Page 15 of Fool Me (Timberline Peak #1)
Bending, I wrap my arms around my dad, squeezing him tight. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
When I release him, there’s a teasing grin on his lips. “His brother?”
“What? I didn’t know he was a Kane when we met—not until you said something. And they’re nothing alike.” Another truth. I might not be able to tell him all of it, but I’ll give him everything I can.
“And this isn’t some weird revenge plan to get back at Canyon. The daughter I raised wouldn’t use another person in some game, or let the bitterness change her.”
“It’s not like that. Atlas is nice and I like spending time with him.” We are using each other, but he’s fully on board and getting credibility in town from this plan. “Besides, making Canyon jealous would be pointless. We’re long over and I couldn’t care less what he thinks of me.”
He studies me for a minute and I feel his scrutiny down to my toes. God, I hope my ears aren’t turning red—a dead giveaway I’m lying. “I better let you get back to work.”
“Uh-huh,” he hums, not sounding entirely convinced I’m not up to something.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say.
“Tomorrow, for birthday pancakes.”
“For birthday pancakes,” I repeat.
“Do you think Echo knows those pancakes are for his half-birthday?” my dad asks.
“You say that like your grandson isn’t the smartest dog ever,” I tease from the doorway.
“Be safe out there today,” he adds, his blue eyes soft.
“Always, Dad.” Not much bothers my dad, but every once in a while, I can see the worry in his eyes that something will go wrong on a mission. It’s always been there, but since the avalanche, I’ve seen it more, and I can’t help but wonder if Canyon being back has triggered the visible worry today.
Relief floods me when I step into the flexible space we use for these meetings and Canyon is gone. Travis is at the front of the room while the rest of the crew is scattered around. Some are on the couch, and some are at the table. Conrad is leaning against the counter.
There aren’t many spots left, so I take the spot next to my boss.
“Okay, we have a lot to get through before we head to Outlaw Falls, so I’m not going to waste any time with the fluffy stuff. As most of you know, I have been considering retirement for a while. When I took over this role for Corbin, I was already considering it, but . . .”
He lets the rest trail off. No one in this room needs a reminder of what kept him with the team.
We all lived the aftermath of the avalanche in our own way.
There was a very sudden, very large gap in leadership on the team.
With my dad in the hospital recovering, me refusing to leave his bedside, and Canyon MIA, the team was shorthanded.
On top of a lack of manpower, they were dealing with the investigation the county was running into the accident.
Not that it was well-run, but it still sucked up resources.
Travis was forced to stay and took on the role of Interim Incident Commander.
“Now we’re in a better place, and I can step away knowing that the team will be okay.”
His gaze darts to me for a split second before he scans the rest of the room.
“I can’t believe you’re just going to walk away. We had such a good thing going,” Conrad teases.
“It was a bromance for the ages, but I’m certain you’ll survive. My wife wants to travel, and she’s the boss. Besides, I’m pretty sure she’ll divorce my ass if I don’t join her in retirement.”
“Nonsense! Carla loves you,” Cal says from the couch.
“Not as much as she loves that campervan we bought and still haven’t used,” Travis shoots back.
“That’s what she thinks now. She’ll be sick of your ass in a week,” Conrad says.
“A week? I give her a day.” Someone else snorts.
“How long do we get you for?” I ask.
“Until the end of the summer.” He clears his throat with a thick sound and his eyes crinkle at the corners as they canvas the room, stopping on me.
“The interview process is long and I want to spend some time with the new IC to ensure a smooth transition. If you’re interested in the role, you should apply.
To my knowledge, we will be considering both internal and external candidates. ”
The rest of the meeting is housekeeping items, reminders about policies, and prep for the training. When we finally wrap up, Travis says, “Parking is limited at the trailhead; carpool if you can. I need a volunteer to help load up the gear around back.”
I step forward. Loading the gear means riding with Travis, and that gives me twenty minutes on the drive to pick his brain about his replacement.
“How did I know it’d be you, Corbin?” Travis says with a hearty laugh.
We walk through the building, back toward my dad. He nods as we pass, opening the garage door at the back of his office space to load the equipment that’s already set aside for us.
“Like predictability in a search and rescue worker is ever a bad thing.” I scoff.
He nods his head, like he knows exactly what I mean. “The ones that keep me guessing make me jumpy. This work is uncertain enough. I don’t need team members I can’t trust.”
Part of me does a happy dance at what feels like an endorsement while we load the sled and backboard into the truck. Next come the ropes, harnesses, and clips—all organized and neatly sorted, thanks to my dad.
“We both know half the reason you volunteered to help was to pick my brain about the job, so have at it.”
“Tell me more about the process. I want to be as prepared as possible.”
Booming laughter fills the car of the truck before he launches into what feels like an eighty-point explanation of all the steps, including a practical exam, reviewing the candidates’ advanced certifications, and multiple rounds of panel interviews.
Hiring this role is a collaborative process.
Partner organizations, like the county SAR team and key members of the municipalities we serve, will be consulted.
While they don’t make the decision, they are part of the process and are given a chance to voice an opinion because of how close we all work together.
By the time he moves on to the additional training the selected candidate would undergo after being selected, my head is spinning and we’re pulling into the parking lot.
“The application will open up next week. I can’t tell you who else is interested, because that wouldn’t be fair, but there will be external applicants.”
“I hear you loud and clear.”
“No, I’m not sure you do.” He takes his hat off and then settles it back on his head.
“Off the record, you can’t let your emotions get the best of you.
You’re one of the most level-headed people I know—most of the time.
Your past clouding your judgement will only hinder your success here.
Stay the trail, don’t let distractions lead you off the path.
You’re ready for this, Harlowe. Show them that. ”
Damn it, two fatherly speeches in one day from the men I look up to most. What are they trying to do to me?
“I’ll make you proud.”
“Whether you get the job or not, I’m proud of you, Harlowe.”
With that, I reach for the handle, needing the fresh mountain air. The emotions in the cab of the truck are almost more than I can handle.