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“I’m alive, Lyra,” I say with a hint of annoyance.

Static cracks into my ears when she blows out a breath. “That’s good. How far is the flight?”

“Lyra, I will keep you updated. You’re only distracting me now. I love you. Don’t make me turn my radio off.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

I have my finger on the button now, and I’d press it if I were brave enough.

“Try me,” I dare her, and I know her well enough that she will leave me alone. She hates it when I cut off all communication. I appreciate her worry, but eventually, the worry smothers me and turns what was a sweet gesture into a paranoid one because I start to wonder, “Does she believe I can’t do this?”

If there is one person who I need to believe in me, it’s Lyra.

“Fine,” she relents. “I’ll call you later.”

“No, you won’t,” I sing, taking a slight right to keep on the correct route.

My gaze drifts to the fuel gauge and my brows furrow. “Sorry, Lyra. I have to go. Talk to you when I’m back.” I cut her off before she can say another word and switch to the channel for air traffic control.

“Hey Brian,” I radio.

Static crackles before I hear his voice. “Helios, how’s the first flight going?”

“Good. Good. Hey, listen, you refilled the fuel for me, right?”

“Of course. I topped it off. I have the receipt to prove it. What’s going on, Leo?”

I can’t tell if what I’m seeing is in my head or not. The fuel gauge has moved, which is to be expected, but it’s lower than it should be. I won’t make it to Dead Man’s Ranch at this rate. I have one hundred miles to go. This entire tank of fuel should get me there and back.

Something is wrong.

I don’t want to alarm anyone yet. Maybe Brian didn’t top it off like he thought. I can turn around now and land safely, refuel, and be back in the air within an hour.

“Leo?” Brian barks, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Damn, I forgot he was waiting for a reply.

The gauge is lower now.

“I have to turn around, Brian. I’m losing fuel. It’s a slow leak. I almost didn’t notice it.”

“Damn, Alaska isn’t going to be happy.”

“Alaska? Our state?” I ask like a damn idiot.

“No. Alaska. The man who is in charge of Dead Man’s Ranch. He isn’t known for his patience.”

“You can tell him to get the fuck over it. I’m not risking my life for him.”

“I know that, Leo. Get back here. I’ll have Earl call Alaska. The news will be better coming from him.”

The skywagon suddenly falls, the engine spurting. The fire emergency system flashes. The fuel is dangerously low now. There isn’t enough for me to turn around.

So much for a slow leak.

“Sorry, Brian. I’m afraid that’s not going to happen.” I grip the yoke tightly with both hands, doing my best to keep the plane steady. “My fire emergency system is telling me there’s a fire in the engine. The fuel is nearly gone. There isn’t enough for me to turn around.”

My heart pounds like a beating drum. My vision tunnels as panic sets in. My palms sweat, causing my grip to not be as strong on the yoke.