Nature Trek: Beginnings Spokane International Airport “We’ll see you in a few weeks, Bob,” Jim said, extending his hand. “Thanks for the ride.” “My pleasure, boys. Stay safe this year, okay?” Bob winked at Dan before turning to Mart. “You’re going to keep them out of trouble this summer, right, Mart?” “Indubitably, my dear captain,” Mart assured the pilot with a grin. “I shall endeavor to safeguard my compatriots with my transcendent qualifications.” Dan’s eyebrows drew together in a mock scowl as he asked Jim, “Can we drown him? Or maybe leave him on the side of the highway?” “Hey!” Mart protested good-naturedly. “He’s standing right here!” “And he should be standing in the airport,” Bob joked. “Besides, if I don’t hear your plans, I can’t be called to testify later.” He opened the door. “You have a good summer, boys. I’ll see you on August third.” “Fly safe, Bob.” Dan shook the pilot’s hand before he hurried after Mart and Jim, who were already down the stairs and halfway across the tarmac. He caught up with them at the door to the terminal. “Thanks for waiting, Frayne,” he said, infusing the comment with sarcasm. “I thought you and I were supposed to leave Mart behind.” Jim shrugged. “Mart reminded me that as assistant cook, he has access to the food,” he said with a grin. “You could say he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” He stepped aside, allowing the uniformed attendant to open the door. “In apology, I will allow you to enter first,” he said with a mock bow. “After you.” Dan hip checked Mart out of his way and stepped into the air-conditioned and carpeted terminal. It hadn’t changed much in the year that had passed. Same grey flecked industrial carpet and off white tile. Same black plastic chairs. Same wide blue velvet ropes keeping the inbound from the outbound. Ted Jannings stood just outside the roped off area. When he spotted the three teenagers, he raised his hand, waving to catch their attention. “Jim,” he said as he shook each hand in turn, “Dan. Mart. Good to see you again. Did you have a nice trip?” Jim flushed slightly, remembering the pictures hiding in the envelope tucked into his duffle bag. “It’s been great so far,” he said. “We were fortunate enough to be able to spend a few days in Seattle just being tourists. It was fun.” “That’s always fun. My folks live in the Wallingford area of Seattle, and we usually spend Thanksgiving over there. The kids love going to the zoo and the Pacific Science Center.” Ted turned to Dan. “How’s the leg?” “As good as new, “ Dan told him. “I did a lot of physical therapy this year.” He nodded at Ted’s shirt front. “How’s your chest?” Ted laughed. “Well, I’ll bet my scar’s bigger than yours, but thanks to my own physical therapist, I’m in better shape than I was at the beginning of last summer.” Shifting to Mart, Ted’s smile grew larger. “Just wait until you see what we have for you at the camp, Mart. Mr. Davis was very impressed by some of things you suggested at our interview in April. We’ve implemented a few of them, and I hope you’ll be pleased.” Mart’s blue eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” For once, he seemed speechless, wondering which parts of his interview had found fruition. “I can’t wait to see them!” “Well then, let’s go. I brought the camp van, and I thought we could make a supply run on the way back. You ready?” “You bet!” they answered as one. Laughing, Ted led the way out of the airport, with the three Bob Whites close on his tail. Seeking in Seattle 6 Connections Hawai’i: Arrival