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 pilot descended first. Then three soot-smeared figures followed, one limping and another supported by a partner and the crew chief who’d gone on the flight.


“We’ve got the worst ones,” the crew chief said. “The rest of the gang is crammed into our truck. They’re packed like sardines so they’re taking it slow on the rough roads. The good news is they’re okay.”


At that word, a cheer went up from the assembled group. The forest service man caught sight of Blaine and then found Margie and Mike, not far away.


His face lit. “You guys did it—you saved their lives. It was looking like another Yarnell tragedy, until you made them an island of safety. We’ve got a broken leg here and some smoke inhalation, but nobody got burned, nobody’s going to die. Major Darby, we owe you a great big thanks, you and your fellow pilots.”


Chapter 14