Jayhawk Down Read Free Page A

to go.
    The helipad’s landing lights blazed to life. Stillman watched with growing admiration and a kick of excitement as the pilot brought the Coast Guard helicopter in with more speed and finesse than he could have mustered in picture-perfect conditions. Flying in the Reserves now, he’d spent six years as an army chopper-jock before going back to medical school.
    Stillman ducked inside. He’d like to meet the guy. Maybe shoot the shit over a cup of coffee. With that kind of ballsy flying, he obviously could stomach the hospital’s excuse for caffeine.
    * * *
    Caitlyn didn’t relax until the two survivors were off-loaded at the hospital. Joe and Clay accompanied the injured men inside, leaving her and Ryan alone.
    Ryan popped off his helmet. “What the hell was that all about?”
    Caitlyn blew out a breath and eased her own helmet off more slowly. “I don’t know, but I’ve never been more thankful for an equipment malfunction.” When the warning light came on she’d opted to set down at the closest hospital with a landing pad even though it meant flying into the heart of the storm.
    “Notice how the two of them seemed to catalogue everything about
Fly Baby
and what we did?” She tapped the instrument console as if patting a favorite child.
    Ryan shook his head and huffed out a laugh. “Caity, it’s a multimillion-dollar helicopter, not a pet.” His expression sobered. “I’m calling our security on a landline. Have them do a little snooping into the background of those two characters.”
    Caitlyn nodded. “Good. Our new little tadpole did well tonight.” Clay had picked up on the weird vibes and, under the guise of checking for injuries, searched both men for weapons then reported the all clear to the crew over the intercom.
    “Please don’t mention that to him.”
    She stowed her helmet and picked up her rain gear. “Why?” She slipped her head through her poncho and looked at her copilot. “I’m the commanding officer. Any performance assessments should come from me.”
    He smirked. “Yes, your highness, but the kid’s had a major crush on you since he arrived at the air station. If you say anything nice, you’ll send him right over the edge. He’ll be like a puppy following you around making a fool of himself.
I’ll
tell him he did a good job. You continue your reign as Queen B.” He patted her cheek then ducked into the rain.
    She pulled her hood up and prepared to make a run into the hospital. Dammit, just what she didn’t need—a puppy.
    * * *
    Stillman grinned when he found the pilot. The guy was flirting with the nurses while two other Coasties stood talking to a security guard.
    “That was a hell of a landing you pulled off,” Stillman said. He quickly scanned the name on the flight suit and held out his hand. “Lieutenant Greeley, I’m Dr. Stillman Gray.”
    The handshake was solid, but the guy shook his head with a laugh. “Sorry, can’t take credit for that sweet landing. I’m just the copilot. I only touch the controls when there are blue skies and calm winds.”
    The other Coasties joined in the laugh. Obviously a private joke.
    The lieutenant tipped his head toward the doctor’s lounge. “Pilot’s in there, if you want to extend congratulations.”
    All right, he could play along. Stillman nodded his thanks and pretended not to notice the looks exchanged between the three men before he walked away. The lounge was empty except for...well, son of a bitch.
    She sat with her back to him, her hands busy unbraiding the richest red hair he’d ever laid eyes on. She finger-combed it then gave a head toss that made him groan.
    Startled, she turned and pinned him with glacier-blue eyes.
    “Would have lost that bet,” he said and walked to the coffeepot sitting on the warmer. He filled a mug with last shift’s burnt offerings.
    “Okay, I’ll play along,” she said, startling him with his own thought from a moment ago.
    He eyed her over his mug. While her accent hinted