In Book 2 of the Vicki Barr Flight Stewardess series, Vicki Barr is now a graduate of the Federal Airlines Stewardess School or, a "proud possessor of a career in the clouds." On a flight to New York, Vicki meets a troubled passenger named Joan Purnell. Reluctantly, Joan confides in Vicki that she is running away from home because her father is in debt and may lose his lumber business. Vicki convinces Joan to stay with her aunt that night, promising to take her back home the next day. Determined to help her new friend, Vicki persuades hot shot pilot Dean to fly her out to the Purnell's lumbermill in Norfolk, Virginia. There Vicki discovers that Mr. Purnell's partner is sending shipments of lumber via more expensive routes than necessary, creating false losses in an attempt to pressure Joan's father into selling his half the business. Vicki has no proof of her suspicions and must work quickly before Mr. Parnell loses everything and before Joan does something rash in an attempt to help her father...