Fatal Flight Read online

  Either the woman watched a lot of westerns and cop movies, or she’d done this before. She sounded like a pro, Sky concluded. Her mouth was so dry she couldn’t wet her trembling lips. She lifted her chin and moved forward.

  “Hi, Coop.” Ruby slid her breasts along his arm. “I did just what you asked. Got a little sugar for your mama?”

  “Not now, Ruby.” Impatience put a sharp edge on his voice. “Get her inside, out of sight.”

  Sky looked around the small clearing. The cabin was backed into the trees, and she didn’t think anyone could see them through the surrounding bush. If she could break free, the density of the trees would prove an advantage. She could hide in the underbrush.

  The gun jabbed her again as Ruby, with a meow of displeasure on her lips, nudged Sky across the veranda and into the cabin. It was typical of a hunter’s retreat, though a set of skis stood in one corner. The high altitudes of the surrounding mountains probably accounted for the lack of cell service.

  Coop grabbed her arm and thrust her down on a rickety wooden chair, stretching her hands along the arms. He bound her with rough twine, pulling it tight with a vicious jerk. She bit back a cry of pain.

  He looked up. “A small punishment for all the trouble you’ve caused me, Ms. Stravinski. You and your dad have been a real pain in my ass.”

  “Any problems?” he then asked Ruby, as he tied Sky’s feet to the legs of the chair. He crossed and took the gun out of Ruby’s hand.

  “Nope. The old man left for his poker night, and the mechanic and kid will have closed up and left by now. I turned off the alarm system just as you said. The place is unprotected.”

  “Time for a full-scale fire, I think.” Coop rubbed his hands. “When the old man shows up, like he always does, Gunther will shoot him, then put the body in the hangar. Four exploding planes, full of fuel, should create enough heat to hide the evidence.”

  At Sky’s muffled cry of distress, he swung back. “Now that I like to hear. I figured I’d just shoot you, but maybe, I’ll keep you around and have some fun with you, after I signal my sniper.”

  “You said we’d get out of here, head for a night out in Tahoe, build a fool-proof alibi,” Ruby stated, crossing her arms and getting in his face. “There are two witnesses who saw her drive away with me. I’m the one they’ll come looking for.”

  “Yeah, yeah, we’ll do that after I drive far enough to get a signal so I can give Gunther the go-ahead. Just stay here and guard her.”

  “You can phone him from Tahoe, while we’re having dinner. Then he can’t act until we have a solid alibi. That’s the best plan,” Ruby argued.

  Coop stepped forward and punched her in the face. “Are you questioning my decision?”

  She spat blood from her mouth and touched the back of her hand to her split lip. “No, Coop. You’re the planner, the big developer. You built a huge company on brain and guts alone.”

  Sky was pretty certain Ruby was quoting what Coop had told her a time or two.

  “Shut up and let me think, for Christ sakes.”

  The older woman backed away. “I just wanted to help. You promised,” she whined.

  Coop shot her in the chest. Sky’s cry was swallowed by Ruby’s scream of pain and shock. She crumpled to the floor, blood flowing from the wound.

  “Now look what you made me do,” he yelled down at her. “You were supposed to stay here and guard the bitch, while I gave Gunther his orders. Instead, you’re no good to me now.” He raised the gun.

  Ruby’s eyes rolled back in her head, and her body went limp. “Lie there and bleed out, it will save me a bullet.” He swung in Sky’s direction. “And you, pretty lady, just wait here. We’ll have some fun when I get back. I’ve never had a high-quality piece like you before. Too bad your dad will be dead before he learns what happened to his little girl. I’d like to cause the old man as much fear as he’s given me, refusing my offers. I’ve got loan sharks from three states chasing me. If I’d had that land to develop, none of this would have happened.”

  He kicked Ruby hard in the ribs. Her body moved across the floor an inch. She didn’t make a sound. “Looks like the slut really is dead. Too bad. She shouldn’t have made me mad. She was a decent piece of tail and got the job with you, so she could keep me informed.”

  He tested the ropes on Sky’s hands and feet once more. “Have to leave you alone for a little while.” He grinned. “But I promise I’ll take care of you, when I get back.” He laughed at his double entendre.

  Sky bit into her bottom lip, keeping from spitting at him or saying the many things she wanted. She couldn’t afford to rile him, if a bullet in the chest was the result. She needed the time he was away to escape. He pulled her face around and planted a wet kiss on her mouth.

  “Hmmm, hmmm.” He licked his lips, then licked hers. “Sweetest sugar I ever tasted. I’m going to make a meal of you.”

  He walked out. Sky heard the truck engine start and the sound of him backing in a circle, then the motor faded as he drove away. She looked at Ruby. Blood welled from the hole in her chest. Sky knew that meant her heart was still pumping. She was still alive.

  “Is he gone?” Ruby’s closest eye cracked open.

  “Ruby, thank God you’re not dead. As soon as I get free, I’ll help you.” Sky struggled against the cords confining her wrists, her chair wobbling on the uneven floor.

  “Old trick, used to him kicking me.” Ruby gasped, blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. “Bastard would turn on his own mother. I should have known.” She stretched her hand out, scrabbled with her nails against the floor, and inched her body toward Sky. “Got to get you loose. He’s going to kill you, too.”

  Sky started humping the chair across the floor, closing the distance to Ruby.

  “I’ll get help. You get me free, and I’ll get you to a hospital.”

  “Nice thought.” Ruby’s smile was a rictus of pain. “Stretch out your feet.” She rolled onto her side and attacked the knots binding Sky’s legs. Blood oozed from her wound. Sweat beaded her face.

  “Rest,” Sky said, compassion beating out common sense. She couldn’t stand watching the woman suffer.

  “No time.” Ruby released the second foot. “Now push the chair over sideways, try to land facing me.”

  Sky inched the chair left, lining up with Ruby’s legs. She didn’t think the woman could move, if she didn’t get her hands right in front of her. Pushing off with her left foot, she leaned her weight against the right side. The chair hit the floor, as did Sky’s head. She muffled a cry of pain as she felt Ruby’s bloody fingers at her wrist, even as she shook the dizziness free.

  Ruby untied the hand closest to the floor, but when she raised her body, reaching for the other chair arm, she fainted.

  Sky struggled with the knot, using her teeth and free hand. The knot was too tight, the thin twine, cutting deeply. Frantically, she looked around. Ruby’s big purse lay on the floor on the other side of her inert body. Sky stood, lifted the chair, circled around behind Ruby, dug through her purse with her free hand, and came out with what looked like a small manicure kit. She held it in her mouth while she unzipped it, shook the metal tools out on the floor, and leapt on the small scissors. Within seconds, she’d cut through the many tiny strands of the twine.

  She yanked the pillow from the bed, ripped off the case, and tucked the pillow under Ruby’s head. Making a thick pad and strips, she bound the linen over Ruby’s wound, pressing hard. The woman never moved, her face whiter than the bandage. Sky tucked the sleeping bag from the bed around her. “I’ll bring help, Ruby,” she spoke against the woman’s ear. “Stay alive. I’ll bring help.”

  She grabbed Ruby’s big bag, dumped it on the floor, and tossed in everything that could be useful. Her keys to the hangar, office, and loft had been in her pack in the truck, giving Cooper’s hired man free access. She thought of Max coming back, walking into the sniper’s shot, and then his body burning up, surrounded by all they’d built. A sob escap
ed her. She swiped at the tears trickling down her face. She couldn’t let that happen. Her phone was also in the truck, not that it would have done her any good out here.

  Sucking in great drafts of air, she searched the drawers in the cabin and grabbed up a flashlight, knife, matches, and more string. She dropped it all in the purse. Checking on Ruby one last time, she noted the shallow breathing and the lighter trickle of blood under the dressing she’d fixed. “Hang in there, Ruby.” She squeezed the woman’s icy hand.

  Hanging the long strap of the bag diagonally across her chest, Sky crawled out the small back window, in the opposite direction from which Coop would return. Silence enfolded her as she ran into the trees at the back of the cabin. She looked for the sun, hoping to get her bearings, but it was too low in the sky. Dusk had settled over the mountains. The cabin hung on the side of a steep slope. When in doubt, go down, she mouthed, recalling her Girl Scout training. Find water and follow it. She stepped out.

  ****

  “Max.” Adam took the call, even second-hand information on Sky might lift his spirits out of the heavy cloud engulfing them. “How are you? Did Sheriff Anderson get the statement from the D.A. Great news Andre rolled over on Cooper?”

  “The sheriff seized all the computers at his business and home premises yesterday. A forensic accountant found the payment to a Gunther Merka, a German ex-military for hire. They’re testing his rifles for a bullet match with the shell they found in the fire.” Max’s voice was grim. “They arrested him last night in his hotel room. Happened around eight o’clock. He was dressed in camouflage gear and had a sniper rifle with him.”

  The elation Adam expected, once they’d captured the sniper, was missing. “What’s wrong, Max?” Adam dropped the file he’d been going over and looked at his father. The older man was listening, eyes sharp.

  “Cooper has disappeared. The sheriff has a BOLO out on him.”

  “I’m sure they’ll find him.” Adam could tell something else bothered Max.

  “Look is there any chance Sky is with you?” the man blurted out. “I know it’s a long shot.”

  “Sky isn’t here. I have had no contact with her since I left Tahoe.” Adam looked at his father. The older man shook his head and leaned closer.

  “She’s missing. I’ve phoned everyone I can think of, even Gita.”

  “How long has she been gone?” Adam leveled his voice, quelling his rising anxiety.

  “She left yesterday late afternoon with Ruby, our secretary. She was dropping Sky off at the airport in Carson City to pick up the new Beech we bought. Sky never showed up.”

  “Jesus, Max.” Adam read his watch, almost noon. “She’s been missing over eighteen hours,” he calculated.

  “I had my poker night, left her to ferry the plane here. We played late, past two. I went home after, like I usually do. When I showed up this morning, Sky wasn’t here. I’ve been searching for her ever since. The sheriff put a trace on Ruby’s truck, turns out it was licensed to Cooper Land Holdings. I bet she was working for Cooper, spying on us.”

  “Has Sheriff Anderson run a check on other property owned by Cooper, personal and business? He’d take Sky somewhere quiet, out of the way, if he’s behind this.” Adam strode into his bedroom, as he spoke. He was already throwing clothes into a soft-sided bag when his father joined him.

  “I’ll meet you at the base in thirty minutes. We’ll take the Gulf Stream,” Hamilton senior told his son. “I’ll have the jet fueled and file the flight plan.” He strode out.

  Over the rapid pulsing of his heart, Adam heard his front door shut. “We’re on our way Max. We’ll check in every half hour.”

  “Thanks, Adam. I should never have left her alone. She’s been so down. She needed me, and I wasn’t there,” Max castigated himself, before the click of the phone told Adam he’d hung up.

  “Back at you, Max. I’m sitting in Houston sulking, because I didn’t get my way, didn’t have the patience or understanding to give her time. Maybe I am more like Brian. I sure wasn’t there for her.”

  Images of Sky in danger fired his imagination as he raced toward Hamilton Aeronautics. Explosions, plane crashes. What had Cooper planned for her? The Gulf Stream perched on the taxi ramp. A fuel truck drove away as Adam slammed on the brakes of his sports car in front of the building. He abandoned it there, keys in the ignition. One of the ground crew would move it.

  His father waited by the plane, a soft-sided bag in his hand. In seconds, they were loaded and rolling down the runway. The controller in the Houston tower gave Adam permission to take-off. Senior handled the radio, while Adam did everything he could to get the Gulf Stream in the air and headed northwest in record time. At top cruising speed, it would still take them four hours to touch down at the Lake Tahoe airport.

  He handed his dad his phone. “Max’s number is in there. I told him I’d check in every half hour.”

  But as they winged across the country, there was no news. They phoned again the minute they stepped out of the plane. Dusk was still several hours off. While his dad rented a vehicle, Adam called Max.

  “Anything new?”

  “They got Cooper. They found the truck Ruby was driving in one of the casino lots. Looks like Cooper spent the night in the casino, got drunk, and passed out in the truck. They found Sky’s backpack with her keys and phone. No sign of her, and Cooper isn’t talking. He’s lawyered up.”

  Adam cursed under his breath. A lawyer could keep Cooper from making any statement.

  “Any sign of Ruby?”

  “The gun Cooper was packing is registered in her name,” Max said.

  Adam’s brain froze and thought left him for a second. “Do they think Ruby kidnapped Sky, took her at gunpoint?”

  “It’s looking that way.”

  “Where are you, Max? We’ll meet you.”

  “I’m at the sheriff’s office in Lake Tahoe.”

  Adam hung up after Max gave him the address, punched it into his phone, and checked his GPS for directions. His father pulled up in a gray SUV.

  “Four-wheel drive, loaded,” he told Adam, as he climbed in. “What’s happening?”

  “We’re heading for the sheriff’s office. Max is there. By the time we get there, they’ll have a handle on Cooper’s holdings and a place for us to search.”

  As he took the steps two at a time and strode across the lobby, Adam prayed he was right.

  A deputy led them down a corridor and into the glass-walled office where the sheriff spoke on a phone, while Max paced.

  “That’s good. We’ll head out there now, see what we can find. Thanks, Herb.”

  He nodded at Adam and shook hands with his father when he introduced them. “Herb, over at the lands claim office, gave me several locations where Cooper held title before, or still. The most likely seems to be a cabin on leased land in Bliss State Park. There’s only a few cabins in the entire area, and they are considerable distances apart. He might have stashed her there, with Ruby guarding her, while he came into town to set up an alibi.”

  The men were all walking as he talked. “We’ll follow you out,” Adam declared.

  The sheriff hesitated. “Don’t want civilians getting mixed up in what might turn into a firefight.”

  “We promise we’ll hang back,” Adam interjected before the man could order them to stay in town. “If there is no cell phone coverage out there, and she’s not at the cabin, we could lose precious time.”

  The sheriff nodded and folded his tall frame into the cruiser his deputy started.

  Adam, Patrick, and Max jumped into the SUV. Adam drove, sticking to the sheriff’s tail, like dust on his fender. When they pulled off the secondary road, circling the lake, onto a gravel road, Adam was glad he had a lot of power and a four-wheel drive under him.

  “Good choice, Dad.” He threw the gears into four-wheel mode. As the sheriff made a sharp turn onto a dirt road, he followed him taking what became a narrow, rutted lane, climbing the mountain side. Trees brush
ed against the body of the vehicle on both sides. Gray light from a dying sun pierced the tunnel cut through the heavy growth. The brake lights of the cruiser flashed on. Adam stopped behind him.

  The sheriff tapped on the passenger window. Patrick rolled it down.

  “The cabin is just ahead around that curve. We’re going in on foot. Don’t want to warn anyone we’re coming. I’d be obliged if you fellows would stay here, keep quiet, and wait for us to contact you.” He waved at the men in the cruiser pulling up behind them.

  Men slipped past them, revolvers in hand, rifles slung over their shoulder. He saw the sweep of the sheriff’s arm, indicating they should circle around, then darkness hid all other movement.

  The next ten minutes felt like his heart ticked out the seconds. Adam drew shallow breaths into his lungs and shared a look with the other grim-faced men. Max’s skin was so washed out he looked like a wax effigy. Adam knew his dad’s first concern would be how this would affect his son. But he also knew his dad had grown attached to Sky while they talked planes. He, too, would be imagining the worst-case scenario, while praying for the best.

  Suddenly, a deputy loomed out of the dark. Adam jumped from the SUV faster than a lynx leapt on a jack rabbit.

  “The sheriff’s given the all clear. You can move into the clearing, but you can’t go inside the cabin till it’s processed.”

  “It’s a crime scene?” Adam struggled for air. “Did they find Sky?

  “Sorry, sir. There is one dead female body, but that’s all I know.”

  Max pushed past him, his face anguished. “Sky,” he sobbed. “Sky.”

  Adam followed the bereft man into the small clearing. An outside light, fixed beside the door, shed a small circle onto the narrow veranda. Inside the open door, he could see the sheriff directing several men, waving his arms as he talked into his com.

  When Max pounded across the veranda, the sheriff intercepted him. “I can’t have you contaminating my crime scene, Max. Not when there’s a murder involved.”