Touching the Clouds Read Online Free Page A

the bathtub faucets, hoping the steam would take out some of the wrinkles.
    After stripping off her travel clothes, she lowered herself into the hot water, rested her head against the end of the tub, and closed her eyes. Weary muscles relaxed, and sleepiness enveloped Kate in a warm, steamy cocoon. Forcing her eyes open, she picked up a bar of perfumed soap and lathered her body. She washed her hair and rinsed it under the faucet, then climbed out and towel dried.
    Kate stood in front of a mirror and studied her reflection. The crumpled dress hung from her tall slender frame. “I look awful,” she said and pulled on a sweater, hoping it would disguise some of the wrinkles. She ran a brush through short bobbed hair, applied fresh lipstick, and then dabbed a drop of perfume on the inside of each wrist. With one more glance in the mirror, she headed for the door. Rumpled or not, she had to go. She needed a job.
    A bell hanging from the mercantile door jangled as Kate stepped inside. A balding man, wearing spectacles, stood behind a counter. He squinted as he wrote in a ledger. When she approached, he straightened and looked at her, lifting the glasses.
    “Afternoon. What can I do for you?”
    “I’ve just arrived in town and was told you might be hiring.” Kate smiled and hoped he didn’t notice the condition of her dress.
    “Could be.” He looked at her with interest. “Ever work in a store?”
    “No. But I’m sure I can learn. And I’m strong—I grew up on a farm.”
    “You look strong, all right . . . for a woman. I need someone who can lift fifty-pound sacks. You think you can do that?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “Where you from?”
    “Yakima.”
    “Washington?”
    “Yes. My parents own an apple farm.”
    “Long way from home. What brings you here?”
    Kate wasn’t sure how to answer. If she told him she was hoping to find a job flying, he might not hire her, but she didn’t want to lie. Reluctantly, she said, “I fly . . . I’m hoping to work as a bush pilot.”
    The man smiled sympathetically. “Then I guess you do need a job.”
    Kate wasn’t sure what to think of that, but it didn’t sound good.
    “I need a clerk. The gal who used to work for me took off with her boyfriend, without a word to me or my wife.” He rested a hand on the ledger and looked straight at Kate. “Can you be here at eight o’clock tomorrow morning?”
    “I sure can. Earlier, if you need me to.”
    “No. Eight is early enough.” He smiled. “Guess I better get your name. The missus will want to know.”
    “Kate Evans.”
    He wrote down the name, then looked at her. “I’m Albert Towns.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    “You have a place to stay?”
    “I’m at the Anchorage Hotel.”
    “That’s a pretty classy place. Can’t pay you wages to cover that.”
    “I’m hoping to find something less expensive.”
    Albert scrubbed his clean-shaven cheek. “We have a room in the back of the store. It’s not much, but it’ll keep you warm and dry. There’s a little kitchen with a sink and a small bathroom. Sofa’s not bad for sleeping. And my wife just painted it.”
    “That sounds just right.”
    “You want to have a look?”
    “I’m sure it’s fine.” And right now I don’t have any other options. She extended a hand. “See you tomorrow?”
    He shook her hand. “Tomorrow.”
    Kate strode toward the door. A job and a place to stay! I’ve got to call Mom and Dad.
    She hurried her steps, hoping the hotel had a phone and wondering how much it would cost to call home.

3
    P aul Anderson walked along an Anchorage street, taking in the sights and sounds of the community. He lived a mostly solitary life on Bear Creek and rarely came to town, so even something as ordinary as an automobile seemed noteworthy.
    He slowed his pace and decided to browse the storefront windows. He stopped at one with a display of jewelry, which included fine watches. Taking out his pocket watch, he studied the gold timepiece,