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

He could tell by the other man’s small sounds and restlessness that he was not asleep. Even if it took more courage than facing down the federal agent, he had to ask. “I think I could help you relax. Will you let me? I’m told I give a damn fine BJ.”


He heard Blaine’s sharp intake of breath, followed by a pregnant pause. Then after a moment:


“Did I just hear what I think I heard? You’re kidding, right?”


“Dead serious,” Daz replied. “Lower that zipper a few more inches and I’ll prove it.”


Another silence followed by the small gritchy sound of the zipper. Even though the light was faint, he was pretty sure it had gone down and not up. Daz rolled over to get up on all fours and then shifted to kneel on the edge of Blaine’s pad and bag.


“You’re crazy, kid.” Blaine’s voice sounded raspy, rough with weariness, emotion, or maybe just the impact of this whole surreal day.


Chapter 15