Page 17 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

“D ekker!”

He pivoted at Blaire’s frantic cry and shone the light in her direction.

Her widened eyes and soaked hair did little to ease his alarm at her sudden appearance. “What’s wrong?”

“Storm is hammering us, and Supervisor Nicols is requesting we return to base.” She pushed her wet hair off her face. “Didn’t you hear his order?”

“I was making lots of noise when I entered the cave in case there were bears inside. Taking bears by surprise is never a good idea.”

“Did you find any?”

“Thankfully, no.” He shone the light on a large rock. “You can sit there. We won’t be going down that path in this storm.”

“No kidding.” She sat. “I’m guessing there’s no sign of your father either? We could take this time to search.”

“No need.” He switched the light’s beam to the far wall, revealing a tiny opening. “This cave only has one small tunnel, and Dad would not fit through there. We can mark this one off the list.”

Dekker blew out a breath and leaned against the wall close to where Blaire sat. “I’m so frustrated. We’re running out of time, and now this storm has hit. What’s up with this yo-yo weather lately?”

Another flash of lightning brightened the dark cave moments before thunder rumbled, as if confirming their predicament.

“At least we’re safe.” Dekker walked to the opening, and pressed his radio button. “Dekker to base. Come in.”

Static answered.

“I’m pretty sure you won’t get a reply. Dek, I need to show you something.” Blaire brought her phone to life, flooding the cave with light. She held up a picture.

“What is it?” Dekker inched closer.

“I captured someone watching us on camera, so no, we’re not entirely safe.”

His hand flew to his sidearm. “You took this what, ten minutes ago?”

She peered at the screen. “Fifteen. They’re not out there now.”

“That you know of. This person obviously knows how to camouflage themselves.” He slammed his palm on the cool, damp stone wall.

“We’ll catch him, Dek.”

The storm not only pummeled the region but also brewed deep inside him, exposing all his fears, doubts and failures.

He failed his father. Failed his family. Failed himself, and more importantly…

Failed God with all his doubts.

“You okay?” Blaire rubbed his back.

He jumped at her sudden approach. “Honestly?”

“Of course. I sense you’re wrestling with something right now. I’m all ears if you want to share.”

He turned and stared into her eyes. Even in the darkness, he caught the brilliant blue shining back at him.

His breath hitched. Her eyes were the first thing he’d noticed about the beautiful Blaire Tremblay when they met, and right now, here in the solitude of the damp cave with the storm hammering outside, he wanted to kiss her badly.

Had he really just thought that? Had Eve’s betrayal not taught him anything? Step away.

“You’re scared of something. What?”

Could he tell her that, here in this moment, he feared her ? Scared of the emotions tumbling through his brain?

Change the subject and steer away from the dangerous conversation. He couldn’t reveal his true thoughts and feelings right now.

“Dad’s abduction has just resurfaced some fears I’ve had since childhood.” A partial truth.

“Like what?” She sat back on the rock.

“Did I ever tell you about the time I got lost in the woods?”

“You got lost?” She chuckled. “Do tell.”

“I was six and had wandered off, thinking I knew everything about the forest. After all, I was a Hoyt, and Hoyts practically lived in the wilderness.”

“Where did this happen?”

“Micmore National Park in Alberta. My father’s park and where Hazel works now.

Anyway, Dad had brought me with him to work that day while Mom and the others stayed at home.

Dad was training some employees, and I got bored.

” Dekker pictured the lush park. “I spied a mother fox and her babies wandering in the trees and followed them.”

“I can see where this is headed. What happened?”

“Before I knew it, I had walked quite a distance and got turned around.” He raised a finger. “Something a Hoyt never does, or at least never admits to doing. I couldn’t find my way back and did the only thing I remembered my father telling me to do if I got lost. Stop. Sit. Wait.”

“Good advice.”

“Yup, but the experience instilled a fear inside me of getting lost in the forest.”

“And you turned out to be a park warden. Now, there’s irony for you.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “Right? Anyway, Dad eventually found me and gave me a stern talking to—Frank Hoyt style. I refused to go back into the woods again, but he forced me to. ‘You need to overcome your fears and face them head on, boy.’” He imitated his father’s bass voice. “I’ll never forget that lecture.”

“It worked. Look where you are today. In the forest helping others.”

He raised his wrist. “Yup, but I don’t leave home without my trusty GPS watch. Just in case.”

“Makes sense.” She bit her lip. “Our fears can immobilize us.”

He checked the weather. The relentless storm still battered outside, stopping their descent. “Okay, now that I’ve shared, tell me, what’s your worst fear?”

“Which one? Ha!” She paused. “Drowning.”

“What brought that on?”

She squirmed and repositioned herself. “I was six, same as you. Funny how that seems to be both a mischievous and life-setting age. Anyway, our family was camping. Izzy and I were searching for the normal items kids collect along a river. I saw something out on the rocks in the water, so I skipped across, using the rocks as a bridge. You can guess what happened. I slipped, fell in and almost drowned.”

“Ouch. Did Izzy save you?”

“Yes, and thankfully our parents were nearby. I also got a stern lecture from my police officer father. Dad told me God was looking out for me that day.”

God? Not the territory Dekker wanted to trample into, so he remained silent and stuck his head out of the cave opening again. The clouds had moved out of the area, but more dark ones loomed in the distance.

He turned to Blaire. “Looks like it stopped but might start up soon. We should get going.”

She stood. “I take it you don’t want to talk about God. Why don’t you believe any longer?”

“Not now. We have to go.” He hated the sternness in his tone, but talk of God brought the worst out in Dekker. Sorry, Lord. Please help my unbelief.

“Just know I’m praying.” Blaire breezed by him and exited the cave.

Now you’ve done it.

He balled his fingers into fists and followed her.

She held her hands out, palms up. “It’s still misting. Is it safe?”

“We’ll take it slow.” He steered her through the trees. “This way, and I’m sorry for my harshness earlier. I’m just on edge with everything that’s going on.” He’d leave it at that.

They headed away from the cave, being careful where they stepped. The wet terrain made their descent treacherous.

A loud crack sounded to their right.

Blaire halted. “What was that?”

Dekker placed his hand on his sidearm. “Sounded like a gunshot blast.”

A rustling in the trees announced someone…or something.

Dekker nudged Blaire behind him and unleashed his gun. “Who’s there?”

Heavy stomps barreled toward them.

“That’s not a human.” Dekker shoved her out of the way.

Seconds later, a grizzly appeared through the bush and stood on his hind legs, roaring.

Movement in his peripheral vision revealed a figure darting among the trees, telling Dekker one thing.

Someone had spooked the grizzly to use as a weapon to kill them.

***

Terror filled Blaire’s lungs, stealing not only her breath but all function in her body.

Every roar from the grizzly revved Blaire’s pulse as a scream lodged in her throat.

All her training of what to do in a situation like this emptied from her mind.

The only thing she knew to do was pray. Father, keep this bear from attacking us.

Show Dekker what to do because, right now, I’m frozen.

“Blaire, stay still.”

Did he think she was going somewhere?

Dekker holstered his gun and removed his bear spray, training it toward the grizzly. “Hey, bear.” He kept his voice level in a monotone fashion.

Dekker took one step backward at a time and waved his arms, attempting to make himself appear larger.

The beast dropped onto all fours and plodded forward, snorting.

“Hey, bear.” Dekker lowered his arms and released the safety clip, holding the can with both hands. He aimed the nozzle at the grizzly and sprayed in short bursts.

Blaire held her breath.

The bear didn’t stop.

God, please.

“Hey, bear. Not gonna hurt you.” Dekker sprayed again. “Hey, bear.”

The grizzly snorted again, changed directions and cannonballed back into the trees.

“Stand your ground. We have to make sure he’s totally gone.”

She nodded because words failed her at the moment.

“Breathe, Blaire. It’s gonna be okay.”

She inhaled then exhaled slowly. She silently commanded her heartbeat to go back to normal. As much as it could after almost being attacked by a grizzly. Thank you, Lord, for protecting us.

“I think he’s retreated, but we need to keep our eyes open.” He reached for her hand, keeping the bear spray in his other. “Come.”

Surprised at the idea of not recoiling from a man’s touch, she intertwined her fingers in his and ignored the electricity flowing between them. Now wasn’t the time to go there, but how could she help how she was feeling?

But were they only emotions stemming from an intense mo ment? She shoved the question aside and let Dekker lead her down the trail.

Thirty minutes later, they reached the river’s shoreline. Rapids had increased after the storm. Not good.

Blaire replayed their conversation in the cave. Dekker had shared his fear of getting lost, but why did she suspect he kept something back from her? Something had caused him to fall away from God.

None of your business, Blaire. He holds secrets close to his chest, just like you.

“Dek, do you think that grizzly was following us?” She wanted to keep her mind preoccupied from thoughts of Dekker, secrets and the rapids thundering to her right.