Chapter 40

While Hawk and Maria were on their way to San Diego, Brenda dropped Benji off at the Sky Harbor Airport, and returned to the ranch. Finding the number she’d written on a pad the night before she followed Hawk’s directions and called Bobby Bright Feather.

On the second ring a female voice answered, “Hello.”

“Could I speak to Bobby, please?”

The woman on the other end of the line seemed to be on edge as she asked, “Who’s calling?”

“My name is Brenda Gilford. Robert Gray Hawk asked me to call. Are you Bobby’s wife?”

Obviously now more at ease she answered, “Yes. My name is Larena, but most people call me Rennie. Can you hold, please? Bobbie is playing with our daughter. He’ll be here in a minute.”

Still working to put the young woman at ease Brenda softly replied, “Thank you, Rennie. That will be much appreciated.”

Moments later a male voice said, “This is Bobby.”

“Bobby, my name is Brenda Gilford. Robert Gray Hawk asked me to call you.”

Sounding relieved Bobby replied, “So, he wasn’t ‘blowing smoke’ about helping us.”

“Bobby, we can’t promise anything at this point, but we’d like you to bring yourself and your family to Phoenix to interview for an engineering position. When can you come?”

“Missus Gilford, we could come this afternoon. How did you plan on us getting there?”

“Bobby, I have someone that I’m in love with, but at the moment, it’s still Miss. As for the trip, I thought driving would be the easiest method. Honestly, I hadn’t gotten that far in my thinking, since it’s been less than an hour since Hawk instructed me to call you.”

“Miss Gilford, I’m not sure if my car could make the trip, but I might see if my brother could drive us in his pickup. You wouldn’t need a geologist or metallurgist, would you?”

She tried to run through the list of what kinds of people Hawk had designated, but did not remember either being mentioned. However, there still might be some sort of fit.

“Bobby, please call me Brenda. I don’t know for sure if we need either, but I can check. Why did you ask?”

“My brother, Joaquin, has a BS in Geology from New Mexico State, and a Masters in Metallurgy from UTEP. Like me, because he’s an Apache, or at least because he’s a ‘Native American’ he can’t find a job paying anywhere near what he’s capable of earning. Instead of earning sixty to a hundred thousand a year like his classmates he’s making twelve seventy-five an hour doing quality control work for a local manufacturer.”

In listening to Bobby, Brenda noticed he had almost spat the words ‘Native American.’ It was obvious he greatly resented the modern ‘politically correct’ term.

“Then I definitely want to talk to him, even if he doesn’t have a resume prepared. Now, about the trip. How long a trip is it, and is his truck a standard pickup or a crew-cab?”

“It’s over six hours from here to Phoenix, and the road is pretty isolated much of the way. As for his truck, it’s just a standard pickup, but Joaquin, Rennie, and I could scrunch in together, with Rennie holding Mandy in her lap.”

Brenda considered what Bobby had just said. The more she thought about it, the less she liked the idea. There’s got to be another way, she thought.

“Brenda, are you still there?”

“Yes, Bobby. I was just thinking about the trip. Go ahead and get Rennie started packing while you call your brother. I’m going to find another way to get you here. I’d also suggest everyone pack only the essentials and casual clothes for a couple of days. No one will be judged by their clothes, and no one needs a suit. Also, if you end up staying longer we’ll arrange to get you some additional clothes. That also includes baby stuff.”

An excited Bobby responded, “Yes, Ma’am! I’ll immediately get things started.”

The entire process of getting the family to Phoenix turned into one of the most challenging things Brenda had done to date. Obviously, her original plan was scrapped, so that pretty much left flying. However, even that got complicated.

First, she learned the closest airport with commercial flights to Phoenix was still over a hundred miles from their home. Fortunately, Brenda’s next option not only gave an immediate solution, but opened up a lot of opportunities for the future. She called an air charter service based at the airport in Alamogordo. Unfortunately, the company she called was in the process of closing operations. They had only one aircraft remaining, a Piper Navajo from the mid-seventies. Just for kicks she asked their best price for purchasing the plane. “Ma’am,” said the pleasant male voice on the other end of the phone, “I’m going to level with you. This aircraft was the personal plane of the late father of our current owner. It has low air time, and has been maintained and updated on a regular basis since the old man died, almost twenty years ago. The problem is, other than being flown around the airport twice a year, it’s been in storage the entire time. We’ve had it for sale for a while, but have had few inquiries, and no one has actually even looked at the ‘ol girl.’ I just wish I had the money to buy her.”

While they were talking Brenda accessed the Internet and made a search on this aircraft model. It was a nice looking aircraft, but he surprised her with his price. It was a good thirty thousand dollars below any similar aircraft listed.

“I’m sorry, Sir, but I never got your name.”

“It’s William Bryce, but most folks call me Bill.”

“OK, Bill. Here’s the offer. I’ve three adults and a child I need flown to Phoenix. If you’ll fly the family here we’ll pay for the gas. One of our executives is flying back to Phoenix later today. If he approves of the aircraft we’ll give you the money as soon as the lawyers approve the sale.”

“Would you pay the charter cost for the pilot?”

“Does the company incur any cost for a charter pilot?”

“Since I’ll probably be the one that flies it, just my salary, and any travel costs I have while I’m there.”

“But wouldn’t they be paying your salary anyway?”

“Yes, Ma’am, but this next week will be my last week with the company. I was hoping if you bought the plane they’d let me keep the charter fees.”

“Bill, what will you be doing after that?”

“Honestly? I don’t know.”

“Then, I’ll at least cover your travel expenses. Also, bring your resume. Who knows, we might find a position for you within our company.”

Three hours later, Brenda drove the ranch’s mini-van to the Williams Gateway Airport to meet the flight from Alamogordo. Her first goal was to get everyone situated in the hotel near the Superstition Mall. She’d chosen this particular hotel because it had a suite for the family as well as single rooms for Bill Bryce and Joaquin Bright Feather. She also liked the idea there were numerous eateries in the area.

When she arrived at the facility chosen by Bill, Brenda didn’t have any idea how to know which plane was the one bringing her guests. Finally, lacking any other option, she explained the situation to one of the men who worked with the incoming flights.

“Do you know what kind of airplane it is?” he asked.

With uncertainty in her voice, Brenda replied, “I think he called it a Navajo.”

“Well, we don’t see many of those Pipers anymore. I’ll be happy to let you know when one arrives. By the way, My name’s Tom Black.”

“Thank you, Tom.”

Brenda went back into the lobby and picked up a magazine. About fifteen minutes later Tom advised her a Navajo had just landed and was taxiing to their facility. He then led her to a place outside where she could safely stand and wait for the plane and its passengers. Coming across the field was a white twin engine aircraft trimmed in tan and green. It seemed basically the size of Dan’s airplane, but she could tell there were distinct differences in the shape. The plane pulled up to a stop at the end of the walkway, and the engines were turned off. Tom, the gentleman who helped her identify the Navajo, helped to open the door, and began to assist the passengers down the steps built into the inside of the door.

The first person to exit was a young woman. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, and her hair and skin tone left little doubt of her Native American heritage. Once on the ground she reached back into the aircraft. When she turned around she was holding a young girl who was probably ten months old. Brenda walked up to her and said, “Rennie? I’m Brenda. Welcome to Phoenix.”

Rennie looked first at Brenda’s blond hair and frowned. Then, realizing the warmth of the welcome she returned Brenda’s smile. “Thank you, and this is Mandy.”

Brenda smiled warmly, yet as she looked at the child, there was an obvious ‘wanting’ in her eyes. For the first time in her life, Brenda found herself desiring children of her own. Letting Mandy play with her finger, Brenda said, “Dago Te, Mandy.”

Excited to hear Brenda greet Mandy in Apache Rennie grabbed the arm of the man who’d followed her down the stairs and said, “Brenda, this is my husband Bobby.” Then, pointing to the second man on the steps she added, “And this is Bobby’s older brother, Joaquin.”

Brenda shook hands with all three. Then, sensing someone in the open door of the aircraft she looked up into the deepest blue eyes she’d ever seen. As the man came down the stairs she realized he was a little taller than six feet and appeared to be in excellent physical shape. His dark brown hair had significant reddish highlights, and his skin was weathered and deeply tanned. He appeared to be in his early thirties. Again, she was drawn back to his eyes; piercing, alert, haunting eyes - the eyes of an eagle. He reached out his hand, and said, “Miss Brenda, I’m Bill Bryce.”

Still looking deep into his eyes, she said, “Welcome to Phoenix, Mister Bryce.”

“Thank you, Brenda. Do you know when your executive will be here?”

“Are you in a hurry to leave?”

“No, Ma’am. I just wasn’t sure if I should stay here until he arrives, or go with the rest of you to the hotel.”

“I left him a voice mail message to call me as soon as he arrives. Why don’t you three strong men get the luggage, and let’s get everyone checked into the hotel. If we haven’t heard from him by then we can come back here, or find someplace to discuss your situation.”

Brenda noticed a pained expression from Bill Bryce, but she wasn’t sure of the reason. A moment later he shrugged and led the two brothers to the door of the luggage compartment. The baggage was spread between the three men, and they returned, following their host out to the mini-van. On the way Bill stopped for a second, giving some instructions to one of the employees of the facility. Bill caught up to the others just as they reached Brenda’s vehicle. Responding to Brenda’s questioning look, he said, “I told them to move the plane out of their way as well as to fill it up, and tie it down,”

Brenda nodded acknowledgment as she opened the big sliding door of the van. Included in the luggage was Mandy’s car safety seat, which was quickly installed in the seat behind the driver. Rennie put Mandy in her seat and sat in the seat beside her. Bobby and Joaquin sat in the back, leaving the front passenger seat for Bill. Brenda climbed into the driver’s seat and noticed the time as she scanned the dash. “I’m sorry everyone, but I didn’t realize how late it was. Is anyone hungry?

Rennie answered, “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starving.”

“Anyone have a preference?”

Bobby responded, “Quick, reasonable, and casual. With this many, someplace with a variety of options might also be a good idea.”

His brother added, “I don’t think I could have said it any better, myself.”

“Friday’s?” Brenda asked.

Bill Bryce answered, “Perfect.” No one disagreed, so that was where Brenda headed. Arriving between crowds they were seated immediately. The three men all ordered steaks while Rennie decided to try the baby back ribs. Brenda wanted something different, so she ordered the Blackened Chicken Alfredo. It was a pleasant meal, and by its end everyone was feeling more at ease around one another.

From the restaurant Brenda drove to the hotel. Once everyone was checked in and settled into their rooms Brenda and Bill excused themselves, explaining their need to go back to the airport. On the way there, Brenda’s cell phone rang. It was Dan returning her call. “Hi, Brenda. I got your message. What’s going on?”

“I found a plane we might be interested in, as well as a pilot.”

“Do you think we need something beside my Baron?”

“Well, I see us going in a lot of different directions at the same time, and it looked like a good deal. Would you at least look at it, and talk to the pilot?”

“Sure, where is the plane?”

“Gateway.”

“Oh, well. Unfortunately, I’m at Falcon Field. I’ll get some transportation and meet you there.”

“Dan, we’re not that far away from you. I’ll pick you up at Executive Aviation in less than ten minutes.”

“That would be great. I need to arrange for the plane to be tied-down and get my bags. I’ll see you in about ten minutes.”

Brenda headed toward Falcon Field. As she drove she noticed the closer she got to her destination, the more tense Bill Bryce became. Finally, as she turned onto the road that led to Executive Aviation, he could not take it anymore. “Brenda, please stop and let me out.”

She pulled to the side of the road, and asked, “Bill, what’s wrong?”

“You’ve been so nice to me, but I just can’t do this. I just can’t take the rejection.”

“Why would we reject you?”

“First, I may look white, but my mother was a full-blooded Chiricahua Apache. Second, I’m a convicted felon. Mister Packard’s son was the only one who’d give me a job when I got out of prison. Every interview since then has quietly ended once these facts came out. I guess I really am the loser my ex-girlfriend said I was.”

Brenda’s heart just broke. After what she had been exposed to over the years she could not just pass this off. “Bill, let me start by saying we’re an unusual company. Neither of the facts you just revealed will automatically disqualify you. In fact, I’d say that because you were so straight forward about things it might even help. Why don’t you be patient just a little longer and tell us your story.”

Stunned, Bill said, “OK, I’ll give it a chance.” Then suddenly fearful, he added, “But, I won’t do anything illegal, either.”

Brenda smiled and patted the back of his hand while saying, “Nor would we want you to.”

She pulled the mini-van back onto the road, and continued on to pick up Dan. When she stopped next to a big blue awning Dan came out with his duffel bag. He opened the side door, threw the bag in the back, and climbed onto one of the middle seats. “Dan, this is Bill Bryce. Let’s go look at his airplane. When we finish that project I want to talk to him about working for us.”

Dan held out his hand, and said, “Bill, I’m Dan Cashman. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thanks, Dan. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

On the way back to Gateway, Bill went over everything about the Navajo with Dan. At first Dan was skeptical due to the plane’s age, but that began to dissipate as he learned more about the aircraft, and how it had been maintained.

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