The hospital team came running, loaded the injured child onto a gurney along with a chart of his info and stats, and then began their own race against time, taking the child into the hospital, then straight to surgery.

Hunt radioed to Medi-Flight that the patient had been delivered, and as soon as the flight crew climbed back inside, they headed to base.

The anxiety of the emergency had passed. The trip from the hospital to their base was less than ten minutes by air, and this time when they landed, Hunt powered down. The medical team had their patient bay cleaned up, ready for their next run. When the door slid back, they began getting out.

“There’s the boss,” Rolly said, pointing to the man waiting near an office building. “Come with me, Hunt. We’ll figure out a way to get you home.”

Hunt followed them to the office and was quickly introduced to Niles Morehead, the director.

“Hunt, this is our boss, Niles Morehead. Niles, this is Hunt Knox, the man who helped us out, and he is one fine pilot,” Rolly said.

Niles shook Hunt’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough for stepping in. Dr. Quick called us from Blessings Hospital and gave us the lowdown on you. He said one of his nurses knew you and recommended you. So you flew choppers for the army, did you?”

“Yes, sir,” Hunt said. “And I still fly for an oil company.”

“How is Boyd? Has anyone heard?” Rolly asked.

“He had a heart attack,” Niles said. “We’re waiting to see if we have to go get him.”

“Mind if I wait around?” Hunt said. “If you go back, I’d like to hitch a ride home. Otherwise, I’ll have to call someone to pick me up or hitch a ride to a car rental to get back to Blessings.”

“No problem,” Niles said. “Have a seat inside the office. There’s coffee. Help yourself.”

Hunt went inside, got a cup of coffee, and settled into an old leather chair to wait it out.

One hour passed, and then another. One Medi-Flight crew went out to pick up injuries from a wreck on a freeway. Hunt was still in the waiting room when the phone rang again. A few minutes later, Niles came out of the office.

“You’ve got your ride. We’re going to get Boyd. They’re stabilizing him now. I have another pilot named Conrad getting a chopper flight-ready. I’ve called Rolly. He’s coming to walk you out to the chopper. Conrad knows what’s going on. Thanks again for helping us out, and it was nice meeting you.”

“Sure thing,” Hunt said, and walked out of the office. He saw Rolly running toward the office, and went to meet him.

Rolly arrived, breathless but smiling. “Follow me, Hunt,” he said, and led him toward the tarmac where the chopper was warming up.