Page 63 of Thunder Pass

“Yeah.” Noah chimed in. “The other guy wasn’t supposed to be there, and he told Pinky not to tell anyone. He sounded really strict, like Papa when he’s in a bad mood.”

“Was he here to steal something?” Gunnar asked. “Is that what it sounded like, that he got caught doing something bad?”

“No. Just that everyone thought he was gone, but he isn’t.” Noah peered longingly at the chili. “Is it ready yet?”

Gunnar found some paper bowls under the workbench and passed them around. “I don’t like washing dishes,” he explained to Ruth, a little shamefaced. That was the last thing she was worried about in that moment.

“Do you think…” she said in a whisper. “Maybe that man was your?—”

“Father? Yes. I do think.” His normally sunny blue eyes held a bleakness she hadn’t seen before. “If it’s him, he’s got some explaining to do.”

“He’s probably trying to keep you safe, just like Kelly said.”

But Gunnar had already moved on, distributing spoons—actual metal ones—to the kids. She ached to hug him, to reassure him that his father wasn’t trying to mislead or hurt him, but how could she swear to that? The only truthful thing she could say was that she cared about him and didn’t want him to be in pain.

Besides, she had more immediate problems. Was Martha going to open her home to seven more Chilkoot children—which would put her on Luke’s radar? That seemed like too much to ask of anyone.

Suddenly overwhelmed, she sat down next to Noah on a case of GoJo hand cleaner. What on earth was she going to do? She’d have to find a way to make enough money to buy groceries for everyone. But that meant she wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on them. They knew nothing about life away from the compound.

And that was assuming that Luke didn’t come to get them. What if he wanted them all back, and brought his own militia to back him up? Should she contact the caseworker at the children’s services department? Should she ask Molly Evans for help? The law held very little force out here, with no constable or police to turn to. Should they hide? Maybe somewhere other than a mechanic’s shop? Or maybe they could all just live here eating canned chili out of paper bowls?

The urge to laugh hysterically nearly overcame her. She dropped her head into her hands to fight it off. A gale of laughter would just confuse the kids, maybe make them anxious. She needed to project authority and calm.

When she looked up, Gunnar was watching her with an expression of such complete understanding that she teared up.

“I have an idea, kids. How about you all stay here with your Auntie Ruth and I’ll be right back? I have something pretty important to figure out, but I think you’re all going to love it.” He cocked his head at Ruth. “Okay, Ruth?”

She nodded numbly. Why not? If he had an idea, he was one up on her.

30

When Gunnar came back, he found Ruth putting her newfound karaoke experience to good use. The kids were taking turns singing songs, using his torque wrench as a microphone. Some of them were even dancing along. The youngest, who was probably no more than five, was asleep with her head in Ruth’s lap.

He bent to pick up the little girl, and she didn’t even wake as her head lolled onto his shoulder.

“I think my leg fell asleep,” Ruth whispered. He reached a hand to her and hauled her to her feet. She clung to his hand until she got her balance. “How did it go?”

“Excellent. If they can all pile in the back of my truck, I’ll show you.”

“Is it safe to take them outside?”

“I’ve been all over town and I haven’t seen a whisker of a Chilkoot. Anyway, it’s dark now. No one will see anything. Come on, help me round ‘em up.”

Ruth clapped her hands and instantly had all the children’s attention. Clearly they were used to obedience. Running away must have been a huge step for them.

Again, he wondered how on earth they’d managed it. How did seven little kids hide out under a tarp without being spotted? And then get out of the truck with no one the wiser?

“We’re going for a ride in Gunnar’s truck,” Ruth told the kids. “Hang on to the sides, big ones make sure the little ones are secure, and no talking until we get there. Understand?”

Gunnar helped them climb into the bed, swinging the littler ones in himself. Maybe these kids were particularly well-behaved, but he found it easy to be with them. They were fun—they laughed at his jokes and seemed to find him fascinating. They generally did as they were told, although he didn’t expect that to last. Right now they were clinging to any adult who offered safety. Once they were secure, they’d probably start acting like any normal energetic children.

When they were all in place, Ruth climbed in to keep an eye on them during the drive. That meant that he didn’t get to see her face when he pulled up in front of Granny Apple’s Boarding House. A week ago, it had closed for the season, as it catered to a summer clientele of tourists and hikers. But he knew the owner well, and had pulled out all the stops to persuade him to offer up a safe haven.

He’d roused Birdie, the grumpy caretaker, who’d gotten a fire going for the kids. Now the porch light welcomed them, smoke drifted from the stovepipe, and a select crew of Firelight Ridge residents were hard at work inside.

“Gunnar,” Ruth murmured as he helped her off the tailgate. “I can’t afford a hotel. I know what Granny Apple’s charges, it’s over a hundred dollars a night for one room.”

“No charge. And we have the whole place.”

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