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it’s nothing personal, Devon, but I don’t want to talk right now. I’m going to take a nap.”
    “Sorry, no rest for the weary,” Devon countered, undaunted. “Getting to know you a little might help with the filming. You know, showcase your personality.”
    Despite his best effort not to, Redd laughed. “Are you sure that’s the best idea?”
    “Probably not,” Devon agreed, laughing too. “But I’ll work with what I’ve got. So answer me, why’d they pick you?”
    Redd hesitated. Admitting his connection to Colin Brandt, the last Gladiator, was not something he was going to reveal. Key executives knew, and that was enough. “Because I can last the twelve days, that’s why.”
    “It won’t be easy.”
    “You worry about filming. I’ll worry about surviving.”
    “Hmmm, I’m going with a ‘surly but strong’ typecast for you.” Devon switched into an announcer’s voice. “Yes, folks, underneath this man’s tough exterior, he’s got a heart of gold.”
    Redd lifted a single eyebrow. “How do you know I do? Maybe I’m just a surly sonofabit—”
    “Devon, are you sure you’re not bothering Mr. Redding?” Tom called out from his seat in the next row.
    Devon winked at Redd before answering back, “What are you, a doubting Thomas?”
    “Devon . . .” Tom warned.
    “Of course I’m not bothering Mr. Redding,” Devon answered in a singsong voice. “I’m hurt you would even think so.” Devon tossed Redd a wink.
    Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. “Since you’re so chatty, Devon,” Redd remarked with a plastic smile, “why don’t you tell me about my partner. What’s she like?”
    “Sorry, no can do,” Devon answered solemnly before finally taking his seat across the aisle.
    Mission accomplished.
    Redd relished the reversion to silence. He turned his attention back to the airplane’s window and looked at the darkening sky.
    A flight attendant walked slowly down the aisle pushing a cart filled with drinks. “Anything I can get for you, sir?” the very tall blonde asked. “We have some nice wines and a good beer selection if you’re interested.” She gave him a wink as if she was interested.
    “Thanks, but I don’t think so. I’ll take coffee. Do you have decaf?”
    “No, I’m sorry. We ran out.”
    “I’ll take what you have. Black, please.”
    When the drink was handed to him the woman silently pushed the trolley cart to the next aisle. The coffee’s caffeine wouldn’t help him sleep, but the warmth on his hands from the cup was worth it.
    Somehow, feeling warm always gave him a cozy feeling. One which made him feel like life was good. Maybe that’s why he moved back to Texas after the military. The higher the temperatures the higher his happiness. Which explained why he hated visiting Alaska all those years. The coldness radiating from his father every time he visited was stronger than the mountains’ snow. Redd was never sure why his father sent for Hailey and him at all. Too bad he had to go back to Alaska now. He had sworn he wouldn’t step foot there again.
    Redd looked out the airplane’s window to see a last beam of sunlight shine through a group of clouds. Rather than close the window shade, he twisted his face toward it. He felt his eyes close. Everything was so easy up here in the sky. Away from life’s problems.
    Redd let out a reluctant smile. Hailey lived up here—forevermore in the clouds. She would surely agree life’s problems were better left behind. For that at least, Redd would be grateful. Yes, Hailey was out of misery now. Safe, happy, and secure. God, I miss my little sister.
    Ana opened the door of her apartment to see a breathless Brenda.
    “Ana, I’m here.” Brenda panted. “Oh, nice place you have.”
    “Thanks,” Ana murmured. Her head was still swimming but at least Brenda was here to help. She held the door open and Brenda hustled in. Her cozy one bed-room loft in Brooklyn was not too far from her parents’ home.