Chapter 3

Cassie and Captain Bob ran around the trailer at break neck speed and circled to find a bit of a commotion. One of the neighboring balloons had taken off, having inflated faster than Cherokee Woman, and one of the passengers was having a difficult time being airborne. The balloon was only a few feet off the ground but the teenage girl had screamed in terror and was struggling with the other passengers to jump out of the balloon. Captain Bob and Jon ran over to the crew chief of the other balloon and together they pulled the basket back to the earth where the frantic young woman clambered out and collapsed on the ground, shaking.

Cassie went over to the terrified girl and crouched down beside her. Her parents were still inside the basket, conferring with the pilot on their options.

“Sweetheart, what’s your name?” Cassie laid a gentle hand on her back and stroked her soothingly, like a frightened animal.

“Lisa.” She hiccupped the name and drew a shuddering breath.

“That’s it, just breathe Lisa. You’re ok. Do you want to get back in the basket?”

“NO!” Lisa’s body tensed and she shook harder.

“Ok, ok, you don’t have to.” Cassie’s calming tone and touch seemed to help Lisa. “Do you want your mom or your dad?”

Lisa shook her head. “No, no, they should go, I just can’t do it.” She sat up and turned to her parents. Her mother was starting to climb out of the basket. “Mom, Dad, you go. I just can’t go.”

They turned to the pilot who nodded and set off the burner. Captain Bob, Jon, and the other crew chief let go of the tether and the balloon began to lift off again.

“Great, now we’re out three hundred some bucks. My daughter is a fucking wimp.”

Cassie shot to her feet. “That is TOTALLY inappropriate! Fear is nothing to be ashamed of!” Everyone turned to her with looks of surprise and shock. The balloon drifted further away and rose into the air as the pilot continued to hit the burner. The father glared at Cassie until the balloon spun on its axis, turning him away from her.

She crouched down with Lisa again and helped her to her feet. “Come on, sweetheart. You can go with the balloon’s chase crew. They’ll take you to where your parents come down.”

“Thank you,” Lisa impulsively hugged Cassie. “I don’t even know your name.”

“I’m Cassie, Cassie Morgan.”

“Lisa Peterson.”

“Take care of yourself, Lisa.” Cassie walked her over to the other crew chief. “George, this is Lisa. Please take her with you to the landing.”

“Sure thing, Cassie. Come with me, Lisa.” George put his hand out and Lisa took it. She looked over her shoulder as they walked off and waved at Cassie.

“Cassie, is everything okay?” Captain Bob came over to her and put his arm around her shoulders.

“I could not believe that guy said that about his own daughter. Other than that, I’m fine.”

“Said what? I didn’t hear him say anything. I was actually looking at them and his lips didn’t move either. Are you sure it was the dad?”

“Yes, I’m sure. He said they were out three hundred some bucks and his daughter was a wimp.” Cassie hissed this last bit through gritted teeth. “Asshole,” she said, echoing Jon’s earlier remark.

“I didn’t hear that. But I could be mistaken. He did look angry as the balloon took off. Really, no one should be angry in the air, it’s just not right.” He squeezed her close. “Seriously, though, you’re ok?”

“Right as rain.” Cassie smiled at him and turned toward Cherokee Woman as she continued to fill. Brendan and Ainsel were still at the opening holding the fabric up. Captain Bob and Jon stood ready to tip the basket right side up.

“Good job. When they tilt the basket up, let the balloon opening go.” Everyone managed the maneuver with ease and the Cherokee Woman set upright and filled out completely. Brendan smiled at Cassie and gave her a high five. When their skin touched, Cassie felt another warm tingling flow down her arm. She shivered unconsciously.

Brendan leaned over to Ainsel and smacked him lightly upside the head. “Knock off the jokes, Ainsel. they’re not funny.” Cassie cocked her head and looked at the two of them. Ainsel looked slightly sheepish, mostly as if he had been caught, and Brendan looked stern. Both looks were transient; Brendan’s excitement and Ainsel’s aloof indifference came back nearly before their other expressions registered.