Page 10 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

Blaire chuckled. The rat—or chicken—race in today’s society was kind of the same.

Everyone trying to climb to the top of that fictional ladder.

Something her father always warned Blaire and Izzy against. “Just do your best in whatever you do, and that will be enough. Your work and ethics will prove themselves.”

But did her father know about all the competition for women working in a man’s world? Blaire struggled to prove herself worthy, not only because of the betrayal by men in her life, but also the mistakes she’d made throughout her career. Not listening to her gut had taken its toll.

And her darkest secret still haunted her and was the real reason behind why she struggled to let any man in her life.

Why she flinched every time one touched her, even if they were innocent advances and not like the ones she experienced at eighteen when she barely escaped a trafficking ring.

Her shame over that period of her life emerged.

Shame for trusting the woman agent who had promised Blaire a modeling career only to discover she had used it as a ruse to earn Blaire’s confidence.

Then the woman had lured her to a fake photo shoot, but had drugged her.

Blaire woke up in a warehouse handcuffed with other young women.

Thankfully her father had been investigating the ring, and his team had moved in, saving the group.

That life-altering event had fueled Blaire’s fears.

The sun’s rays emerged through the tree line. No signs of yesterday’s storm remained except for the water droplets dripping from the rain chain on the ranch’s corner. The serenity of the scene before her mocked the events happening in her life. Questions plagued her.

How could God let all the evil happen in the world? Where was He when someone planted the bomb in her office, or when PCK kidnapped Frank Hoyt? And would they find both Clara and Frank before PCK did something horrifying?

Hercules’s bark resonated from the lower level, bringing Blaire back into the ranch. Time to put the past behind her and get ready for another day. She sent up a quick prayer for Clara, Frank, Kolby and Reed, asking for their safety and for those searching. Safety from a madman.

After dressing in a green plaid shirt and jeans, Blaire trudged down the spiral steps and made her way into the kitchen, following the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

Her weakness.

But today she needed it after only getting a few hours of sleep. She was an eight-hours-a-night kind of gal, so when she didn’t get the required amount, she was cranky. The caffeine would help subdue her already foul mood.

Hercules slurped from his water bowl in the kitchen’s corner.

Dekker turned from his spot in front of the window, coffee cup in hand and already dressed, ready for work in his national park. “Morning. How did you sleep?”

Blaire ignored the rush of attraction. She always was a sucker for a handsome man in uniform. Don’t go there, Blaire. Remember Luca.

“Not the best.” She outstretched her arms and shuffled toward the coffeemaker in a zombie-like fashion, making grunting noises. “Need caffeine. Now.”

He laughed. “There’s a huge pot there, so help yourself.”

“How’s the arm?”

“Sore, but not as painful.” Dekker tousled Hercules’s fur.

“Where are the others?”

“Justin and Kari are getting us fresh farm eggs. Jayla is checking in with her team at CBM.”

“CBM?” Blaire snatched a mug from the circular rack and poured herself a coffee.

“I’m surprised you haven’t heard of them. Stands for Cross Border Mountain. It’s a task force she and Bryson are members of. They work along the Alaska-Yukon border.”

“Oh wait. I have heard of them. Sergeant Mullins told me about all the good they’ve done.”

“Yes. Jayla is now the leader.”

The doorbell chimed.

Dekker set down his mug. “That’s Chase. He’s bringing back your cell phone.”

“Good.” Blaire poured cream into her coffee and followed Dekker down the hallway.

Dekker opened the oak door. “Come in.”

Quinton tipped his hat in Blaire’s direction. “Morning. Hope I didn’t wake anyone.”

“Nope, the rooster did that.” Blaire sipped her coffee, enjoying the hazelnut flavor.

Quinton handed Blaire’s cell phone to her. “Digital forensics didn’t find any signs of someone hacking into it. The suspect used a burner phone and we were able to triangulate the cell tower, but not the exact location. Unfortunately a dead end, but I’m concerned about how PCK got your number.”

“Me too. It’s a police-issued phone.”

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on you. Plus, I know Dekker is trained in law enforcement.” Quinton addressed Dekker, “How’s the arm?”

“Fine. Any updates on my dad?”

“None. Search party is getting ready now.”

“Yes, Nicols just let me know that. We’ll head over as soon as we have breakfast.”

The back door slammed.

“Speaking of that, the eggs have arrived.” Dekker motioned toward the kitchen. “You want a yummy ranch brekky, Constable Chase?”

Quinton patted his stomach. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Blaire raised her phone. “I’m going to reconnect with Sergeant Mullins. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

Dekker nodded and led Quinton down the hall.

Blaire selected her sergeant’s name from her contact list and meandered into the living room, waiting for him to pick up.

“Morning, Blaire. You okay?”

“Tired, but I’ll be fine once my coffee kicks in. Any word on Kolby and Reed?” She dropped into the rocker beside the fireplace.

“Reed was released late last night. Kolby is in a coma. It’s not looking good.”

Blaire forced back the tears threatening to fall. She’d channel her anger over this attack on her coworkers to catch PCK. “Has the bomb unit found anything to identify the bomber?”

“They’re working on it.”

“You okay if I continue helping search for Frank Hoyt? I need to keep busy.” She paused. “I will log into our system and work on the profile too.”

“Will you be with someone who can protect you?”

“Yes, Dekker and the other wardens are all armed. The constables will comb the park too.”

“Good. Keep me updated.”

“Will do and thanks.” The smell of bacon cooking sent hunger pangs attacking her stomach. “Gotta run.”

“Be safe.” Her sergeant ended the call.

Blaire hit her sister’s number. She wanted to touch base before breakfast.

“Blaire, you okay? I heard about the explosion and have been trying to get in touch with you.” Izzy’s frantic voice showed her worry.

“Sorry, sis. The police had my phone overnight. I should have called you.” She explained all of yesterday’s events, giving her an abridged version.

“I’m coming. I want to help.”

“Izzy, you have too much on your plate. I’ll be fine.” While she’d love to have her sister by her side, she realized Izzy had responsibilities on her force and at her husband Austin’s K-9 ranch where she now lived.

“You need protection.”

Hercules trotted into the room and barked.

“Wait, where are you?”

“That’s Hercules. I’m at Dekker’s friend’s ranch, so I have protection.” She rubbed the dog’s back. “Hercules and Dekker.”

“Dekker, huh?”

Blaire didn’t miss the teasing tone in her sister’s voice. “It’s not like that, sis.”

“Hu-hah. Right.”

“I’m not looking for a relationship. You know that.”

“Blaire, not all men are like Luca.” Her previously lighthearted tone shifted.

Dekker poked his head into the living room. “Breakfast is ready.”

Her breath hitched at the sight of the ruggedly handsome warden. If only her sister was right. She gulped past the lump in her throat, swallowing her attraction.

“Wish that was true.” Blaire nodded at Dekker and stood. “Listen, Izzy. I gotta run. I just wanted to hear your voice. Give Mom a hug for me and say hi to Austin and the dogs. Love you, sis.”

“Love you more. Stay safe. I’m praying.”

“Thanks. Bye.” Blaire willed the tears away and forced a smile. “Let’s eat. I’m starved.”

A quick breakfast and a third coffee later, Blaire and the others reached Dekker’s park station. Searchers had gathered under the check-in tent, waiting for instructions from Dekker’s supervisor.

The group approached the others.

Blaire’s cell phone chimed, and she unclipped it from her belt, swiping her thumb across the screen. She halted in her tracks.

Morning, beautiful Blaire. I left you a gift at the back of the station. Only you can open it. Trust me, I’ll know. I’m watching. PCK xo

Dekker turned back. “What is it?”

She held up her phone.

His eyes narrowed. “I don’t like that he’s taken a fascination with you.”

Blaire shoved her phone back into its holder. “I need to see what he left. It could be a clue.” She dashed around the station with one thought in mind.

She’d stop PCK if it was the last thing she did.