I was minding my own business, heading for Michael’s because the fall decorations are calling, even though it’s scorching outside. Well there’s a private airfield right across the street from the craft store, and as I got close to it, this cool plane landed. This thing looked to be 100 years old, and I couldn’t help but think about April Hayman’s hero.
He’s missing, you know. No, really. Somehow he slipped from the pages of her book and took off to parts unknown. Cathe Swanson spotted him yesterday.
So when this super-old plane landed, well, I needed a better look. I zigzagged and did a U-turn, pulling in to park in front of Bread-Zeppelin beside the private field and the neighborhood that borders it. I watched the old plane taxi closer, stopping at the hangar that was on the edge of the field.
The pilot climbed out as I shut off my car engine. Well, I knew that little guy wasn’t April’s hero, but then the passenger climbed down. The guy was a giant, like a big ole bear. He took off the leather helmet that he’d been wearing. His hair was plumb platinum. This was definitely the guy April had told us about.
I got out of my car. “Hey,” I yelled and waved both my hands over my head to get his attention.
He halted just before he reached the hangar and turned toward me, putting his hand on the pilot’s shoulder.
I wave again. “Can I ask you a question?”
He grabbed the pilot’s jacket and pointed back toward the plane. The little guy took off at run.
Oh, no. I was about to miss my chance to . . . what? Catch him? He was a Goliath for pity’s sake. But I had to try. “Hang on, hang on. Aren’t you Hugh?”
He seemed to freeze for a moment. The propellers on the plane started spinning.
I pulled out my phone and took a photo.
He glanced at the plane and then back at me.
“April is looking for you,” I called.
The man took a deep breath and then dashed back to the airplane.
“No, wait.”
“Tell her not to worry.” He climbed into passenger seat and the plane taxied down the runway.
No chance to track him down now. But at least with my photo, I could prove that he’d been here. I pulled up the image on my phone.
Grr. Clearly, I’d moved when I clicked it. Or un-clearly in this case.
Sorry, April. I tried to slow him down. Hope you’ll be hearing from him again soon!
Here’s some information about April’s book, When a Pilot Falls:
In 1923, there aren’t many pilots, but Willie Labeau didn’t let that stop… her.
A bear of a man, Hugh Taylor, needs a stunt plane pilot, and despite their rocky introduction, Willie sets off for golden California and a new life as his pilot. There’s just one little thing she has to do in addition to flying.
Leave his past alone. Period.
When the flame of her own curiosity becomes fanned by encouragement from Willie’s sister, the feisty pilot can’t help but do just a little investigating.
And Hugh vanishes.
Friends rally around her, and with all the information she can find in hand, Willie sets off to rescue Hugh and battle the evil family holding him hostage.
A fierce air race, a sincere act of humility—are they enough to free Hugh and give Willie a chance to be with him… forever?
Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. When the Pilot Falls offers a retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch hearts soar and daring dos.
When the Pilot Falls is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
Check on April’s blog tomorrow to see if she can find her hero!
And don’t miss entering for an Amazon card giveaway. Click the link below!
https://promosimple.com/ps/11b2f/when-the-pilot-falls-marji
Marji Laine 