Former military pilot Blaine Darby carries a load of guilt and pain from the harm he may have caused in wartime. Now he seeks to earn some good karma by fighting wild land fires while holding on to his great love of flying. But reporters like young Daz Contreras scare him -- one of the few things that do -- because he shuns the public eye.<br><br>Freelance investigative journalist Daz Contreras is convinced terrorists are behind at least some of the wild land fires plaguing New Mexico. All he needs is enough proof to break the story. As he pursues leads, he begins to shadow pilot Blaine Darby and, in the process, develops a gigantic case of hero worship.<br><br>When Daz is allowed to ride with Blaine one time, he hopes the adventure will help him to uncover the proof he seeks. Yet when a near tragedy unexpectedly develops and Blaine puts his life on the line to save a trapped hotshot firefighting crew, Daz realizes he’s an eyewitness to what may be a bigger story than the one he planned. But will the reclusive Blaine actually allow Daz to report the news as he sees fit, even as they grow closer?

Red Tails in the Sunset

The apparent leader of the forest service crew looked around. “Has the border patrol gotten here yet? Somebody called them, didn’t they? I just want these guys off my hands, without any chance of them getting away. The filthy bastards like to torched sixteen of our brothers down there. If I had my choice, I’d shoot them all right now.”


From the way one of the prisoners went pale and darted anxious glances among his captors, Blaine was sure he understood at least some English. The others cowered beside the one who was the apparent leader. Blaine decided to give them something else to think about.


“We don’t even know if they made it, yet. A chopper just took off to see if they can help bring the crew out. Even if they’re okay, killing would be too good for this scum, especially if it’s quick and not too painful. They deserve some torture, too.”


Chapter 13