Page 64 of Thunder Pass

“What? How?”

“I might have to fix all of Darryl’s rigs for the next five years, but that’s all right. I already keep them well-maintained.” He winked at her. Darryl had a van to pick up guests at the air strip, a truck for hauling firewood, and a car that he brought back and forth from Anchorage, not to mention two snowmobiles and four ATV’s. On the bright side, Darryl was one of the few people in town who bought new vehicles, and they were all easy to work on.

“Gunnar, you can’t possibly do that.” Ruth shook her head as she helped Mercy climb off the tailgate. “I won’t let you.”

“It’s already done. Darryl would be furious if I backed out now. You don’t want to put me on his bad side, do you?” He took Mercy’s hand and led her toward the front door. “Let’s show the kids their new digs.”

“Digs?” Mercy asked. “Is it a garden?”

“That just means a place to stay.” He remembered what it had been like when he first started talking to Ruth, how many phrases and words she hadn’t ever heard before. This was going to be interesting—Ruth times seven, and all much younger than her.

Inside, they were greeted by Maura Vaughn and Ani Devi. “I reached out to Ani in case any of the kids needs a checkup,” Maura explained in a low voice.

“And I reached out to Maura because she’s already started teaching classes here,” Gunnar told Ruth. “It would be impossible for the kids to stay here without her knowing. Also, I know you’re friends. She’s been digging out sheets from storage, that sort of thing.”

Maura was already wrapping Ruth in a big hug. “Thanks for calling on me. I want to help in whatever way I can.”

When Ruth pulled away from their embrace, tears studded her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m just very touched that you guys are here.” She sniffed the air. “What’s that smell?”

“That’s Bear and Lila in the kitchen. You know this place has an amazing kitchen, right? Very…vintage.” Maura laughed a little. “As in, it’s a wood-fired cook stove. There’s a reason they only serve continental breakfast in the summers. Bear and Lila are making a big batch of chicken soup.”

“Doctor recommended,” said Ani with a smile. “It’s the ultimate comfort food for stressful situations.”

Ruth blinked away more tears. “Thank you all so much. This is just beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Gunnar wished they were alone so he could take his turn hugging her. But that would get people talking, so he kept his hands firmly in his pockets.

“Do you think I should take a look at any of the children?” Ani asked her. “I’m a licensed pediatrician, though not here in Alaska.”

“I don’t know yet. Noah has a bruise on his face, but I’m very sure he won’t talk to you about it. They’re not used to doctors. As for the others, I haven’t gotten a chance to have any one-on-one conversations with them yet.”

“I understand. I’m around, in case you or they need me.”

Ruth squeezed her hand gratefully.

Before Ani left, she pulled Gunnar aside. “Maura said you don’t want word to get out about the kids being here. You might want to think about including a few people you trust to have your back. Physically, I mean. In case…”

Gunnar knew exactly what she was talking about…in case Luke and a posse of Chilkoots came searching for the kids to drag them back to the compound.

“Nick already knows. Bear must know too, if he’s cooking dinner. If you want to tell Gil, feel free.” Gil, Ani’s fiancé, was a former diplomatic security agent. He’d be a great guy to offer backup.”

“How about Lachlan? It might be hard for Maura to keep a secret from him.”

Maura must have heard her name; she and Ruth stepped closer. “What about me?” she asked.

“I’m trying to convince Gunnar to let more people know what’s going on. Specifically, strong people who can stand up to Luke. Sam Coburn’s another one. He’s a pilot, and might be handy for a quick escape.”

Ruth met Gunnar’s gaze, then nodded. “That’s a great idea. Molly, too. I’ve been thinking that I should consult her about the legal situation here.”

“And she has the fastest car in town. Don’t forget Charlie,” Gunnar added. “She has the keys to Fire Peak Lodge. If we need to clear out of here, that lodge is my plan B.”

Ruth let out a long sigh, then threw up her hands. “Do we have any chance of keeping this quiet?”

“Probably not. This is Firelight Ridge, after all. Everyone’s connected.” Maura gave her a little squeeze around the shoulders. “But don’t worry. I think this is the kind of situation in which the more people who know, the safer you are, because we’re all going to have your back. No one is going to let anything happen to you or the kids.”

After Maura and Ani had left, Gunnar took Ruth’s hand and tugged her closer. “How are you doing? Are you all right?”

“I…I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I’m a little overwhelmed, I guess. I wasn’t expecting this. But I’m happy to see the kids. I missed them.”

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