Helitak Daze

Helitak Daze - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Lewis Campground cleared out without a problem. Most campers had already left, as the smoke moved in, making breathing uncomfortable and many people nervous. As fires developed, sections of the park had to be closed for safety. Some roads were closed became impassable at times.

Katlin would rather be in the field, hanging out in the office running operations made for a very long day. She checked the war board to see Michael's current location. It looked like he'd be flying sorties to and from the Mink Fire all day. This fire had quadrupled in size over the last two days, blazing along the ridgeline north towards the east end of Yellowstone Lake. He'd be busy until evening so she grabbed a quick bite for lunch and went back to work..

Dinner arrived and so did the flyboys. Returning crews looked like chimney sweeps exiting the helicopters. Kat pointed them to the chow line as she made her way down the flight line. She knew first order of business for the firefighters was a good meal, then a shower and bed. She reached the UH-60 as Michael was buttoning up the aircraft.

"Good to see you again, Rick." She shook his hand as she leaned over to speak into his ear. The other choppers idling made it hard to hear. "You are welcome to spend the night on my couch, you know."

Rick looked at Michael and smiled. "I don't think so, but thanks anyway. I hear there's a poker game tonight, thought I'd make some extra money." He gave her a peck on the cheek and left.

"What was that about?" Michael stood near Kat, but not touching her.

"Oh, I told him he could keep staying at my cabin."

"I don't think so." Michael grumbled.

Kat laughed. "That's what he said. Are you ready to go, how about a nice steak dinner? I haven't gotten a chance to show you what a fabulous cook I am."

"I've heard rumors. You were entertaining the troops, before I got here."

"Some old acquaintances from flight school, but that's nice." She said.

"What is?"

"That mildly jealous streak you have."

He was a little miffed. "I don't get jealous, no point in being with someone you can't trust."

"You can trust me, but there are other kinds of jealousy. Like missing out on something you would have enjoyed. I wouldn't worry about it though, it was just a bunch of friends reminiscing about the crazy times we had at Rucker and since you have put those days out of your mind, well....?"

They reached the main building. "I told you, that place has nothing but bad memories for me."

"Why thank you, kind sir, for the compliment."

He turned her around by the elbow, expecting her to be mad. "I didn't mean you."

Kat gave him her usual smirk. "I know, but you are so easy, I couldn't resist teasing."

"I swear to God, Kat, you keep me on egg shells. I don't know whether to throttle you or make love to you."

"Good. Glad to see we are on the same sheet of music." Taking his face in her hands, she gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "Let's go home."

The drive was much quicker, now that he was familiar with the way. "I wanted to tell you, I love the moose sculpture at the beginning of your driveway. Do you know the artist?"

"He's a local guy, Running Bear, does all the chainsaw carvings sold at Grant Village. We're pretty good friends. He put a lot more work into mine. Hand-sanded and stained it for a birthday present. Speaking of which, I guess I could have wished you Happy Birthday, when you got here."