Midnight Heat Read Free

controller.The ability to remain cool and detached no matter how extreme the circumstances. To focus on the facts at hand.
    In his case that included going over and over every detail of an incident until any flaw in logic or action was uncovered and analyzed. And all the cold hard facts in this case—not to mention the flaws—pointed at the controller sitting directly across from him.
    He couldn’t ignore the regret he felt, but he didn’t let it come through when he spoke. “They are making copies of the ARTS tapes as we speak. The data printout will include everything from the time you took over control of your position. I’ll also be going over the voice and data tapes from both flights.”
    He stood and massaged the bridge of his nose, his headache having settled into a slow steady throb. “I will probably have additional questions. Please leave a number with Mr. Beck where you can be reached, and try to stay accessible.”
    Several moments of silence passed, then she stood. “That’s it?” she asked with disbelief.
    Not hardly, he wanted to respond, but didn’t. Dane swallowed a groan as his shoulder and neck muscles began to compete with the pain in his head. He had long hours ahead of him with no sleep in sight. Instead of the usual rush of anticipation he felt when he took on anew investigation, he simply felt tired. And confused. He never felt confused.
    “I’m very thorough, Ms. Burke.” He locked gazes with her once more. “And I’m damn good. I’ll find out what happened. No matter what.”
    She opened her mouth as if to speak, but only huffed out a small sigh of resignation. It bothered Dane more than he cared to admit just how curious he was to know what she’d been about to say.
    She lifted her purse from the chair and dug inside. Pulling out a small pad and pencil, she hastily scribbled something, then tore the sheet off and handed it to him. “My home phone number,” she told him. “Though as thorough as you are, I’m sure you have it there in those notes somewhere. As you probably also know, I’m not union, so I’ve been placed on temporary leave until you file your report with Mr. Beck and the FAA. There’s a machine on that line in case I’m not home.”
    She was such an easy read. He knew she was dying to ask what his early conclusions were. But she wasn’t going to. Even though she understood that whatever final decision was made would be done largely on the basis of his report. He was very probably holding her entire career in his hands. A career that, up until just recently, she’d obviously workeddamn hard to make a stellar one. He couldn’t deny that he admired her silence.
    It wasn’t until he tried to tuck the card in the inside pocket of his jacket that he remembered he was still wearing his tuxedo.
    When he’d been beeped at the reception, the only phone available had been in the limo that had brought some of the wedding party. Once he’d called in and been briefed, his only concern had been getting to the airport. He hadn’t taken the time to go home or even drop in at his office to change.
    He caught a glimmer of humor in her eyes before she carefully masked it.
    “I, uh, was at a wedding reception. My sister’s,” he said, wondering even as he offered the explanation why he’d done so. He wasn’t used to explaining himself, preferring to let his work speak for him. That he hadn’t, until this moment, given any thought to how people perceived him on a personal level did little to ease his uncustomary awkwardness. When she didn’t say anything, he felt foolish. He stuffed the card into the top folder. “I’ll let you know if I find out anything to support your theory.”
    “Thank you,” was all she said. Clearly she didn’t think he was going to look too hard for that support. That rankled. But he’d be damned if he’d offer any further assurances. She’d learn about him soon enough.
    Then a spark of something he couldn’t puta name to flashed in