Page 47 of Maliea's Hero
Nani slept the entire way to Hawaii’s biggest island.
It seemed they’d barely reached their designated altitude when the ATC gave Kalea directions to land.
Maliea looked at the ground ahead and didn’t see an airport or a runway. Her pulse quickened. She’d just lost her father and husband in a plane crash. Were they headed for the same fate?
Reid reached out his hand and held hers, gently squeezing.
Maliea held on, glad for his reassurance. The man had been a Navy SEAL, which meant he’d flown so often it was like riding in a car or bus. He didn’t get nervous.
Clicking sounded in her headset, and suddenly, lights blinked, illuminating a runway ahead.
Kalea brought the aircraft down, kissing the earth so gently that Maliea barely felt the impact of the wheels touching the tarmac. She released the breath she’d held all the way down and inhaled deeply.
Reid didn’t release her hand until the plane came to a complete halt and Kalea shut down the engine.
While Kalea performed her post-flight checklist, Hawk left his seat and dropped the hatch, lowering the stairs almost to the ground. He left the plane and waited at the bottom of the steps.
Reid unbuckled his seat belt and Nani’s, gathered her into his arms and descended the stairs to the ground. No sooner were his feet firmly on the ground, he turned to extend a hand for Maliea, balancing Nani on one arm.
She took the hand and let him guide her to the ground.
Kalea followed Maliea. Once everyone was out of the aircraft, Hawk raised the steps, closing the hatch. He unloaded the trash bag and duffel bag from the storage compartment and locked the plane. He turned as a pair of headlights appeared at the other end of the landing strip.
A large black SUV pulled up beside them. An older man climbed out of the passenger seat, helped Hawk stow the bags and turned to envelop Kalea in a tight hug. “That’s my girl,” he said and kissed her cheek. “Safe and sound.”
“Oh, Daddy. Tell me you didn’t worry the entire time I was gone.” She shook her head. “I have over a thousand hours of flight time.”
He nodded. “I know. I know. But I don’t think I’ll ever get used to you flying.”
“It’s safer than driving in Honolulu,” she pointed out.
The man nodded. “True, but I can’t stop worrying about my baby girl.”
Kalea’s lips twisted. “I’m not a baby anymore.”
“You’ll always be my baby,” her father said and turned to Reid and Maliea. “Are you going to introduce me to your guests?”
Hawk stepped forward. “Mr. Parkman, this is Maliea Kalieopu, her daughter Nani and Reid Johnson, one of our Brotherhood Protectors I’ve had positioned on Oahu since coming on board.”
Reid balanced Nani on one arm and extended his hand, firmly shaking the older man’s hand. “I’ve heard many good things about you and the Parkman Ranch. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Hawk’s guys are always welcome,” Mr. Parkman said. “The Brotherhood Protectors are an amazing group of men.”
Mr. Parkman turned to Maliea, his brow dipping as he held out a hand. “Ms. Kalieopu, please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband and father.”
Maliea’s eyes welled with tears. This man was about her father’s age, reminding her of her loss even without his kind words. “Thank you, sir.”
“Come on, let’s get you to the ranch house so you can catch a few hours of sleep while it’s still dark.” He waved them toward the SUV.
Reid followed Maliea, carrying Nani as the child slept on his shoulder, barely stirring.
Now that they were on a different island, presumably safe for the moment, the stress and uncertainty of the day bore down on Maliea’s shoulders, making every step a struggle.
When she tried to get up into the SUV, she stumbled and would have fallen if Reid hadn’t reached out with his free hand and steadied her.
Once she had her feet firmly under her in the back seat, she sat and slid across, making room for Reid to get in next to her.
Hawk folded the seat forward and held it for Kalea, who climbed into the back. He climbed in next to her.