SNOWSWEPT

by CuddleFae

Dr. Lauren Lewis has been assigned to oversee the opening of a new hospital. Overwhelmed by all there is to know and learn in an unfamiliar land, she crosses paths with a mysterious woman with a dark past - a past that has caused her to live by one rule. Trust no one. Thrown into a desperate struggle, can they overcome the barriers between them in their fight to survive?

15. Chapter 15: Back to Boston

A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews and messages! I truly appreciate the feedback and the support. I hope everyone had a merry, happy holiday season!

The time has come for Lauren to head home…

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Chapter 15: Back to Boston

It had been two days since the attack victim had come into the Intensive Care Unit and Nurse Nancy Fastwater had spent a good amount of that time talking to Doctor Lauren Lewis. She'd spent even more time investigating the doctor's background and that of their local hero, Ysabeau Dennis. Nancy had grown fond of the pair and their story, but even more – fiercely protective of the couple and their privacy.

Nancy prided herself on being a strong, stubborn, smart and savvy middle-aged woman both personally and professionally. She had seen a great deal in her years as a nurse and had learned the value of running a tight ship from her mentor who had retired a few years ago. When Dr. Lewis had warned her not to test the patience to winning. The woman was calling the doctor incessantly and the nurse called it what it was – harassment – and encouraged the young doctor to take legal action. It was something that Lauren had never considered an option, but suddenly it was there in the back of her mind whenever Evony called.

Nancy took the lightweight blanket from the foot of her patient's bed and covered her sleeping companion, smiling when she pulled her legs up onto the chair and curled into the soft warm cloth. Nancy grinned with satisfaction at the sight of the doctor. She was meant to leave yesterday, but the nurse had managed to do what Dr. Lewis had said was impossible - fend off the most incredible bitch of a woman she'd ever met by using her contacts to close the airstrip in Anchorage making her departure impossible.

It gave the doctor a few more days here. Nancy wasn't quite certain why she had done it, but she was a stout defender of her patients and she was well aware that Lauren was the best medicine for her patient right now. When Lauren stood to leave yesterday, Ysabeau was in tremendous distress, so Nancy had acted on instinct when she picked up the phone and called in every favor she was owed. Of course, keeping Bo sedated also helped to calm her, but she had slept peacefully since being assured that Lauren wouldn't be leaving for at least a few days.

Satisfied that the pair were settled, she left the room and returned to the Nurses' station. She smiled at the clock, knowing that it was soon time to reject yet another of the daily phone calls from Miss Evony Fleurette Marquis. She was passionately in loathe with that woman and was looking for any way to get on her last nerve.

Yesterday Evony had dropped by the hospital in an attempt to see the doctor. Nancy had lied, insisting that Lauren was not at the hospital and called security to have the woman forcibly removed. When Evony threatened to sue the hospital for not giving her access to 'her doctor', the President of the Board showed up and reminded her that as a hospital owner herself, she was well aware of the laws regarding patient confidentiality. When Evony began to argue, he reminded her that in Intensive Care Units, only partners and immediate family were permitted – she was neither, so he was well within his rights to physically removed her from the premises if she would not walk out under her own power.

Nancy had watched the entire altercation, but the entire time, she couldn't shake the feeling that Evony saw Doctor Lewis as some sort of indentured servant. The way she referred to Lauren as 'her doctor' unnerved the nurse and again, she mentioned to Lauren taking legal action against her.

This morning, Evony was particularly insistent. The woman had yelled down the hallway to Lauren, threatening to fire her if she didn't come out and speak to her immediately. Behind her back, Nancy quickly picked up the phone and called Lauren in Bo's room to ask her if she was supposed to be on duty at the hospital. The doctor had explained that her shifts were all covered because she was supposed to be gone by now. As it stood, she had called in to the clerk in Boston, logging vacation days just to be sure she remained within the bounds of her contract. As a side note, Lauren had told Nancy that she had accumulated hundreds of days of sick and vacation time since coming into Evony's employ, so she could legitimately take off months and still have a job. Nancy had giggled into the receiver before hanging up so she could return to looking busy over medical charts.

When the Nurse could stand the yelling no more, she called security again, asking Jed to hold Evony until the clinic could be called to see if Lauren was there. When Nancy got Carolyn on the phone to speak with her boss, she told Evony that Lauren was well within her rights to use some of her banked time off and that the good doctor had people to see before she was forcibly removed from Alaska by her boss.

Evony didn't like Carolyn's tone, so reminded her that she could be removed from her job. Carolyn laughed and hung up, knowing that Evony was not about to fire her unless she could find someone with her qualifications in Alaska. What Evony didn't know was that all three of the Nurses had been in touch with their friend back in Boston and learned that their boss was alienating staff right and left. Many people had quit in Lauren's absence. Nadia was now competing with Evony for top 'bitch from hell' status and no one wanted to work with the two women. Even if Evony did fire her, Carolyn didn't care. She and Shannon had already discussed shifting their employment to the Anchorage hospital – especially if they weren't going to be working for Lauren.

Nancy had inserted herself into an employment nightmare and came out with more information than she had wanted. One thing was for certain – she would no longer be applying for a job at Talkeenta General when it opened. There was no way she was going to work for Evony, and she was certainly not going to tell her that Lauren was actually in Bo's hospital room. For now, she would continue running the façade with Doctor Lewis to buy her more time so that her girlfriend could heal enough to handle her departure emotionally and physically. She felt bad for the couple – especially for Bo. The woman had been through so much.

Nancy was no hermit. She had heard the stories about the Musher and had watched others fear the dark woman when she'd come into town. She had known many Big Jim Morton's in her life, so saw right through his attempts to slander the native. She was not easily convinced as the rest of the people in the city when it came to believing rumors. She was one who liked to judge people and truths for herself. The more she watched the well-known Iditarod runner when she came to town, the less she believed about all that Big Jim had told the townsfolk.

Hearing the buzzer sound for Bo's room, she stood and walked the short distance down the unit hallway to Bo's room. She stopped in the doorway when she saw that Bo was still sleeping. Lauren was standing, arms folded on the other side of the room staring out of the large picture window. This was the position she found the doctor in most hours of the day since Bo was admitted. She never left the room. Never. Bo's condition had been upgraded from critical to serious, but the doctor still paced the room most hours of the day. She'd done everything from Bo's room and Nancy had helped her to do so by ordering take out and keeping her showered, hydrated and fed.

Nancy's online research had made it plain that Lauren was an outsider, but there were some other dead giveaways. Beyond some of the terms she used and her fashion-forward east coast boss, the blonde didn't sleep much – a common characteristic of outsiders who are faced with Alaska's unending daylight hours in summer. Truth be known, without room-darkening shades, Nancy would probably struggle to find sleep at times as well, but as a native, she could sleep in the low-light evenings if she had to. In a few days, they would lose the two hours of near darkness that remained, and they would all be a bit more tired on a regular basis. It beat the bouts of depression they suffered in the winter months of unending darkness.

She sighed, turning her attention to her patient and checking the monitors one last time before folding her arms and the patient chart to her chest and walking towards Lauren,

"You called?"

Lauren turned, giving her a shy smile, "Yes. Sorry. I didn't hear you come in."

Nancy smiled, "I'm practicing my stealth capabilities for use on your bitch of a boss."

Offering a tight smile, Lauren nodded, "She is being quite… insistent. She doesn't like it when things don't go her way."

"Like a petulant child." Nancy smirked, "So, did you need something?"

"Actually, Bo is the one that hit the call button. She opened her eyes, grabbed the button, hit it and then rolled over and went back to sleep."

Nancy shook her head, "Sleep calling, huh?"

Lauren shrugged, "I suppose. She doesn't seem to be in any pain. Her vitals are steady. I'm not sure what that was about."

"The sedatives are likely confusing her a bit. I'm hoping that the doctor will take her off those tomorrow."

"I see. So, as I suspected, she's out of the woods?" Lauren asked.

Nancy nodded, "I believe she's just about there."

Lauren stared at Bo for a long moment, a look of longing on her face, "Evony will be demanding we find an alternate means of getting the airport once she's moved to a regular room. I've got a conference in three days. I'll have to go."

Nancy shook her head, "There has got to be some legal action you can take, Lauren. There's no way you want to work for a woman like that. You're too gifted a surgeon to have to stay with a woman like her."

She smiled up at Nancy, "I'll figure it out, Nancy." She took a deep breath and heaved a heavy sigh, "When I get back to Boston, I will take care of my conference duties, check on some patients and then I intend to see a mentor of mine as well as my attorneys."

She looked back to Bo, "She said she'll come to Boston to visit me. I really would love for her to see my city."

Nancy nodded, "Don't get your hopes up about her reaction, Doctor Lewis. If what I've read about our champion is true, she's lived off-grid on her own most of her life. A person like that gets a bit skittish in the big city, so be warned."

Lauren nodded, "I've considered that very point. I'll have to choose our activities carefully to assure the smallest crowds possible."

Shrugging, the Nurse offered, "I can only speak from my own experience."

"You've been to Boston?"

Nancy nodded, "My eldest daughter went to college in California. She met a young man Boston and followed him home. I visit them twice a year – longest days of my life. I feel like a caged animal. So many tall buildings and cars. Way too much concrete and enough trees. I do like the water, though… and the beaches."

Lauren smiled, "I do intend to take her to my beach house. I hoping she'll love it there."

"Anything is better than being in this hospital." Nancy smiled.

"Agreed."

"Well, I'll be heading back to my station then. Let me know if either of you need anything."

"Thank you, Nancy. Sorry to have disturbed you."

"No worries, Doctor Lewis. It's my job after all."

Nancy offered a smile as she departed the room. The familiar walk to the nurses' station found her thoughts muddied with personal feelings of sympathy and empathy, something she usually felt was a positive trait for nurses. She had lied for Lauren crossing a line into getting personally involved with a patient – a big no-no in her book.

Still, she found it hard to feel guilty about her actions, because the woman really was a bitch. Besides, Braun Howard owed her a favor and it was long past time she called it him and made him pay big in return. As the owner and lone decision maker with regards to all flights in and out of the airstrip, he was the only one who had the power to close flights, so he had done it to settle their debt. He had screamed in her ear for almost an hour about having to deal with Evony and her threats to ruin him, but when Nancy started telling him how it would make him a local hero because everyone hated the woman, he calmed down.

The debt was paid, and Braun was satisfied, though truly, the debt would never be paid. Nancy had caught him in the act with Angie Withers on the hood of his Chevy behind the movie theatre. He had begged her not to tell his wife and she had agreed in exchange for future favors. The real reason she hadn't told was because his wife was a longtime friend of hers and she refused to hurt her by telling her of his betrayal. Braun had promised it was a one-time thing and Nancy had promised in return to knocking him unconscious, calling 9-1-1 to get him to the hospital and surgically removing his man part while he was out if he ever cheated on her again. When he passed out cold at the thought, she knew he would be keeping his promise.

Getting him to violate FAA rules was difficult at best. It didn't help that Braun thought that young love was a stupid reason to shut down an airport, but when Nancy's friend Vex showed up dressed in battle fatigues with a machete in hand, that familiar pale color returned to Braun's face. When she explained that Vex was a good friend of Bo's, he agreed without further complaint.

Nancy couldn't put her finger on it, but there was just something about the Champion and the Doctor. They were the real deal – they just didn't quite know it yet… at least, it seemed, Lauren didn't know it. She didn't trust herself. That wasn't going to change or keep her from leaving, but her presence would give Bo a chance to recover enough to handle her departure. She smiled thinking of the tough, fiercely independent doctor. She had fought Nancy like a cranky patient on taking care of herself enough to be able to take care of Bo. It was true – doctors really do make the worst patients.

Nancy carried the chart to the rack, then slid into the chair next to her colleague who had just returned from her rounds. The younger nurse immediately hounded her with questions,

"How's our famous patient?" The woman leaned back in her chair, putting her elbows on the arms and interlocking her fingers, "Any juicy gossip?"

"Geez, Carla. The woman almost died, she's being kept asleep or near sleep because her pain levels are likely higher than any normal human could handle and you're asking for gossip? Tell me again why you ever became a nurse?"

"So I could see the world, make tons of money and marry a nice doctor like my mother always wanted."

Nancy laughed, "You mean so that you could trap a man who happened to be a doctor into marrying you and giving you lots of his money so that he could pay for you to see the world."

"Semantics." Carla replied.

"Devil child." Nancy said, shaking her head.

"Well, apparently you learned a bit more about integrity as a child." Carla sat up in her chair, smiling at the woman who was truly more like a big sister to her than a colleague. She begged, "Come on, Nance. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened around here. You gotta give me something!"

Nancy looked at her in disbelief, "Exciting? We get bear attacks, earthquake victims, near drownings and we bring people back to life who have been frozen on Denali for almost thirty minutes! That woman being shot is exciting to you?"

"Shot with a bow and arrow! I mean… who does that happen to?"

Nancy shrugged, "Apparently it happens to her."

"Nancy…"

"Carla, that's enough! I'm not making that woman a victim any more than she already has been."

"Spoilsport." Carla pouted, slumping back in her chair.

"Spoiled brat." Nancy chuckled, turning her head to continue filling out her patients' records.

The outside door opened, letting in the cool air of an Alaskan summer. Nancy loved the smell of the crisp air this time of year… she savored it. Everywhere you looked there were flowers in bloom. Every home in Anchorage had a garden filled with fresh vegetables and kitchens oozing the delicious scents of meals cooked from foraged, natural foods. No one ate frozen this time of year. They had enough of that through the long winter. She thought that she might have a salad for lunch today… one with those plump tomatoes and cucumbers she'd picked from her own garden.

She shook out her thoughts and looked up to find a familiar tall man with short, curly blonde hair approaching the counter. She smiled until she saw the badge he held up,

"Good evening Ma'am. Sheriff Dyson Thornwood, here to interview Miss Ysabeau Dennis."

Nancy shrugged, "Dyson. Here on official business, huh?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Don't Ma'am me, young man. I've known you since you were a toddler. Mischievous little thing you were. It's hard to ask a woman to believe you're a sheriff now."

He smiled, "How's Drum and the kids, Nancy?"

"Drum's the same way he always is, just a little older and a little crankier. The kids are off and running their own lives. They only come home when they want a home-cooked meal."

Dyson nodded, "I suppose that's the natural order of things in life, eh?"

"How about you, Dyson? You look in on your Mama from time to time?"

"That I do, Ma'am."

"Good boy. Now, what can I do for you?"

"As I said, I'm here to interview Miss Dennis about the attack on her homestead."

"I was told a Federal Agent was coming today."

"The attack happened in my jurisdiction."

"And like I said, I was told a Federal Agent was coming today. I believe they have official control over the case seeing as the security in the lobby and outside of the unit are both federal agents."

"They're merely a precaution, not investigative personnel. I have a right to be here."

Nancy nodded, "Well, let's just wait for the Federal Agent and ask her. I'm sure you don't mind waiting so that I don't violate any laws. Miss Dennis has just come out of a very long surgery and she is still listed as in serious condition."

"That was three days ago, Nancy."

"Dyson, she's still in serious condition. Now please don't argue with me…"

"But Nancy, this investigation is…"

The door opened, stealing the attention of both Nurse and Sheriff from their standoff and sending it towards the Special Agent entering the hospital. Tamsin wasted no time flipping open her badge and Nancy wasted no time leading the way to Bo's room, smirking at Dyson as she turned. He shook his head and followed, listening to the update on Bo's condition provided by the Nurse.

He was still angry at Bo for not giving him a heads up about what was happening at her house. It was his territory, after all. He had to hear it from that damn Special Agent in Charge, Acacia something. He was furious that she blocked his department from 'interfering' in their operation. He should have been there to defend Bo – it was his duty.

His attention was drawn back to Nancy's update when she mentioned that a certain blonde doctor had not left Bo's side since she'd been brought in. His jealousy flared as his eyes came to rest on the joined hands of the two women, Bo's spare hand caressing Lauren's cheek.

He cleared his throat causing everyone in the room to turn his way. He pounded his fist against his chest, "Sorry. A little congested. Allergies."

Nancy rolled her eyes knowing full well that Dyson had no such condition. She had, however, heard from Vex that the Sheriff was sweet on Bo and mighty upset that she had chosen Lauren. She walked to Bo's side,

"Feel up to discussing what happened with Tamsin? I'll allow it if you promise to remain calm."

Bo smiled up at Tamsin, "Translation… if I don't stay calm, she'll poke me with another one of her needles and knock me out. Apparently, the arrow knicked an important artery and almost killed me. They want my heart rate to stay down until they're sure it's fully healed."

Lauren spoke up, "Translation… her blood pressure needs to remain low to avoid additional stress on the artery where it was repaired. Increased heart rate means increased blood pressure. She really does need to remain calm, Tamsin."

The agent nodded, "Well, I have plenty of witnesses for what happened at the homestead. But you, Miss Dennis, were alone on that mountain until your Mom and I found you."

"How is my Mom?"

"She was discharged yesterday and is holding down the fort at your house with the kids and your kin. Everyone has been pitching in to repair your house and to scour the lands for any left-over weapons or shell casings."

Dyson protested, "That's not appropriate procedure, Agent. Spent or full shell casings should be processed…"

"Give it a rest, Dyson. We don't need every single shell casing. We've got the ones we need. Besides, I'm not a novice. I have forensic photographers on the scene, so just relax. Why are you here, anyway?"

"The incident happened in my territory."

"But you have no jurisdiction here, Dyson. It's a federal case."

"I was told that I would be kept in the loop. A large-scale attack happened on my lands and I was not informed."

"According to Acacia, you were informed." Tamsin argued.

"But we were not involved. Now, I'm gathering information needed to keep my territory safe."

Tamsin laughed, "Your territory is safe. The incident is over and we're taking it to the courts."

Nancy watched as Bo's heart rate increased, "Ladies, Dyson… this is exactly what I wanted to avoid."

Bo waved Nancy to her bedside and whispered in her ear. Nancy cleared her throat as she stood, giving Bo a nod before turning to Dyson,

"Come with me, please."

"I will not. I have a right to be here."

"My patient just asked me to take you from the room. If you resist, I will call those federal agents you mentioned and have them put you under arrest. I believe Tamsin can attest to my right to do so."

Dyson looked at the brunette, "Bo, please…"

"Leave, Dyson. I don't want you here. You can get any information you need from Tamsin's report and you know it."

Nancy placed a hand on Dyson's upper arm and led him from the room. He looked back over his shoulder to see Lauren kissing the back of Bo's hand and then her cheek. He sighed before turning and walking from the room.

Tamsin sighed, "Okay. Now, do you feel up to talking about this or was that little moment about Dyson?"

Bo sighed, "I don't want him involved in my business. I don't want him involved in my life. I don't want him anywhere near Lauren."

Her heart rate climbed again, but Lauren spoke softly in her ear, "He's gone, Bo. It's just us and Tamsin, okay?"

Bo nodded, "Okay."

"Now, are you up for answering questions?"

Bo shook her head, "No questions. I have to tell you. There's two more groups."

"What?" Tamsin and Lauren said in unison.

"Up on the mountain. The guy… there was a guy… he's the one that cut me, but I got the best of him in the end. He was… he was bleeding… a lot. I… I was putting pressure on the wound, but then he started saying all of this stuff and… I lost it… I was so angry… no angry… it was rage… just rage and being sick and tired of this war and… I didn't know I could… but… I did… I left him. I was going to send someone back but then I got shot and…"

"We found him, Bo. It's okay."

"There was so much blood… I'm a monster… I just left him there… I should have…"

Nancy hurried into the room, shutting off the alarms, "That's enough for now, Tamsin."

Tamsin looked up at the monitors and nodded. She moved away from the bed with Lauren so that Nancy could administer the sedative again.

"Did she say anything to you about these two other groups?" Tamsin asked.

Lauren shook her head, "This is the first I'm hearing about it. She's mostly been dwelling on the fact that I'm leaving soon."

"I thought the airport was closed?"

"Evony has given me until tomorrow. She's bringing in a chopper that will take us to the airfield at Talkeetna. Apparently, Dyson is helping her."

"Of course he is." Tamsin shook her head, "I've got to find out about these other two groups. Word must have gotten to them by now that this group failed. They'll be coming for her again."

Lauren held up a finger, "Bo writes in a journal. She was bored yesterday, so asked for a pen and paper while I was taking a shower yesterday."

She went to the backpack with Bo's personal belongings she had brought from the house and pulled out the leather-bound journal. She paused for a moment, but Tamsin moved to her side,

"I know it feels like a betrayal, but I really need to know in order to protect her, Lauren."

The doctor nodded, opening the journal. She skimmed the passage with yesterday's date and smiled, showing it to Tamsin. Sure enough, Bo had regaled the entire tale of what had transpired on the mountain including the information provided to her by the man.

"Wow. She's got names, places… this is exactly what we need." Tamsin pulled out her phone, "I will redact the personal stuff… as well as the confession about having killed a man."

"Surely that is considered self-defense. It says he had admitted he would continue pursuing her until she was dead – that they all would. Besides, it wasn't like she could carry him down through gunfire."

"Oh, I agree. I just don't want that particular piece of information out there in the ether without the full context of Bo's statement. This is her guilt talking. In a proper investigation, we will ask questions that bring forth the full motive for her actions… protecting herself and her kin."

Lauren nodded, watching Tamsin take photos of the pages. When she reached the last page, Lauren placed her hand over the writing,

"That's very personal."

"Lauren…"

"And has nothing to do with the case."

Tamsin could see the pleading in the doctor's eyes, "May I take a quick look?"

"No pictures."

Nodding, the agent agreed before reading a few sentences. She skipped to the next page and the next, satisfied that there the entry was no longer case-related. She looked up at the doctor,

"I know you're torn, Lauren. But just in case you need to hear it, here it is. Bo has never felt about anyone the way she feels about you. It's as real as can be for her, so if you have any doubts about her ability to commit to you, please let me reassure you – you are it for Bo. Barring some miracle, there won't be another for her. You check all of her boxes and believe me when I tell you that no one has ever been able to do that for Bo."

Lauren nodded, "I would think Kyle came close."

Tamsin shrugged, "Probably, but Kyle has no patience for Bo's anger."

"You give me too much credit. I don't either. It's been a big sticking point." Lauren confessed.

"But you got Bo to seek help for her anger. No one has ever been able to get her to do that."

Lauren nodded, "You know, that's not a bad idea. I should give Doctor Gray a call and see if she'd be willing to come to the hospital."

"Faith is a big fan of Bo's. I'm sure she'll come."

"She talked to you about Bo?"

Tamsin shook her head, "Of course not. Patient-client privilege and all. Bo told me that's who she was seeing, and we talked about her. I saw her after… well… an incident. It was a mandatory counseling thing. Anyway, she's awesome. I'm sure she could help Bo."

Lauren pulled out her phone, "I'm going to give her a call and ask her to stop by."

Tamsin nodded, "I'm going to head back to Acacia and the gang, get home office on these other two cells before they can cause any more trouble. I'll also bring in a tactical team here, the homestead and the clinic as well… just until we have these bozo's in custody."

Tamsin turned to leave, but stopped and turned back to Lauren, "You might want to give Faith a heads up that you're leaving tomorrow."

Tamsin could see Lauren's eyes fill with tears as her voice cracked when she began to speak into the phone. She walked to Bo's beside and leaned down to whisper in her ear,

"I'm on it, Bo. I'm going to bring this to an end once and for all. You just rest and recover. We've all got your back. You've done enough. Just focus on yourself and the journey ahead."

Tamsin stood, looking at the monitors, satisfied that her friend was resting peacefully. She looked at Lauren who was now standing at the window, one arm over her chest. It was likely the last time she would see the blonde doctor unless he made her way back to Alaska. Maybe one day she would be on a case in Boston and would look her up if she didn't return.

She looked back at Bo and whispered, "May the Athabascan spirits be with us all if she doesn't return to you."

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Boston, One Week Later

Lauren loved the historic district of Boston and today she loved it even more. She was meeting her friend and mentor, Doctor Stephen Archer. It had been almost a year since she'd seen him, and she was looking forward to his company.

She crossed the street and headed past Faneuil Hall into the Marketplace. There were street performers here regularly throughout the summer. They held auditions in Spring and hired the best of the best. She joined the crowd who had gathered to watch a group of jugglers who were bringing some children from the crowd into their act. She smiled at the girl with a head full of blonde curls. Her heart clenched as reminders of Elise rushed through her mind. She had made a promise to care for the child and now, here she was, enjoying Boston. The ache was replaced with guilt, causing her to turn away. She had a restaurant reservation to make, after all.

She strolled along the brick walkway, pausing every now and then to watch performers or look in a store window. Again, memories of Alaska and Bo Dennis surged to the forefront of her mind when she saw a group of Native American musicians who were all playing native instruments. The music was beautiful, and one woman reminded her of a younger version of Bo's mother.

She closed her eyes tight, forcing the memories from her mind. She had reservations and had to go. She turned down a side street, choosing to avoid the marketplace altogether for the rest of her walk. She returned to the main road and walked the rest of the distance with her eyes straight ahead, dodging people who shared the sidewalk.

Finally, she saw the sign for the Union Oyster House up ahead. It was Stephen's favorite place to eat and was the oldest restaurant in the state. The history of Boston was one of the things that Lauren loved the most about living here. Entering the establishment, she could feel the years beneath her feet. Everything from the historic building to the uneven floor and dark motif screamed the birth year of Atwood and Bacon's establishment in 1826.

"Hello, would you like a seat at the Oyster Bar?" The waitress asked.

Lauren shook her head, "No thank you. I'm meeting Doctor Stephen Archer? We have reservations for…"

"The Kennedy Booth. Doctor Archer never sits anywhere else. He's waiting for you, Doctor Lewis."

"You know my name?" Lauren asked.

The waitress smiled, "I saw your press conference last night. It's miraculous how you saved that young boys' life."

Lauren blushed and shrugged, "Just doing my job… Pam, is it?"

The young woman smiled, "It is. Now that we've got our introductions out of the way, would you like me to take you to the booth or do you know the way."

Lauren grinned, "I know every inch of this place. I love it here. I can find my way, thank you."

Pam nodded, "Okay then. I know what Doctor Archer is having. Do you need a menu?"

"I think I will have a look at a menu. I've been living in Alaska for almost a year and am just reacclimating to life on the east coast. I want to look at all of my options."

"Alaska. All of my friends say it's a bucket list trip."

Lauren nodded, "It is."

Her heart ached for Bo, but as she suspected, she was happy to be back in Boston. She had only performed two surgeries, but her colleagues had challenged her at the three-day conference and the surgeries had her adrenaline pumping. She missed having Carolyn on her surgical team, but there were a few rookies who handled things fairly well.

She had been busy. Very, very busy. Too busy to think too much. When she got home at night, she passed out quickly. When she got up in the morning, she had to get off to the hospital for rounds right away. In transit, she was studying patient charts or running surgical routines on the subway.

It was the quiet moments that were the most difficult. She missed Bo terribly. She had called her twice, but Bo hadn't returned her calls. She called Kenzi, but it was the middle of the dinner rush, so they couldn't talk long. All the younger woman told her was that the rest of Big Jim's gang had been taken into custody and Bo had been discharged from the hospital. She was in good hands with her Mom by her side at the homestead and Tosh had hired workers to help a wheelchair-bound LJ at the Kennel.

Kenzi mentioned something about Bo having regular visits with the shrink, but the rest was drowned out by the crowd at the hotel before the call cut out. She had tried Molly and Tamsin as well, but neither of them had returned her calls either. So, she was feeling shut out, but was trying hard to rationalize the fact that no one had returned her calls to everyone being very busy. It was summer and the cruise ship passengers were out and about in force.

"Lauren! My dear, dear friend!" Doctor Archer stood, putting both arms out to the blonde and engulfing her in a hug. She held on tight as tears threatened to fall, but he finally gripped her shoulders and pulled her back at arms' length.

"Oh, no! My dear, this is not the greeting I expected. Please… sit."

Lauren wiped her eyes, forcing a smile, "I'm sorry, Stephen. I'm just a bit emotional today and seeing you after such a long time away set me off."

"If only I could have that effect on all of the ladies." He grinned, "Now, tell me all about Alaska and your time away. Any adventures?"

Lauren smiled, "So many adventures. It was incredible, Stephen. You really must go."

"I'm afraid at my age, that trip is a thing of the past."

Lauren shrugged, "If you took precautions, you could make the trip… you could make any trip, Stephen. You really should be traveling… see something other than Boston or a big East Coast city for a change?"

"Now doctor, you of all people know that after having a DVT blood clot, long flights are not recommended."

"I'm not suggesting a flight, Stephen. I'm suggesting several short cruises, maybe a few short drives. Make your way slowly west and finish it off with one short flight. You've got nothing but time on your hands, after all."

He laughed, "And do you really think Betsy would be up for such an adventure?"

Lauren grinned, "Every day is an adventure with that woman. Hell, she jumped out of an airplane last year and took a ride in a hot air balloon the year before… albeit right here in Boston, but venturing out would be an epic trip."

"Yes, well, I'll consider it. You know, she wanted to come today to hear all about your adventure."

"Let me guess. She already had plans?"

"Her cycling club."

"That woman is amazing." Lauren grinned, shaking her head, "It's hard to believe she's seventy-two."

"Indeed. So, tell me… word has it that you've met someone." Stephen smirked.

Lauren's eyes went wide, "You… how could you possibly know that?"

"You do realize that you had your nurses in Alaska with you, right? They do still speak to their friends here. The hospital grapevine is alive and well."

Lauren laughed, "Nadia came for dinner and vented to you and Betsy about it."

"Exactly."

The pair laughed, Stephen pausing for a moment to explain, "You are well aware that my wife and I are not fans of your now ex-wife, so when she invited herself to dinner, it was awkward at best."

"I can't believe she did that." Lauren replied.

"Really? You can't believe that Nadia came to our house and tried to make you out to be the bad guy in our eyes? She's been doing nothing but trashing you since she got back from Alaska… did a fair job from a distance while she was there as well."

Betsy laughed, "And she's trying to make you look like the hospital slut as well."

Both Lauren and Stephen looked up to see a familiar silver-haired woman in riding gear place her helmet on the seat next to the blonde doctor, giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Betsy! It's so good to see you." Lauren smiled, hugging the older woman.

Betsy smiled, walking over to Stephen to give him a peck as well, "That feeling is mutual."

She turned to Stephen, "Ingrid took a spill, so we had to call an ambulance. Our ride came to a swift and not-so-miraculous end, so I thought there was still time for lunch with my favorite people on the planet."

Lauren grinned, "We haven't even ordered yet, so you're just in time."

Pulling off her riding shoes, Betsy sat back in the seat next to Stephen, "You have many dear friends at the hospital, Lauren, so rest assured that your reputation is safe with them. For every lie told by Nadia and Evony, there are fifty people to tell the truth."

"Evony?"

Stephen nodded, "I took the liberty of sending some detailed statements to your legal team."

"Detailed statements from who?" Lauren asked, sitting up in her chair.

"From hospital staff loyal to you... well, more accurately… loyal to the truth."

Betsy nodded, "I'm still working with the volunteer staff. We keep our noses in every conversation we hear that involves your name. Evony has been bad-mouthing you, backing Nadia's side of the story. She's trying to prop Nadia up just in case you leave her at the end of your contract."

Stephen smiled, "Which, from what I've heard from the friends of your nurses, you may wish to be sooner than later."

Lauren shrugged, "Honestly, I'm not sure."

"Lauren, you can't seriously be considering staying on with Evony after how she has treated you." Betsy said, getting to her feet and walking around the table to sit beside Lauren.

In that moment, Lauren recognized that, for all her thoughts of being a strong, independent woman, she had allowed both Nadia and Evony to undermine her personal and professional life for far too long. She desperately wanted to say 'no, of course not' to Betsy, but the truth was… she loved her job. She loved her work. She loved her colleagues. She loved her hospital. She just hated her boss and was quickly working up to hating her ex rather than just loathing her.

"You know, I just don't know. Since being back here, it's taken me exactly one week to fall back into my routine and… well, I love it. I love the challenge, I love the people I work with, I love the surgeries I get to do and I love saving lives. I just can't see working anywhere else."

The two older adults sat stunned, the table silent until the voice of Pam the waitress rose above their thoughts,

"Okay Kennedy Booth! What would you like to order today?"

All three stared up at the waitress and she back at them until she asked, "Do you need more time?"

Lauren shook her head, "I have to be back at the hospital for rounds in a couple of hours, so I'd like to order if you are both ready."

The pair turned to each other, shaking their heads before looking up at the waitress, "Of course. I believe you already know what Stephen is going to order. He's a creature of habit when it comes to this place."

Pam laughed, writing down the order, "I'm aware."

"I'll have Ye Olde Seafood Platter." Betsy said, handing her menu to Pam and returning to her seat next to Stephen. She looked at Stephen, his face showing the same concern she was feeling.

Pam looked to Lauren who handed her the menu, "I'll have the Pan Seared Scallop Salad."

"Okay folks. I'll have that back here in a jiffy."

"Thank you, Pam." They all said in unison.

Stephen sat back in his booth, taking Betsy's hand under the table, "Lauren, you've considered me your mentor for a very long time."

"Since my med school days, yes, of course."

"Then I hope you'll hear what I say with the knowledge that I love you like a daughter and always have your best interests at heart."

"Of course." Lauren smiled.

He looked at Betsy, then back to Lauren, "We believe it is long past time that you take legal action against Evony and leave her hospital. If you wish to stay in Boston, there are any number of wonderful hospitals who would hire you in an instant not to mention hospitals in other states who would be drooling to have you on their staff. They would likely shift staff to allow you any position, salary and work conditions that you choose."

Betsy smiled, "I think that what you're feeling since your return is comfort, Lauren. You were out of your comfort zone for a long time, but you are a creature of habit. You said it yourself. You've settled back into a routine since returning. I'd ask you if the routine is truly providing you the challenge you seek or if you're instead using that routine to avoid thinking about something that you're missing."

Stephen knew Lauren's limits and the blonde had clearly reached them. So, giving Betsy's hand a squeeze, he changed the subject,

"Just some things to think about." He smiled, "So, tell us about Alaska. Did you see Denali?"

Lauren sighed, her eyes moving to the napkin on her lap before looking back up at Stephen and Betsy,

"Alaska was beautiful. Of course, when I first landed, I thought Evony had sent me to a frozen hell. The older teen boy who picked me up killed a polar bear to keep us from getting mauled to death before we even got to our first stop."

"So, when did you begin to see its beauty?" Betsy asked.

Lauren grinned and shrugged, her mind traveling to Bo, but she quickly shut down the thoughts and sighed, taking a long sip of water before answering,

"I don't really remember a specific moment. It happened so gradually. I mean, you're surrounded by all of these mountains and, as backdrops to the towns, they're mammoth's…" She smiled thinking of the day she had her big tour and saw it, "…but then you see Denali and I swear in that moment, I almost believed in God."

"You? The eternal Atheist? The science is all that matters, big bang theory doctor?" Stephen laughed.

"Ha. Ha. I did say almost. Anyway, it was truly amazing. Bo took me up to one of the climbing routes and I actually stood on the side of the mountain. It was incredible. Flying over the Alaska Range was incredible. I worked the Iditarod as a medic for the dogs… and humans. That was an awesome experience as well. And… I drove a dog sled and I have a dog team of my own!"

"You drove a dog sled? A real one? By yourself?"

"Wait a minute!" Stephen said, swiping his hands across the table, "You swore you would never own a pet. You have a dog sled team? Multiple dogs? You brought them here to Boston?"

The couple watched Lauren's expression sag, "Lauren?"

"Sorry. I just… I miss them. They're in Alaska. They need room to run and the temperature would be tough on them. I couldn't…" She swallowed hard, choking back tears as she once again refolded the napkin in her lap. She forced her mind back to more pleasant thoughts, a smile slowly stretching across her face,

"My first sledding experience was due to my stubborn nature. I almost got myself killed." She shared the story with the pair, admitting all of her shortcomings including how Bo had to save her life. Their lunch came and went as did the minutes, the blonde recounting all of her adventures until the last possible minute when she had to get back to face the wrath of Evony.

"I have to ask. Do you have a picture of this Bo you're so enamored with?" Betsy asked.

Lauren blushed and pulled out her phone. She flipped back to the date she knew by heart and opened the picture of the two of them that Carolyn had taken, arms wrapped around each other, grinning widely and showed it to the older couple.

"I've never seen you look happier, Lauren." Betsy said.

Stephen agreed, "She's clearly captured your heart. In all of the time I've known you, I've never heard you go on about anyone like that." He smiled, "You love her."

Lauren looked down at the picture for a long moment before closing her phone and putting it in her pocket. She looked up at the pair,

"I do." She added, "But I live here, and she lives there. It's not fair to hold her back from her life there. I'm just a silly city girl."

Stephen nodded, "Where one lives is basic geography, Lauren. Love resides in the heart and you carry it with you no matter where you go. Once it plants its roots in your chest, it will need to be nurtured or it will die right along with the parts of the heart it has come to inhabit. You know as well as I do that a broken heart is a very real thing. Take care of your love and your heart, Lauren."

The blonde shrugged, "My heart is just fine, Stephen. I promise."

"You don't miss this Bo?"

"I suppose I do on some level, but I've got a life here, Stephen. A very full life."

"A life filled with surgeries and duty, Lauren. Not a life with love."

Lauren smiled, "Are you telling me that you two don't love me anymore?"

Betsy shook her head, "Of course not, Lauren. But we can't give you the kind of love that Bo can. We can't give you that once in a lifetime love that makes your heart ache if you can't have it."

"Is that the kind of love the two of you have found?"

Stephen and Betsy looked at each other and smiled. Stephen turned to Lauren,

"If you had told me that I would find another person I could love as I did my Evelyn, I never would have believed you fifteen years ago."

Betsy chimed in, "We've both had big loves, Lauren and nothing – no one will ever compare to those. The love that we share now is different. We're older, our needs are different, our goals are different, our wants are different. This love cannot compare to our first loves because they served a purpose in a different time."

Lauren nodded, "I suppose I feel somewhat the same. I don't see a need to enter into a committed relationship all over again. I just got out of one."

"The wrong one, Lauren. You didn't love Nadia – not like you do Bo - so you never really committed to her with your whole heart. You weren't in a relationship, Lauren, you were just going through the motions of daily life. You carry her with you every minute of the day as you do your Bo."

She smiled, reaching across the table to run a finger down her cheek, "Your entire face lights up when you speak of her, Lauren. That seems worth fighting for to me." Betsy smiled.

"And me." Stephen agreed.

Lauren nodded, "She is very special."

"And you're willing to leave that love behind? Do you really believe you could find that sort of love again?"

Shrugging, the blonde replied, "I don't know. The two of you have."

Stephen shook his head, "You clearly weren't listening to Betsy when she explained about us. We both lost the love of our lives, Lauren. We will never love like that again and we know it. The love we have now is precious – so very precious, but it's a love for this time in our lives. You're so young and young love like this only comes around once, my dear."

"Please don't take it for granted, Lauren. This woman has opened something up in you. We can see it. Please don't let that light go out by diving into your work again… not with Evony and Nadia. They'll kill your soul, Lauren. We've seen it before with people like them. They'll suck your talent dry and thirty years from now, you'll be wondering why you ever became a doctor." Betsy urged.

Lauren checked her watch, "Well, it's that time again. Thank you both for a lovely lunch. It was so nice to see you again."

"Will we resume our Friday night dinners?" Stephen asked.

Lauren nodded, "We will, but not this week. I have plans with some friends who I still haven't connected with since my return. I promised them this Friday night at Elaine's."

"Okay. We'll see you next Friday then." Stephen smiled.

Standing, the blonde smiled, "Let me know what I can bring."

"I'll text you." Betsy replied.

"See you for study session on Wednesday?" Stephen asked.

"Of course. In your den. I'd like to review cold transplant procedures." Lauren replied, gaining a nod from Stephen.

She turned and headed for the down staircase, giving a wave to Pam before pushing through the exit. Once outside, she took a deep breath, trying to push all the advice and thoughts out of her mind. She had patients to focus on and this was no time to be distracted by thoughts of love.

She went to fold the receipt to put it in her pocket, but noticed some writing on the back. She recognized the handwriting immediately, so read the message from her mentor,

"Any doctor worth their salt will continually evaluate their performance each and every day of their life. I'm not just talking about your surgical performances, Lauren. I'm talking about how you treat others, how you treat your patients, how you treat your friends and loved ones and how you treat yourself. I'm talking about how you feel. Feelings are very important, Lauren. When you stop feeling, you stop healing."

She sighed, shaking her head at the familiar mantra he had repeated to her throughout her career. She folded the receipt and shoved it into her pocket before heading uptown to the hospital.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

One Month Later, Hotel Bar, Talkeetna

Kenzi waved one of her waitresses over, "Cover for me? I'm going to take Bo's food up."

The waitress nodded and slid behind the bar, holding the gate for Kenzi so she could slide through with a tray. The brunette grumbled in Russian as she climbed the stairway before kicking the door with her foot. The door flew open,

"What!" Bo said with a frown before realizing it was her friend, "Oh. Hi Kenz. You don't have to wait on me."

"Oh?" Kenzi said, entering the room and putting the tray on the table, "So how and when would you eat then?"

"I'm fine, Kenzi."

"Fine? Right." She took a seat on the couch, propping her feet up, "Let's review, shall we? You haven't been back to the homestead since the doctor set you free three weeks ago. Your Mom is calling me every day to check on when you'll be home to take care of your dogs again. Elise and Rudy are asking about you nonstop and you've left LJ to run your business all alone."

"I survived without any of that my whole life. I don't need it now. They'll all be better off without me."

"Lauren called again. Are you ever going to return her calls?"

"Like I said. Everyone is better off without me. Lauren will be fine."

"Don't do this, Bo." Kenzi sat up, "You were better as a member of the land of the living. Please don't do this."

"Don't do what, Kenzi?"

"Retreat back into that damn shell of yours. Become the person everyone fears again. Leave your family behind. It's not fair to Tosh and the rest of the Morton clan. It's not fair to your Mom and Rudy. It's not fair to Elise, Mark, Molly, LJ, Michael, Big Jon and all the rest of them. Big Jim is gone. You can finally be free to live the life you choose."

"And this is the life I'm choosing, Kenzi. I don't need anyone. I don't need money for material possessions. My Mom and Rudy have a house where they can live and be safe. The Mortons have each other and the dogs will have LJ and anyone he brings on board. It's a kennel filled with champions. He can sell them all and never work a day in his life again."

"If money was his goal, that would be true but that's not what he signed up for, Bo. He signed up for a business and a life as your partner. He wants to race and raise dogs with you."

The door opened and Hale walked in with Harper in tow. He released her from the leash and turned to leave the room. Kenzi stood,

"She is your responsibility. If you don't want her, shoot her and toss her in the trash since that's how you're treating her and your other dogs – not to mention me, your family and your friends. They almost died for you, Bo."

"I didn't ask them to!" She shouted.

"I've said a lot of things about you in my life, but I never thought I would be saying you're the most selfish, self-centered bitch in the world. I thought that was reserved for Evony."

She opened the door, but turned around one last time, "By the way, you might want to know that bitch from hell is taking Lauren to court. Then again, you might not care that she's trying to take her license to practice medicine from her."

Kenzi slammed the door, leaving Bo to stare at it. A million thoughts raced through her mind as she replayed her friends' last words over and over again in her head. How could Evony possibly get her hands on Lauren's medical license?

She turned to see Harper sitting perfectly still staring up at her. The dog lowered her head, groveling as she crawled over to Bo, licking her shoes and whining. She shook her head, thinking of how she had shoved Harper off of her when she'd tried to comfort her in bed. She'd hit the floor with a thud and her Mom had come running to find the dog bleeding from where she landed on the edge of Bo's axe that was left slightly propped up on her boot. That was when Bo had run out of the house and not come back.

She shook her head, kneeling down in front of her dog, "I'm sorry, Harper. You have not deserved my behavior. You deserve my love and respect."

The dog climbed into Bo's lap, pawing at her hands, still crying over being separated from her for so long. It was late and Bo had not eaten all day, so she stood and moved to the table to see what Kenzi had brought her. She picked up the tray and carried it to the couch, calling Harper to come and sit with her. They ate together, Bo sharing her meal with her favorite being on the planet. When they were finished, she lay back on the couch, Harper getting comfortable next to her.

"I guess I've been a bit of a bitch, huh?"

Harper's ears perked up as she adjusted her head on Bo's chest and licked her lips.

"I guess that was a yes."

The canine companion groaned.

"I know. I'm sorry. I just… I miss her, ya know?"

"Hrrmph." Replied Harper.

"I know. You miss her too. I just can't believe she didn't even ask about what should happen with Belle, Anna and Elsa. She hasn't called in weeks. She hasn't even sent a text. I'd love a picture. I thought she wanted to invite me to Boston, but she hasn't."

"Uhmph" Harper said, laying her chin on Bo's shoulder.

Bo shrugged, "I guess it's like she said. She's back home where it feels comfortable. She's back to her big-time hospital and her big-time doctor friends. I guess we're a thing of the past… a fling… something to do while she was here."

A tear escaped from the corner of Bo's eye, "Well, I guess it's time for us to get back to our lives, huh? It's not fair that I've left LJ handling the store on his own with the twins. I've gotta stop being an asshole. We need to start training again. I need to get back to trapping and fishing if we're going to have food for the winter. I should go see my family and you should go see your family. I'm sure your grandkids are getting big."

Harper's ears perked up and she barked twice. Bo grinned,

"Okay, okay. Tomorrow, Harper and Bo are back… the old Harper and Bo. We'll get back to the things we love to do, but we'll be the new friendlier, neighborly versions we became with Lauren… we'll just be without her."

Bo closed her eyes, hugging Harper tightly to her as a few more tears escaped before she fell off to sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Two Weeks Later, Offices of Taylor, Smith and Lloyd, Boston

Patrick Lloyd was the lead attorney for Doctor Lauren Lewis from the time she entered medical school. Her parents had insisted on his services because he would outlive Taylor and Smith – which he had. At the time, he was the new hot shot young partner. He was attractive, well-bred and had the best chance – in Franklin Lewis' opinion – at finally getting his defiant daughter to settle down with a proper man who could carry on the Lewis family businesses.

Armed with a lecture from the partners and Mr. Lewis, Patrick entered his first meeting with Lauren thinking she was interested in life with a man – or more specifically – life with him. Of course, he had been pleasantly surprised to find himself rejected by Lauren's emphatic declaration of her attraction to the fairer sex. They had shared a long laugh after he had explained that he was, in fact, in a relationship with a man.

After that, the two became fast friends. Lauren was his number one client and number one friend. Early on, they played the game to keep the partners and her Father at bay, but when Lauren met Nadia, they decided to stop the ruse and tell everyone what was up. Patrick had Lauren's back even when her parents told her they would cut her off if she continued her 'deviant lifestyle'. But Patrick had prepared for this day. He had been in enough meetings with his bosses and Mr. Lewis to know they would take a hard line with Lauren.

So, while she argued and eventually said her goodbyes to her parents, Patrick sat in the car, immediately solidifying his contract as Lauren's attorney before her parents could cut her off from the firm. He also connected her with an expert financial advisor – one not associated with his parents' company - Penelope Stackhouse, who quickly liquidated all of Lauren's stocks, bonds, accounts and physical possessions before her parents could have them closed or repossessed.

In just a few short hours, Lauren was disconnected from her family. While her parents had threatened to leave her penniless, Patrick and Penelope's quick actions allowed the only daughter of Elizabeth and Franklin Lewis to walk away from her family with over three million in cash. Lauren, however, was furious. She instructed Penelope to immediately begin investing in shares of companies that were direct competitors of the Lewis Family holdings. Patrick was instructed to find Lauren a place to live on Cape Cod and did so quickly. Because she was paying cash, the property was a steal. Of course, it also helped that the sellers had been hoping for a fast sale.

It was national news, creating a scandal in the business world, but the events of the day had sent a clear statement to the nation that Lauren Lewis was no longer associated with her family. While there was a very painful emotional period, the separation had allowed Lauren to forge her own path in life. She now had her own personal list of accomplishments in the medical world as well as corporate value for any hospital that hired her.

Currently, one Evony Fleurette Marquis was fighting Patrick and Penelope to retain Lauren's corporate value for herself. A decade ago, the pair had cautioned the young doctor about the potential risks of working for the malicious brunette, but fearing lesser opportunities for employment, Lauren took the job against her attorney's advice. Getting her out of her contract was possible, but it was going to take time and a lot of money in fees.

Patrick began, "We've filed the counter suit on your behalf, Lauren but the press has gotten hold of the news and Evony has gone public. That said, we have added a slander and liable suit to the mix, on your behalf. We have got a massive slate of witnesses - character and professional – that could keep us in court for months, but Penelope says you have plenty of money to handle the court time, so we are ready to go. Of course, we are pretty sure what will come next is some sort of blackmail. That's what Evony did with Doctor Anderson."

"Anderson? Chief of Neuro?" Lauren asked.

Patrick nodded, "He caved against our advice and now she's got an exclusive contract with him. He can't practice within 100 miles of one of her hospitals for twenty years if he were to leave her."

"Which means he has practically no options for big city hospitals before he retires. What the hell is wrong with her?" Lauren asked, frustrated.

"She's not a doctor, Lauren. Ethics and a moral compass are not tools of her trade." He shrugged, "Still, we trust that the medical board will see right through this and side with us, but you must know that there is a risk. As you know, she is very powerful with regards to who she knows – including her financial advisors and the financiers of her business interests. None of them can afford for her to fail, so they will side with her and do whatever it will take to protect her efforts in court."

Lauren nodded, "Well, I may have just found another card for you to play."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"You remember my former boss and mentor, Stephen Archer and his partner Betsy Carnegie?"

He nodded, "Betsy is an ancestor of the New York Carnegies and Stephen was a world-renowned Cardio Chief at three hospitals before becoming a professor at three different medical schools – one of which was yours."

Lauren nodded, "They've formed a corporation and intend to make a bid to buy a few hospitals. They have apparently had conversation with some of Evony's financiers who are former physicians. They are not happy with the path she has taken the hospitals they have backed with their retirement funds and are looking to bring back the integrity of medicine at those facilities."

"A few… really?"

Lauren smiled, "Interested?"

"Very."

"Good. Because they'll be here in a few minutes."

"Have I mentioned that you're my favorite client?" Patrick smiled.

Lauren smirked, "I bet you'll like Stephen, Betsy and friends even more."

"Never." He declared before the pair burst out laughing.

"Penelope will definitely like their wallets." Lauren added.

Patrick nodded, "I'm sure. She would like nothing more than to take down Evony's empire. For now, you'll have to report to work as usual. I'm sure she will be there checking the clock every day to be sure you're on time. She'll review each of your surgical procedures and she'll be checking the cost effectiveness of your practices."

"She'll be looking for grounds to fire me if it becomes cheaper to cut me loose than to fight me."

Patrick smiled, "But she'll make sure to load up a deal that will limit your ability to practice as a stipulation to avoid a breach of contract settlement."

Lauren nodded, "Hell week number one, coming up."

Patrick sighed, "You'll be begging for another conference to go to."

"I already am." She replied.

"Just so you know, if I can find evidence, I'll be working a deal that allows you to use some of the massive vacation and personal time you've accumulated until we get this straightened out."

"Sounds like a big if."

He tilted his head from side to side, "If we find evidence, not so much."

"I'll drink to evidence."

Patrick took a breath knowing that there had been rumors of Lauren drinking much more than her occasional half-glass of wine at social functions,

"Yea but keep that drinking under control. She'll be looking for anything that can taint the hospitals' reputation or give her a way to go after your license."

"So you mean she's going to continue to be devious, conniving and manipulative? Surprise, surprise!"

The pair shared a laugh as the phone rang, Patrick's secretary announcing the arrival of their guests.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Alaska – Anchorage Airport

"You good to go, BoBo?" Kenzi asked for about the twentieth time.

Her friend only nodded – the same reply she'd given every time Kenzi had asked.

Hale leaned over and whispered to his girlfriend, "She looks like a deer in the headlights."

Kenzi shrugged, "She's never been in an airport, she's never seen this many people in one place, she's never been on a plane…"

"That's an awful lot of nevers Kenzi."

"I know."

"Are you sure you don't want to go with her?"

"She wouldn't let me. She wants to do it by herself."

"Well, well, well. Look who's here! Fancy meeting you kids at the airport."

The three turned to see Acacia standing next to them, wearing her black shoes, pants and blazer with a white oxford underneath. In her hand was a briefcase cuffed to her wrist,

"Top secret agent stuff, huh?"

She shrugged, "Heading to court just like Bo here."

Bo stared at Acacia before her head began flitting around when the air echoed with yet another series of flight announcements.

Acacia placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to flinch and grab her wrist, "Easy there, Champ. Want an escort?"

"Uh… I'm good."

"If you don't mind my saying, you don't look good."

Bo didn't reply, her eyes roaming the list of flights, "How do I know which one is mine?"

Acacia smiled at Kenzi, "I've got her from here."

"Are you sure you know which flight she's on?" Kenzi asked.

"Tamsin filled me in, we're all good."

Kenzi nodded, "Good luck."

Acacia shrugged, "I won't be on the 'receiving' end, so I'm sure I'll be fine."

Kenzi gave Bo and hug, followed by Hale. The two exited the airport, leaving Bo standing there perplexed. Acacia called her name twice before she replied,

"You coming with me or not?"

"Right." Bo nodded, following the agent.

As they walked, Bo did her best to act casually, but honestly she was on sensory overload. When they arrived at the security checkpoint, she was stopped for the large blade she had packed in her carry-on luggage. When she argued that she had seen the news and that Washington, DC wasn't a safe place to be without a weapon, Acacia intervened with a chuckle, showing her credentials,

"She's just kidding. She's with me and so is that blade. It's evidence in a trial. I didn't have room for it in my briefcase, so put it in her carry on so it wouldn't go through baggage claim."

The TSA Agent eyed Bo suspiciously, then looked at Acacia, waving her to follow the police to her right. They were taken to a small room where they were questioned until Acacia had them call home office. It worked like a charm, Tamsin having called in advance to set up the operators with all of the appropriate answers to get a jittery Bo through security with Acacia. Of course, they hadn't planned on Bo carrying a knife.

They headed down to the gate, Acacia now a bit worried because Bo was running a little late for her flight. She made another call to Tamsin who had them hold them plane until they arrived. Finally, they were there,

"I'll see you soon, Bo."

"What? Wait! You're not going on the plane?"

The look of panic in Bo's eyes threw the agent off kilter. She'd never seen the tough, independent Bo Dennis look terrified, but that's exactly how she looked in that moment.

She stepped towards the brunette, placing a hand on her shoulder as she shook her head, "I'm on a different flight, but I promise you'll be fine, Bo. When you get off the plane, there will be an older couple there to pick you up. They'll be holding signs with your name on them so that you know it's them. Their names are Stephen and Betsy. Okay?"

"But… who are they?"

Acacia smiled, "They're friends of a friend. Trust me, Bo. I wouldn't lead you astray."

Bo reached back, then to her side. When she felt nothing but air, she sighed remembering that Harper wasn't with her. She was uncomfortable in her solitude. She wished Lauren was here. She missed her now more than ever. Sighing, she turned to Acacia and nodded,

"Okay."

"Go on. You'll be fine." Acacia said, pointing towards the jetway.

Bo looked past the woman at the counter to the open doorway to see a long walkway that looked like it went on forever. She didn't like not knowing where it went and what was around that corner.

"The gangway takes you to the plane, Bo. When you get on the plane, show the flight attendants your ticket and they'll help you get seated."

She turned back to Acacia, "Flight whats?"

"There will be people who are working on the plane to get you whatever you need. They're called Flight Attendants. Be nice to them and they'll be nice to you."

"Right." Bo nodded, looking down at the ticket in her hand. It was all crumpled and wet with sweat. She looked up at the ticket agent, embarrassed to hand her the piece of paper. The woman nodded, waving her on her way. The brunette looked up, offering a weak smile, her feet somehow glued to the spot.

The woman smiled, "First time flying?"

Bo sighed, "First time everything."

The woman winked, "I'm sure some things will be familiar." She nodded towards the oversized sign of the Iditarod to her right, "That's you, if I'm not mistaken."

Bo looked up, inhaling a tense breath before relenting to the coming onslaught, "So it is."

The woman smiled, "I'll upgrade you to first class if you give me an autograph for my two daughters."

Bo turned back to Acacia who laughed, "It's top of the line, Bo."

"I don't need any special treatment."

Acacia stepped towards Bo again, "It's a long flight, Bo. You'll appreciate the better seats."

Bo nodded towards the sign, "You do realize that I've done that race since I was in my late teens and that I sleep in blizzard conditions with dogs on the ground? Trust me when I say any seat is better than what I usually sleep on."

She turned back to the woman, "No need. I'll sign an autograph for your kids anyway."

"Great! Can I get a selfie?"

Bo scowled, "A what?"

Acacia took the woman's phone, "Stand next to the woman and smile, Bo. She needs proof so her kids believe she really met you."

Bo looked at the woman who nodded, "Oh! Sure. But you tell your girls I said they should always believe their mother."

Acacia paused, staring a Bo. Was that advice really from a woman who didn't believe her own mother? She shook out the thought, focused the camera on the phone and took several pictures, hoping Bo would offer a genuine smile. Giving up, she handed back the phone,

"That's about as good as it will get… in this lighting." She cleared her throat, "I've really got to go. You'll help Miss Dennis find her way?"

The woman smiled, "She's in good hands. Just grab your carry-on, Miss Dennis."

When Bo turned to pick up her bag, Acacia leaned into the attendant, "Upgrade her seat. Trust me when I say you do not want this skittish off-grid resident of no-where Alaska flying in coach. She might start a riot with her fear of flying on these big planes."

The woman looked at Bo, then back to Acacia, "Got it."

"Have a good flight, Bo." Acacia smiled, throwing a wave over her head as she walked away.

As she walked, she heard the attendant lead Bo to the gangway. Acacia paused, turning to watch. She laughed quietly to herself, watching the Musher out of her element. Every shake of the jetway made her stop, grab a wall and look around. When she got to the turn, Bo stopped, turned and looked at Acacia who nodded and waved her on her way. The brunette stared at her for a long moment before she turned and disappeared around the corner. When the gate attendants appeared, making their way back to the terminal counter, Acacia headed to her gate, relieved, but now certain that Bo was on the plane.

"Good luck to the flight attendants with that one. It's going to be like a remake of Crocodile Dundee."

Bo boarded the plane, following the attendant who led her right to her seat. She moved to take Bo's bag, but the brunette, pulled it away sharply,

"Hey!"

The woman smiled, "I'm just going to store it in the overhead compartment. If you need it, one of the flight attendants can get it for you."

"I'll need it." Bo insisted.

The woman smiled once more, "Okay then. How about we slide it under your seat?"

Bo hesitated, but when she noticed people were staring at her, she relented.

"Okay, so here is your seat. If you need anything at all, just press the button with the face on it and a flight attendant will come."

Bo took her seat and nodded.

"Enjoy your flight, Miss Dennis."

Bo nodded again, watching as the woman walked to the group of flight attendants at the front. She smiled and waved at Bo, the rest of the group doing the same.

Rolling her eyes, Bo sat back in her seat, preparing herself to sign more autographs. She sat in the seat, stiff as a board while waiting for whatever was going to happen next. Finally, an attractive flight attendant approached her,

"So, I hear it's your first time on a plane?"

Bo nodded as an elderly woman moved up behind the flight attendant,

"Excuse me, Miss? I believe I'm in that seat."

The attendant turned, carrying on a brief conversation with the elder woman before guiding her into the seat next to Bo's. She looked between the two women,

"Can I get either of you anything? A drink? Food? Hot towel? Pillow? Blanket?"

Bo shook her head, "I'm good."

The attendant smiled, "Okay. Try to relax. You've got a long flight ahead." She turned to the older woman, "Anything for you, Ma'am?"

The woman smiled, "Five shots of the finest whiskey you've got on board, honey."

Bo and the flight attendant turned to the woman, shocked. She laughed,

"I may be a Granny, but I've got spunk. Whiskey kills all the bad stuff inside. It's how I've lived this long. It's my eighty-fifth birthday this Saturday and I'm heading to Egypt to ride camel back through the desert. I don't take any of those medicines doctors give me – whiskey is my medicine. Kept me alive all these years." She turned to Bo, "You should try it. Besides, I hate to drink alone."

Bo considered the woman for a long moment, concerned that alcohol might not sit too well with the current nervous stomach she was battling. Then again, maybe a shot would calm her nerves. Of course, it could also put her out considering her lack of tolerance when it came to drinking. Finally, she shrugged, looking up at the attendant,

"I'll have a shot with the lady. It's the least I can do to celebrate her big day."

The attendant nodded and headed off to gather their order. The older woman turned to Bo,

"There you have it. You're well on her way to good health. I believe in my whiskey." Said the older lady who smiled at Bo, "The name's Elmyra. Pleased to meet you. I can't help but wonder… I've seen your face on billboards. Are you a model? You're a beautiful young woman."

"She's Bo Dennis, Iditarod Champion." Said a woman from across the aisle, "Can I have your autograph for my daughter? She's in college in Boston and I'm going to see her. Her dream is to race a sled. There's posters of you all over her bedroom walls at home. She took smaller ones to college with her – thought it might look weird at her age to have a poster of a woman on her dorm room wall."

Bo smiled politely, signing her name on the airline magazine the woman handed her. The older woman next to her grinned,

"I raced back in the day. I didn't win, but I finished."

Bo grinned, "That's quite an accomplishment – especially for a woman of your generation. It wasn't easy for woman to race back then. All of the money and best equipment went to the men."

"Very true, dear. It's good to see a female champion."

"She's a three-time champion. We're cheering for a fourth in 2020!" The woman across the aisle added.

Bo shook her head, reminding herself that she had done absolutely no training yet. If she didn't get focused on the coming year, she would lose all of her sponsors gained from this year's race and that would hurt Kyle and Kurt's business. They were counting on her now more than ever. She needed to shake the problems in her love life and get refocused. Running away from her new life simply wasn't an option. She couldn't do it. Everyone in her new-found family had invested so much in her – put their lives on the line for her. She really needed to get her act together,

"Well, "That's a long way off."

The woman shrugged, "Still, we know you can do it."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ma'am." Bo replied before it hit her that she had already met more than ten people in just over two hours who recognized her on sight and were in her corner for a sport she thought most of the world had no clue about. She had no idea she was this well-known let alone this popular. In all the towns along the Iditarod route and the North Slope, she was the villain that Big Jim had created. This hero-worship gig was strange and… honestly… uncomfortable.

The flight attendant moved back to Bo, "Here's your shot and some headphones." She winked, leaning down to whisper to Bo, "People won't bother you if they know you can't hear them. Just in case you're seeking privacy. It must be hard to be a superstar Iditarod champion. I can politely reject autograph requests for you, if you'd like."

Bo looked at the offered headphones, taking them with a smile, "Uh… it's okay. Gotta give the fans what they want, right? I mean… isn't that sort of the gig?"

The woman shrugged, "I've traveled these skies for a little over a decade and watched famous people reject fans for just a few hours of peace and quiet. You wouldn't be the first starlet to say no to a fan request."

Bo considered her comment for a moment before remembering a certain sick little girl from the ceremonial start day. If she had said no to her, she never would have known she needed help getting medical care and she may not be alive today. She could never have that on her conscience.

She shrugged, looking up at the attendant, "Thank you, but I'll take whatever comes my way and handle it as I see fit. I just don't want to say no to people who have traveled into the snow and ice to watch me and my fellow mushers race. It just doesn't feel right."

"Suit yourself." She replied, placing napkins next to the drinks of both women before heading off.

"Admirable." Elmyra said, lifting her shot glass to Bo, "You've got integrity, grit and class. I like it. Apparently, yours is a life well-lived. Here's to much more success."

The woman pounded back two shots before leaning against the window, "Would you be up for teaching an old lady how to ride a sled?"

Bo grinned, "I'm not so sure the weather would…"

"Oh nonsense. Rest assured that if I die from hypothermia riding in your sled, I will consider it a good death. Better than laying in some hospital bed waiting for death to claim me."

Bo smiled, "I guess I'd have to agree with that."

"No way to argue it at your age. When you've lived as long as I have, buried everyone I've ever cared about including my two children, you learn to focus on living in the moment rather than living for more time. At this age, it's about quality. Quantity is behind me, dear."

Bo nodded, watching the woman slam back the rest of her shots before closing her eyes and pulling the lightweight airline blanket up to her neck.

She looked down at her hands, examining the headphones when the flight attendant re-appeared,

"If you touch this button, it moves between the channels and the plus and minus buttons adjust the volume. I recommend you fast forward until you hear the nature sounds. It should help you relax and fall asleep for most of the flight."

"That sounds perfect." Bo smiled, settling back into her seat.

She pulled on the headphones and adjusted the volume and station until she was satisfied, then closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Airplane, Boston, Massachusetts

"Honestly, Miss Dennis. This is the location that was stamped on your ticket."

"And I'm telling you there is a mistake. I'm not getting off this plane. I'm supposed to be in Washington."

"Ma'am, you left Seattle, Washington over twelve hours ago."

"Not Seattle you idiot! Washington D.C. – you know – like the White House only I'm supposed to be at a courthouse to put away a group of hardened criminals who have been trying to kill me and my family for years! I can't miss the trial!"

"Miss Dennis, if you would please just disembark, we will get it straightened out in the terminal. This plane is scheduled for a maintenance check before it heads back to Denver."

"No, this plane is heading south to Washington. I can't be in Boston. I can't be here! You don't understand!"

The pilot stepped up, "Can I help?"

"Apparently you made a wrong turn, buddy."

He looked at the flight attendant who shrugged before turning and walking into the galley.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm supposed to be in Washington. It says so on my ticket!"

"Ma'am, this plane…"

"I know, I know. I heard them before. They say it's supposed to be in Boston. I say it's supposed to be in Washington. You don't understand. I can't be here. I can't be in Boston."

"May I ask why?"

Bo looked at the man, unsure of how to answer that question. She sighed, "I just can't. I won't be wanted here."

He laughed.

"Something funny?"

He shrugged and smiled, removing his cap and scratching his head, "Seriously? You're Bo Dennis, Iditarod Champion and Survivalist extraordinaire. I've heard you've fought a bear with nothing but a knife. People are dying to know more about you."

Bo shook her head, "Well, their deaths will have to wait because I have to be in Washington, D.C. for a trial."

"Well, I'm afraid you won't make it there any time soon unless you disembark and hop on a plane south. Is there something you can call to make arrangements?"

Bo sighed, "Can I use my phone?"

He pointed towards the overhead lights, "Free to do as you please now that we're on the ground… as long as what you please is not to stay on this plane."

Bo nodded, "Fine."

She stood, grabbing her bag from beneath the seat and following the pilot to the exit of the plane. She walked up the gangway, eventually turning right. Looking up ahead, she could hear the roar of a lot of people. She could see the crowds. She stopped, her breath short as she thought about the hoard of people that she was about to connect with upon departing the tunnel.

"Miss Dennis? Can I help you?"

Bo turned to see the flight attendant, "Oh. You again."

"Not used to big cities?"

"Not in the least."

"Would you like me to help you arrange for your flight to Washington, D.C.?"

Bo nodded, "If you don't mind."

She smiled, "Not a problem. I'm on the ground for the next seventy-two hours, so can take a few minute to help you out."

"Thank you." Bo said, walking with the woman up the walkway, "Sorry I was such an ass. I get stressed in unfamiliar situations."

She nodded, "I'm sure."

As they moved into the open space beyond the tunnel, Bo immediately felt the walls closing in again. There were mobs of people everywhere screaming and shouting. She lowered her head and came to a stop…

"Just focus. Just… breathe. You're fine. You're fine."

She raised her hands, ready to push away the intruder when she realized it was the flight attendant, "Bo, It's me. You're okay. Look."

"Huh?"

She nodded towards an older couple who were holding signs and waving.

"Who are they?"

The attendant shrugged, "I'm not sure, but they seem to know you."

Acacia's words echoed in her head as she approached the pair.

"Do I know you?"

The pair smiled, the woman replying first, "I'm Betsy."

"I'm Stephen. It's nice to meet you, Bo. Your picture doesn't do you justice."

"My? Wh-what? Who are you?"

Betsy smiled, "We're… friends of a friend."

"But… I'm supposed to be in Washington, D.C. for a trial. Bad people will go free if I don't testify… very bad people. Acacia…"

Stephen held up both hands to Bo, trying to calm her as he spoke, "Your friends Acacia and Tamsin contacted us to pick you up here, so if they're involved, this was their intention for whatever reason. Maybe you're giving a deposition here where there is no chance of anyone doing you harm before you can go on record with your story."

"Deposit what?"

He smiled, "A deposition. It's a statement of events as you see them. It's used as a precursor to live testimony and can be used in the absence of a witness if sworn by appropriate legal representation."

She nodded, "So are you taking me to a lawyer?"

Betsy shook her head, "You're going to our home. Someone is coming there."

Bo looked around the airport. She had a choice. Stay here and continue to feel claustrophobic from this crowd or go with this nice old couple to their home where she could be in a place of peace and quiet. She sighed,

"I'll go with you."

Betsy smiled, "This way then. Let's go get your baggage."

Bo nodded and followed the older woman, walking beside Stephen.

"I've never seen this many people in one place." She commented.

Stephen smiled, "You're in the big city. It's crowded everywhere."

"Great."

He laughed, "I think you'll find that – for the most part – where we live, the people are quite friendly, proud of their city and not anywhere near as obnoxious as people from other cities like New York."

"That's funny. Acacia says New Yorkers are friendly."

Stephen shrugged, "Personal taste, I suppose."

Bo nodded, "In that case, I'll keep my vote for favorite city to Anchorage."

Stephen laughed, continuing along with this very interesting woman as they followed behind Betsy. They made good time to baggage, Bo's luggage coming off the carousel with the first load. Heading outside, they were hit with a wave of heat unlike anything Bo had ever felt before.

"Whoa. It's like breathing water out here."

Betsy nodded, "Welcome to summer. It will get better as we get closer to the coast."

"The coast?"

Betsy nodded, "We're headed to our home on the Cape."

"Cape Cod?" Bo asked.

Stephen slammed the trunk lid on Bo's luggage, "You've heard of it?"

Bo scowled, stretching the collar of her T-shirt as she spoke, "Uh… well… uh… I met this doctor… lady… once. She talked about it. I mean… she didn't say much."

"Oh? I'm a doctor as well. What was her name?"

Bo got into the back seat of the car and slammed the door. Suddenly, the heat was worse, and her head was spinning. She used the hem of her shirt to wipe her brow before gulping down the rest of her bottle of water.

Outside of the car, Betsy scolded Stephen, "Tamsin told us she has problems with anxiety, Stephen. Don't you dare press her for information."

"I'm just trying to feel her out, you know, see if she's going to be open to our plan?"

Betsy shook her head, "It's not our plan. It's Tamsin's. That means, we do exactly as we were asked and nothing more, so stop butting in."

"You know Lauren feels more than she's letting on with us. She misses this woman and you know it."

"You've been talking to Elijah again."

Betsy shrugged, shaking her head, "Fine. That may be true, but Lauren's avoiding all contact with Bo, so she must have her reasons. We're making a connection, Stephen. Nothing more. I mean it. Back off."

"Fine." He sighed, his fingers crossed as he pulled the door shut with a snicker.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Bette's Bed & Breakfast, Provincetown, Massachusetts

As Bo exited the car, she pushed the many stray hairs back over her head as they fluttered in the cool sea breeze. She stared up at the magnificent white house,

"Uh… are you a governor or something?"

Stephen laughed, "I'm the assistant to the owner of this Bed and Breakfast… more accurately, I'm a silent partner."

"Bed and Breakfast?" Bo asked.

Betsy smiled, "Come on, I'll show you."

She wrapped an arm over Bo's shoulder causing the brunette to stare at the strangers' hand for a long moment before deciding she wasn't a threat. They paused at the low white fence…

"Smallest fence I've ever seen. Why's it all pointy on top?"

Betsy laughed, "It's called a white picket fence. Very American."

"Don't see white picket fences much in Alaska, thereby clarifying why we don't feel much like Americans. We're just that massive state way up there that everyone ignores."

Betsy grinned, "Well, I've been way up there, and I think it's beautiful. I'm still trying to get Stephen to leave Boston."

"He's never left Boston?"

"Born and raised here, never gonna leave here according to him. He's been to New York, D.C., Philadelphia and Detroit for conferences and medical conventions over the years, but if he can't get there by train or bus, he doesn't go."

Bo cracked a small smile, "Now that I can understand."

"Not a good flight?"

Bo shrugged, "Not used to crowds. Not used to big cities. Not used to big airports, big planes… big anything, really… well, accept big mountains and big open space."

Betsy's eyes went wide, "So it's really true? You've never been out of Alaska?"

Bo looked at the woman and smiled, "Only if you count the Canadian side of the Yukon."

"Wow. That's… well… I guess you've lived a pretty isolated life."

Bo nodded, "Until recently, I've been on my own since I was about fourteen."

"I see." Betsy replied, her mind now filled with questions about how this woman ever connected with her young friend the doctor.

They walked in silence through the front gate and continued up the long front sidewalk towards the mansion's front door. Bo stopped short, noticing the massive gardens that stretched along both sides of the sidewalk,

"There's so much grass… so many plants. What are they?" Bo asked.

"What are what?"

"The plants? What are they called?"

"Interested in gardens? That seems strange for an Alaskan native."

Bo smiled, dropping her bags and moving off the sidewalk through the grass. She grinned, dropping to the ground to pull off her boots and socks. She smiled at the sensation of her bare skin against the blades of grass before standing and walking slowly towards the flower beds. She smiled as she looked down at the soft, deep green carpet pressing up between her toes. When she reached the flowers, she leaned down and inhaled deeply.

Betsy watched her from a distance. She was like a child in a new world. Now she understood. The spontaneous curiosity, the passion for little things, the pure focus on something clearly dear to her heart… she was Lauren through and through.

She walked towards the brunette who was now kneeling in the flower bed, analyzing the petals of every flower in the garden. As she approached her, she spoke – heeding Tamsin's warning that Bo may feel a need to defend herself if caught unawares,

"You really do love gardens."

Bo turned and looked up at Betsy, "You must think I'm crazy."

Betsy knelt down beside her, "What I think, is that you are clearly passionate about nature."

Bo smiled, "No matter the season. I find nature much friendlier than humanity."

Nodding, the older woman replied, "Sadly, I believe most of us find that to be true."

She sighed, seeing the heavy look on the younger woman's face. A change of subject was in order, "So, a woman surrounded by snow most of the year is somehow a lover of flowers? How does that happen?"

Bo laughed, "I thought you said you've been to Alaska?"

"I have, why?"

"Were you there in winter?"

Betsy shrugged, "It was late October, I suppose? I was told it wasn't full-blown winter, whatever that means, but there certainly was a lot of snow – everywhere. It was still gorgeous. A little chilly, but gorgeous… the trees were gorgeous… there were no flowers."

Bo nodded, "You have to go back. May to August should do it for you."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Bo sat back, crossing her legs as her hands dug into the soil behind her, "My Mom used to work at a restaurant when I was a kid… in the south… Anchorage. She would plant the gardens in August, then we would go back in April and start to uncover all of the root vegetables. Then she would plant the vegetables and flowers that wouldn't last the winter. When things started to bloom in June and July… well, it was beautiful. Everything smelled… I don't know… just… alive and fresh. We would lay amongst the flowers and talk for hours since night never came at that time of year."

"Sounds like your Mom was quite a woman."

Bo nodded, "She was… back then." She felt a pang of guilt thinking of how she'd left without saying much of a goodbye. The woman had saved her life and she never even said thank you, "Still is. She recently put her life on the line to save me and my family and friends."

"I heard from…" Betsy trailed off, not wanting to disclose her relationship with Lauren. Tamsin had warned her that Bo might get right back on the plane if she found out that the doctor was unaware the brunette was here.

"From who?" Bo sat up, her eyes trained on Betsy for an answer.

"I think it was Acacia, but it may have been Tamsin. I forget who told me what. They were talking so fast and honestly, none of it really mattered to me – I mean, it sounds like it was all very serious and traumatic, but I'm just the hostess with the Bed and Breakfast that you're hiding away in."

"I'm hiding away?"

Betsy shrugged, "My instructions were to pick you up at the airport and keep a low profile until I was contacted."

"By who?"

Betsy shrugged again, "Tamsin or Acacia, I suppose."

"So, you're a Federal Agent too?"

"Oh heaven's no." Betsy laughed, "I was a lawyer for thirty-five years… contract and business law. Along the way, I took over this place from my parents. I couldn't wait to retire and live here full time, but when my husband fell ill, we needed my paycheck and benefits, so I had to keep my job longer." She looked out at the ocean beyond the berm, "He would have loved living here. Unfortunately, he never got that chance."

"So Stephen isn't your first?"

"No, no he's not. Jacob was the love of my life. I lost him at almost the same time Stephen lost his wife. We met in a grief group. About three years afterwards, we had a reunion of sorts with the group and he asked me out to dinner. It became a regular thing and, over time, the feelings grew. It's not the sort of love we had with our spouses, but it's love nonetheless."

Bo nodded, "Do you miss him?"

"Every day of my life." She smiled, sadly. "How about you? Have you ever been in love?"

Bo sat up, pulling the blade of grass from between her teeth, "Once. I don't think there will ever be anyone else. I can't imagine anyone making me feel like she did."

"So, it's a woman?"

Bo looked at Betsy, "I'm sorry if that offends you, but it's who I am."

"I take it you didn't look around much on the way here."

"Huh?"

Betsy laughed, "Never mind, child. You'll see when we go out for dinner."

"Out for dinner?" Bo asked.

Betsy nodded, "Yes, dear. Stephen and I aren't in the habit of making our employees cook for us unless they want us to taste an item they'd like to add to the menu."

"Right. Well… you see… other than the suit I brought for court that my friend Kenzi bought me, I didn't bring anything else."

"What you have on is fine, dear."

"So it's a casual place?" Bo asked.

Betsy laughed, "Oh, it's casual alright. Come on. Let's get you settled inside."

Bo looked at the house, then looked back to the coast along the sidewalk just past the flower bed, "If you don't mind, I'd rather rough it outside. I know that may sound strange, but I don't do so well indoors."

"Outside? You mean… here?" Betsy asked, pointing to the ground beneath her knees.

"Well, I could sleep behind the house so potential customers don't see some strange woman lying in your flower beds."

"That's very… considerate… of you, dear. Are you sure you…"

"Seriously, I'll be fine as long as I'm outside."

"Can we at least take your bags inside?"

Bo shrugged, "I suppose that would be okay."

Betsy nodded, "Great. Come on then."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BONUS CHAPTER! Yes, Chapter 16 is up! Read it now or come back when you have time!

Happy New Year!