanence can endure in a world lost in the wilderness. But can their love survive once they are found? Can Casey return to civilization and face the consequences of loving another woman?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 14, 2005
• ISBN: 9780595799671

Constance Irvin

Constance O. Irvin recently moved from Michigan to Florida, where she writes, sails a boat, and remodels houses. She has earned both a private pilot?s license and a residential builder?s license.

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THE SEASONS OF A HEART

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Constance O. Irvin

iUniverse, Inc.

New York Lincoln Shanghai

The Seasons of a Heart

Copyright © 2005 by Constance O. Irvin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN-13: 978-0-595-35475-7 (pbk)

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-79967-1 (ebk)

ISBN-10: 0-595-35475-0 (pbk)

ISBN-10: 0-595-79967-1 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication:

To my father who gave me wings, to my mother who grounded me, to my brother who taught me to compete, and to my sister who simply loves me.

CHAPTER 1

In the dead of winter, there is no colder place than Chicago with its winds that sweep across Lake Michigan, bringing bone-chilling temperatures and wildly swirling snow. For that reason, Diana Forrester dreaded getting out of the taxi as it stopped in front of the terminal at Midway Airport. She pulled her wool scarf around her neck while the driver waited for his fare.

He held out his hand. Helluva evening for flying.

She nodded. Yeh, maybe I’ll be lucky and it won’t go.

He looked at the money and then at her. Thanks. You have a safe journey. Smile for your passengers.

Diana stepped out into ankle deep snow on the sidewalk. As she dragged her flight bag behind her, the wheels skidded recklessly in the slush. Damn, she muttered to herself. She struggled with the terminal door, jerked the flight bag inside and headed toward the crew’s lounge for Drake Airlines. When she approached the check-in desk, Mary looked up and smiled at her.

Evening, Diana. Some weather, huh?

Diana stopped at the counter. Yeh, it’s Chicago. Are there many passengers?

About a dozen or so.

Is the flight leaving on time?

Mary rolled her eyes. I’m not real sure of that. Mr. Drake and Frank are in the hangar discussing something about the plane.

Diana arched an eyebrow. Discussing something about the plane? Like what?

I’m not sure. Frank said maybe there was a problem, but he didn’t say what.

Oh, God. Just let me get through until spring with this airline and then I’m headed for parts unknown and I’ll be unfound.

Mary laughed. That sounds exciting.

I hope so and I hope it’s warm, with sunny beaches. See you later.

Mary called after her. You bet. I’m doing the security check for the flight too.

Diana shook her head as she entered the crew lounge. Drake would use people in six different positions, if he could get away with it. Cheap, she thought. Except for things he wants, like eight dollar cigars.

Sam Nichols, the pilot was seated at a table, drinking some coffee with his co-pilot, Randy Mattson. They both looked up as she entered.

Hey, girl. Glad you’re with us tonight.

Her grey blue eyes twinkled at the sight of Sam. Thanks. She sat down at the table with the two men. On the wall behind Randy’s head, a Miss January pin-up girl smiled back at her from an Acme Disposal calendar. She hated those stupid poses and the affront of the pictures, but Carl Drake loved to look at them, so there they stayed. It wasn’t that she didn’t like women, she did, but somehow they cheapened how she felt about herself and the women she had loved.

Why do I always face those things? Isn’t anyone else bothered by them?

Yeh, they bother me something terrible, that’s why I don’t face ‘em. It’s hard to concentrate on the upcoming flight if I get them on my mind. Sam winked at Randy.

Okay, wise guys. So what’s the deal with the plane?

Sam tensed a little. I don’t know. I heard a loud argument between Frank and Carl. Frank was real mad. I couldn’t make out what was said though. Carl popped his head in the door a minute ago and said the flight would be half an hour late.

Oh. Any reason given?

Hell, no. You know Carl. He wouldn’t let on anything was wrong with any of his birds. God must be with us. Those planes are accidents waiting to happen. Frank works like a dog to keep them safe, but you know Carl. Stretch the rules. One day the FAA will have a field day with Drake Airlines. Sam finished his coffee and rolled the Styrofoam cup along the edge of the yellowing Formica tabletop.

Randy stared at the door to the hangar. Kind of scary for me. You two have been with this airline for years. I’m not used to it yet.

Sam smiled. Ah, don’t mind us. We just have burnout. Most aren’t like this. You’ll graduate, Randy. Diana and I just want a few more years and then, poof...gone.

I only want a few more months and I’m gone. No more flying for me. At least not as a stewardess. Diana got up from the table and opened the door into the passenger area. She took a quick look and then turned back toward Sam and Randy just as the door from the hangar area opened with a bang.

Carl Drake, a short, rotund man, entered the room, his dark eyes almost hidden in a face puffed up with anger. He reached inside his suit coat pocket and extracted a Macanudo cigar. He relaxed.

Well, Sam, it looks like you’ll have to fly after all. The bird is ready to go. No problem. Frank fixed it up just fine. He had a long day, so I let him go home. Carl smiled at Diana and then took a pocketknife from his pants pocket. He carefully cut the end of the cigar, then ran it under his nose to smell the aroma. It made him smile.

Sam brightened. Great. What about Madison? Any passengers?

No. That should help you make up some time. Just a straight shot to Duluth. Carl paused to light his cigar. I checked with flight service about ten minutes ago. They’re predicting light snow and moderate northeasterly winds. Piece of cake. He blew a large smoke ring. The circle drifted lazily upward.

Sam finished his cigarette and stood up. Yeh, I checked too. Sounds like nothing but clear sailing. He moved toward the door. Come on, Randy. Help me drag the ole girl out.

Randy got up from the table and approached the door.

Sam turned back to Diana and said, It’ll take us about ten minutes. No use in you getting out in the cold before you have to.

Thanks, Sam. You’re always gallant. She smiled at the two men. Diana was especially fond of Sam.

Sam winked at her and he and Randy went into the hangar area. Diana and Carl were left alone in the room. Diana was never comfortable around Carl, particularly if she was alone with him, as now. She looked aimlessly at the wall and was miffed by the calendar girls.

Carl had poured himself a cup of coffee. He slurped at it. How’s my favorite girl?

If you mean me, I’m fine.

You bet you are, kid. He slurped another mouthful. You aren’t still planning to leave us, are you?

Diana took relish in her answer. In the spring, yes. She got up from the table and moved away from Carl toward the coat rack and got her coat.

I just can’t figure out what a good looking woman like you finds so damn interesting in a bunch of bugs and weeds.

You forget. I grew up with bugs and weeds. I like them even better than some people I know. She walked toward the door to the passenger area and continued, I’d better get the passengers prepared to board. Good evening, Mr. Drake.

Yeh, sure. Good evening.

Diana entered the waiting room of Drake Airlines. The room reflected years of quick paint jobs, sloppy with lack of detail. The chairs for the passengers had been taken from some theatre that had long since been shut down. They were make-do, nothing comfortable about them. Vending machines lined the right wall, their fronts dirty with fingerprints and spilled drinks. Diana mentally counted fifteen passengers, including a small child, who was sleeping in a scrunched position on one of the hard wooden seats. A dark-complected man banged on the coffee machine to retrieve his money, making it necessary for Diana to shout.

I need everyone’s attention, please.

The Chicano stopped banging and the others spent a few moments gathering their belongings around them. They looked intently at Diana.

We will be boarding for our flight to Duluth shortly. The pilot and co-pilot are giving the plane a final check now. Please take care of any last minute phone calls or any other arrangements you might need to make.

The passengers came to life and began moving about the waiting room with anticipation. The Chicano approached Diana. Hey, what was the holdup, anyway? I don’t like this. See? I got a funeral to go to.

It was nothing really. Just a minor problem. We won’t be stopping in Madison. That will put the flight to Duluth just about on schedule. She smiled at the man.

He flashed a broad smile back. Say, you’re okay.

The outside door crashed open and Randy entered the passenger area. Behind him, the sound of an engine whined loud in the cold air. Falling snow followed him into the room. He approached Diana.

We’re all set, Di. Just remind them that the one fired up engine on the right side will be kicking up a little snow. Get them aboard as quickly as possible. I’ll go get security to check them through X-ray and metal detection.

The passengers began jockeying for position closest to the machines that would allow them access to the plane.

Okay people, this is it. Once you’re through security, go directly to the plane where the co-pilot will help you aboard. There‘s plenty of room. One engine is running, and it‘s kicking up some snow. Watch your step. Be careful. Diana began checking flight tickets.

Randy returned with Mary from the front counter in tow.

„Here I am again. Double duty." Mary smiled as she took her position next to the walk through metal detector.

One by one the passengers walked through the detector and continued out to the waiting plane. The Chicano stepped through the metal loop and the machine buzzed loudly.

„Hey, what the hell is that?" He looked perplexed.

Mary stopped him and said politely. „Step back, please, and empty your pockets."

„What the hell for?"

„It‘s the law. You must have something metal in your pockets. And more than just change. Empty them on the counter or don‘t get on the plane."

Diana moved closer to the small counter next to the detector.

The Chicano looked sheepish. „Don‘t get excited. I ain‘t never flown before. What‘s the big deal?" He emptied the contents of his pants pockets on the counter. A large switchblade stuck out like a proverbial sore thumb among all the change.

Mary‘s eyes widened. Diana picked it up and looked at it. „You can‘t carry this thing aboard the airplane. Let me see your ticket."

He handed her his ticket and she looked at his name.

The Chicano laughed. „Hey, I don‘t go nowhere without it. You ever been on Clark Street, lady? The north side of Chicago? Hell, a looker like you‘d need six of those to fight off Hispanics like me." He laughed again.

„Maybe I would, Mr. Urbano Rivera, but this isn’t Clark Street. And, I can’t let you carry it aboard the plane." She smiled politely.

Hey, look. I ain’t no hijacker. I’ll tell you what. You keep it for me. Okay? Just give it to me when we get there. I gotta have it. It’s like a friend. I been carrying it since I was ten. See what I mean?

She studied his face. Yeh, I see. You’ll get it back. I promise. She returned his ticket to him.

During this exchange, the other passengers had proceeded through the security check until only few remained. A woman in her mid thirties moved up behind ürbano as he walked through the checkpoint.

Urbano winked at Diana. You’re okay, lady. He turned slightly back toward the woman behind him and said, Chicks, they all go for the soft side. He chuckled to himself as he bent his head into the wind and swaggered his way to the plane.

The woman handed her ticket to Diana and gave her briefcase to Mary for X-Ray. This should be an interesting trip.

Diana handed back the ticket and looked directly into the most unusual eyes she had ever seen. The woman’s eyes were almost violet in color. Her perfume stirred a momentary feeling within Diana. She felt her face slightly flush and tried to mask the reaction. Oh, yeh. Him. Harmless. I think.

The woman retrieved her briefcase and made her way to the waiting twin engine plane. Diana stared after her and wondered about the blond woman with the violet eyes. It seemed that those eyes had looked right through her. Maybe it was the color that had so startled her. Or maybe the perfume. Maybe both.

Mary spoke. Well, that’s it.

Oh, yes. Diana looked around the empty waiting room. Catch you on the return flight tomorrow. Have a good one for me, Mary. Bye.

See ya. Have a good flight.

Diana scurried toward the mohawk 298. The lone engine whined loud. She quickly mounted the steps, and with the help of randy, slammed the door shut. The warmth of the small cabin area felt good. The other engine coughed and sputtered and then kicked into the same high pitched whine as the first. Diana knew that shortly, they would be airborne toward duluth. She made her way back through the aisle and prepared the passengers for take-off. The blond woman was seated next to urbano near the tail section of the plane. Diana smiled at the contrast of personalities seated next to one another.

CHAPTER 2

Inside the cockpit area, Sam and Randy ran down a pre-flight checklist. Randy threw switches as Sam read from the list and then he turned them off again. Each time he answered, Check. Sometimes the warning lights would let them know of a malfunction and they would have to hold the flight for further checks by one of their two mechanics. Tonight they both hoped they would get through the list without a hitch.

Finally, Sam said, Okay, Randy. That’s it. Everything checks out. Just another day in paradise. Randy eased back in his seat. Sam turned to look toward Diana, who waited inside the small cockpit area.

Is the door secure? Passengers belted?

You bet, Sam. All set to go?

Yeh, all the right lights came on. No hitches.

Diana liked the easiness of Sam. He made flights feel safe, even when she knew that Carl Drake bent the rules on safety for his airplanes. She turned toward the passenger area a few steps and stood near a small seat just inside the cockpit area. She reached for a mike and took it from its bracket