"This aircraft was supposed to be the gem of your fleet," Paul said, helping Tanya from the plane.
"It is," the pilot said. "Nothing to worry about. Minor. This is our usual stop." He smiled, a broad, toothy grin. "This station is one of the fire fighting centers of the Amazonia. You can find food, drink, even take a walk along the nature trails." He paused. "Be sure to stay on the trails, though. We're in the middle of nowhere."
Tanya shivered in the heat, her heart racing. "Ridiculous! Refuel and repair, in 'the middle of nowhere' in this day and age. I thought the Invicta was going to take care of me. And look! Look what's happening, and in the midst of an emergency!"
Again, Paul rested his hand on her shoulder. "After I talked to the charter company, I called Malcolm's office. Joe Halliday checked out the Amado Company, and forwarded the official approval." He smiled at Tanya and once more gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Let's not make a big deal out of it. Let's take our walk, then come back for a meal. The exercise will be good for us."
They walked for an hour, following a path that wound around the airport. Tanya glanced back at the airport. The building sat in the middle of the forest like a child's toy plopped down among the weeds. The main construction stood two-story high, in white stucco, with a flat roof. Off to one side of the roof, a huge cistern waited for the rains. A big tent served as a hangar for small aircraft. On the left side of the building, one of the supporting pillars bore a big red flame; at the extreme right, there was a red cross. Two sheds stood open and displayed tools and machinery. A dark tent held the quarters for technical assistance. The Piper Cherokee had been taken there, and stood half under and half outside the protective roof.
Tanya and Paul watched a small plane land, followed by another and another again.
"Tanya," Paul said. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
"No." Depression and anxiety warred with her. "You're very kind, Paul, but I just need to see this through and get my life back to normal."
"No request? Not even a little one?"
Tanya laughed. "No, not even a little one. Just stay by me, and be just as you seem to be. Don't be anything else."