Page 9 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

D ekker brought a frantic, sobbing Blaire into an embrace and rubbed her back.

He had to keep her calm. “It’s gonna be okay.

” But was it? Some type of explosion rocked her federal police building, and she hadn’t been able to get in touch with either Kolby or Reed.

Chase had left thirty minutes ago to determine what had happened at the Whitehorse office, but so far he hadn’t returned with news.

The others had left for the day except for Nicols.

He was currently in his office making phone calls.

Blaire’s body tautened, and she shrank away.

He’d forgotten her earlier response when he touched her. Something other than the explosion made her tense but what? Dekker ignored his silent question. He had to concentrate on the here and now.

“What if they’re both dead?” She sniffed and wiped away her tears.

“Let’s not go there. Has your sergeant called you back?”

“Quinton has my phone, but I gave him your number. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course.” Dekker led her to a chair. “Let’s wait for his call here.”

She complied, plunking into the seat. She placed her elbows on the table and buried her head in her hands. “I can’t believe this is happening. Why would PCK target my team?”

“We’re not sure this was PCK.”

She jerked her head up. “How can you say that? Who else would it be? It’s the only active case I’m working on, and remember his earlier text? He said my team will pay for interfering. There’s no other answer.” She slammed her palm down. “This is all my fault.”

Dekker’s own words from earlier resurfaced. They both blamed themselves for the day’s events, but that wasn’t the case. He squeezed her hand. “This is only PCK’s fault. Not yours. Not mine.”

She hissed out a breath. “I will finish updating the profile and fix this. He has to be caught.”

“Agreed.” Dekker’s cell phone rang. He hit the Answer button. “Warden Hoyt speaking.”

“Warden, this is Sergeant Mullins. Is Blaire there?” The man’s faint voice exposed his emotional state. Understandable—his team had been attacked.

“Yes.” He passed the phone to Blaire. “It’s your sergeant.”

“Put him on speakerphone, please. I want you to hear this too.”

Dekker hit the button and placed the phone on the table in between them. “Go ahead, sir. We’re both here.”

“Sergeant Mullins, what’s going on?” Blaire’s tone raised in pitch.

“Blaire, are you okay?” The man’s voice revealed his concern.

“I’m fine. Tell me what happened.”

“It’s not good. An explosion in your offices.”

Blaire stood quickly. “Are Reed and Kolby okay?”

“I just spoke to the firefighter at the scene. He said the bomb was planted under your desk. Reed had reached the front entrance, but Kolby was still seated at the table in the boardroom beside your office.”

“Sir, how are they?”

“Reed only suffered cuts and bruises, but I’m afraid Kolby didn’t fare well. He’s unconscious, Blaire. It doesn’t look good.”

She dropped back into her chair, and once again buried her head in her hands. “I’m so sorry, sir.”

“Why are you apologizing? This is not your fault.”

“I just told her the same thing, Sergeant Mullins.” Dekker shifted closer to Blaire. “Has the bomb unit been able to decipher anything yet?”

“No, firefighters are still containing the flames. They got Reed and Kolby out, but no one is allowed back in. Thankfully, it was late, and only a skeleton crew was in the building. Wait, do you think this has to do with the PCK case?”

Blaire lifted her head. “Yes, sir.” She reminded him about the earlier text.

“I don’t want you coming back to Whitehorse. Your office is destroyed, but you can still access our files from there. I’m getting the constables in Clovercross Junction to put surveillance on you.”

“But, sir—”

“No buts, young lady. They targeted your office and could find out where you live. Dekker, is there somewhere she can stay?”

“Yes, my best friend has a ranch nearby. Justin and Kari have lots of room. I’ll call them.”

“Good. Please take care of our girl. I owe that to her father.”

“I promise I won’t let her out of my sight,” Dekker replied.

“Good. Blaire, please try to get some rest. We’re counting on you to get the profile right. We need to catch PCK.”

She straightened and rolled her shoulders back. “You can count on me, sir.”

“I know. G’night.” He clicked off the call.

Silence deafened the room, and Dekker knew Blaire’s resolve had waned as soon as her sergeant hung up. “I’m sorry about your coworkers. The doctors will take good care of Kolby.”

Her lip quivered. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

“You can. You’re a strong woman and good at your job. Use the gifts God gave you.” He grazed her arm, being careful not to spook her. “I have faith in you.”

Wait, had he just given her advice about God? Could he listen to his own recommendation?

Tears welled. “I wish Izzy was here. She’d know what to do. She’s better at situations like this.”

“Blaire, don’t compare yourself to your sister. From what you’ve told me, you’ve studied serial killers and know how they tick.” He let his words sink in, then added, “Use that against PCK.”

Her eyes brightened. “You’re right, and I will. Thanks for the kick in the pants. I needed it.”

“Not quite a kick, but I’m telling myself the same thing.” Years of his father’s training filtered through his mind. “Dad taught me everything I know, and I will use that to find him.”

“Yes.” She gathered her bag. “Are you sure your friends will be okay with me staying at their house too?”

“Positive. I asked if I could stay there too since I live forty-five minutes from here. They have a big ranch, and Kari will have clothes tucked away. She’s pregnant right now, but you’re about the same size.”

“I’m good. I have a duffel bag in my car. Keep it in case of emergencies.”

“Let’s grab your things and leave your car here. I don’t want you driving alone.”

She twisted up her nose. “I’ll be fine.”

He waggled his finger at her. “No, I promised your sergeant. You’re coming with me. I’ll call Justin en route.”

“Fine.”

Twenty-five minutes later, Dekker and Blaire sat in Justin’s rustic ranch living room sipping tea. Jayla and Bryson snuggled on the love seat with Hercules nestled at their feet. Dekker was surprised everyone was still up at the late hour.

Kari entered the room carrying a tray of cookies. She set it on the coffee table in front of Dekker and Blaire. “Homemade chocolate chip. Fresh from the oven. Your fave, Dek.”

“Justin, she’s a keeper.” Dekker snatched a cookie and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling, “Yummy.”

Kari rubbed her protruding belly. “Baby is kicking. He wants a cookie too.”

Justin bolted upright. “He?”

Kari’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oops. I know we agreed to wait to find out the gender, but the doctor let it slip, and now I’ve spoiled the surprise.”

Justin drew his wife into his arms. “I’m having a son?”

She giggled. “You are.”

Dekker loved this couple’s relationship.

Even though they’d been married for five years, they still acted like they were on their honeymoon.

They had a marriage Dekker had always wanted, but Eve took that away from him when she betrayed him by cheating.

They’d been dating since high school and Dekker had planned to ask her to marry him when he visited her on spring break.

His plan had been shattered when he’d discovered her lie.

He finished his cookie and pushed himself up, moving over to his best friend. Dekker slapped Justin on the back. “Congrats, man. So happy for you.”

“Thanks.” He rubbed his wife’s belly. “Time for this little guy to hit the hay. It’s almost midnight.” Justin took Kari’s hand in his. “Night everyone. See you in the morning.” The pair shuffled from the room.

Blaire set her tea down. “I’m going to turn in too.”

Jayla shot to her feet, disturbing Hercules. “Wait.” She turned to Bryson. “Can I tell them? We could use some good news after today’s events.”

He nodded and caressed his wife’s hand. “I think it’s perfect timing.”

“Dek, you can’t tell the rest of the Hoyts yet.”

Dekker sensed it was good news from the sparkle in his sister’s eyes. “What is it, sis?”

“You’re going to be an uncle!”

Hercules barked.

Dekker laughed and drew Jayla into his arms. “I’m so happy for you. Another Hoyt baby. Mom will be elated. If only Dad—”

Jayla poked Dekker in the chest. “Do not finish that sentence. We’ll find him. God’s got Dad safe in His arms.”

Dekker chewed the inside of his mouth. “I wish I could believe that.”

“You can.” Bryson wrapped his arm around Jayla’s waist. “In fact, can we have a prayer time before bed? Pray for Dad and for Blaire’s team.” Bryson took his wife’s hand.

Blaire stood. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

They formed a prayer circle. Hercules shimmied into the middle.

Dekker smiled and bowed his head. He wasn’t sure of God’s plan for Frank Hoyt’s life, but right now Dekker would take all the prayers they could get.

Who knew what tomorrow would bring.

Lightning flashed, and a clap of thunder answered, leaving Dekker’s pulse racing.

Saturday, 6:00 a.m.

A rooster crowed, jolting Blaire from nightmares involving a hideous masked person holding Izzy in his clutches. Dekker lay motionless at the man’s feet, with a knife protruding from his stomach.

Blaire shot up in the bed, her hand flying to her chest. She willed her elevated heart rate to dwindle. Breathe. It’s only a dream.

Somehow, her sleeping consciousness had combined her sister’s horrendous experience with Blaire’s current one. Funny how the mind did that.

The rooster crowed again as if begging her to get out of bed.

“Fine. I hear you already.” She threw off her covers and rose, moving to the window.

She peeked through the blinds. Chickens scattered around the backyard, pecking at each other as if they were in a race and wanted to get ahead to cross the finish line first.