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Chapters
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0:00Chapter 1: Chapter 1. 295s · Speaker 1
Chapter 1. Control. Golf Bravo Alpha, you are cleared for take-off. Eighteen-year-old Swiss Italian Francesca Bartoli sat in the small, single-engined Cessna 152 and stared through the window at the runway ahead. A white dotted line stretch…
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4:57Chapter 2: Francesca watched as the instructor. 301s · Speaker 2
Francesca watched as the instructor... Settled the plane into a proper climb, then looked out through the side window. A sick feeling was rising up inside her. Was flying really going to be so much harder than she'd imagined? She'd been loo…
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10:00Chapter 3: Francesca took hold of the controls once more. 289s · Speaker 1
Francesca took hold of the controls once more. For two or three seconds as she took over, the plane started bouncing around again. Gently, Doug called. You don't need to hold the controls so tightly. Imagine you're with your boyfriend, he a…
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14:50Chapter 4: and she'd loved him deeply. 309s · Speaker 2
and she'd loved him deeply. Dear Andrea, funny, handsome, sexy Andrea, the boy she'd given herself to. the boy she'd imagined marrying and having children with. But Andrea hadn't wanted her to come to Britain. He hadn't wanted Francesca to …
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20:00Chapter 5: Get in a word. 62s · Speaker 2
Get in a word. Come down. I've only just got home. Everything's fine. Oh, thank God for that, her mother replied. I haven't been able to do anything all day imagining you crashing the stupid plane. Please say you didn't enjoy it and that yo…
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21:02Chapter 6: I think it's about time we had a bit of fun. 237s · Speaker 1
I think it's about time we had a bit of fun. What do you mean? Francesca answered. Well, there are all kinds of fun, Doug replied with a strange smile. But the fun I'm referring to is stalling. Francesca felt confused. I'm sorry, I don't un…
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25:00Chapter 7: Down below. 88s · Speaker 2
Down below. Anything about? Francesca searched the sky but couldn't see any other aircraft. No, she answered. OK, now listen carefully, Doug continued. In a moment you're going to pull out the throttle so there's no power and pull back on t…
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26:28Chapter 8: Now, pull out the throttle, Francesca obeyed. 139s · Speaker 1
Now, pull out the throttle, Francesca obeyed. Almost immediately the power died away and the nose began to drop. Pull back, Doug called. Francesca did as he said. The control column was firm, much firmer than she'd felt before. Harder, Doug…
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28:49Chapter 9: Doug smiled. 60s · Speaker 2
Doug smiled. Yes, he replied quietly. It's a bit of a shock the first time. Just a matter of letting yourself go, he added lightly. Like some other kind of fun I can think of. In time, you might actually get to like it. As he said so, he lo…
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29:50Chapter 10: The incident that afternoon had reminded her of the manager of a cafe where she'd worked for the summer a couple of years before. 301s · Speaker 3
The incident that afternoon had reminded her of the manager of a cafe where she'd worked for the summer a couple of years before. With a feeling of... she remembered the horrible man purposely pushing past her as she worked behind the count…
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34:51Chapter 11: walking round the plane, examining all the moving parts, looking at the tyres, pushing and pulling at everything that could be. 307s · Speaker 2
walking round the plane, examining all the moving parts, looking at the tyres, pushing and pulling at everything that could be... pushed or pulled, checking the lights and oil. Then Doug got out a small glass bottle shaped like a test tube …
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40:00Chapter 12: The next bus wasn't for another hour. 83s · Speaker 2
The next bus wasn't for another hour. She could ring Mrs Thompson, but she didn't want to let her down. She was just on the point of calling a taxi and facing up to all that expense when she saw a grey Audi approaching. The next moment it p…
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41:24Chapter 13: Soon, they were driving towards the city centre. 161s · Speaker 1
Soon, they were driving towards the city centre. Francesca tried to calm herself. After a short time, Doug glanced across. So, tell me more about yourself, he said. I think we ought to know a little about each other, don't you? Especially i…
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44:07Chapter 14: Francesca didn't look back. 318s · Speaker 2
Francesca didn't look back. Her blood was still boiling. After a couple of seconds, Doug looked away again. They drove on in silence for a couple of minutes. Then all of a sudden, Doug turned onto a quieter road. Francesca tensed up again. …
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49:27Chapter 15: Doug, in flying jacket and sunglasses, leaning up against the engine, a couple of bubbles of text near the bottom caught her eye. 323s · Speaker 1
Doug, in flying jacket and sunglasses, leaning up against the engine, a couple of bubbles of text near the bottom caught her eye. Recommendations from previous students. Superb instruction from beginning to end. I never expected it to be so…
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54:51
Doug, meanwhile, sank down into a chair and watched the scene moodily. A moment or two later... With barely a word of goodbye, the small group hurried away. When they'd gone, Doug twisted his face into a frown. See what I mean about the joy…
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1:00:00Chapter 17: Thought they'd crashed. 118s · Speaker 1
Thought they'd crashed. Then she realised the main wheels had hit the ground. OK, push the control column forward slowly to bring down the nose wheel, Doug called. Francesca obeyed automatically. She watched the nose slowly drop, then felt …
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1:01:59Chapter 18: Then, keeping his eyes on her all the time, he stretched out his hand and placed it on top of hers where she was resting it on her knees. 327s · Speaker 2
Then, keeping his eyes on her all the time, he stretched out his hand and placed it on top of hers where she was resting it on her knees. Good, he said, squeezing her hand very gently, because I'm very happy with you. Francesca didn't move.…
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1:07:27Chapter 19: He bent his head to pass under a wing, wiping his hands on an oily cloth. 273s · Speaker 1
He bent his head to pass under a wing, wiping his hands on an oily cloth. I'm sorry, Francesca began. I didn't realise there was anyone here, she added, noticing now a light aircraft behind him, its engine cover open. The door was open, so …
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1:12:02Chapter 20: Tom grinned. 119s · Speaker 2
Tom grinned. You're alive, aren't you? You know the definition of a good landing, he asked. One that you are able to walk away from. Francesca laughed. Tom went on. So, why do you want to learn to fly? he asked lightly. I want to be a comme…
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1:14:02Chapter 21: I'm sorry, she said. 186s · Speaker 1
I'm sorry, she said. I ought to go and let you get on with your work. Tom gave a small smile. Yes, I suppose so, he said uncertainly. The boss will be back soon. Francesca felt awkward. They both stood up, a bit embarrassed. As Francesca go…
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1:17:09
turned on her laptop and opened up the Flying Start website. Reading through all the details now, she couldn't understand why she'd ever chosen fast wings. Flying Start had more aircraft, more instructors and offered several more courses. B…
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1:20:00Chapter 23: Next, she tried Doug Barker, flying instructor. 147s · Speaker 1
Next, she tried Doug Barker, flying instructor. This time, the results were different. An entry half the way down the page caught her eye. Flying instructor wins damages, it read. It appeared to be from a newspaper, the Southampton Herald, …
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1:22:27Chapter 24: Ah, Francesca Bartoli, he responded sarcastically. 123s · Speaker 2
Ah, Francesca Bartoli, he responded sarcastically. For a moment, I thought it might be the other Francesca I teach. Francesca didn't respond. She hated Doug now, hated him with all her heart. So, what can I do for Francesca? he asked. Franc…
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1:24:31Chapter 25: She didn't want to say anything about what she'd read the previous night. 323s · Speaker 1
She didn't want to say anything about what she'd read the previous night. She bit her lip. What exactly are you accusing me of, Francesca? Doug asked quietly. Francesca searched for words. She'd prepared in advance what she was going to say…
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1:29:55Chapter 26: It's very difficult to explain, but I've had to change. 304s · Speaker 2
It's very difficult to explain, but I've had to change... my plans. But why? the little boy asked. Because, because things haven't worked out the way I'd hoped, Francesca answered. But you said you were going to be a pilot, Sam said with a …
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1:35:00Chapter 27: First woman to fly across the Atlantic. 289s · Speaker 1
First woman to fly across the Atlantic. That's right, he went on. Anyway, I just thought... He seemed to lose confidence all of a sudden. Well, I just wondered if you'd like to see it. If you're not busy, that is. Francesca's heart gave a l…
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1:39:50
all the previous week she'd been down in the deepest depths of misery her dream of becoming a pilot completely ruined Then, all of a sudden, after meeting Tom in the park, she was sailing up through the clouds, floating through the air like…
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1:45:00
Francesca laughed, but George was almost true to his word. For the next fifteen minutes, Francesca was totally in control, and George sat beside her without saying a thing. She took the plane round to the waiting point before the start of t…
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1:49:43Chapter 30: Really? Tom said, his face screwing up. 132s · Speaker 2
Really? Tom said, his face screwing up. Francesca went up to him. It was wonderful, she said. Thank you, Tom, she added. I'm so very glad you spotted me that... Afternoon in the park. Chapter 12. Alone at last. That night Francesca had to b…
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1:51:56Chapter 31: He could never understand why I loved planes so much, Francesca answered. 113s · Speaker 4
He could never understand why I loved planes so much, Francesca answered. He seemed to find it embarrassing. I think he believed a girl who liked aircraft must be strange in the head. He hated it whenever I said I wanted to become a pilot. …
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1:53:50Chapter 32: Well, if that bird you drew is anything to go by, it was the art college that lost out. 69s · Speaker 2
Well, if that bird you drew is anything to go by, it was the art college that lost out. That's not quite how my father sees it, Tom muttered. I've never been quite the son he wanted, I guess. Sensing it was a bit of a delicate area, Frances…
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1:55:00Chapter 33: I'll see you up at the airfield next Tuesday. 296s · Speaker 1
I'll see you up at the airfield next Tuesday. You bet, Francesca replied. The awkwardness grew again. This time, Francesca reached out her hand. Tom, she said, touching him on the arm. I didn't thank you properly yesterday afternoon for per…
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1:59:56Chapter 34: George said, already standing down on the ground. 302s · Speaker 2
George said, already standing down on the ground. Again, Francesca nodded. Away you go then, George said. He gave an encouraging thumbs-up sign, then shut the door. The next moment, he was moving away below the wing and heading for the gras…
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2:05:00Chapter 35: Francesca answered. 200s · Speaker 3
Francesca answered. Well, why didn't he warn you? Why didn't he tell you beforehand? Francesca's mother protested. Oh, Mama, think about it, Francesca replied. If your instructor warned you in advance, it would be disastrous. Can you imagin…
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2:08:21
I asked you why you lied to me, Doug repeated even more brutally. Why couldn't you find the courage to tell me what you were planning? Francesca was still too astonished to react sensibly. She suddenly felt a terrible sense of disappointmen…
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2:10:00Chapter 37: Doug said bitterly. 293s · Speaker 1
Doug said bitterly. I trust you're not going to give me any of that rubbish about touching you up. It wasn't rubbish, Francesca said, starting to fight back. Oh yes, perhaps you'd like to prove it then, Doug said, almost spitting out the wo…
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2:14:53Chapter 38: Apparently, when he came in this morning, he found Doug in a sleeping bag on the sofa in his office. 302s · Speaker 3
Apparently, when he came in this morning, he found Doug in a sleeping bag on the sofa in his office. It seems his wife has thrown him out, and he's sleeping there until he can make other arrangements.' Francesca was too shocked to speak for…
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2:19:56Chapter 39: Much more so than when George had sent her off on her. 300s · Speaker 2
Much more so than when George had sent her off on her... first solo. She wondered whether he would have been happy for her to fly if he knew all the things that were occupying her mind. Perhaps she should have told him, confessed that she h…
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2:25:00Chapter 40: of the Thompson's house, she couldn't stop herself glancing across at the car. 291s · Speaker 1
of the Thompson's house, she couldn't stop herself glancing across at the car. Was there someone sitting in the driving seat? The sun was reflecting on the glass, and it wasn't easy to see inside. She looked at the number plate. She only da…
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2:29:53Chapter 41: I was just thinking, she said, unable to stop herself at last, do you know what. 306s · Speaker 2
I was just thinking, she said, unable to stop herself at last, do you know what... kind of car Doug drives? Tom frowned in disappointment. An Audi, I think. Why? No reason, Francesca answered quickly. I just thought I might have seen his ca…
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2:35:00Chapter 42: playing very close to her, perhaps ten metres below and as many metres behind. 91s · Speaker 1
playing very close to her, perhaps ten metres below and as many metres behind. The shock almost made her let go of the control column. It was dug in the fast-wing Cessna. She glanced behind again and saw him quite clearly. He was looking ou…
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2:36:32
She searched the sky, but the plane had simply disappeared. When she finally landed back at Norwich, George and Tom were both waiting for her. How was it then? Tom asked. Fine, just fine, Francesca answered weakly. You look a bit pale, he w…
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2:37:36Chapter 44: Best of luck with the rest of your lessons, Doug. 60s · Speaker 1
Best of luck with the rest of your lessons, Doug. Francesca didn't know what to do with herself for the rest of the evening. She wanted to scream out loud. The man was hunting her, following her around, keeping at a safe distance, but makin…
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2:38:37Chapter 45: He wasn't wishing her good luck with her lessons. 82s · Speaker 2
He wasn't wishing her good luck with her lessons. Doug was determined to scare her to death. Lying in bed that night, Francesca tried to decide what she could do. The idea of going to the police was out of the question. What would she tell …
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2:40:00Chapter 46: as Tom coming to her rescue, it wasn't something she could ever accept. 223s · Speaker 1
as Tom coming to her rescue, it wasn't something she could ever accept. Francesca always fought her own battles, and she didn't let others take her place. By the time she finally fell asleep, Francesca had decided that if she was going to s…
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2:43:43Chapter 47: You should find somewhere more private, Francesca. 326s · Speaker 2
You should find somewhere more private, Francesca. Really, climbing all over one another in his Ford Focus. I thought you'd have more style than that. And with a loser like him. Honestly, Francesca. He grinned once again. Anyway, I didn't m…
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2:49:11Chapter 48: Then, realising it was a bit of an odd reply, she added, I nearly got myself killed a minute ago when I was crossing the road. 310s · Speaker 1
Then, realising it was a bit of an odd reply, she added, I nearly got myself killed a minute ago when I was crossing the road. Chapter 17 A Matter of Practice For the next four days, apart from taking the children to and from school, France…
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2:54:21Chapter 49: Francesca was 3,000 feet above the East Anglian fields, flying with George again. 96s · Speaker 2
Francesca was 3,000 feet above the East Anglian fields, flying with George again. They'd been practising advanced turns, first putting the aircraft into a tight 45-degree turn and then even tighter so that the plane was over on its side at …
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2:55:58Chapter 50: A PFL is a practice forced landing, a bit like we did last time, engine failure, but this time from higher up. 301s · Speaker 1
A PFL is a practice forced landing, a bit like we did last time, engine failure, but this time from higher up. I pull out the throttle, you choose a field in which to land, then we can glide down doing all the engine checks and emergency ca…
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3:01:00Chapter 51: Don't worry, he said. 65s · Speaker 1
Don't worry, he said. Everyone makes a mess of it the first time. Then he looked across and smiled. Besides, in forty years of flying, I haven't had an engine failure once. Chapter 18 Tempting Fate Whenever Francesca either saw Tom or telep…
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3:02:06Chapter 52: I heard something else about Doug this morning, but I'm not sure you'll want to know, he said. 61s · Speaker 2
I heard something else about Doug this morning, but I'm not sure you'll want to know, he said. Francesca felt herself tense up immediately. You'd better tell me, she said quietly. Well, Tom went on a little anxiously, it seems that before h…
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3:03:08Chapter 53: She just didn't want to think about Doug. 111s · Speaker 1
She just didn't want to think about Doug. Sorry, perhaps it was a mistake to tell you, Tom said, confused. No, it's all right, she said at last. But I knew the story already. Tom looked very surprised. You knew it, he said. Francesca gave a…
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3:05:00Chapter 54: do if he ever saw Doug again. 224s · Speaker 2
do if he ever saw Doug again. He finished with a shake of his head. What I don't understand is how he ever got an instructor's licence, he said. Yes, Francesca murmured. Well, at least it's all over and you're safe now. Francesca didn't say…
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3:08:45Chapter 55: Francesca's heart sank. 314s · Speaker 1
Francesca's heart sank. Doug was back. She was certain of it. She drew back from the window and collapsed onto the bed. Her hands tore at her hair in misery. Why? Why? Why? she thought. Why can't he leave me alone? She sat there, trying to …
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3:14:01Chapter 56: Tom gave a small frown. 324s · Speaker 2
Tom gave a small frown. That's funny, he said. Why? Francesca asked. I thought she'd take a couple more litres than that. He thought for a minute. Oh, well, I suppose I must have noted down the wrong figures after the last flight yesterday.…
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3:19:25Chapter 57: She called back. 316s · Speaker 1
She called back. Golf Lima Yankee, return to Norwich immediately. Francesca couldn't believe her ears. Forgetting her radio language, she asked, What was that? The call was returned instantly. Golf Lima Yankee, you must return to the airfie…
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3:24:43Chapter 58: There was nothing for it. 143s · Speaker 3
There was nothing for it. This was it. One chance to land. One chance to live. Here we go. Come on, Francesca, she said. She thought of her family, of her mother and father and sister and Tom. This is for you, she thought. All of a sudden, …
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3:27:06Chapter 59: I should have known there was something up when we couldn't get those other two litres of fuel in the tank. 134s · Speaker 2
I should have known there was something up when we couldn't get those other two litres of fuel in the tank. I don't know what to say, Francesca. It's my fault. Rubbish, George broke in. There's only one person to blame and it's not you. Jus…
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3:29:21Chapter 60: At some time today, after its first flight, the stupid fool got to the aircraft and poured a couple of litres of water into one of the tanks. 308s · Speaker 3
At some time today, after its first flight, the stupid fool got to the aircraft and poured a couple of litres of water into one of the tanks. Now, as you know, fuel floats on water, so with the tank up on the wing, the water would feed very…
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3:34:30Chapter 61: That was the kind of love she wanted. 147s · Speaker 1
That was the kind of love she wanted. He was the sort of person she could love. A small two-engined plane flew past in front of her. She watched it land. First one of the main wheels, then the other. Finally the nose wheel. A good crosswind…