Chapter Fourteen

A colorless partition stood between Catherine and the front of the small room when she walked through the door. The view on the opposite side of the partition jolted her nervous system, causing her heart to thud hard in her chest and her feet to bond to the floor.

Nathan was wearing a navy suit, a white shirt, and a pale blue tie, which reflected a very handsome image. Her mind held its opposition, but her body bathed in warmth, and she couldn’t stop the stupid feeling insisting on revealing how she really felt.

What in the hell is he doing here?

He circled the partition and headed in her direction. She drew in a steady breath.

“Adam.” He shook Adam’s hand.

“Glad you could make it, Nathan.”

Those powerful currents of chemistry were in motion once again, bouncing off Nathan and making a direct hit right at her heart. She mumbled under her breath.

“Catherine, I’m pleased to see you, too.”

“Hello,” she whispered between the jolts assaulting her nervous system, before realizing Adam had set it up.

Someone was calling Nathan’s name, and he excused himself and left.

“Adam?”

“Before you put the blame on me, he had to be here. He is half owner. It’s a requisite. I didn’t ring the man. He found out. I don’t know how, and I didn’t ask. He rang me at the last moment. He blew off some steam and was annoyed that I didn’t contact him.”

Catherine whooshed out an irritated breath.

“Come on, it’s time.”

She followed Adam to the front of the courtroom and sat beside him. Her gaze darted around the room and noticed Mister Cabrero, the man who hired the aircraft, sitting to her right with his family seated behind him.

Under lowered lashes, she gazed in Nathan’s direction. It was obvious he never had any trouble getting over her. Her heart leapt to her throat. It was all a game to him—one big plot. She had succumbed to Nathan so willingly, it disgusted her. His words were bittersweet, and she believed him. She dragged her gaze away as he approached.

To stir her pot further, he walked up and plonked himself right beside her, leaving virtually no amount of comfortable breathing space between them. A slight brush of his arm up against hers rustled a tremble of desire. Why was it so difficult to ignore every little emotional response that switched on when he closed in?

One hour later, they hadn’t discovered any more than they already knew. Mister Cabrero was determined, stating he was taking his family on a holiday, and the aircraft was indeed faulty. The matter had to be taken further.

Catherine gazed at Nathan—the man she would always love. There would always be a special place for him in her heart.

She slipped from the room to wait on the pavement for Adam. Unexpectedly, Nathan appeared by his side.

“As I was saying to Adam earlier, I could fly you both back to Port Macquarie. I didn’t realize you had hired a car.”

Catherine bluntly rejected until Adam’s persuasion had her stepping into an expensive, silver sports car. She didn’t know what model it was, but the smell of new leather and its sleekness told her it was the top of the line and new.

She’d purposely chosen to sit in the back seat. She didn’t want to engage in a long, drawn-out and impersonal conversation. As she gazed through the window, the men tossed ideas back and forth about the court case.

They made their way north toward Newcastle Airport some distance away. Nathan led them toward an aircraft similar to his previous one, but clearly on the side of this one, the call sign—once again in bold black lettering—was H.I.P.—Hotel, India, Papa. Adam examined the aircraft.

“Looks like a beauty.”

“Yeah, the insurance covered it. I decided I needed a new one urgently. I’ve had to fly out to Deep River several times.”

“How are they going with your project?”

Catherine was all ears, but pretended not to have the slightest interest in his affairs whatsoever. They pricked to attention every time he spoke, every time that gorgeous mouth of his opened, and she concluded that she hated herself.

“They finished last week. They certainly did a good job of the place. They turned it into a real beauty, with new cedar coverings inside and out. Some of the structural walls had to be replaced, but it’s definitely a home away from home. I must fly you out some time, Adam.”

Adam’s jovial laugh frustrated Catherine. Her hands rested in her lap, and her fingers curled into her palms.

“I’d love to, Nathan.”

She wondered how many times Nathan had taken his girlfriend to Deep River and thought about the ordeal of landing on that Godforsaken piece of earth in the middle of nowhere. No siree. The further she was away from the place the better. It’s only red dust country—full of nothing but sweat, dirt, and snakes, as well as man-eating beasts.

She sat in the last seat well behind the cockpit, leaving Adam to sit in the cockpit with Nathan. Glancing at the small, white clouds drifting by, she admitted he did the perfect take off. She also had to admit she felt safe with Nathan—much too safe for her liking.

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she opened her eyes. She must have drifted to sleep.

“Catherine.”

Her head shot up and bashed against Nathan’s forehead, forcing her to slump back onto the seat.

“Sorry, Catherine. Let me help you.”

She pulled from his grasp.

“Will you stop being so stubborn, and listen to me for once?”

Climbing out of the aircraft with difficulty didn’t deter her haste.

When her feet touched the ground, he couldn’t stop her. The two men examined her quick exit.

“Well, that was a stop sign for sure, Adam.”

Adam laughed. “She’s a bit touchy, but with this case hanging over her head, she’s got a right to be.”

Nathan said goodbye to Adam and watched him step into a taxi. He took some time out and sat down on a forty-four gallon drum. He felt responsible for the situation. After all, he was the one who suggested hiring out the aircrafts. His fingers tapped at the drum underneath.

That’s it—fuel. They would have to fuel up before they returned to Port Macquarie. The point is, where did they get the fuel? He jumped up, brushed dust from his suit, grabbed the keys to the fifth hangar, and unlocked the door.

When he slid the door open, he noticed it was the first aircraft in front of him.

“Hey, Nathan. You been in hiding?” Nathan turned his head and noticed Pete approaching.

“Been busy, mate. I heard about Mister Cabrero and his plans to sue Airways. I thought you would have said something about the case, about Catherine.”

“It was a sworn oath, Nathan. You know me, my apologies. So...who told you?”

“Mister Cabrero’s solicitor contacted me. They are lying, and we are going to prove it. You see, they had to refuel before they started back to Port Macquarie. If that was so, the fuel could be the culprit. They said that it choked and spluttered. That’s a sign of the fuel, bad fuel.”

“It could be a possibility. Bob would turn over in his grave if he knew about this.”

“I don’t want to let him down. We are going to find something, prove that they are wrong.”

Nathan walked to the wing of the aircraft, crouched underneath it, and begun to unscrew the fuel testing valve. As he drew it toward him, he noticed water sitting at the bottom of the valve.

“You beauty,” he yelled. “Look at that, Pete.” They both examined the valve.

“I never thought about checking the fuel, and that is not our fuel.”

“I’ve got a strange idea that they used fuel from forty-four gallon drums. I bet those drums contained water condensation. It has to be the answer, Pete.” He unclipped the button on his belt to his mobile telephone and rang Adam.

“Looks like I have the answer right in my hands, Adam. They couldn’t have reached their destination on one tank of fuel and then return. That means, they would have to fuel up in Queensland. The fuel in the Cheyenne has water in it. I have the fuel testing value right in my very hands.”

“I knew it, Nathan, just knew it. Now, we have to prove they refueled.”

“That won’t be hard. Can you organize a court order to have someone look around the property in Queensland and take samples of any fuel on that property?”

“Done. Hope we can get it in by next week.” Nathan took a taxi to his unit to pick up his rental car. He couldn’t wait to tell Catherine the news.

Rapping loudly for the fourth time, he had almost given up, until he gave the door a push, and it swung open.

Taking a step through the door, his gaze shot in every direction. The fragrance of frangipani floated through the air. He recalled that same scent the last time he was there.

Taking slow, conscious steps toward the large, open glassed doors, he spotted frangipani plants in large pots on the veranda. Further along, Catherine was sitting on an outdoor bench seat and facing the ocean, appearing unaware of her visitor.

“Anyone here,” he called.

She sprung from her seat, her right hand fisted into a ball, clutching at a white towel wrapped snugly around her body.

“What?” she screamed. “Nathan…How?”

“The door was unlocked…Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Hell, she was a real honey. Her damp hair fell freely over her shoulders, with a few strands clinging to her face. For a few seconds, she stood in what he thought a mixture of surprise and alarm.

How she longed to be in his arms, to lie beside him. She knew she could never be with him, again. Never have him as the man of her choice in life. A deep hole somewhere inside continued to eat at her stomach, cementing the return of emptiness.

“What do you want?” Her cool words rose just the way she wanted them to sound.

“I wanted you to know the aircraft has water in the fuel.”

“Oh,” she flicked a strand of hair over her shoulder as she continued clinging to the towel.

“What? Who found out?” Her heart pounded extra hard, welcoming the news.

“How about we discuss it over a coffee?”

“Ummm...yes. I’ll go and put some clothes on. I won’t be long.”

When she walked past, her fragrance triggered his senses alarmingly, sending male hormones on a plight of their own. Any more intakes of that fragrance, and he’d die.

It wasn’t long until she returned to the veranda, wearing a pale blue summer dress.

“I hope you don’t mind. I took the liberty in making the coffee.”

“No, not at all.” She sat opposite of him.

“It’s a fantastic view—all trees and ocean.”

“It’s relaxing.”

“Adam is going to get someone to check out the property where Mister Cabrero filled up with fuel. It’s the answer. I know I’m right. Fancy trying to put the blame on you… I mean us, for filling the aircraft with bad fuel. It’s amazing what people will do.”

“You’re telling me. Very amazing.” She hurried a sip of coffee. The atmosphere was unrelenting as an exhausting lapse of silence hovered around them.

“Catherine...I don’t understand what has happened.”

She shot him a look telling him to back off, and it worked.

He stood. “I should go. When will you be at Airways?”

“Not until next week. We have the trial first thing on Monday, and I have a few day tours on the Cruise Cat.”

“I’ll be at Airways if you need me. I have a few things to take care of there.”

“What? What could keep you at Airways?”

“One reason would be the numerous calls that are apparently being forward to an answering machine, Catherine. Macquarie Airways has several good prospects.”

“I know, but don’t ever think I will give up on getting Airways.”

“Are you still continuing with your little project?”

“Why shouldn’t I? Little…As I said, Nathan, the quicker Airways is signed over to me, the faster you and…the sooner you can go off and do whatever it is you do best.”

“I refuse to discuss this ridiculous and costly court procedure.”

“Have it your way. You will hear something soon.”

“I don’t suppose you would accept an invitation to fly to Newcastle on Monday?” It took a few moments until she answered.

“No, Adam and I are fine.”

Didn’t he know she wanted to be beside him so badly? It was ripping at her stomach, tearing her apart, but not this way. She wasn’t one to step in on another woman. That had been one of her philosophies in life. One of many beliefs she kept, and she wasn’t about to break a single one of them.

“Thanks for the coffee.”

She was about to stand.

“Don’t bother. I can show my way out.”

She rested back, hearing the sound of the front door slam shut behind him.

Bloody, bloody woman, he thought, swiping his shoe underfoot a few times. Bloody clamp a vice around his heart, never let it go. Hell, it won’t ease up. He didn’t think it ever would. I’ll be dead if it tightens any more, he thought as he climbed into his car. He yanked his tie from his throat and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt with frustration.

It was the usual Monday morning bustle around the courtroom, and Catherine wasn’t surprised when Nathan walked toward them, dressed impeccably and carrying a black briefcase in his hand. He looked the part. Then again, so he should. He’s a city lawyer. This is a crumb in his arena of profession.

She stood a little nervous at his approach. She was having a very hard time dealing with her feelings and thought it would improve when the day arrived that she would never have to set eyes on him, again.

“Adam, Catherine.” He shook Adam’s hand and nodded at Catherine. “This should be over with very quickly, don’t you think? The report from Wisemiller was excellent. The fuel on the property has been sitting in forty-four gallon drums for at least a year.”

Catherine watched Nathan’s movements and listened too closely to the sound of his strong, powerful voice. He approached the judge and was involved in conference for what appeared to be far too long. When he left the bench, Mister Cabrero was asked to approach the stand.

“We barely had enough power to get over the mountains. We were caught in...what is it, Caluino?”

“Sir, you cannot call to your pilot. The term you’re looking for is back-draught.”

“Yes, that’s it. The engine spluttered, choked. I had my wife and two children with me.”

“I know it is a tragedy, but you left Airways with enough fuel to get you as far as the property in Queensland. Mister Cabrero, where did you refuel?”

“On my brother’s property, of course.”

“Where did you get the fuel? Was it out of a tank?”

“No, no. George had drums on his property.”

“So Mister Cabrero, you filled up the aircraft with fuel from these drums?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Mister Cabrero, do you realize that fuel was mixed with water?”

“No…I.”

“Your honor, we have proof right here.” Nathan held the papers in his hands and waved them.

“You may approach the bench.”

Nathan passed the papers over to the judge, who shook his head after briefly reading them.

“Continue,” he announced.

“The fuel on your brother’s property was from forty-four gallon drums left sitting out in the weather. Over time, these drums—being half-full—condensate, which creates water. The aircraft was refueled from these very same drums. Those drums contained water. The fault lies with your pilot, Mister Cabrero. He obviously overlooked doing a fuel drain when he refueled.”

“I have nothing else, your honor.” Nathan turned and sat beside Adam.

“The court orders any damages and legal costs to be paid in full to Macquarie Airways.”

Adam and Nathan stood and shook hands.

“Who said you’re only a criminal lawyer,” Adam laughed.

Relief washed over Catherine. She vaguely noticed anyone leave. Her mind was absorbed by the fact that Nathan had made it look so easy, so petty.

She owed it all to him. If it wasn’t for him, Airways might have suffered severe consequences. She wasn’t a mechanic. Although she knew a great deal about aircraft maintenance, she had no inclination to check the fuel. She spotted Nathan talking to the judge, and then laughter echoed through the courtroom.

“No more criminal law, Nathan?”

“No, not for a while, Grant. I’m getting away to a little place called Deep River. Hey, if ever you want a break, give me a buzz. Fly you out and back.”

“I’ll hold you to that. I’ve been meaning to take a short vacation.” Nathan passed a card to him. Catherine paid attention without been spotted, or at least she thought she did.

“You in a daydream, or just hooked on the guy?” She swung her head up, jerking the side of her neck.

“Adam?” She shook her head. “That will be the day, but I’m very relieved.” Well, it was as close to the truth as she was going to reveal. Besides, her force field was securely in place, now. No male would ever penetrate it again. Not even Nathan Alexander.

“Well, Adam. I hope I never have any more of those,” she smiled at him.

“Running any business, Cat, has its ups and downs. We have to confront many things.” From the corner of her eye, she watched Nathan as he approached them.

“I’ve got a free flight heading to Port Macquarie. Would you like to join me?”

Adam turned his head in Catherine’s direction.

“All right, Nathan.” She managed a tight grin.

“Just give me ten minutes.”

“Glad to see you and Nathan a little less hostile and more amicable toward each other.”

Catherine widened her eyes. “You don’t know the full facts, Adam. I want you to send him that letter. I want Airways. As I said, I will contest Dad’s will, and I intend to do it.”

“Yes, yes but…”

Nathan returned, sending an alarming gush of vibrations, making a direct hit on her. She tried to conceal her reactions by forcing it away as much as possible.

“I just had a call from Rebecca. She’s outside. I forgot to mention she’s flying with us to Port Macquarie.”

Catherine’s cheeks rose with hot color.

“No problem.” Adam said and glanced toward Catherine.

“No, not at all.” She had to deal with it, now. There is no sense in prolonging fate any further. She was bound to run into the woman, and why shouldn’t today be the day? She’d pull herself together and act like an adult, and then the entire world would know she didn’t hold any feelings for Nathan, whatsoever.

* * * *

As she made her way toward the elevator, Nathan could barely take his gaze off the twitching of her bottom when he followed. Oh, honey. He could sweep her into his arms and land a beauty right on those luscious, wide lips of hers. He could sweep her away with his love. She is the only woman who has ever wrapped him in a tight ball. Let some string loose…please, honey. One day you will realize fate has brought us here, and when fate knocks, one cannot deny its direction.

* * * *

Warm sunshine speared over the footpath as they stepped outside. Catherine lingered behind the men, when she noticed Rebecca’s approach. Without a doubt, it was the woman who answered Nathan’s door that morning, but she appeared much older now, as the sunlight streaked over her face.

With smooth control, Catherine willed herself into polite action.

“Rebecca, this is Catherine. My partner at Airways.”

Rebecca’s face crimsoned. “Yes…hello…Nice to meet you.” She extended a long, pale hand before they exchanged a loose handshake.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Rebecca.”

Catherine was silent as they headed to the car, and she lagged behind them. She noticed Nathan didn’t hold Rebecca’s hand, or at least not in her line of view.

Rebecca sat in the front passenger seat with Nathan. If these two were lovers, they didn’t show it. Maybe he doesn’t love her. Perhaps he’s hired her. She might…oh no. That thought sickened her more than any thought, but it certainly skittered her thoughts back to ground. She knew Nathan wouldn’t consider that avenue.

When Rebecca let out an irritating laugh, Catherine couldn’t make out what all the fuss was about.

“Oh, Nathan. You are so very silly.”

Catherine felt the empty flesh of her stomach turning sour. She couldn’t bear hearing them speak to each other. Gazing through the window, she forced her lashes to blink the tears from her eyes and tried to dull her hearing.

How could he be so cruel?

“You’re very quiet, Catherine?” Nathan questioned.

“I’m not feeling too well.” She had to say something. She felt a complete mess. Listening to Rebecca speak of Deep River as though she’s already invited herself to fly out there with Nathan. It sickened her that he could be interested this woman. It seemed so out of character.

It was a relief when they arrived at Airways. A refusal to get a lift with them had Nathan’s heart on edge.

“No, no. I have a few things I want to do here. I’ll get a taxi later. Thank you. Nice to meet you, Rebecca.” Catherine walked off and headed toward the hangars.

They dropped Adam off at his office and headed to Nathan’s unit.

“Now, we are alone.” He was seething with anger. “What have you got to tell me, Rebecca?” Nathan ground out.