He raised an eyebrow. “I don't know about that. It's still pretty much off limits. Hasn't been that long since we took back the islands. I doubt the United States Army would welcome tourists.” He smiled. “You have a good reason for going there?”
“Yes. For my grandmother. She's old now and will probably die soon. She grew up on an island near Unalaska and is longing to see it before she dies.”
Craig rubbed a clean-shaven chin. “Sounds like a good reason, but I can't fly out just yet. Still don't know how safe it is.”
“I know, but my grandmother has been sick and she's been feeling a little better just lately. I'm afraid that she won't be able to go if we wait. I have money.”
“Money or not, it's a risk.”
“I was told you weren't afraid of anything, and that you traveled anywhere your plane would take you. Please. I'll pay you whatever you want.” She met his eyes.
“A hundred bucks?”
Mattie tried not to look surprised. A hundred dollars was impossible. She continued to stare at him. “I know that's not your regular price.”
A smile appeared. “Just testing you.” He took a deep breath. “All right. I'll take you.” He eyed her stomach. “When's the baby due?”
“Oh, not for weeks.”
The man at the desk folded the paper and set it down. “Not a good idea, Craig. If I were you—”
“You're not me.” Craig turned to Mattie. “We have to go tomorrow; otherwise, you'll have to wait another week. I've got trips scheduled. Tomorrow's my only free day.”
“We'll be here.” She pulled out a change purse from her pocket and opened it.
“Put that away. If we get back in one piece, I'll let you know how much you owe me then.” He offered her a sideways grin. “I have a feeling the United States government isn't going to be too happy with us. This might be worth it, just to give 'em a hard time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wilson.” Mattie turned and walked away, then stopped and looked back. “What time?”
“Daybreak. It's a long trip. Don't be late.”
“No, sir. I won't,” Mattie answered. Now all she had to do was convince her grandmother and Luke that it was a good idea.
Luke and Mattie had dinner with her mother and grandmother that evening as they did most nights. During the dinner preparations Mattie thought over what she would say and waited for just the right moment to share her plan. It never came. Even during the meal she never seemed to have an opportunity.
The dishes were nearly finished, and she still hadn't said a thing. Setting the last plate in the dishdrainer, she took a deep breath. It was now or never. “Grandma, I have something I want to talk to you about,” she said, drying her hands on a towel and walking to the table where her grandmother sat sipping a cup of tea. “I have a gift for you.”
Atuska's eyes sparkled. “A gift?” Her voice trembled slightly. “What could you have for an old woman like me?”
Luke set aside the newspaper he'd been reading and looked at his wife.
“It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time. I've been saving up.”
Affia, who stood at the kitchen sink, turned to listen.
With a glance at her mother, Mattie plunged ahead. “For a long time now you've been saying you want to see your home. Right?”
Atuska nodded.
“Well, I've arranged for it to happen.”
“How could you do that?”
“I hired a bush pilot.”
“You hired a bush pilot?” Luke asked incredulously.
“Yes. He said he can take us tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? How do you know he's any good?” Luke asked.
“He was recommended by people I trust. You've heard of him. Craig Wilson.”
Atuska reached out and took Mattie's hand in her gnarled one. “It is a kind thing you want to do, but I cannot go flying all the way out there.”
“Why not? People do it all the time.”
“No. You can't take her out there,” Affia said. “Her health isn't good.”
“Mama, it'll be safe. Mr. Wilson's a good pilot.” She turned to her grandmother. “It's what you said you wanted.”
“Mattie, no. I won't have her out there on a tiny plane,” Affia said.
Atuska straightened her spine. “Daughter, when did you become the one who decides for me?” With a stubborn set to her eyes, she studied Affia, then turned back to Mattie. “I will go.” A smile lit her face. “I will see my home.”
“Who's going to fly with her?” Affia asked.
