Page 5 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

B laire’s knees locked, and she stumbled, bracing herself on the park station’s front veranda. Had she put her coworkers at risk by visiting the crime scene? Lord, that’s how I work best, but please protect my team. I would never forgive myself if something happened to them.

Dekker latched on to her arm. “You okay? What is it?”

“Somehow PCK obtained my number.”

His eyes widened. “What? How?”

“No idea.” Blaire inhaled deeply to clear the sudden wave of emotion building throughout her body. How could she tell him what they feared most was about to come true? You’ve got this. “I’m not sure how to say this without…” Her words trailed off.

Dekker released her arm, his body language cementing. “Blaire, just tell me. I’m a big boy.”

Her shaky hand raised her cell phone. “PCK has your father and threatened my team.”

Dekker’s eyes narrowed as he leaned closer to read her screen and gasped. “So now we have seventy-two hours to find Dad.” He staggered backward. “How can I tell my mother this news? She has suffered so much heartache throughout the years. Blaire, we have to find my father.”

A group of hikers strode around the corner and approached the search party check-in table.

Blaire gestured toward the growing crowd. “Quinton and his men, along with the search party, will pull out all the stops. Your mother would want to know, Dek.”

“I will call her in a minute.” He gestured toward the station. “Let’s head inside. I need to gather supplies along with my weapon.”

Blaire followed him up the steps and entered the brick building.

The area swarmed with activity as park employees hustled about preparing for the search.

One carried a stack of vests to pass out to searchers for easy identification.

Even though Blaire had seen Dekker twice after her arrival to the Yukon, she’d never been to his station.

Clovercross Park stretched for miles, and the building served not only as the main depot for all park employees, but as a visitor center.

Blaire scanned the foyer. “Wow, this place is impressive.”

“Yes, we support the entire park. There’s a smaller station at the northern tip, but most of the staff work out of here. We also have a landing pad in the clearing next to the station.”

“That’s awesome. Is there somewhere I can call my team in private?”

Dekker pointed to the right. “Over here, away from the public area.”

He led her down a corridor with rooms on each side. He stopped by one and opened the door. “This is a boardroom, but it’s rarely used. You’ll have privacy here. I’m going for supplies. I’ll be back in about ten minutes.” He grazed her hand. “Will you be okay alone?”

She flinched from his touch, but this time didn’t recoil. Progress? Or was it simply a summer crush on the man before her? She ignored the answer and moved into the room. “I’m fine. See you in ten.”

“Sounds good.” He left and closed the door.

Blaire peeled off her protective suit, exposing her burgundy plaid shirt and black cargo pants, before dropping into a leather chair. “Time to get this over with.” She took out her cell phone and tapped her office’s contact number.

“Kolby Howard here. How may I help you?” The younger analyst’s voice cracked at the end of his question.

She smiled. The quirky twentysomething told her he hated talking on the phone. Made him nervous. Why, he couldn’t explain. “Kolby, it’s Blaire. Is Reed there too?”

“There you are. We’ve been wondering and were about to leave for the day. Just a sec, I’ll put you on speaker.” Shuffling noises filtered through the phone. “Go ahead. Reed’s here now.”

“It’s about time you checked in, boss.” Reed’s hostile tone revealed his animosity toward her. Of the two, he was the one who had made it the clearest that their sergeant should have chosen him for the lead position. Not her.

Blaire had worked hard to gain his respect within the last five months but had failed. And now this latest development wouldn’t help in rectifying his obvious dislike for a woman in charge. “Reed, please stop calling me that. We’re a team.”

He cursed. “Then why have you been out all day?”

Blaire closed her eyes and gathered her thoughts. “PCK just abducted a park warden’s father from Clovercross.” She explained what happened, including the text message threatening the team.

“Are we safe?” Kolby’s words squeaked through the phone.

Were they? “Stay alert, and I’ll ask Sergeant Mullins for protection.”

Reed whistled. “That’s his first kidnapping in that park.”

“Yes. I was at Clara’s scene at the edge of Lunfire Park not that far from here when the constable received the call.”

“And you went with him?” Again, Kolby’s tone increased an octave. “You’re putting yourself in danger going to the scenes.”

“He’s right, Blaire. It’s not part of our job.”

How many times would she be reminded of her duties today? “Reed, I realize that, but it’s how I work. Sergeant Mullins sanc tioned me doing it.” But would he stop her after he discovered the suspect shot at them?

“What did you find?” Kolby asked.

Blaire retrieved her tablet from her bag and swiped the screen, bringing it to life.

“I drew pictures of the first scene and took notes, but of course, I can’t step inside the second crime scene until forensics has finished.

I’m going to send everything for you to upload into our system.

After you review the info and pictures, we’ll meet to work on the profile. ”

“You mean the profile that’s already done?” Reed failed to subdue the disdain in his voice.

Blaire pinched her lips together, silencing her frustration and what she really wanted to say. “You know I’m not happy with it. We’re still missing a piece.”

“So you’re expecting us to work late because you’ve dropped the ball in completing it?” Tapping sailed through the phone speaker.

Blaire hissed out a breath. “Reed, you know this job requires overtime when we’re on cases like this. And don’t you want us to get the profile correct?”

“It was!”

“Well, a friend’s father has been abducted, and I need us to get everything right. His life is on the line—and Clara’s.” Blaire’s cell phone buzzed, and she checked the screen. Sergeant Mullins. Ugh! “Reed, did you text the sergeant?”

“I had to. You’re showing your incompetency.”

Blaire braced her left hand on the table and slowly rose to her feet.

“I’m going to let that one slide, Reed, because you’re tired from working a long day.

Listen, update me when everything is downloaded.

I need to take this call. Guys, please be safe.

Gotta run.” She clicked off and switched to her sergeant’s call.

“Sergeant Mullins. Sorry about that. Was just talking with the team.”

“So I’ve heard. Blaire, why are you still at Clovercross?”

Great. Now her sergeant was upset with her. “I’m sorry, sir, but I can explain.”

“It better be good. For the sake of your father, I’ve let you go to the crime scenes, much to the dismay of your coworkers.”

He probably means Reed. She mustered her strength and described the events of the day, including the shots fired, the threat to the team and her request to join the search party. “Can you have constables protect Kolby and Reed?”

“I’ll make it happen, but, Blaire, I need to get you back to Whitehorse under secure protection as well. I owe that much to your father. I’d never forgive myself if you got hurt.”

How could she explain her need to help Dekker while still working the case? “Sir, Dekker Hoyt is a friend, and I can’t let him down. I can keep in touch with the team by using Dekker’s sat phone.”

“How much searching can the party get in today?”

“Thanks to the late daylight this time of year, another few hours. Let me at least do that much. Hopefully, we’ll find Frank safe and sound by then. Dekker will be armed. Plus, his sister Jayla is bringing in her trusted K-9. I’ve heard he’s the best in the region.”

A barking dog announced the K-9’s arrival to the park station. She smiled. Perfect timing.

“Ah, you mean Hercules.” Sergeant Mullin’s voice softened, showing his love of dogs. “Yes, that golden has quite the reputation. Okay, on one condition.”

“Keep you posted. Yes, sir. I will.”

A knock sounded, then Dekker eased the door open. “Time to go, Blaire.”

He had changed into his park uniform, his weapon holstered at his side.

She gathered her belongings and concentrated on her conversation with Sergeant Mullins. “The team is ready. I gotta run.”

“Blaire, I’m calling the constable in charge to ensure he keeps a close watch on you.”

Right. Always the protector. She wouldn’t have it any other way. “Understood, sir. I’ll contact you later.” She ended the call and stuffed her phone into her pocket, facing Dekker. “Ready.”

But was she?

Ready to plunge herself into a risky situation in a dangerous wilderness?

***

Dekker adjusted his duty belt containing his weapon, pocketknife, bear spray and flashlight.

He clipped on his shoulder radio and tucked the sat phone into his backpack with other supplies, then held out another pack to Blaire.

“One for you. I also included a pocketknife. Just in case. You know how to use one?”

She tilted her head, rolling her eyes as she snatched the bag. “You’re kidding, right? I’m a chief constable’s daughter. Of course. I can shoot too, but I’m guessing you’re probably not going to give me a gun, are you?”

“Umm, no. I don’t have the authority to do that, but I did include a two-way radio for you too.” He led her through the corridor to the main entrance. “We’ll grab snacks and water at the search party table. Let’s go.” He pushed open the door.

“Dekker!” Jayla hurried across the property, with Bryson and Hercules at her heels. She flung her arms around him.

He held her tightly and bit back tears. Keep it in check, Dekker. “Jayla, I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” Jayla’s voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. “Any updates?”