1 Chapter 1

It was early spring when I arrived in Elk Pond. It was a long haul in time and distance, but I finally completed my Flight Service Specialist training, got my certification, and did on-the-job orientation at a busy airport out east. Now I was about to begin my first posting.

The cab ride from Elk Pond Airport to my hotel downtown was a ten-minute drive, through mostly woodland. The town itself straddled a river, with an old concrete bridge spanning it. On the south side, the houses and businesses were terraced up a rather steep hill.

I paid the driver and hauled my luggage into the rustic hotel, Elk Pond Inn. The first thing I noticed was the aroma of furniture polish. There was a spiral stairway ahead, and just off to the side was the check-in counter. A blue-haired lady sat at the desk, glasses perched on the end of her nose, while she read what appeared to be an old Reader’s Digest. As I approached, she glanced up at me and pushed herself to her feet, with help from her hands planted firmly on the desk.

“You would be Mr. Hare. Bob Bryant told me you would be coming. I got a nice room picked out for our new sparky. Bit young for all that responsibility, don’t you think? I mean, having the lives of all those people in your hands day after day.”

“Yes ma’am, I’m Samuel Hare, but you can call me Sam. I only met Mr. Bryant over the phone, so I’ll be going to the airport in the morning to meet him in person. As for the job, it isn’t as stressful as it used to be, with all the technology and gadgets to do most of the work for the pilots and us operators. I’m sure it will be fine. Oh, I hope to find a place to live soon, so if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.”

“Call me Edna. I own this hotel, and the diner down the street. My sister Elizabeth cooks there while I’m working here. We switch around every week—word of advice. Wait until I’m there before you grab a meal. And Sam, I’m not sure about you being all ears, but you definitely have long legs. How did they ever fit you on that plane?”

“Pleased to meet you, Edna. I’m only six-three, which isn’t tall by my family’s standards. My father is six foot seven, and kid brother is almost seven feet.”

We finished visiting, I got checked in, and followed Edna’s directions to my room. It really was a nice place and the room was decorated tastefully, even by my young standards. There was an old hot water heating system, and the old registers were painted golden. Thick curtains covered the windows, probably as much to keep the draft out as for privacy. The bed was a queen size, and I flopped on my back to check it out. Firm, just the way I like it. The mattress, I mean. Edna had told me she knew of some places to rent, a couple of houses for sale, and some folks looking for boarders. It was good to know I had a few options.

I grabbed a quick shower, changed into casual clothes, and decided to walk downtown to get familiar with the place. The information brochure provided by the department noted that Elk Pond had a population of about five thousand. It was situated equidistant between two larger cities, and at the east end of a large lake, so it was chosen as the site for the district airport. I was posted here to replace a lucky guy who won some kind of lottery and decided to head somewhere with more warmth and sunshine. Since he didn’t give much notice, there was a bit of a rush to fill the spot.

* * * *

Once we completed training at the institute, we were asked to give two or three preferred locations where we’d like to be posted—no guarantee, mind you. Elk Pond couldn’t be further from any of my prime picks. I had to admit, it was hard to move so far from my family and friends, but one of the perks of the job was quarterly airline tickets to anywhere in the country, for the first two years of a rural posting. Elk Pond definitely qualified as rural. It might even be classified as a remote location.

When my parents saw me off at the airport, Mom hugged me tight, her eyes full of tears. Dad shook my hand and wished me well, making me promise to keep in touch. As I walked toward the security gate, Mom called out for me to hurry and find a man I can settle down with, so she won’t have to worry about me being alone. I waved over my shoulder, smiling at how easily they accepted that I was gay.