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?

27. Chapter 27: Consequences of Indecision

A/N: Happy Belated Hannukah, Merry Belated Christmas, Happy Boxing Day and Happy Kwanzaa to all! I hope this finds you all well and filled with hope for the coming New Year!

This is an extra-long chapter because I wanted to get the Christmas celebration portion in, so enjoy! Some answers, some North Slope background, some fluff and naturally – more mystery and drama! It was a very quick proof read, so sorry for any excessive typos or generally horrible grammar.

Cuddles

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CHAPTER 27: The Consequences of Indecision

The North Slope, Two Days Later…

Tamsin entered the House of Elders and stopped about ten feet before the circle of chairs just as Mary had explained. Behind her were Dyson, Hale and Judge Payne who had all flown in two days prior when the special agent's call had come explaining their situation.

The Judge moved to stand beside Tamsin, "This woman is here on behalf of the Federal Government to ensure that Federal law is followed as agreed. I am a Judge of the Federal Government who also remains licensed by the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments. I am here as a mutual member of both parties to the law."

He chuckled, whispering 'predictable' to Tamsin as Elijah Tarook rose from his seat, his low, strong voice echoing through the hall,

"You are not welcome here, Sir."

He went to speak, but Dyson stepped forward and spoke, "Elijah, you and I both know that being welcome and being licensed to be present at these proceedings are two completely different things. Your personal feelings are not valid reasons for the Judge to leave this hall."

The man nodded, a grin stretching across his face, "I didn't say he had to leave, Sheriff. I just said he wasn't welcome, though I may ask why you are here. You're a long way from your jurisdiction, as are you, Mr. Santiago."

Hale stepped forward, "Elijah, let's just agree right now that I will address you as Elder Tarook and you will address me as Deputy Santiago."

Elijah smirked, "Oh, a big, bad Deputy now, are you? How impressive. Your best friend gave you a promotion."

A voice from the shadows in the back row rose, the pitch decidedly higher yet firm, "Elders of the Council, are you really going to allow these men to waste your time posturing all day? If so, why don't you just have them all whip out their dicks so we can measure them and see whose is biggest. That way, we can settle this quickly and I can get back home to my easy chair."

She yelled down to Tamsin, "Special Agent go fetch a measuring tape. Scratch that. On second thought, a wooden ruler will be adequate."

While the blonde blurted out a laugh, she turned to see an elderly member of the community rise with the help of a beautiful native woman. As they walked towards the front, the younger of the two stepped into the light first, her eyes meeting Tamsin's. The agent immediately noted the striking sea-blue eyes in stark contrast to the bronze skin and jet-black hair. When the other woman redirected her gaze to the path ahead, the eyes of the blonde obediently followed the woman's slender, athletic form until she was shrugged off by her companion. The elderly woman leaned heavily on her cane as she traveled the short distance down the aisle to the only open chair in the circle,

"I'll just sit here since my chair is occupied," she looked up at the woman seated at the center of the half-moon table, "But I'd like it known that I'm not dead yet, so the high elder seat still belongs to me."

She looked at Elijah, "I believe it best that we just let the bickering rest because you would surely lose if we pulled out a measuring tool." She looked back at Hale, "I believe we would need a yardstick for that young man while we could likely measure yours by my middle finger."

She held up the finger, leading Tamsin and the woman's escort to release yet another laugh, each one struggling to contain it as they again exchanged eye contact.

Elijah slapped his hand on the ornate desktop, "Elder Tinuit, I believe we would all appreciate a little decency in this holy place."

The woman shook her head, her words sharp as tacks in reply, and her gaze like steel as she made eye contact with each and every member,

"Holy my ass. You people are so full of shit. If you truly wanted to honor our ancestors, Elijah would be off the council and the rest of you would be minding your own minds. Furthermore, these fine young folks…" she turned and looked at the judge, "… yes, you're still younger than me, Sonic…" she turned back to the group, "…shouldn't have to waste their precious time and fuel to come here and defend two women and a young man who never should have been thrown in your damned jail."

"They came uninvited into the meeting house." Elijah argued.

"They came because Mary Dennis was severely injured, as was her young pilot. It's commonly known as an emergency. They came to ask permission to seek medical treatment. They could have gone directly to the Healer, but they showed respect for our native ways by coming here first. And what did this body vote to do? Throw them in jail. Mary Dennis could be dead by now."

"She's alive. I checked." Elijah remarked.

"Oh, how incredibly gracious of you, Elijah. Your Mother and Father Tarook must be rolling over in their icy graves at the man you've become. Now, I dragged myself here in white out conditions because I am still the reigning senior member on this council. These people had an invitation to our village, and I am putting my foot down. You will press for a vote to allow immediate medical treatment and you will allow them to conduct the business you all agreed to in your sealed vote."

She moved to stand, waving to her escort who rushed to her aide. Once standing, she turned her focus to what appeared to be the youngest woman on the council,

"Elder Celia Tarook. Your Father is a son-of-a-bitch. We all know it. I can't imagine you don't know it."

"Elder Tinuit…"

Althea held up her hand, to the young woman, "You're about to tell me what a kind and decent man your Father is. I get it, honey. He's your Daddy and I'm sure he taught you all about obeying him, but when it comes to this council, if you wish to continue to serve, you need to find your own mind, Child. Reread the oath you spoke when you were sworn to the Council and let me know if you've been living up to the promise you made to your people."

She turned to the group, "That goes for all of you. It was before your time, but Elijah stole from us, plain and simple. Mary Dennis brought the evidence to light just before she was to be initiated as a member of this council. He was found guilty by the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments and returned to us for sentencing. Spirits above only know how in the world he was acquitted and reinstated to this council, but I say here and now that it's time for change. As the leader, I am permitted one law change during my tenure. That law change cannot be removed nor altered by any sitting member of the council nor any new member for a period of at least ten years. If the law is unreasonable, the council can vote against it. If the law is reasonable, the council must allow it to stand. I wish to offer at this time, that change."

The group whispered amongst themselves as several dove into the By-Laws, flipping pages feverishly to look up anything referencing the woman's comments. Althea shook her head,

"Children. You are all children. You have followed Elijah blindly in my absence. All of you are ill-prepared to provide guidance to this group. A group that holds the well-being of every member of our village in their collective palms."

She walked slowly to the young man who had the by-laws in his grasp and pulled the book towards her. She flipped a group of pages twice, then a single page back before pointing to the third paragraph. She waited while he read, turning to her young escort,

"Third grade reading level, this one."

The young man finally spoke, "Uh, it says… well, it says she's right."

Althea walked to the woman sitting to the right of Elijah, "Elder Triton, please distribute these ballots."

Triton turned to Elijah who nodded, but Althea stepped before the woman, "Are you obligated to this man in some way?"

"He's the elder…"

"I am the Senior Elder. Do you doubt that?"

"No, Elder Tinuit. Everyone knows you will reach your one hundredth year in a month."

"Then why do you look to him for permission to do as I ask? Do you know the by-laws?"

The woman hung her head, "Honestly, I do not. None of us do. We rely on Elder Tarook to provide us with insight and advice on council matters in your absence. Since you have been in ill health, we have become accustomed to looking to him. I meant no offence…"

"Offence? The Elders seated at this table are meant to be one voice from many. Each of you is to have your own vote on council matters, not tarry along with what Elijah decides. If that was what we were meant to do, we might as well just follow the white man's government, yes? They have one who rules above all. Our former owner across the ocean has one ruler above all. Countries across the globe look to one ruler who has the final say over all of their people. This is not how our ancestors believed the matters that impact us all should be decided. It is too easy for one person to vote for what's best for their family and not consider the needs of others."

She looked up at the group, "I ask you. By a show of hands, how many of you have voted in favor of something that Elijah proposed that you were actually against?"

No one moved, though a few glanced at Elijah who was glaring at Althea. She could feel his heavy gaze on her, but she ignored him, instead focusing on the young woman beside her,

"Are you the woman the village voted onto the council or are you Elijah's puppet?"

Slowly, she raised her hand. Althea smiled, "And what was it you voted for that you were actually against?"

"The law allowing the council to expel women from the village who have sexual relations out of wedlock… even if the act was forced upon her."

Althea looked up at Elijah, "You are such a pig."

He stood quickly, "I will NOT stand idly by while you slander…"

"What? Your good name?" Althea laughed, "That law prohibiting expulsion of a woman when a man forced himself on her was created by your own mother, Elijah! How can you dishonor her by allowing the continued assault of the women of this village?"

Tamsin stepped forward, "I'll be leaving my business card. Any violent crimes not addressed by this council can be referred to the Federal Government for prosecution in accordance with our agreement."

Althea looked to Sonic, "Judge Payne, is that correct?"

Sonic stepped forward, "It is. While the person or persons may be expelled from the village if that is what village law agrees to, they are entitled to Federal Land on the outskirts of the village lands and cannot be denied service or goods as all businesses are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government."

A formidable young man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties stood, glaring down at Elijah as he pointed his finger at him,

"You forced me to banish my own Sister last year when your son had his way with her! You called her a temptress, saying it was her actions that led him to take her in a manner not blessed by the Spirits!"

Elijah stood, but Althea spoke first, her directions to Elder Triton, "Child, read the law I am proposing."

"I demand to speak in reply to Batch's comment!" Elijah shouted.

"Oh, sit down, Elijah. Trust me when I say I'm saving you from yourself by forcing you to keep your mouth shut. There is nothing you can say to that young man that will make the banishment of his sister okay." Looking at the younger woman, she said again,

"Elder Triton, read. Please."

Triton nodded, standing before the group and unrolling the cloth,

"I, Elder Althea Tinuit, being confirmed of sound mind and body by our village Healer, put to this council a law establishing age limits for election to this council. If we are to remain relevant, we cannot remain locked into old ways that serve no purpose. Our sacred laws are written on our hearts. As long as our council always acts as dictated by the Athabascan Spirits, we will conduct ourselves in a manner that bestows pride on our ancestors. We must welcome new technology as our climate changes and the old ways no longer serve our needs. We must welcome the ideas of the young as long as we maintain and respect the traditions tied to our faith. With these in mind, I believe that an age limit of fifty-five years and a minimum age of thirty years will give us the wisdom to remain in keeping with our traditions while simultaneously providing the energy and ideas of youth on the council. I call for the silent ballots to be completed without hesitation in this moment."

"I protest." Elijah said.

"I agree to the vote." Triton said, her head down, but her voice strong and clear.

Althea smiled, her head turning to Batch, as he repeated, "I agree to the vote."

"I agree to the vote."

"I agree to the vote."

Tamsin and Dyson shared a smile as the chamber filled with voices of council members agreeing to the vote. Finally, Althea spoke again,

"The vote is called. Put pen to paper and deposit your votes."

She watched as the council members did as instructed while Althea waved her escort over. She whispered in her ear, sending her on an errand to pick up a decorative wooden box with a rectangular opening in the top and a latch on the front. She brought it over and placed it in front of Elder Triton who dusted off the box and then dropped her ballot into the opening, before sliding it to the next Elder. The box moved from person to person around the ornately carved Table of the Elders. Each member deposited their vote until the box reached Elijah. He paused, looking at the group before reluctantly adding his paper to the box. Triton stood, lifting the box and carrying it through the opening of the circle to the small table at the center.

"Call the vote." Althea announced, banging the floor twice with her cane.

Triton opened the box, taking a deep breath. She removed the first ballot and spoke,

"Each member was to check one box, reasonable or unreasonable, and if the latter is checked, provide reason for your vote. I will now call the vote."

She unfolded the first ballot, "Reasonable…"

Tamsin leaned over to the Judge, "Is all of this good with you so far?"

"Althea knows her laws. She won't stray from them. If she did, Elijah could turn the tables. You can see what she's trying to do, yes?"

"Actually, no."

Dyson smiled, "Elijah is over age for the council if the vote passes."

Hale leaned over, "But so is Althea. I like her. Why can't we keep her?"

Tamsin smiled, "She's almost a hundred, Hale. She knows what's coming and doesn't want Elijah to become the senior member of the council."

The Judge nodded, "The senior member has more power than Althea is exerting right now. As a matter of fact, from what I understand, she has always maintained a democratic process when she was able to attend meetings. I've heard it's been almost a year since she was here."

They returned their attention to the vote where Elder Triton hesitated before reading the last vote, "Unreasonable. This is a personal vendetta intended to remove her successor from the council."

Everyone turned to where the sound of a chair rubbing across the floor was heard. Elder Triton looked to Elder Tinuit, unsure of procedure, but Althea gave her a nod. Triton spoke,

"Elder Celia Tarook. Do you care to speak?"

The woman nodded, her eyes looking nervously up at her Father before looking back to Triton,

"I do."

"Speak."

"I am wed to a man who took me out of wedlock. My Father forced me to marry him. Six months later, he passed the law… well… Batch has already spoken of the harm it causes. My story is just another way it causes harm. My Father and I do not speak. My husband expects that all of his demands be met. I am but a slave in my own home. I have voted the law proposed by Elder Tinuit is reasonable, so I do not stand to protest it. Rather, I stand to protest my Father's insinuation that Elder Tinuit's law is personal. She is proposing a law that any Mother would want for her daughter when a man sitting on the council is abusing his power. Further, until Elder Tinuit provided clarification, I was unaware that an Elder may only pass one law in their lifetime of service to this council without the consent of the full council."

She dared a glance at her Father who was glaring back at her. She took a deep breath, meeting his eyes,

"I further propose that all laws brought to this table by Elder Elijah Tarook be declared null and void with the exception of the first he put to the council as Acting Senior Elder."

"And what law is that, Child?" Althea asked.

"That the council agree to pay the additional expenses of air freight water drops during the summer months when water supplies run low."

Althea grinned, "He's the one responsible for our continuous supply of water?"

She nodded, "He is."

Althea hung her cane over her arm and applauded, "Well done, Elijah. Now that would make your parents proud."

"Elder Tinuit? What about the vote?"

Althea turned to Elder Triton, "Apologies, child. Elder Celia Tarook, we must table your proposal until the conclusion of the vote on the table. Please, Elder Triton, continue."

Triton dropped the last vote into the box, "The law passes. The age restriction is in effect immediately in accordance with our By-Laws."

"Marcus, Elijah, I believe our services are no longer required. Come now. Let's leave these kids to figure this out on their own." Althea smiled as she turned to exit the building, but Elijah was not finished,

"This is…"

She turned to him, "The law, Elijah. You will say no more or the Feds in the back will remove you in accordance with the statutes that bind the Federal Government and the Nations Council."

Tamsin took her cue, stepping forward with Dyson and Hale just behind. The trio walked in unison until they were just a few yards away from Elijah. Marcus was grinning at Althea as he departed the chamber, promising to propose a new candidate to fill his seat on the council by week's end.

Althea turned to Elder Triton, "If it pleases the council, this…" she motioned to her escort who stepped forward, "… is my granddaughter. She has just turned thirty-two years of age and is eligible to serve on the council in my stead. I have personally trained her to assume my position and she has agreed, provided this body agrees.

Elder Triton nodded, "Apologies, Elder…"

"Uh… no longer an Elder. It's just Althea or Mrs. Tinuit now, Child."

Triton nodded, "Mrs…."

"Actually, let's just leave it at Althea. My husband is long dead and buried." She glared at Elijah, "His death is the reason I serve on this council. It was an unfortunate… accident… right, Elijah?"

Elijah hesitated, tugging at the rope tie around his neck before saying, "Quite. He was truly an honorable man."

"Yes. He was. If he had survived that strange plunge into the lake in the dead of winter at minus sixty-five degrees, he could have taught you much."

Celia Tarook scowled, her eyes set on her Father who turned and headed for the door. She stood before the council,

"I know we have a motion on the table from my previous comment, but I would like to withdraw it and ask that Judge Sonic Payne review all business this council has conducted during my Father's tenure as a member. I specifically ask that he review the laws my Father has put into effect as well as the documents governing not only my marriage, but that of my Mother to my Father. Both occurred under similar circumstance. In addition, I would ask that the Judge review the records in the matter of the death of Althea's husband, particularly my Father's involvement."

Triton nodded, calling the vote, "All in favor of the motion set forth by Elder Celia Tarook, show your support with a raise of the hand."

She looked around the room, noting the hands before nodding to the Judge, "By unanimous vote, this council requests your services as described by Elder Celia Tarook, your Honor."

Judge Payne bowed his head, "I am honored to be of service to the council of my former home."

One at a time, the members turned before Batch asked, "You were a resident?"

"Born and raised."

"And the reason for your departure?" Batch asked.

"I believe that answer will be in the documents I have been asked to review. If you believe I cannot remain a neutral party, the FBI Special Agent will handle the investigation."

He nodded, "I believe that – to prevent any appearance of impropriety – the Special Agent should handle the investigation with her colleagues."

Tamsin nodded, "I'll get started as soon as the documents are provided. Do you have a space where we can work?"

"The documents are in the archives in the basement of this facility. Leave no stone left unturned. It's time we expose any corruption that may exist… or existed in our past." He turned to the group, "The secrets of our families may be exposed. Raise your hand if you are not in favor of allowing our records to be unsealed and investigated."

Triton shrugged, "I'm sick and tired of people like Elijah. We've lived under their boots for far too long. It's time we lived by the lessons of the Athabascan Spirits we were taught. No more lip service. We need to be the real deal. Hold people accountable – including ourselves and our ancestors – no matter who they are."

Celia nodded, "I agree. I just want you all to know that I will not stand in your way. If my Father is corrupt, it's time he pays the price."

"While I appreciate all of this youthful exuberance, I am tired and must return home. Do you want my granddaughter or not?"

Triton smiled, "Apologies, Althea. All in favor please raise your hand."

Althea smiled when all hands were raised and Triton asked, "What happens now?"

"There's a ceremony. It's up there at the altar." She pointed with her cane, "You perform it in seven days after you observe her performance on the council. You will have to have seven consecutive daily meetings for each newly proposed member."

Celia raised her hand and spoke, "I was an extra under one of my Father's new laws. He knew I would vote with him, so wanted the insurance of my presence on the council. There will be no new nomination from him. He's already assigned me."

Triton nodded, "Very well."

Althea smiled, "Marcus will have a nomination for you by week's end. I know he has wanted to retire from the council for some time now. He's a man of his word."

Triton nodded, "Indeed."

Althea was tired and it showed. Her granddaughter moved to the group, "If you don't mind, I would like to take my…"

But the older woman was already shaking her head, "You'll do no such thing. You have a job to do. One of these young Sheriff's will take me home."

Hale smiled, "I've got you, Althea. It will be my honor." He looked up at the woman, "I promise I'll get her home safe and sound."

"Have you got transportation?" The Granddaughter asked.

"I've got a Bo Dennis special out there. It will do the trick."

Althea grinned, "You know my Bo?"

"Your… you know Bo?"

"Bo supplies all of my food. She's an Iditarod Champion, you know. Born and raised on these lands until…" Althea's eyes cooled as a touch of anger became visible.

Hale moved to her side, "We're all aware of Bo's history here although her history with Elijah has been mere rumor. Maybe we'll finally be able to set that right in our investigation."

She looked up at the young man, "Her Mother. She was wronged by this council. Bo was cut off and ousted from her home. They killed her teacher… her neighbor…"

Tamsin placed a gentle hand on the woman's shoulder, "We know. We'll make it right. You have our word. Right now, we need to get to Mary."

Althea shook her head, looking to her granddaughter, "This is my granddaughter and newest member of the council, Elder Airynn Tinuit."

Extending her hand, the special agent nodded, "Tamsin. Nice to meet you."

"And you, Special Agent."

"Airynn, can you please call your friend at the jail and get Mary…"

She waved her grandmother off, "I've got it, Grandmother. Your friend will be well cared for, I assure you."

Tamsin nodded, "Thank you."

"Well, let's get you home then." Hale suggested.

Althea looked around the room, then to the faces of the young elders she was entrusting her village to. She leaned on Hale as she spoke,

"I'll not see this great hall again. It is up to all of you to read the By-Laws and know them as you know your own name. It is up to all of you to know the Spirits of the Ancestors and to choose to be guided by them. Hold each other accountable and never again will corruption seep into these walls."

She sighed, taking several steps towards the group, "You have requested a look into the past. You will see much that will cause many of our people great pain. Choose carefully what you allow into the light of day for some wounds cannot be healed with apologies and time. Some wounds are passed from generation to generation. You may learn that some of your own ancestors did harm to families of those in these hallowed chambers. As leaders, you must choose to cast the past into the shadows so that you can emerge better and stronger than those in your past."

She sighed, "It was the fault of those who held your seats before you. They did not hold our people accountable for the sins of their past. Times were different. The world was governed by men. Women had no rights. That world is gone. You all stand as equals now - twenty-four elders of twenty-four villages along the frozen coast of the North. Whether Aleuts, Inupiat or our transplanted Athabascans from the Interior, you hold their very lives in your collective hands. Cherish the responsibility. Cherish our diversity. Welcome all – even the Yuit, Tlingit and Haida from the south if they choose to come. Be honorable, be trustworthy and always side with justice, but be sure to administer consequences with a warm heart when deserved."

She looked around one more time, "I wish I could have done more to thwart those who were less than honorable, but I was a lone voice in this great hall. They should never have had a seat at this table. See that they never do again. With the old guard gone, you have the chance to make something new – something truthful and just. It's a special time. Protect this opportunity and make the most of it."

"You have our promise, Althea." Batch said, "Thank you for what you've done here today. We know it is not easy for you to travel, so your bravery and strength is noted by this group – your students. Thank you for your service to our people and our ancestors. As long as you live, we hope that we may call on you for guidance when needed." He shook his head, "I, for one, understand so much of what I once witnessed between you and Elijah at our meetings. I'm ashamed that I allowed him to control my view for all of these months. I apologize for having let you down in that manner."

"As I said, look to the here and now while making decisions for the future. Feel free to call on me as needed. Until then, I will take my leave."

She turned to go, but a thought tugged at her gut, so she turned back to the group, "And, if you wouldn't mind, please be sure to read the scriptures on the altar behind you… sooner rather than later. There are instructions for the burial of the Elder dead who have served on this board. One day, I will need you all to send my spirit on to the ancestors. I would be eternally grateful if you didn't have to read the prayers from a book."

Triton stood, "You have our word. We will do you proud as we send you to our spirits in the afterlife."

Althea nodded, reaching back for Hale's arm. He moved quickly to her side bending his elbow so she could use him for support. She smiled,

"So, what is so special about this sled that our Ysabeau has built for you? At my age, riding in a sled is a bit rough on the old bones."

Hale smiled, "I promise you; this is the Cadillac of all sleds."

"Cadillac?"

"It's a car… a luxury car."

Althea smiled, "Child, I don't know of such things."

"Of course. You've lived here all of your life."

She nodded with a smile, "Now, if you want to talk about the snow machine my grandson built with one of those noisy Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines, I'll know what you're talking about. That boy just loves to tinker. If it runs on gasoline, he's got his hands on it."

Hale smiled, "Sounds like our friend Kurt would get along well with your grandson."

Althea nodded, "He's the pilot that flew Mary and her friends in to the outer lake, yes?"

"That's correct."

"I hear a doctor came with Mary. She came seeking a cure for a disease?"

Hale frowned, "Yes. A cure for a disease that Mary is carrying… one we believe may have been caused by her deceased husband."

Althea stopped, looking up at Hale, "Jim is dead?"

He nodded, trying to read her expression, "Sorry… for your loss?"

Althea shook her head, "Sorry? The world is better for that man's demise. He's part of the reason Elijah and many like him came into power in this community. Last I heard he was in prison for trying to kill Ysabeau."

Hale smiled, "Yea, if he had his way Bo and her Mom would both be dead."

Althea stopped, tugging on Hale's arm, "Do you have one of those fancy phones?"

Hale nodded, "I do."

"You need to have Mary redirected to my home. The Healer will not be willing to help Lauren heal Mary until the Council of Elders clears her good name throughout the village. That may take hours. Call your friend the agent while she's still with Airynn. Everyone should meet at my home. Tell Airynn to come as well. She can start her seven days of service with the council tomorrow. She is a skilled healer. We will have need of her knowledge."

"Althea, I assure you that Doctor Lewis is the best there is…"

"I'm telling you, Child - if I'm right, your doctor won't have the cure that Mary needs."

"If you're right about what?"

"Please, let me sit first."

Hale helped Althea to the driver's seat on the sled. She caught her breath and then continued, "Do you have one of those detective tablets where you write things down?"

Pulling out his phone, Hale smiled, "We type things into an app on our phone."

"App?" Althea asked, but when Hale began to explain she shook her head, "Tamsin – call her, now."

Hale typed up a text and hit send. Tamsin replied with a thumbs up before Hale turned back to Althea,

"Okay. Now what?"

"Call her!"

"It's okay, Althea. I sent her a text… a written message and it was received. She'll be there. She was parked outside of this barn, so they'll probably leave before we do. Now, what do you know about this illness?"

Althea pointed to Hale's phone, wanting him to take notes,

"Listen carefully. During my tenure on the council, there were seven women who died of a mysterious illness. When we couldn't find the source, the state came in and demanded we allow the federal agencies to take custody of the bodies to determine the cause of death. You must understand, this was soon after the pipeline was erected, and they wanted to be sure there was nothing getting into our water supply. No foul play was suspected by the government."

"But you suspected otherwise?"

Althea shrugged, but Hale could read a witness like a book, "I take it the pipeline wasn't the cause?"

Shaking her head, she explained,

"There are toxins that come from these lands, but they are not in a pipeline and they must be made by a skilled healer… or someone taught by a skilled healer. Once there lived a couple in this village who had a daughter named Selene. While she was out gathering the herbs that her Mom needed for her remedies, she came across a young boy about her age almost frozen to death on the ice. He'd been abandoned by his Father for missing a kill. She took him home, nursed him and taught him all she knew so he would be valued by the community as a healer and be permitted to stay. Her parents agreed to adopt him and so, they grew up together until such time it was discovered a romantic relationship had begun between the two. Selene was immediately shipped off to her Uncle in Point Siku and the young man was given a piece of land and sent to begin a life on his own."

Hale shook his head, "The boy was Big Jim Dennis."

Althea nodded.

"We finally have the connection between Big Jim and Selene. She was loyal to him all along because they were in love. So, all this time, she knew who Bo was to him – knew what he was trying to do to her. He was using her to keep tabs on her whereabouts."

She nodded, "And more likely, seeking information on Mary's whereabouts. As long as Bo believed she was deceased, they knew the secrets of their misdeeds were safe. The moment Ysabeau knew Mary was alive…"

"So did Selene." Hale nodded the conclusion.

"She is imprisoned, yes?"

Hale nodded, "Locked up tight."

"We will have to speak to my granddaughter to know for sure, but this poison that was found in the bodies of the young women… well, it must be continually administered. They suspected once a week for those who had died sooner."

"And those who had died the slowest?" Hale asked.

"The toxin can kill with doses as infrequent as once every three months."

Hale shook his head, "We're going to have to trace the comings and goings of every delivery truck, customer and visitor to anywhere Mary has been since she arrived in order to determine who she has been in contact with. That could take months!"

Althea shrugged, "And during that time, the perpetrator will continue to administer the toxin. The cure won't work if the toxin is still being introduced into her system."

Hale heaved a heavy sigh, "Bo will not be satisfied with that news."

He helped Althea into the raised and well-cushioned basket before lighting the heater in the base and covering her with blankets.

"Well, Ysabeau has outdone herself. This is more comfortable than my bed."

Hale smiled, "She does have mad skills when it comes to building sleds. By the way, she doesn't know I have this one, so don't tell her about the awesome ride you had with me. She'll absolutely kill Kyle for letting me bring it up here without a backup prototype sled in storage."

"If you want a secret kept, you'll have to offer me a trade."

Hale laughed, opening the garage door, the frigid winds rushing in. The combined temperature and wind chill was so low, he could feel the cold deep into his bones. He donned his mask and goggles, pulled up his hood, snugging it tight at the neck and looked down to be sure the elderly woman was zipped up tight in the basket. He checked to be sure none of his skin was exposed before checking on his dogs. Finally, he stepped onto the rails and gripped the sled handle,

"Deja! Vu! Hike! Hike! Show us the way!"

As he headed out into the cold, his mind was filled with the tasks he would have to complete once they arrived at Althea's home. Get her safely inside, bed down the dogs and feed them, secure the sled, then meet with Dyson to fill him in on what he had learned. Then, they would have to get started on calls to train stations, airports and shipping lines to gain access to the records of who may be making regular visits to Talkeetna and coming into contact with Mary Dennis.

She would leave it to Althea to talk to her granddaughter about the pieces of the puzzle she had connected. Hopefully Tamsin, Mary, Kurt and Lauren would be at the elderly woman's home by the time they arrived. They could use the Special Agent's connections to get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later. From what Lauren had told him, Mary didn't have much time. She needed the cure, so this case was going to have to be their top priority.

He had a feeling this was going to be a longer trip than Dyson had planned.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Homestead, Two Days Later…

Bo awoke to the sound of voices. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around the room. She was in her loft… in her bed. How did she get here? The last thing she remembered, was a large black bear charging her team. Reese and Rosie tried to go after it and flipped her sled. Harper somehow managed to get free of the basket and…

Bo shook out her thoughts… everything was scrambled. She moved to sit up, but her head was throbbing and so were her ribs. She lifted her shirt and noticed the lines of tape covering her entire ribcage. Her skin was black and blue at the ends of each row of white adhesive. She tried to take a deep breath, but a searing pain ripped through her side, forcing her to exhale,

"Shit. Busted ribs for sure. Dammit." She lifted her arm to push her hair back, only to see a splint on the limb. She gave her fingers a squeeze and felt pain, "Probably a fracture there too. What the hell happened?"

She could feel that there was tape on her face, so she slowly uncovered her legs. When she saw the three neatly stitched, evenly spaced gashes, she knew…

"Damn bears. Wish they could miss just once when they attack." Bo sighed, "You guys were just hungry, I guess. The snows came early, and you haven't eaten enough to last through the sparse winter months. I guess me and my dogs looked like an all-you-can-eat buffet out there. Still, taking on an entire team of dogs… that just doesn't seem right. Why in the world did you attack that many dogs?"

She stood, walking gingerly to the mirror, "Geezus. Claws went right through my mask."

She examined the fine stitches on her cheek, the two black and blue eyes and the bruised cheekbone on the opposite side. She bit down and noted the pain in her jaw,

"Feels like I was in a fight, but I don't remember bears knowing how to box." She quipped.

"Bears don't box but flipping a sled can do a number on you."

She turned to see Kyle standing at the top of the stairway, "Breakfast is ready if you'd like to eat. You haven't had anything for two days. You were in and out of it. We tried to get you to eat, but you wouldn't. Shannon hooked up an IV for a few hours every day so you would get the nutrients you needed. With the Iditarod in a few months, you can't afford to get too skinny on us."

Bo nodded, examining her ribs, "She did a great job with these stitches. I probably won't even have a scar… well, not on my face, anyway. My leg is another story."

"Kelly did the stitches. Lauren told Shannon that her stitches are the best of all of them, so she decided to let her have a go. Carolyn was really impressed."

Bo nodded, "Kyle… I don't remember what happened. Do you know… I mean, I know you weren't out there with me, but… I remember a black bear coming after the team. I remember Rosie and Reese going after the bear. They were the wheels."

"That would have flipped your sled and pulled the team off the track." Kyle deducted.

"Aphrodite got into the mix. Harper was in the basket. I was trying to get her out. I was worried she was stuck beneath the sled, but she wasn't there." She shook her head,

"I remember the bear swiping at me when I was down. I remember there was a lot of blood in the snow. I wasn't sure if it was mine. It was so dark out. The bear was on one of the dogs… I had two axes in my hands when I went after it. I unclipped the dogs to untangle the lines."

She looked up at Kyle, "Reese and Rosie took off."

"They made it back, Bo. They found their way to the backyard before you got here. We didn't know they were out there until we heard them…" Kyle said, but everything was coming back to Bo in pieces,

"I remember putting Harper back in the basket. I could barely get myself onto the rails. I didn't even know who I was calling out to. I just knew that I had all of the dogs except my two rookies. I think I passed out. At one point, I fell off the sled. The dogs were barking. I didn't even care. I just wanted to sleep but… I saw Mom… Mom was there. She told me to get back on the sled. She told me I couldn't quit. So, I didn't."

Kyle could only nod as Bo continued.

"Mom opened the garage door when we got back. I unhooked the center line first. The dogs were all tangled and I still couldn't figure out where the blood was coming from. I laid down on the straw. I remember hearing Mom's voice. She and Molly were talking. Then I saw Shannon and Carolyn. They looked worried."

She stared up at the windows, trying to remember anything else when it hit her, "Sister. Rudy called Sister. Kyle, is Rudy okay?"

Kyle nodded, "Rudy is fine, Bo. Do you want to come downstairs?"

"How are the dogs?"

"You should come downstairs, Bo." Kyle repeated.

Bo could see the hesitation in her friend's eyes, "How are the dogs, Kyle?"

"Bo…"

"How are the dogs? Tell me. How are the dogs?"

Kyle sighed, "The team is a bit banged up, Bo. Some worse than others. You should come downstairs and see for yourself."

Bo slowly pulled on one leg of her pants before Kyle walked over to offer an assist. The brunette didn't resist. When she was dressed, she looked at her friend,

"You've known me longer than anyone down there, Kyle."

"Mostly."

"I mean… you've known the real me. You knew all that I let show… all that I told you when we were alone… at night."

"Yup."

Bo nodded, "And I know the real you."

"Yup." Kyle said, offering Bo a sweatshirt from her footlocker.

Bo tossed it on the bed, "I know when you're keeping something from me, Kyle."

"Bo…"

"How's Harper, Kyle."

When her friend did not reply, Bo's voice grew more insistent, "How. Is. Harper."

"She's alive, Bo. But she's in very bad shape."

"No." The brunette ran for the stairway, rushing down the steps. She could feel a stitch break, warm fluid leaking down onto her foot, but she continued, running past her family in the kitchen to the garage as Molly called out to her.

She jumped off the top step and rushed to stall in the kennel, but she wasn't there. She turned to Molly's voice,

"She's in the living room, Bo. Rudy and Elise are with her. They haven't left her side." Molly explained.

Bo looked up, "Is she… is she going to die?"

"The vet has been here three times a day. It doesn't look good, Bo."

The brunette bundled her hands up to her face as pain ripped through her chest. She fell to her knees, sobs racking her body. Molly ran to her, wrapping her arms around her torso, holding her tight as she screamed the word 'no' over and over again.

Tosh came to the doorway and slowly descended the short staircase. He came to sit in front of his little sister who looked up at him, her eyes swollen and red,

"I shouldn't have taken her out. Fifty miles out and back was too much for her. I should have left her home."

"Bo, the distance had nothing to do with it. Harper is still fit as a fiddle and you know it."

"I shouldn't have run her with the rookies, Tosh. They got spooked by the bear. I shouldn't have put them at the wheel position. They flipped the sled with Harper in the basket."

Molly shook her head, "Bo, the flipped sled had nothing to do with it. You used a sound configuration from what we could see."

"You weren't even there." Bo snapped, though her face softened as she realized her own tone, "Sorry."

Molly offered a soft smile, "The dogs were still attached to the center line, Bo. You released the center line to free them from the sled. You weren't in your right mind. You were hypothermic and you'd lost a lot of blood. Harper was in the same condition."

"Internal bleeding? The sled landed on her. She got dragged."

Tosh shook his head, "Listen to me, Bo. From the looks of it, Harper took on that bear. LJ and Mark followed the blood trail to the lake. You weren't more than five miles from home. The bear had three axes and half of its face was ripped off, courtesy of your Champion."

"She…"

Tosh smiled, "She was protecting you and the team. She was protecting her children, Bo. Any Mother would – canine or human. You know this. It's nobody's fault, Bo. It was dark, bears are hungry because the weather turned before they could put on their winter fat. It was just the wrong place at the wrong time."

Molly released the brunette, standing to head inside. She turned back to Bo, "I know this is hard for you, Bo. We've all lost dogs before – you more than most… but Rudy and Elise… they've never lost a dog. We'll handle Elise, but your little sister needs you right now. Her Mom isn't here, and neither is Lauren. She's been asking Tosh to spend more time with her, but I don't think this is what she had in mind."

Bo nodded, taking a deep breath, "Time to put on my big girl pants and be the parent?"

Molly nodded, "Something like that, yes. You've had your first good cry over your dog. Now let Rudy have hers. You can cry every night for all I care, just pull it together for those little girls in there. They're not ready to lose their best friend and they're struggling with this."

Bo nodded again, "The vets coming today?"

"She'll be here in about an hour. We told her to be sure she's got bear mace and a loaded shotgun onboard her snow machine. That bear didn't attack without reason. There must have been cubs around and if there were cubs, they're out there alone now, surely crying for their Momma. That means there will be other animals out there hearing a free meal."

Bo looked up as the realization hit her, but Tosh was already ahead of her, "We know, Bo. We'll do our best to protect the cubs. We've already called the Wildlife Conservation Center. They're sending a team out."

"The cubs are innocent."

"We know, Bo." Tosh assured, "Let us worry about the cubs."

Molly pointed to the other dogs, "Now, check on your other dogs. They're all a bit banged up. Rosie and Reese are the worst off of the group, but they're young and quick. The bear got them, but their cuts are pretty superficial. They'll heal and then you can start teaching them about how to handle animal attacks."

Bo watched as she turned and walked inside. She looked up at Tosh, "Is it worth it?"

"What?"

"Sledding."

He pulled off his cap, scratching his head before replacing it,

"Sadly, that's not a decision I can make for you, Bo. You've got to decide that for yourself. I would just say that for all of the time you've spent out there in the wild, there's been very few events like this in your life."

"Some big brother you are. You're absolutely no help."

"Yea, well I repaired your sled anyway."

Bo stood carefully, noting the blood beneath her, "Shit. I ripped a stitch."

"Yea, well Kelly is your nurse for today. The other two are here, but off duty. They've been rotating. She'll be more than happy to repair her own handiwork."

Bo nodded, moving to the kennel to check on her dogs. She moved through the space, checking each of them one-by-one. When she got to Rosie's kennel, she noticed it was empty,

"Where's Rosie?"

Tosh nodded, "With Reese. They won't sleep apart, so we caved in and gave them a shared space."

Bo shook her head, walking to the pair who slid out of the house to greet her. They whined and whimpered, cowering at her feet,

"It's okay, girls. You're young and you've got lessons to learn. I take it from now on you'll stay with the team?"

She examined Reese first, noting the scratch to her neck and torso. Just as she was told, the cuts were fairly superficial. She noticed a splint on Rosie's leg,

"Broken?"

Tosh shook his head, "No. Severed tendon."

"Shit. Will she run again?"

"The vet thinks so. She used the fascia from the muscle to repair it. She said it will likely be stronger than the tendon in her other leg, but she's out for the season."

Bo nodded, "That means Reese is out too. They won't run well with other dogs. They're still too young."

"Are they really Iditarod material?"

Bo shrugged, "It's too early to tell."

Tosh smiled, noting that his little sister may have been wondering if racing was worth it a moment ago, but she was certainly talking like a musher who intended to continue her career.

Finally, Bo arrived at Aphrodite's kennel. She gave a little whistle, and the dog came out, wagging her tail. Her head was cocked slightly to the side and when Bo pulled to face her, she noticed the patch over her eye,

"Oh Spirits, no." She turned to Tosh, "She lost an eye?"

"Not yet. The cornea was cut, but the doc is hopeful that it will heal. The patch is a piece of cast that's glued fast to her skin. She's pulled it off once already, so Doc is bringing a cone back today."

Bo frowned, scratching the space between her ears as she nuzzled into Bo's chest,

"Oh, no! You're going to be a conehead!" Bo smiled, whispering in her ear, "I'm so sorry, my wonder pup. I know how embarrassing that will be for you, but stand tall and proud because I'm guessing you tried to protect the rookies? Huh? I know, I know."

She turned to Tosh, "Has she seen Harper?"

Tosh shook his head, "No. Should she have seen Harper?"

"Yes. This is Harper's eldest daughter."

"I thought they were just partners at the wheel position."

Bo shook her head, "Normally, yes."

"But it looked like you had her at the…"

"Lead, yes. I was worried the rookies would get us lost, so I moved Aphrodite to lead and settled the rooks near the sled. Big mistake."

"Bo, you couldn't have known." Tosh repeated.

"Maybe." Bo replied, taking the dog off of her lead, "I'm taking her inside to see Harper. They need to be near one another."

Tosh nodded, "Whatever you say, Bo. It's your house and your dogs."

Bo led the veteran dog to the door, taking the steps slowly behind her so as not to bust open any more stitches. Aphrodite immediately picked up on her Mother's scent while Bo followed high-pitched voices of Rudy and Elise who must have been greeted by their canine friend.

Bo stopped, turning to Molly,

"Thank you for what I'm sure must have been a trying night."

"Three nights and yes, it has been. You should eat something." Molly suggested, pointing to the breakfast spread she had prepared.

Bo nodded, "I'm actually a bit nauseous, so I think food will have to wait. Besides, I'd like to see Harper."

"Carolyn said the concussion would cause nausea, but then again, I'm sure you know that having had your share of blows to the head."

"About ten too many." Bo smiled, "I'm going to go…"

Bo didn't finish, instead pointing towards the room while Molly nodded, "Of course."

Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. She stopped short, Tosh coming to stand by her side. She took his hand – a gesture which took him by surprise. She asked,

"Her legs… are they all…"

"The two that are casted are broken. The two that are wrapped in gauze were… well, they have some very bad wounds on them."

Bo's breath hitched, her eyes drawn to the gauze on Harper's left ear, "Her ear?"

"Stitched back on. It was hanging by a thread. Doc doesn't think there's damage to the hearing."

Bo nodded, squeezing Tosh's hand harder, "Did the Doc shave off all of her fur?"

Tosh shook his head, "Kyle did that so that Carolyn could find and stop the source of the bleeding."

"Carolyn did dog surgery?"

"Apparently their initial training in Anatomy was on big alley cats, so it wasn't much different than that. Kyle handled the clippers since she had grooming experience and knew how to get the fur off quickly and without doing further damage."

Bo's free hand went to her mouth, her fingers rotating to wipe away the tears, "So all of the bandages on her torso are also wounds?"

Tosh nodded, "The skin is torn clean off under there, Bo. It's not pretty."

She leaned into her brother, her voice shaking as she asked, "Is she in pain?"

Shaking his head, he released her hand and wrapped her in his arms, "That bag hanging on the window hook is a pain killer."

Bo nodded, standing upright and steeling her nerves. She looked up at her brother who gave her a nod before she went to her long-time canine companion.

Rudy looked up, her eyes red and swollen, "Sister, my friend is hurt."

Bo nodded, catching the youngster when she jumped into her arms, "I know, Roo. I'm sorry I couldn't protect her."

"Aunt Kyle said you were probably unconked by the bear."

Bo smiled, "Unconscious because of the bear?"

"Uh-huh. Did Harper protect you?"

"I'm sorry, Roo. I don't really remember a lot about what happened."

"Because you hit your head?"

Bo nodded, "I think so."

Rudy pointed to her cheek, "Does it hurt?"

"I don't think anything hurts as bad as it hurts to see Harper like this."

"Aphrodite, Rosie and Reese got hurt too, but not as bad."

Bo nodded, "I saw them."

Elise stood, hugging Bo's torso, "I'm sorry about your Harper, Bo."

"Thank you, Elise. And thank you both for watching out for her while I was sleeping. She loves you both so much. I'm sure it made her feel better just to have the two of you near her."

Rudy looked at her sister and asked, "Do you want some alone time to whisper with Harper? I know you two talk that way sometimes."

Bo smiled, "Would you mind?"

Rudy shrugged, "Mom would tell us to run along and leave you be."

Bo chuckled, "I can hear her saying those exact words."

"I know our Mom." Rudy nodded.

"You sure do." Bo smiled, now curious if anyone had heard from her. She lowered Rudy to the floor and turned to Molly as the two girls ran into the kitchen hand and hand, "Any news?"

Molly shook her head, "We'll go have breakfast… give you two time together. The Vet sent a text. She's running early. LJ is driving her out in his truck. She'll be here soon."

Bo nodded, moving to sit by Harper's side. The pup lifted her head, but Bo eased it back onto the soft bed she had been placed on,

"Easy, girl. No need to snap to attention for me." Her eyes welled with tears. She lowered her face to the crook of the dog's neck, noting the difference of the feel without fur there, "You really did it this time, girl. It looks like you took on a bear whose bite was worse than your bark." Bo shook her head, "Why did you go and do this?"

She heard a whimper and quickly lifted her head, fearing she had put pressure on an injury. She took a deep breath and began to look at the wounds one by one. Tosh was right, the one over her ribcage was deep. She whispered to her friend as she checked the rest of her injuries,

"You're strong, Harper. You're a Champion. If anyone can survive these wounds, you can." She lowered her head to the space between her legs and belly, "Please, Harper. Please fight. Please don't leave me. I'm not ready. I'm just not ready. Please."

Her body quaked as tears fell hard. She felt a paw on her shoulder and looked up to see a bandaged leg. She kissed the limb, settling in to lay with her friend. She just needed more time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kitchen

LJ arrived with Shannon and kennel vet Dr. Julie Carson in tow. LJ went for the breakfast table while nurse and vet went in to see Bo and Harper.

Shannon stopped the vet as soon as they entered the room, "You know, Bo. Right?"

"She hired me and I've worked for her since the kennel veterinary clinic opened. I treated Athena's burned paws, do all of the dogs' physicals and approve all of the products Bo's using for her races."

Shannon nodded, "Okay. She's just a very private person, so I doubt she would want you to see her like this."

Julie smiled, "It's okay. I deal with upset owners every day and I work with Bo every day."

"Right." Shannon said, following Julie to the brunette.

The nurse watched as the Vet approached Bo from the side so she could see her coming. She placed a hand on her shoulder,

"Bo?"

The brunette's head shot up, her eyes immediately turning to her dog, "Harper?"

She sighed with relief when the pup quietly whined, "It's okay, girl."

She turned to see the vet standing by, "Julie?"

"Hi Bo. I came to check on your pup. May I do an exam?"

Bo smiled, "Of course. I'm so glad it's you. Thank you for taking on her case."

"You know Harper is my favorite patient. I wouldn't have any other Vets take care of her unless I was too far away."

Bo watched as the Vet gave Harper a thorough exam. When it came time to change the bandages on her legs and torso, the brunette got her first glimpse of just how much damage was done,

"Oh my… Julie, she's missing whole pieces of flesh. How will that ever heal?"

Julie looked up at Bo, "No one told you?"

"That you don't expect her to make it? Yes, they told me. But Harper has a way of defying expectations."

"Bo, it's important that you understand…"

"Julie, it's important that you understand that Harper is a fighter. She may be a senior dog, but she is a fighter. She will not give in to this, no matter how bad it looks."

Julie shook her head, "Bo, you said it yourself. There are whole pieces of flesh torn from her musculature and her legs. Even if she lives, she will never be the Harper you once knew and she'll never pull a sled again."

Bo's eyes filled with tears as the news filled her mind. She quickly processed the information and nodded,

"She did about forty miles and needed the basket. Before the bear attack, she had already convinced me that her racing career was over. I'm fine with that. I just want her to have some retirement years where she can just lay in the river and enjoy nature without a job to do."

Julie nodded, "That would be great, Bo. I just don't see her making it through this. Without the pain medicine, she would be in agony right now. I'm trying to make her as comfortable as possible, but she is likely in a good deal of pain, Bo."

The brunette sighed, shaking her head, "Just a few more days. Please?"

"Of course, Bo. It's up to you. I just want you to be aware of the situation."

Bo nodded, "You're still new to sled dogs, Julie. I would ask you to consider that for almost ten years, she has pulled a sled through some of the worst conditions imaginable."

"I understand."

"No, Julie. You don't. That's why I asked you and the other Vet to go volunteer to work the Fur Rondy or Open North American races. These dogs are specially bred, and they have incredible endurance, stamina and pain tolerance. They run for days… Harper has endured more than you can possibly imagine – both mentally and physically." Bo looked down at her friend, "She watched her entire family as they were slaughtered by a human, yet she still tolerates us. She's better than all of us. Stronger than all of us. More human than all of us. She has fought long and hard to prove that."

"And maybe that's why it's time to let her go." Julie suggested.

"No. I'm not ready and that's final."

Julie nodded, "No one is ever ready to lose their best friend, Bo. But people do put the needs of the dog before their own if they really love them."

Bo stood, "I can't. I just… I need more time. She's okay. Just keep giving her the pain meds."

Shannon stepped in, "Bo."

"I said no, Shannon!"

The nurse put up both hands, "Whoa there, my friend. I'm not here to tell you what to do about Harper. I'm here to check on you and I need to give you your phone."

"My phone?" Bo asked.

Shannon nodded, "Three days ago, Tamsin called. I couldn't get the message off of your phone, so I have no idea what it says."

Bo took the phone, quickly opening it, "You didn't try talking to Dyson or Hale?"

"They went up North."

Bo stopped, looking at her friend, "Why? Why would they go up there unless they found something on the wire taps?"

"Wire taps?" Shannon asked.

Bo shook her head, "Sorry. I know you don't know the whole plan."

She lifted the phone to her ear and listened for Tamsin's message, walking quickly to the kitchen. She waved Molly, Mark and Tosh into the living room,

"My Mom, Lauren and Kurt are in the village jail up north. Apparently, there was an accident on the lake. Mom was badly injured and unconscious. Kurt is hurt too. She didn't mention Lauren, so I don't know. She asked me to come up there but with Harper…"

Molly placed her hands on Bo's shoulders, "Bo, take a breath. You're in no condition to take a sled to the North Slope."

Bo nodded, "I know, but I could fly in to the outer lakes and…"

"And what makes you think they won't just arrest you, too?" Mark asked, "You're not exactly the favored daughter, Bo. Selene…"

With a vigorous wave of her hands and shake of her head, Bo's frustration spilled over,

"I know!" She took a breath, and steeled her jaw, "I know, Mark. I don't need to be reminded about what my former friend and mentor did to my reputation on the North Slope. I have all of the memories of what happened when I was a teen! I went to find my Mom and came home to our house being sold and all of our possessions trashed! She may have been in Point Siku, but that bitch took everything from me up on the North Slope!"

Her eyes well with tears, but she quickly pushed them down. She needed her anger right now. This was no time for tears. She turned, facing all of the friends and family members gathered around her,

"Listen to me. All of you. I have grown to trust and love you all… and I don't think you truly understand what it means for me to say those words. I hated you. I hated you all. I assumed you felt the same way Big Jim did, so I cast you in the same light as I thought you cast me."

"Bo…"

"No Tosh. That wasn't an invitation for an apology. I don't need your apology." She moved to the doorway, staring back at Harper as she spoke, "I need your support. I need to know now, more than ever, that you really do have my back."

She turned to face them, "You know, when our relationship was only a business relationship, I tolerated you all because I needed your business." She chuckled, "But I also always knew our relationship was not a fair-trade relationship. You paid me pennies compared to the other trappers."

"Bo…"

"No, Tosh. Don't." She spoke directly to her big brother, "I know now that Big Jim was probably setting the prices you paid me. I know because everyone considered you a fair businessman and just thirty miles west of here and beyond, I was making at least ten dollars more per fur and skin. Of course, that was an area Big Jim had no interest in, so my reputation there was sound. I tolerated your prices because I didn't want to lose what I had in Point Siku. I thought the native village was my home… that I was accepted. Little did I know Selene was just keeping me close so Big Jim knew my every move… so she could manipulate my decisions and put ideas in my head for her boss."

She sighed, "Anyway, things have changed. You changed, I changed and we've become this big dysfunctional family. But whether or not she was there for me, Mary is my Mom and Rudy is my half-sister just like you're my half-brother, Tosh. I can't let Rudy lose her Mom if there's something I can do about it. If I could go back in time and stop your Mom's demise knowing what I know now, I would… broken ribs and all. I've got to do this… for Rudy… and for me. She's my Mother… for better or worse, no matter what she's done."

Tosh nodded, "I understand. I just…"

Bo watched as her brother became uncharacteristically emotional. His eyes watered and he wiped his nose with his sleeve before he spoke,

"My Dad was a terrible man, Bo. I always knew it. To him, I was a terrible son. There are certain lines I was unwilling to cross… to let my boys cross. They knew their grandfather was a terrible man, but they also knew that… well, blood or not, if they crossed him, they were dead men. The day we learned you were blood, it changed everything." He looked up at his sister, "I can't lose you now. I just can't. Other than the boys, you're the best blood I have."

Bo nodded, "And that's why I have to go alone. I have to do this, and you have to trust me to do this."

"Okay. I'll trust you. But if anything happens to you, I will rip that village east to west until you're found and I will kill any man, woman or child who's done harm to you. I spent most of my life watching you suffer. I will not stand by and watch harm come to you ever again."

"None of us will, Bo." Mark replied, "We stood silent long enough. We owe you that much and so much more for our part in your past."

Bo nodded, "Thank you."

Molly walked to Bo, "We all understand, and we'll do all we can for Harper while you're gone."

Bo nodded, "You know where all of the paperwork is for Rudy?"

"Let's just cross that bridge when we come to it." Molly replied, "We have no intention of losing you or any of your friends, Bo. If things go sideways up there, Tamsin will get a message to us. We may not be North Slope village, but the evildoers up there won't mess with a Federal Agent. It would draw too much attention to their agreements with the government and they won't risk the government going up there because then the people of their village would learn of their misdeeds. For that reason, Tamsin will let us know if anything happens and if it does, they will know the full force of the Morton Family."

Bo chuckled, "Well, I've seen that in action, so they definitely don't want to go there."

Bo turned back towards Harper, watching as Rudy cuddled into her. She felt the sadness creep in again and pushed it down, turning back to the group,

"Tamsin's message. She arranged for a visit with Althea Tunuit – my customer. Apparently, my long-time client is still on the Council of Elders and has gotten me a flight plan and entry permission. Of course, that was for three days ago, but I would assume it stands."

"We've been trying to reach Tamsin since the message came through but have gotten no response." Shannon explained to the group.

Molly sighed, "Then I'll go with you. They won't suspect I'm any sort of trouble."

"No, Molly. Like I said, someone has to stay here just in case they toss me in jail too… not to mention the kids." Bo explained, "Besides, Harper… she needs… familiar faces."

"Bo, what are you going to do with Harper? Your Vet seems to think she's suffering." Tosh asked.

Looking up at her older brother, she shook her head, "I'm not willing to throw in the towel on her yet, Tosh. She's a survivor and I don't want to jump the gun on putting her down unless I've given her wounds at least a fair chance to either heal or become infected. If infection starts to set in, then that's a step in the wrong direction."

She turned, heaving a heavy sigh when she heard sniffles coming from her little sister, "Roo."

The whisper of the young girls' name had barely left her lips when Bo felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned, coming face to face with Shannon who hesitated for only a moment before wrapping the brunette in a hug,

"I know you hate affection, and you know I hate it to, but right now, even the tough girls need hugs."

Bo smiled as Shannon pulled back to speak,

"I've got to go out to relieve Lynnie of the other dog duties but let me see what I can do for you in here first. I've been bonding with your little sister. I think she likes me more than you." Shannon winked, causing Bo to smile,

"Thank you." Bo nodded, watching as her friend moved towards the central living space. Bo watched, realizing only now the contrast of the brutally honest, blunt woman she'd come to know as friend against the tenderness with which she administered care and concern for others.

Shannon moved carefully… quietly. It was something Bo had never noticed about her before. She stopped to check on a sleeping Elise first, checking the temperature of her skin. The nurse moved back to the sofa to grab one of Mary's handmade blankets before gently wrapping it over the young girl. Bo smiled, knowing that both Rudy and Elise had begun crafting quilts and blankets with her Mom, so she was sure the covering would be a comfort to her sister's young friend.

Shannon moved to sit down next to Rudy who was laying on her side, stroking the fur in one of the only spots not covered by a bandage. Shannon gently tucked an unruly lock of hair into Rudy's thick mane and asked,

"How ya doin', Roo?"

"My heart hurts. I can't stand how sad I feel."

"I'm so sorry, Roo. How can I help?"

"Can't you make Harper better?"

Shannon shrugged, "I'm afraid it's up to Harper now, Roo."

"But you're a Nurse. You made me better. You made Sister better. Don't you want to make Harper better?"

Bo's eyes welled with tears when she saw Shannon's shoulders drop at the question. She listened as Shannon went on to explain that sometimes, medicine has its limits. She asked Rudy if she had prayed to the Spirits, something Mary would have asked her as well. Bo sighed, shaking her head. She wished she could spare her sister this pain, but every child had to learn the lessons of life as well as death. If not now, later.

Unable to handle her little sisters' pain, she turned back to the kitchen and the rest of her family, "Shannon's really good with her."

Molly smiled, "She told me she can't wait to have kids of her own."

Bo nodded, "I never would have thought Shannon the mothering kind before."

"She's a Nurse, Bo. Caring for others is in her blood."

"I suppose. I guess I got to know the friend before I really noticed the Nurse."

"Well, I know that both she and Carolyn are heartbroken that they can't do more for Harper, even though she isn't a human patient. She's right – medicine does have its limits."

Bo frowned, "Traditional medicine, yes. But my Mom may know something that modern-day Vets don't. Before the bear, I clearly remember Harper climbing into the basket under her own power. She was exhausted and her legs were giving her trouble. She knew she couldn't make it back here. She's smart and she doesn't look to me like she's ready to give up. I know her better than any of you ever could. She's survived bear attacks before. We both have. Remember, we didn't have a home for almost a decade."

She walked to the cabinet, sorting through her Mom's powders and salves before finding what she was looking for,

"I used this salve on Harper's legs while she was in the basket. She could barely move and the next thing you know, she's fighting off a bear."

There was silence as the group shared glances, then turned back to a hopeful Bo. Finally, her big brother spoke,

"Okay, Bo. We wait."

"Thank you, Tosh."

He offered a tight smile, "Don't thank me yet, Sis. If she gets worse or starts voicing her pain, I'm not waiting. I will not let that dog suffer. We all love her too, Bo. We love her enough to release her from a life of pain."

Bo's eyes brimmed with tears as she stared out at her longtime companion, "I just ask that you try to hold off until I get back. At least call me before you make the decision. I might be able to get back in time."

He nodded, "You sure you want to be here if it comes to the worst?"

Tears fell, "I have to be. She's never left my side when I was hurt… and it's my fault that she's like this." She shook her head, "I don't know what happened. I must have missed my mark with the axe or something. I just know that she never should have had to protect me or the other dogs. I can't let her go through this alone…"

She turned back to her family, "… but I also can't let my Mom suffer and die in some stinkin' jail."

She closed her eyes tightly, trying to fight off yet another flurry of memories from her past, "I know all too well what it's like to be tossed into a freezing cold jail cell and left for dead. Dyson rescued me from that. I have to do the same for my Mom, Kurt and anyone else they're holding."

Molly noticed that Bo had yet to mention Lauren's name. She wondered how much the doctor was playing into her decision to go there and, if she did, could she be rational if Lauren was in trouble.

Tosh, on the other hand, was scowling at Bo's declaration as long overdue thoughts rose to the surface,

"I should have been the one to bail you out of there. It was my Father that did that to you and it was wrong. He was always wrong, and I knew it. I have so many regrets, Bo…"

Bo pulled out her phone, thumbing through her contacts as she spoke, "Yea, well we can visit memory lane another day, big brother. Right now, I have to get to our family, then get back here to Harper."

Bo lifted her phone to her ear, looking up at Carolyn who was just coming in from the garage. She gave Bo a thumbs up before the brunette returned her attention to the call,

"Kenzi, are any of the emergency pilots around there?"

"Uh… how 'bout 'Hello, Kenzi. I woke up from my coma and I'm okay' or something like that?" The younger woman spat, sarcastically.

Bo rolled her eyes, "Kenzi! I don't have time. LJ will explain when he brings me into town. Right now, I need my plane fueled, checked and ready to fly to the North Slope. Jim borrowed it last week and I'm not sure if it was checked after he got back. I'll be there in about ninety minutes. I need your help, Kenzi."

"Fine! I'll take care of it, but make sure LJ knows to get in here and tell me what's going on."

"I will." Bo replied, hanging up her phone. She looked up at LJ who was already giving her a thumbs up as he began to get dressed to head outside and move his sled so that they could take the truck.

"Bo, if you're going to fly, we need to give you a quick physical before you go. More importantly, I need to change your bandages." Carolyn said, moving towards the brunette, "FAA rules, Bo."

"Fine. I want a few more minutes with Harper, then I'll meet you or Shannon up in my room. Is everyone good with this?"

Tosh nodded, "I'll take care of Harper. You just take care of your Mom and friends."

"I don't understand how this happened. They had permission to be there." Bo replied.

"What about your mystery man on the North Slope? The guy who gave your Mom trouble all those years ago?" Tosh asked.

"I'm sure he's a possibility." Bo replied, "I guess I'll find out soon enough. Right now, I've got to get my shit together and go. I'm going to fly straight into the airport. Screw them all. I'm registered with the council there and if they say otherwise, I've got plenty of stories to back it up."

"Stories you can't prove, Bo." Tosh replied.

Bo shrugged, "Well, accusations seem to be enough around here. I believe I'll suggest the same should apply in the North. Besides, Tamsin wouldn't have called for me if she didn't need me there fast."

"I'll pack some food. You haven't eaten in days. I'll also fill bottles with water and pack those. Anything else you need, Bo?" Molly asked.

Bo shook her head and politely thanked her. She stood for a moment and watched as the family returned to the breakfast table, talking about who would take on the various tasks of the day. Tosh, as promised, would remain here to watch over Harper, Rudy and Elise with Molly.

She quietly hoped this wouldn't be the last time she would see all of them. Turning, she headed to Harper's bed to say a quick goodbye, finding Rudy asleep in Shannon's arms with Carolyn sitting nearby. She moved quietly to Harper, whispering in her ear,

"I have to go save Mary. You understand, right girl? Hang in there. I'll be back as soon as I can. I love you without bounds, my friend. Stay strong. Be the fighter I know you are. I love you."

Bo lowered her head to Harper's, her fingers pressing deep into her fur, "Stay with me. Please, stay with me."

With one last goodbye, she turned and scaled the steps to her loft. She secretly hoped it was Carolyn giving her the physical, otherwise she would have to brace herself for the wrath of Shannon over her torn stitches. Still, if that was the worst she had to face today, it would be a good day indeed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Four Hours Later, North Slope

When Bo arrived at the airport, she was led to a cargo hold where she found the two teams of dogs her Mom and Lauren were supposed to use while up here. She turned to her escort,

"You put my dogs in cages?"

The man chuckled, "Unruly bunch. We had to be sure they weren't killer animals… like their owner."

"Excuse me?" Bo asked, turning away from the dogs to face the man.

"You heard me." He laughed.

Bo gritted her teeth and replied, "Set them free."

"Darlin', I can't do that without proper authorization."

"You have it from Elder Tinuit." Bo replied.

He chuckled again, "Elder Tinuit? You haven't heard? Elder Tinuit is no longer an Elder. She quit."

Bo scowled, "Well, she was still an Elder when the order was given."

"Semantics."

"Wow. Such. A big word for such a small-minded man." Bo chuckled.

"Watch yourself there, Missy."

"Or what?" Bo asked, wondering if her stitches would hold up in a fight. Hell, for that matter, she wondered if she would even be able to throw a punch.

Two other men came to flank the loudmouth and Bo knew she was in trouble.

"Okay, so maybe we got off on the wrong foot here, boys." Bo smiled.

"Ya think so?" He laughed as the two other men stepped closer to Bo, "So, you're that wild child, eh?"

"Wild child?" Bo asked.

"Yea. We hear your Momma and Papa left you behind. You were raised off grid with the wolves and shit."

Bo lowered her eyes to the man's shoes, watching for movement as she used her peripheral vision to watch the other two men. The stories of the wild child may just work in her favor…

"So? What about it."

"We hear you're not civil. That your nails and teeth are razor sharp like a bear and you'll kill a man just for looking at you wrong. In fact, we hear you've killed a lot of men."

Bo froze, wondering what he was getting at, "So, you're my escort but you also work for the local tabloids selling rumors about former residents?"

"Don't work for a tabloid, but sure would like to know if the hearsay is rumor or fact."

"Well, I sure would like to know if you're going to take me where you're supposed to take me. I'm guessing you have a contract to bring me safely to my destination?"

"Depends on your definition of safely, I guess. We'll get you there alive, for sure."

Bo shook her head, "So are we going to get going, or what?"

"Or what?" He asked, the three men laughing.

"Well, if we're not going to hook up my dogs and get to where I'm going, I'd love to know what it is we are planning to do." Bo said, listening carefully to the footsteps of the man on her right. He was moving closer, his foot pivoting as he transferred his weight.

The men stepped closer, each pulling out pieces of wood, "You shouldn't have come back here, little girl."

"Half-breed."

"Cheechako."

"Bastard child."

Bo smirked, closing her eyes as the memories rushed back accompanied by memories of the last time this happened. Big Jim stood over her dogs, killing them one by one and tossing them onto a fire. Some were still alive as were the sounds of their cries in her memory. She raised her head, looking into the eyes of the older man across from her,

"You. You were there."

He grinned, half of his teeth rotten or missing, "I thought we would have a nice little reunion. You brought us a whole new group of dogs to burn. You see, some of us don't like you winning the Iditarod. How'd that bear attack work out, half-breed."

Bo's eyes went wide as the realization hit her, "You…"

"It's amazing what a Momma Black Bear will do when she smells the blood of her cub behind a sled, isn't it?"

Every inch of Bo's body was flooded with rage as she cried out when the first man took a swing from her right. She ducked the strike, simultaneously landing a strong side kick to the front of his knee. He screamed in agony as he dropped to the ground, gripping his leg,

Bo smiled, turning to the man in front of her and pointing over her shoulder at the first man she'd taken down. She smiled as she spoke to him,

"Did you know it only takes twenty pounds of pressure to collapse the human knee? A doctor friend taught me that. Kind of comes in handy if you hit the right spot. Cool."

The man lunged, but she quickly used a shoulder roll to reach the discarded piece of wood, grimacing in pain as she lifted it over head to block the blow of the next attacker. She spun away, landing a brutal downward strike, effectively breaking his forearm, then landing a hard blow with her foot to the side of his knee. He dropped to the ground, rolling as he howled in pain.

She turned to face the last man, "I guess he didn't hear me."

She chuckled, but her smile quickly turned down, her face deadly serious, "You killed my entire team."

"Awe, come on. We saved your precious Harper… until now. Sorry for your loss."

Bo laughed, "Well, guess what, asshole… you missed. Harper is alive and well, which is more than I can say for you."

She ducked his effort, spinning in and throwing a hard elbow into his ribcage before stomping down hard on the bridge of his foot. As expected, his head came down as she spun away, throwing a sharp undercut into his lower jaw. He staggered back,

"How's that feel?" She struck a hard blow down across his back, "That's for the part you played in killing my dogs…" she kicked him twice in the gut, "… and that's for locking up and threatening these dogs…" she dropped the wood and hoisted the man to his feet, throwing a fist into his cheek over and over again until his skin was cut in three places and his mouth was bloodied,

"And that is for the damage you did to my team by luring that bear to them…" She threw a left, then a right and another right as he began to fall. She vaguely heard Tamsin call out as she threw two more punches,

"And that's for Harper." She dropped to her knees, "My precious, precious Harper you sick bastard." She spat on him, "May you rot in hell for all eternity."

She felt a blow to the back of her head, a gunshot ringing out before everything went black."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Althea Tinuit's Home, Three Hours Later…

Bo's eyes opened slowly, a bright light shining down in her eyes. She squinted, raising her hands to block the light, finally resorting to turning her head away.

"She's coming to, Doctor Lewis."

Doctor Lewis? Lauren?

Bo struggled to open her eyes, but found a native woman with long black hair staring back at her,

"Uh… hi." Bo said, awkwardly, "You're beautiful." She whispered before noticing Lauren standing over the woman's shoulder. She tried to sit up quickly, her face flushed with embarrassment, before the doctor turned away.

"Ysabeau. How do you feel?" The native woman asked.

"Fine. I'm fine. Lauren. Lauren!"

She watched as Lauren left the room, "Shit."

"Ysabeau, can you see how many fingers I have up?"

"Two… I mean, three."

"And now?"

"Still three."

"Good. Do you have a headache?"

"Yes." Bo said, sitting up further, only to feel the room begin to spin, "Ow. Yes. What happened?"

"I need to check your pupils." She pulled out a pen light, but Bo pushed it away,

"Listen, I already had a concussion, so I'm sure my pupils will still be… whatever pupils are when you have a concussion."

"You already had a concussion?"

"Yes. Who hit me?" Bo asked, rubbing her head.

"Well, as your friend the government agent explains it, one of the first two men you… uh… took out… didn't appreciate you beating up his friend, so he hit you over the head with a two by four, effectively knocking you out."

Bo nodded, feeling the back of her head, "Yup. That's what it feels like."

"You're lucky you don't have a skull fracture." She mixed some powder into a cup of what looked like hot water, "Here. Drink this. You'll feel much clearer and the pain will subside."

"Great." Bo said, watching as she stirred the mixture in. She looked to the bedside table and saw bloody gauze, "What's all that?"

"Apparently, you already had some stitches. They were ripped, so Doctor Lewis repaired them."

Bo sighed, closing her eyes, "I'll bet she's not too happy with me."

The woman shrugged, "She didn't say."

"She didn't?"

"You know her?" The woman asked.

"She didn't say?" Bo asked.

"She didn't."

Bo nodded, "And may I ask who you are?"

"My name is Airynn Tinuit. I am your friend Althea's granddaughter."

"Is Althea okay? Those men said she was no longer on the council."

Airynn nodded, "That is correct. She stepped down as part of a law she enacted to remove another Elder Tarook from the council."

"Elijah Tarook?" Bo asked.

"You know of him?"

"I was born and raised here. Let's just say I was raised to be wary of him."

Airynn nodded, "Of course. I forgot for a moment that you were the long-lost daughter of Mary Dennis."

"Long lost?" Bo offered a tight smile, "I think you've got that backwards. I was here all along. It was my Mom and Dad that were long lost. Now, the evil Dad is dead and Mom… well, how is my Mom?"

"Your Mother is very ill, but we have identified the toxin that has been administered to her."

"A single toxin?"

Airynn shook her head, "It's a combination of lethal herbs that act by slowly damaging the tissues of vital organs over a long time. It was brought to this village by Jim Morton decades ago. Apparently Big Jim Dennis got ahold of it and began using it on his wives… at least that's what we've learned from the two of the three men you brought to justice in the airport hangar."

"Brought to justice?"

"Your friend Tamsin walked into the hangar when they were attacking you. She drew her gun and moved on the man who hit you from behind. He had the wood overhead about to administer a lethal blow when she fired three shots into his chest. He died of his wounds."

Bo swallowed hard, "I guess I'd better thank Tamsin for saving my ass."

Airynn smiled, "I suppose. You would not have survived an overhead blow while your head was on the concrete floor."

Bo nodded, "He would have cracked me open like a coconut, eh?"

"Indeed." Airynn replied.

"So, can I get up and see my Mom? How is she? Is there a treatment?"

"There was an accident. Her sled fell into the ice and she was hypothermic and had a concussion when she came in. Instead of getting her immediate treatment, former Elder Tarook had her thrown in jail where her body temperature continued to plummet. Her friends Kurt and Lauren used their bodies to keep her as warm as possible. They saved her life, but both of them were also hypothermic by the time we had them released.

"Are they okay?" Bo asked, concerned.

Airynn nodded, "Kurt was in pretty bad shape as he was on Mary's sled for the accident. He also has a concussion, but he doesn't have poison in his veins on top of the hypothermia."

"So is my Mom going to make it?"

Airynn nodded, "Doctor Lewis and I have worked together to combine the best of modern medicine and traditional native treatments. She's quite brilliant."

Bo recognized the glint in the woman's eye when she spoke of Lauren, but quickly pushed the jealousy down,

"Yes, she is. So are the combined treatments working?"

"Doctor Lewis is checking her vital signs regularly and reports a marked improvement, so I believe they are. She said she will have to run some blood tests and scans to know for sure. We're working on finding a power interphase for the portable machines she brought. They were just transported in from their plane down south and I believe she has already taken the images and sent them off to a Doctor Grace, I believe?"

Bo nodded, "He's my Mother's doctor."

"But Doctor Lewis is the doctor in your Mother's town. Why would she not be the attending physician?"

Bo hesitated to speak until Lauren walked into the room and explained,

"Because it is a conflict of interest. Bo and I have been dating for some time now."

Airynn looked shocked by the news, while Bo breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh. I was not aware you were… unavailable, Doctor Lewis. Apologies."

Lauren grinned, "It's quite alright, Airynn. Bo and I are slowing things down a bit for now. We prefer to keep details of our relationship between us unless asked."

"Of course." Airynn nodded, standing from Bo's bedside and smoothing down her shirt, "I'll leave you two alone now. I believe she's going to make a full recovery."

Lauren nodded, "Thank you for your help, Airynn. Please let Mary know that Bo will be in to see her soon."

"Of course." Airynn nodded before leaving the room.

Lauren turned to Bo, "So, taking on three guys by yourself?"

"Well, I had been led to believe I had a reservation and would have a welcoming committee to bring me here. I didn't know welcoming committees now came equipped with two by fours and were former members of the group that killed my team of dogs."

"What?" Lauren asked, her eyes going wide as she called for Tamsin.

The blonde entered the room in a hurry, "What? What's the matter?"

Bo explained, "Those three men. I'm not sure about the two with the busted knees, but the one whose face I enjoyed busting up is one of the men who helped Big Jim kill my team a little over a decade ago."

"Are you sure?" Tamsin asked.

Bo nodded, "He admitted it. That's why when he attacked me with the others. I got a little lost in the moment." Bo put a hand on her forehead, "All of these memories… the laughter from the men… the cries from the dogs… it all came back and I was just… lost."

Tamsin nodded, "Well, we got the dogs from the cages, so your teams are all safe again."

"No. No they're not. And what are you all doing out of prison? Why did you call me here?" Bo asked.

"When we were hitting dead end after dead end, I finally got the Sheriff up here so I could check on them. Mary was in really bad shape and I knew if I didn't put all of my cards on the table, she was going to die… well, according to the doctor who was jailed with her." Tamsin explained, nodding to Lauren.

"But why didn't you call me and tell me not to come?" Bo asked.

"They had our phones, Bo. I had no way of calling. We still don't have our phones back. We're waiting on them to be returned today."

Bo sat up, swinging her legs out of the bed, "So you don't need me up here for anything?"

Tamsin shrugged, "I guess not. Not anymore."

"Shit. I've got to get back."

Lauren shook her head, "Bo, you've got a concussion. You're in no condition to fly a plane."

"Then Dyson can fly me back."

"Dyson? You would really spend an hour and a half in a plane with Dyson?" Tamsin laughed.

"Yes." Bo said, pulling on her pants. They were bloody, but they would do. She was going to be up in the air, not on the ground where she had to worry about the scent attracting company.

Lauren shook her head, "Bo, I'm sure that Molly has Rudy covered. You really need to…"

Bo pushed Lauren's hands away, "Get back! I have to get back now!"

She stood, gripping the wall when the room swayed. Undeterred, she found her shirt on a chair, also bloodied, but pulled it on, nonetheless.

"Bo, this is ridiculous…" Tamsin began, seeing the concern on Lauren's face.

Bo turned on Tamsin, her eyes ripe with tears, "You know what's ridiculous, Tamsin? Those bastards killed a Black Bear cub and while we were on our way home and apparently spread its blood behind us when we were on our final rest stop before the Homestead. A Black Bear attacked my team because the blood was near. Rosie and Reese jumped the line, dragging the other dogs towards the bear." She shook her head, "I guess they were tangled in the lines and couldn't fight back, so I threw three axes. Two hit their mark, one didn't." She turned towards Lauren, "I'm sure you saw the injuries since you repaired the stitches."

She pulled on her outer layer, zipping up the half zip at the chest, "Harper was in bad shape when we were about to leave after the forty mile mark. She had crawled into the basket without any word from me." She shook her head, "She must have mustered what strength she had left to fight off the bear."

She wiped away the tears that trailed down her cheeks, "Half of her torso was torn off, two broken legs, two legs are missing their… I don't know… tendons or something. It bit into her neck, her shoulder, her head."

She looked up at the pair, "I left her to come here because I thought you were in trouble. They don't think she's going to make it. I have to be there. I have to get back."

She grabbed her pack, walking towards the door, but Lauren called out to her, "Bo!"

She stopped, still facing the door as Lauren spoke, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I know how important she is to you."

Bo sighed, nodding, "Thank you."

"Bo." Lauren said as Tamsin quietly excused herself. The doctor walked towards the brunette, "Do you want me to come with you?"

The brunette felt Lauren's hand on her shoulder. He wanted to turn and let the blonde hold her. She wanted to tuck her face into the crook of her neck and let out all of the anguish she felt over Harper, her Mom and the blonde's coming departure, but what good would that really do? It was just putting off the inevitable.

"I'd appreciate it if you would look after my Mom until she can be moved. I'm going to check in on her now. I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell her about Harper."

"Bo, you can't really expect me to keep that from her. Rudy must be…"

"Rudy is going to learn that death is part of life. She hasn't left Harper's side and Tosh hasn't left hers. Molly and Mark are both there with Elise. Shannon, Carolyn and Kelly have been taking care of her wounds when the Vet is gone. LJ is trying to be the tough guy, but he's struggling with it as well. Harper saved his ass more than once. You never forget something like that. Anyway, Rudy's in good hands, just like you said."

Lauren ran her hand across Bo's shoulder, her other hand wrapping around her waist, "Bo, I'm so sorry."

Bo nodded, "I know you are, Lauren. Thank you. I know you love Harper too."

"I do. But I'm more worried about you right now." Lauren replied.

"Well, don't be. Worry about your patients here, then go do your thing in Boston. By the time you get back, this will all be part of our history, one way or another."

"Bo, please don't be like that."

"Be like what, Lauren?"

"Angry about me going to Boston." Lauren replied.

"I'm not, Lauren. I'm angry that I came here when it wasn't necessary, and my brother could be making the decision to put my best friend down before I get back." Bo explained.

"Bo, will you please face me?"

She lowered her eyes, "I can't, Lauren. I just can't look at you right now."

"Bo, nothing happened between me and Airynn."

Bo nodded, "We're on a break. It's not my place to judge."

Lauren stepped around Bo who lowered her head, "Do you really think I'm taking this break so that I can cheat on you?"

Bo shrugged, "Like I said, I'm not holding you to anything right now. We agreed. It's not my place to decide what you do or don't do on this break."

Lauren scowled, "So you're saying I'm free to do as I please?"

Bo looked up, "Are you interested in her?"

"You're the one that opened your eyes and said she was beautiful."

"It was a statement of fact, not a statement of desire." Bo said, a scowl planted firmly on her face to match her frown.

Lauren let out a half laugh, "I was standing right behind her and you didn't say I was beautiful."

Bo shook her head, "She was shining a damn light in my eyes, Lauren. I have a screaming headache and that light was really bright. I didn't see you until after I'd said it and then I was embarrassed that I had."

Lauren laughed, shaking her head, but before she had a chance to reply, Bo stepped back,

"I'm not going to do this with you right now, Lauren. I've got a dying dog down south and a Mom I want to see before I leave. We've already had our goodbyes and I don't know about you, but it was a goodbye for the record books. I won't be thinking about having sex with anyone because I can't get the thoughts of what we shared out of my mind… or out of my heart."

Her eyes watered and a few tears escaped before she reached out and grabbed a thin strand of blonde hair between her thumb and index finger, wrapping it around the digits. She was careful to keep her eyes only on the soft threads in her hand since she wasn't confident in her ability to leave if she saw those big brown orbs,

"Have a safe trip, Lauren. I hope you find what you're looking for. Be careful in the big city."

She leaned in slightly, close enough to capture the familiar scent, but summoned the courage to step past the blonde to exit the room. Lauren frozen to the spot as turmoil brewed in her very soul. Bo had brought a lot of news with her, but the news of Harper was devastating. Right now, she just wanted to get her phone back so that she could talk to Molly. She needed some advice, and she was pretty sure that Molly was the one to give it to her.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Talkeetna, Homestead

Bo was still a hundred yards from the house when she spotted the black truck with the bold white and yellow letters that surrounded the familiar logo of her kennel's veterinary clinic. Her heart clenched in her chest and she hit the brakes… hard. Eyes overflowing with tears, she struggled to survey the vehicles that filled the driveway outside of the barn. There were too many people here for this to be just a family dinner. A million scenarios rushed through her mind, each one ending in the loss of her beloved companion. She knew it was one of life's inevitabilities, but did it have to happen when she was losing Lauren to Boston, too?

With a deep sigh, she put her truck in gear and headed into her parking space before shutting the truck off. The visit with her Mom had been longer than expected. She could only hope that Tosh kept his end of the deal, but she knew he would put Harper first. That was the thing about her kind, older brother. He would always put the dogs before anyone's silly human feelings.

Slowly, she opened the door and stepped out into the icy night, making her way to the house and whatever fate awaited her. The kennel in the garage was quiet, though a few heads did pop up to see her. She didn't notice the pups which gave her even more cause for concern. If they had put Harper down, Rudy and Elise were likely devastated. Molly would use the pups to comfort them. She shed her outerwear and reached for the door handle but stopped short of actually opening the door.

"Please. Please don't take her from me. I beg you." She whispered, her eyes shut tight, hands balled into fists against her chest.

Instincts taking over, she turned and rushed for the side door. Half running, she hobbled through the backyard to the river where she fell to her knees. Thrusting her hands into the air, she threw her head back and cast her eyes to the sky, singing the song of hope her Mom sang nightly from this spot,

"My problems pale to wide open spaces, clarity and peace rule the day, you slow down a thousand paces, happiness can be found in a sun's ray. This is the real world you desire, hope fills your heart, life doesn't seem as dire, you're ready for a fresh start. You go back home, remembering the sites, bottling that feeling with a poem, your dreams reach new heights…"

She swallowed hard and finished,

"Whether on this earth or soaring with the spirits, my heart will stay true to the wild lands where I run."

She lowered her head, sobbing quietly, "Please… if you have to take her, release her spirit to run on the wind. Let her feel the freedom to run unincumbered by her battered earthly body."

Raising her eyes to the mountain and moon, her fists buried in the sandy shore, she begged, "But if you let her live, please let her live out her days free of pain and content to watch her family grow up and take on her mantel."

"Bo?"

The brunette froze at the sound of the familiar voice. She lowered her head, clenching the soil firmly,

"What?"

"What? Really? That's all you have to say to me?"

"Why are you here, Lauren? You're supposed to be on a plane to Boston." Bo scowled, "How are you here? How did you beat me back here?"

The blonde came to stand just behind the brunette. She'd heard her cries and was fairly certain this moment was not intended for her eyes, particularly since Bo was right – she was supposed to be on a plane to Boston,

"Molly helped me with my flights." Lauren replied, "Bo, why are you out here? Why aren't you with Harper?"

Bo exhaled a sigh of relief, "She's… she's still alive?"

"She is."

"I saw the Cassie's truck and…"

"You assumed she was here to put her down?"

Bo sighed, "She's not?"

Lauren stepped closer, "She's changing her bandages."

Bo nodded, "So she's not any better?"

There was a long moment of silence before Lauren replied, "I'm not a Vet, Bo. We've talked about this before."

"Lauren, please don't…"

"Fine. If she were human, I would want the family nearby. I would even suggest prayer."

"You?"

"Yes, me. I've had patients who should surely have died who – for reasons beyond my comprehension – have lived. There is a part of me that may… possibly… believe that miracles just may be a thing."

Bo chuckled, "Be a thing?"

"You know I'm not religious."

Bo stood, wiping down her clothing before she turned slightly, only revealing her profile to Lauren. She looked upriver to where Denali would be visible if the moon were full and her weather clear. She began to walk along the river,

"You know, believing that there is a power greater than human medicine does not require you to believe in an organized religion."

Lauren shrugged, walking slightly behind the brunette, "Believing in the existence of a power that creates miracles would seem to be the very definition of religion."

"Well, according to my calendar, religion is defined as a particular system of faith or worship. What you seem to believe in isn't particular, a system or a faith. It sounds to me like you have just found unexplained phenomena that you can't explain. Doesn't sound like something an entire religion could be founded on."

Lauren smiled, "No, I suppose not."

They walked quietly for a moment before Lauren asked, "Bo? Where are we going? Don't you want to be with Harper?"

Bo nodded, "More than anything. I want to be with her until the day I die. The problem is, that when I pulled up to the house, it all of a sudden hit me."

"What did?" Lauren asked.

"That I'm going to outlive her."

"Oh."

Bo nodded, "Yea, oh."

"You know, I was sitting in there with the girls and what hit me was that Harper is going to live on for a long time."

"You think she'll live?" Bo asked, stopping to look at the blonde.

"All six puppies are in the homestead curled up with Harper. There's just something about seeing them all together. They know her, Bo. Despite being separated from her, they know she's their blood. You can see it. She'll live on through them no matter when she leaves you."

Bo smiled, "It's a nice sentiment, Lauren. Thank you."

"Sentiment, huh?"

Bo shrugged, "They're not Harper."

"You've only seen Elise and Rudy's pups. You haven't seen them when they're all together, Bo. It's something special."

Bo sighed, "I'm sure it is."

"Please, Bo. Come inside and see them all together. It's something you shouldn't miss. Besides, Elise has something she discussed with the family. She wants to talk to you."

Bo nodded, "Okay. If you don't mind, can I just have a few more minutes?"

"Um, sure. Of course." Lauren said, jamming her hands into her coat pockets and awkwardly stepping back, "I'll just… I'll see you inside then."

She turned to walk away, but Bo called out to her, "Lauren?"

The blonde stopped, but didn't turn around.

"Thank you for coming out to check on me. I don't mean to be… well… I just wasn't expecting to see you. I know you're still leaving, so I just…"

"Bo, it's okay. I understand. But, for the record, I called Patrick and told him I wasn't leaving until I saw things through with you and Harper. I won't leave you, Bo. Not like this."

"I have my family here, Lauren. It's okay. You can go if you want."

Lauren turned to the brunette, "I love Harper as if she were my own. I won't leave her. I won't leave you. Not now. I need to be here. If that's a problem for you, I'll go."

Bo shook her head, "It's okay. I just… I didn't know you felt that way."

Lauren offered a tight smile, shaking her head, "How can you not know? Harper never leaves my side unless you're around. She spends most days curled up under my desk if she's not with you. I love her, Bo. Aside from Carolyn, Shannon and Kelly, she's the best friend I've got here."

Bo smiled, "Yea, she's special that way. She makes everyone feel like they're the most important person in her world."

Lauren nodded, "Don't be too long."

"I won't." Bo replied, turning back to the path along the river. She just needed a few more minutes to brace herself. Besides, Cassie was working on her and she had no desire to see what was beneath Harper's bandages. For now, fresh air and memories of the better days passed were what she needed… just for a few more minutes.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Bo checked on the dogs in the garage, paying particular attention to Rosie and Reese before heading in to see Harper. When she turned to go in, her eye caught Elsa, Anna and Belle sitting up, looking directly at the door. She sighed, deciding it was probably best to let them see their old friend. She's practically raised them, after all. She lifted the barricade wall, letting the three come out with her before fitting it securely back into place. None of the other dogs seemed interested in coming. She'd seen it before when she'd lost Rain several years back. There was a ritual to loss for these dogs. One she had grown more sensitive to over the years but hadn't really dwelled on. Perhaps. It was because deep down, she knew this time would come.

She turned to walk inside, the three young dogs – strangely enough – following in formation. Belle at the front with Elsa and Anna side by side behind her. When she opened the door and let them in, they sat, waiting for her to show them the way.

"Well, aren't you three just the most courteous canines on the planet today. I appreciate your patience, Ladies," she smiled, "Let's go see your Mentor, shall we?"

She looked up to see the whole family was gathered in the kitchen. She smiled, "I guess I should cut a hole through that wall and make the kitchen a little bigger."

Tosh stood, "No need, Bo. We like it close just fine."

He wrapped his arms around his sister, "Your Mom came down with Lauren. She's on the couch in the living room."

Before Bo could say a word, he raised his hands, "Don't shoot the messenger. Mary's as stubborn as her daughters – especially little Roo. She's definitely your blood."

Big Jon laughed, "And yours, too, Dad."

"Hush now. My stubborn streak is a secret." Tosh grinned.

"Yea. I'm sure none of us noticed, Pops." LJ laughed elbowing his cousin.

Bo smiled, "Hey Michael. It's good to see you. How's school?"

He grinned, "Real good, Bo. So far, I'm all A's."

"Yea, well I always knew you were the real brains of the family. Now see if you can graduate early so you can put that business degree to good use and help Kyle figure out how to keep the kennel running."

Michael smiled, "Already working on it, Bo."

"Oh?"

He nodded, "We'll talk business later. Right now is family time."

Bo smiled, "So it is."

"You hungry, Bo? I've got a fresh pot of stew." Molly smiled.

"I'd like to see Harper first, if it's okay with you."

Molly nodded, "It'll keep."

Tosh turned Bo in his arms, "She's holding strong, Bo. Doc says there's not much change, but she does seem to be in less pain. She's not sure if that's because of the pain meds or if there's nerve damage."

Bo nodded, "I'll check on her."

She lowered her eyes, releasing her brother she headed for the other room. The trio of dogs followed obediently, seemingly understanding the need to maintain a somber tone. When Bo entered the room, she saw the furniture had all been rearranged with Harper now at the center of it all. Her Mom lay on the sofa, eyes trained carefully on her youngest daughter.

"Mom?"

"Ysabeau. I'm so glad you're here."

Bo knelt down in front of her, "How do you feel?"

"Well, other than the thundering headache that remains from my unfortunate miscalculation on the ice, my fever is down. I'm not sure what was in Airynn's teas and tonics, but I feel better already."

Lauren smiled, from the chair adjacent to her patient, "I'll share the recipes later. First, you just focus on getting better."

Mary nodded, turning to Bo, "She's been looking for you. Go to her, Bo. You've been away from her for too long. She needs to know you're in this with her, like you've always been… by her side no matter what comes next… for better or worse."

Bo nodded, "I left her. I shouldn't have left her. Not now. Not when she's like this. She probably thinks I don't care."

Mary shook her head, "Child, that dog knows you wouldn't leave her unless it was important. I'm just sorry no one told you not to come once the situation had been rectified.

"What did happen?"

"That's a tale for another time. Go. Be with her." Mary smiled, nodding towards Harper.

Bo stood and walked over to her companion who was being cared for by three puppies and two precious little girls,

"How's our friend, Ladies?" She asked, sitting at Harper's head.

She watched as the injured dog, used her front paws to pull herself closer, practically dragging the pups with her,

"Whoa, whoa. Hold on there, Harper." Bo said, stopping her movement. Lauren hurried over, lifting the pups off of their mentor while Rudy and Elise stood and took a step back. Bo moved in to sit against the loveseat straddling her legs around Harper who lifted her head and dropped it into her lap,

"Okay, girl. I'm here and I'm not leaving." Bo looked up at Lauren, "Could you get the mattress from the small guest room so we can put her on that?"

Lauren sighed, "Let's ask Cassie. She moved her to the floor so she would have more firm support and a wider space to change positions. I want to be sure the mattress won't be too soft."

Bo nodded, turning her attention back to Harper until Cassie came to help find a solution that would allow Bo to lay with the dog. It turned out the mattress and the body pillow from their bed in the loft worked perfectly. Once everyone was comfortable, Elise spoke,

"I have something I'd like to talk to you about, Aunt Bo."

The brunette looked up at Elise, but kept her arm draped over Harper, "Sounds serious."

Elise nodded, looking up to see her adopted parents, big brother, LJ and Kyle come into the room. She looked at Rudy who nodded before Elise turned back to Bo,

"We've made a decision. All of us."

"Oh?" Bo asked, a bit worried about where this was going.

"Yes. And I think you're going to say no, but I want you to hear me out because this was my idea. Everyone agreed and not just because they were trying to be nice to the kid who lost her parents."

Bo smiled, "Is that what you think this family does? You think we do things for you because we feel sorry for you?"

Elise shrugged, "Well, isn't that why you brought me to Talkeetna to begin with?"

"Well, you'd have to ask Lauren for sure, but she's not exactly the pity party type, in case you haven't noticed."

Elise considered Bo's words for a moment, "I guess not."

"And you know Molly is a badass. She's not the pitying type either. LJ was pretty clear that he didn't want a little sister and Michael moved all the way to University to avoid having to deal with you."

Everyone laughed, including Elise who looked up at her adopted cousin, "It's okay, Michael. I know the real reason you left is because your cousin LJ moved into your room for six weeks and it turned out to be permanent."

Michael laughed, "Hard to believe that we have the same parents, eh, Little Sis? My Dad and Uncle trade kids like we're Matchbox cars and somehow this summer, they never traded back."

"Subtle hint, right, big brother?" Elise smiled.

"Subtle hint, kid." Michael laughed.

"I still don't understand what suttlehint means." Rudy said, frustrated.

Bo laughed, "I'll explain it later, Roo. So, what's this big idea, Elise?"

She sighed, "Don't worry. I don't think it's time to put Harper down or anything."

Bo looked down to see Harper's right paw, tap her on the chest several times, her ears perking up. She kissed the pup between the ears and smiled,

"It's okay, Harper. She said she's not voting to put you down. I'm with Elise on this one. It's not time until you say it's time."

They all watched as the older dog lay back down, her head against Bo's chest. The master resumed stroking Harper's fur, before turning back to Elise,

"We're giving you back the pups to build a new team… a team raised and trained by you." Elise said, flatly.

Bo looked stunned, her eyes surveying the owners of the young dogs, "What?"

"Your hearing wasn't damaged by the bear attack, so I know you heard me."

"Hey. Don't be a smartass."

"Swear jar." Rudy said with a smile, putting her hand out.

Bo rolled her eyes, pulling whatever cash she had in her pocket out and handing it over to her little sister, "I hate that swear jar."

"Rudy loves it. You're going to pay for her to have a phone by the time she's twelve." Molly smiled.

Bo shook her head, "I don't want her to turn into those zombies who stare at their phones all day."

Mary laughed, "The day that happens, her new phone will have a tragic accident involving the river."

"Good." Bo replied, turning to Elise, "So what brought on this sudden desire to return Snow? You clearly love that dog to bits."

Elise shrugged, "These six dogs are all from Harper's line. It's only right that they be raised by you… in her image."

"Now where did you learn to talk like that, little girl?"

"From Jesus school."

Bo looked at Molly, "Jesus school?"

Molly shrugged, "She went with her friend Kristen to church a few weeks ago and at their kid's bible study, she learned about Jesus and how he was raised in the image of his Father. She believes the pups should be raised in the image of their great grandmother."

"I see." Bo replied turning back to Elise, "But what about a team for you and Rudy?"

"We can do basic math, Bo." Elise said, rolling her eyes, "By the time we can run in the Iditarod, these pups will be nine years old. They'll be struggling to run more than a hundred miles just like Harper. Their time is now and none of us know how to raise a sled dog like you do. We can learn from you, but they have to bond with you."

Bo sighed, "Okay, but I ask again. What dogs will the two of you be using to learn how to be a Musher by age eighteen?"

LJ smiled, "Well, apparently we're going to be having a new litter."

Bo's eyes went wide, "We're what?"

"I caught Hercules doing the nasty with Aphrodite out back." LJ casually interjected.

Bo immediately turned to Cassie, "Hercules is her Uncle. Is that a problem?"

Cassie smiled, "Dogs aren't like humans, Bo. Inbreeding is common, especially in show dogs. I wouldn't recommend doing it repeatedly, because it may lead to loss of stamina or vigor as well as the deterioration of Harper's gene pool."

"What does that mean?"

Cassie tried to find the words, but ultimately looked to Lauren who replied,

"It's like making a copy of a document and then using copy after copy to make new copies. Eventually, the image isn't so clear anymore."

"Exactly." Cassie replied, giving Lauren a nod, "But this line will bring together three very strong bloodlines. All three have Harper's blood and the studs used for Hercules and Aphrodite have clearly produced a strong canine line as well."

Bo nodded, "I hand-picked the studs for my team."

"Well, Hercules picked this litter for you."

Bo laughed, "Yea, well he always was an independent thinker. It's why he never made the A Team."

LJ nodded, "He's a strong dog, though, Bo."

"He is – just not enough of a team player when he runs with the ladies."

"Typical man." Molly snarked before laughing at the expression on her husband's face, "Oh, park your ego, my handsome lover." She kissed Mark on the cheek as everyone else laughed.

Bo turned back to Elise, "Okay, so what are you saying?"

Elise stood, walking to stand over Bo, "The way I see it, Reese and Rosie are going to need more time to become part of your A Team."

"That's an understatement." Bo mumbled.

"By the time they're ready, they may have about two or three years of running before they age out."

Bo smiled, looking to Kyle and LJ, "Someone has been hanging out with Kyle too much."

"The kid's like a sponge when it comes to learning breeding information. She's a doggie geneticist."

Cassie agreed, "She observed three surgeries last week. Didn't get the least bit queasy."

Elise nodded, "I've decided I want to be a Vet. I'm going to be the Vet for Rudy's dogs when she runs the Iditarod. We'll have the best dogs ever because of me and the best team ever because of Rudy."

Bo looked at Rudy who was looking up, adoringly at Elise. She smiled, loving how these two girls were always thinking and planning for their future in the Iditarod.

"And I'll share the credit and the trophy with Elise because she'll be the reason the dogs do well." Rudy smiled.

"So, you seem to have it all figured out. There's only one problem."

"What problem?" Elise asked.

Bo shrugged, "I have a full team I'm already training. My runs take almost eight hours a day and soon I'll be doing overnight training hauls to get them race ready. Who is going to take care of these six dogs and mind their training routine while I'm gone?"

Rudy smiled, "Mom."

Bo and Mary shared a glance before Mary began to speak, but Rudy cut her off, "Bo, you said that Harper was from dogs that Mom trained, so it only makes sense that she be the one to train the pups."

"Rudy, I've told you that dogs are meant to bond with their mushers from birth."

"Yea, but all mushers have to spend time away from pups if they're racing. They can't take the dogs with them."

Bo shrugged, "Actually they do."

Elise turned to Bo, "They do?"

Bo nodded, "All of my dogs named for the mythological Goddesses are from Harper's last litter. I was living on my own in the wild and they all rode in the basket until they were old enough to be hitched to the team. The entire litter was female. That's why I named them as I did – all strong women… strong sisters."

Mary scowled, "How were they spared?"

Bo looked up at Kyle, "They were with Kyle because I was trapping. They were too noisy and scared away the game, so I would leave them behind with her. Big Jim didn't know that when he killed all but Harper, he was killing only her Mother, Aunts and two sisters. Her Brothers, Hercules and Ares, were safe with Kyle."

Mary nodded, "So her brothers sired Muk and Jenna?"

Bo nodded, "And Balto, Bacchus, Julius, Apollo, Atalanta and Persephone."

Mary nodded, "I see. So, they all carry Harper's genetic line even though she was not necessarily their mother."

Elise asked, "Hey! Kid with a question here! Do we have a deal?"

Bo smiled, "We have a deal."

"Awesome!" She smiled, "Rudy and I get first dibs on the new litter, right?"

Bo smiled, "You're giving me a whole litter. I think it's only fair that you take on the whole litter from Aphrodite. I'll be around and start training them to join my team at six months, but you get the poop, cry and pee stage. After all, you said you're going to build your team from her line. You've got to learn to raise them from birth up."

Elise nodded, looking up at Cassie, "She explained it all. When the top pup from her litter is about three, we'll breed her with the top male we can find, then those pups will be trained and ready to run by the time Rudy turns eighteen."

"Wow. You've got this all figured out." Bo smiled.

Elise nodded in unison with Rudy who smiled, "Basic math. So, you see, a part of Harper will always be around. Here." She said, lifting her dog and handing it to Bo, "She's the fastest dog in the whole litter."

Tosh added, "And the smartest. All of the others seem to follow her and none of them challenge her."

"Cassie said she's young enough and smart enough that I can change her name." Rudy smiled.

"You want to change her name?" Bo asked.

Rudy nodded, "Don't be mad, but I overheard two Mushers talking at the kennel last week. Elise heard them too. They were saying it was a shame… well, they said a curse word before shame… they said it was a shame that Big Jim had killed your whole team except Harper. I'm sorry, Sister. I didn't know."

Bo replied through a tight smile, "It's okay, Roo. I guess I can't protect you from all of the stories you'll hear."

Rudy shrugged, "All I know is that your Dad wasn't a good man. I'm glad our Mom left him. He wasn't good at all."

Bo nodded, "That's right."

"Well, Elise's dog is named Snow."

"I didn't know that one of the dogs the bad man killed was called Snow White like my dog. I'm sorry if that hurt your feelings."

Bo smiled, "Not at all, Sweetie. It's fine."

Rudy smiled "Well, since that's fine, I'd like to rename my dog Cinder – you know, after Cinderella. Snow White and Cinderella. Get it?"

Bo looked between the two youngsters, "So you want the dogs to be named after my dogs that were killed?"

The pair nodded, Rudy adding, "It's only fair that the original Disney Princess dogs be remembered and honored and taught by the new ones like Belle, Elsa and Anna."

Bo's eyes welled with tears, "That's… amazing. Thank you both so much."

"So, we have a deal?" Elise asked.

Bo nodded, "We have a deal."

"You have to pinky swear, Sister." Rudy said.

Bo watched as both girls held out a slightly bent pinky finger. She looked up at Lauren who held out her pinky finger, hoping Bo would remember when she had taught her the tradition. She smiled when she saw Bo's face light up,

"Expanding my tastes, right."

"Huh?" Rudy asked, the two girls sharing a look of confusion.

"Never mind." Bo said, hooking her finger first around Elise's and then Rudy's, "You Ladies have yourselves a deal."

"Yes!" Rudy said with a fist pump.

Elise looked up at Mark and Molly, "So can I start going to work with Cassie an extra hour every week?"

Molly feigned shock, "An extra hour?"

"If I'm going to take care of a new generation when Aphrodite has her puppies, I have to know what I'm doing. Rudy's job is to learn to be a Musher and mine is to be a Vet. We're a team!"

Molly and Marked smiled at the pair who were looking up with hopeful faces. They turned to Cassie,

"Can you use an extra pair of hands an extra hour every week?"

Cassie smiled, "Those hands are priceless. How could I ever say no?"

Elise left her spot next to Harper, stood up and rushed to her adoptive parents, wrapping her arms around their torsos before doing the same to Cassie. Rudy watched before standing and moving to Mary, cuddling into her on the sofa. Mary smiled, kissing the top of her daughter's forehead, her eyes moving to Bo who offered a soft smile before looking down at Harper.

Mary knew the look on her daughter's face. It was the look of a distressed mother. Despite being canine, Harper was the closest thing to motherhood her daughter had ever known. She watched as Bo lay her head on her friend's torso, her eyes roaming the bandaged areas.

Turning to Molly, the older woman waved her over, whispering in her ear. It didn't take long until they were alone in the room, Kyle and LJ taking Rudy and Elise outside to play with the puppies before putting them down for a nap in the kennels. Mary slowly moved her legs to the floor, sitting up and pulling the blanket around her shoulders. She gripped the cane that Lauren had provided and slowly got to her feet, walking to sit on the loveseat next to her eldest daughter.

"What are you thinking, my precious Child?"

Bo shook her head, her words almost incoherent as she spoke into the thick fur, "I don't what to do."

"What is Harper telling you, Ysabeau?" Mary asked.

She shrugged, "She's so quiet. I have no idea what she wants."

"Then maybe she still hasn't decided herself. What do you want?" Mary asked.

"I want her to fight. I want her to be the fighter she's been her whole life." Bo replied, lifting her head to stare down at her friend.

"Well, it seems to me she did fight." Mary suggested, "Your brother Tosh went to the site where it happened."

Bo lifted her head, turning to look at her Mom, "He did?"

She nodded, "Thanks to the shelter of the trees and the hay bales you left behind, the area was well preserved. The bear was frozen solid, so he harvested the meat and the pelt for you."

"I want nothing to do with that bear."

Mary shrugged, "Maybe not, but we've got many mouths to feed in the kennels here and at the store and that bear will feed them for a few weeks. The fur can be sold off to customers for their sleds. LJ is handling that. He said you taught him how to clean, shape and tan a hide. He said he needs the practice anyway."

Bo nodded, but remained silent as Mary continued,

"Your brother said that the tracks tell the story. A bear cub was found trampled to death which means it somehow got tangled in the centerline of your dogs. Your dogs weren't trying to attack the bear, they were trying to get free of the cub."

Bo shook her head, "Those men didn't drop the cub behind us, they dropped the cub into the center of the team knowing how they would react… how the Mother bear would react."

Mary nodded, "Yes, what you were told by those men who attacked you at the airport was true. The Mother attacked the team because she thought they were attacking her cub."

"That's when Harper attacked?"

Mary shook her head, "Deep boot tracks say otherwise. You rushed the bear, burying one of your axes in its neck on the right side. Unfortunately, you must have been unable to pull it free, so the blade served as pressure to keep her from bleeding out. A second axe was found just under her left arm. It had severed the brachial artery, but again was left in. She must have tossed you about, causing you to lose your grip on the handles. Regardless, you wounded her enough to cause her to faulter and fall onto her left side. Where she laid, there were paw prints over the boot tracks."

"Harper."

"She came to your rescue, biting down on the neck. She has a powerful bite, and it was very well placed. She ripped the carotid on the other side of the neck right open. Unfortunately, the bear was protecting its young, so got a few good swipes in before she fell unconscious. Tosh buried the cub. He was innocent, after all."

Bo shook her head, "All of them were innocent."

"As were you."

"All I feel is shame. I should have protected her." Bo replied, her eyes down.

Mary shook her head, "It's a sled dog's instinct to protect its team and its Musher, Ysabeau. You cannot change the nature of the breed."

"She shouldn't have to die to protect me."

Mary nodded, "Well, she's still with us, so let's just give her time."

Bo looked up at her Mom, "You know something."

Mary smiled, "I gave Airynn a recipe for a pulpice for Harper's wounds and a serum for her weakened blood. She mixed it for Lauren and Cassie who administered both as directed just a few hours ago. If she doesn't improve at all by morning, then I fear there is nothing more to be done except wait. If she shows improvement, we will continue to apply the treatment."

Bo could see the look of concern on her Mother's face, "What's wrong?"

"The ingredients are locked deep in the ice up north. If this works, someone will have to go fetch more for Lauren to make the blends and they'll have to go tomorrow."

"I'll go." Bo replied without hesitation.

"Ysabeau, your body is wracked with cuts and bruises from the bear attack and the attack by those men in the North Slope hangar. You need to rest."

"I'll rest after Harper is well, just tell me what I'm looking for and I'll find it."

"Ysabeau, I'm not letting you…"

"Not letting me. Not letting me? Do you see my dog? I will do whatever it takes to save her, so don't even think about telling me what I can and cannot do."

"Obstinate child, like always." Mary grumbled, "Go! Kill yourself then. But don't you dare expect me to comfort Rudy, Elise and Lauren when you're dead and gone, not to mention the rest of your family! You seem to forget that you are no longer alone, so now I understand why Lauren needs a break. You are incapable of asking for help or allowing those who love you to help you no matter the risk to yourself!"

"How dare you! Lauren and I are taking a break that we mutually agreed on. She's not leaving me. She's leaving because she needs time for herself!"

Mary laughed, "You tell yourself that lie if it helps you sleep, Ysabeau, but you forget that I've seen you in action for months now. You have almost forgotten trying to get yourself killed multiple times since I've been here! Not one of those incidents would have happened if you had asked or waited for the help that was available. You live like you have a death wish. How could anyone commit to open their heart to someone who lives so recklessly – especially if they were considering raising a child with you."

Bo watched as her Mother turned and headed towards Rudy's place. She called out to her,

"Great! Walk away like you always do! Leaving me is what you do best!"

Harper whimpered and only a moment later, she heard Lauren's voice, "BO!"

Her head spun towards the blonde, "What!"

Lauren shook her head, "How many times are you going to cast that stone at your Mother? You said you forgave her, so did you or didn't you? Geezus, you just can't get out of your own way, can you? Rudy and Elise are in the kitchen listening to your every word. They are very upset – everyone is. I know you're upset over Harper, Bo but don't take it out on your Mom. If you want a punching bag, use me. I've learned to hit back pretty well by now."

Bo went to speak, but Lauren turned and walked away, calling out to Molly, "I'm ready!"

Rudy let out a cry, "Lauren, don't go! Please don't go!"

Bo carefully placed a pillow under Harper's head, whispering into her ear, "I know, I know. I'll go talk to her. I'm sorry, girl. You rest."

Bo hurried out to the kitchen when she heard the garage door slam, but when she crossed the threshold, Rudy stepped in front of her, arms crossed,

"Sister, leave her alone."

"Rudy, I'm sorry. I'll talk to her. I promise I'll make it better."

"You can't. She's leaving and it's your fault. You couldn't keep your big mouth shut. You yelled at our Mom. She's hurt and she's sick and you yelled at our Mom anyway. You're mean and you always break your promises. You're the one who should go, not Lauren. We don't need you. I don't need you. Harper doesn't need you. I'll take care of Harper. I'll take care of the puppies. I'll take care of our Mom. You need to leave until you learn how to be nice to us!"

Rudy turned into LJ's legs and began to cry. Elise began to cry as well. Bo read the room and knew she had screwed up. Her eyes welled up,

"I'm sorry. I just… I don't… I'm sorry."

She walked to Tosh and whispered in his ear before heading out to the garage. She rushed out into the driveway, seeing only the red taillights of Molly's truck heading towards town. She sighed, knowing she had just behaved like an ass. She turned and walked back inside, moving quickly past the group to Rudy's place. She walked into her Mother's bedroom and spoke softly,

"Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up the past… I shouldn't have raised my voice. I shouldn't have insisted on going out to get what you need. You're right. I need to let others help and that's what I'm going to do."

She wiped a tear from her cheek, "Everything you've heard about me is true, Mom. Now you know. I don't know how to be around people. I told you when we first talked, I'm more animal than human. I don't belong here. I can feel it. I don't know that I ever will. Maybe Lauren is better off without me."

"What's this then? A pity party for Bo? If that's where this little talk is heading, leave me out of it. That woman loves you with every fiber of her being. She's leaving to decide if she has what it takes to live her life without the things she has come to accept as normal in a relationship. She's fighting to keep you in her life. She's giving you the space you need to learn social skills just as you asked, but without her having to be here for the worst of it. Your answer is to give up? To surrender? I didn't know I raised a quitter."

"Mom…"

"No, Ysabeau. I'm not going to listen to apologies or excuses anymore. It's time to… how do they say… put up or shut up?"

She propped her torso up on her elbow, "You hold a tremendous amount of anger… rage, even… in your soul, Ysabeau. Maybe your Father and I are responsible for those powerful emotions, but the bottom line is that society doesn't care who's to blame – they only care about who you are and how you treat them. Tread carefully Ysabeau or you will get what you claim to seek – you will live this life and the one beyond alone. I thought you more the family-oriented bear than the lone wolf."

Bo went to speak, but Mary raised a hand, "I'm tired and must rest. Go. Find your way. I'll care for Harper. I'll care for your sister. I will not put that dog down - you have my word. If she dies, it will be on her terms."

"Thank…"

"Don't. I do not want your thanks. I am not doing this for you, Ysabeau. I'm doing this because Harper needs and deserves love and care until the spirits choose to take her. I'm doing this because my little girl wants that dog to live. I'm doing this because it is what this family needs of me in your absence. If you're well enough to find the plants and herbs I seek, I'll give you my blessing and a list of what I need to give your dog the best chance of survival."

Bo nodded, pausing for a moment to consider her options. She was sure the plants and herbs her Mom needed were likely near the ice. Was she strong enough to make it? She remembered Harper climbing into the basket, exhausted. Even in that state, she still launched an attack on a bear that saved her. Bo had to go. She had to find the strength. She knew her family didn't understand, but she had to do this herself. It wasn't ego. It wasn't about her social skills. It wasn't about taking a risk. It was about doing right by her dog… a faithful companion who had been her trusted friend longer than any of the people in this house had been with her. She sighed, raising her eyes to meet her Mother's,

"I know you don't understand. I know you think I have a death wish, but while you were gone, Harper was there for me. While Tosh, Molly, Mark - all of them were joining the townspeople in silence about Big Jim's slander, Harper was there for me. Before I knew I had a little sister or a woman I loved, Harper was there for me. With her last ounce of strength, she saved my life. Now, I have to do what I can to save hers. I may not have the medicine, but I can get the ingredients. I have to go to the ice, right?"

Mary nodded.

"I won't send my family – they all have kids of their own. I won't send my friends – they don't have the knowledge or the skill. Other than Kyle, they don't have any climbing experience and Kyle can't lift her arm or leg well enough to climb anymore. I'm the only one left. So where am I going?" Bo asked.

"The Denali National Preserve is where you'll find the plants now that snow has fallen in the lowlands, but the herbs you'll have to dig up from beneath the ice on the west slope of the mountain. You'll need your climbing gear. Of course, you could call your colleagues at the climbing center…"

Bo shook her head, "No. The fresh snow will make it a dangerous climb. I won't let anyone else take that chance. Some would not take kindly to me risking a human life for a dog."

"How about Tamsin? She did well when we climbed the mountain across the river and she knows how to handle a sled. You could take a climbing partner."

Bo shook her head, "She has a job to do, Mom. The cure you have for the toxin in your body won't work unless she finds the person who is somehow introducing it into your body. Besides, you and I both know that climbing Denali and climbing that mountain across the river are two completely different things – especially since it was warmer when you made that climb."

Mary nodded, "Very well."

"How far up do I have to go?" Bo asked.

"Begin to look near the base of the rocks around ten thousand feet." Mary replied.

Bo sighed, grabbing a piece of paper and pen, "What do I need?"

"Goldenrod, Devil's Club, Valerian, Artemisia…"

Bo looked up, "That's Wormwood, right?"

Mary nodded, "Chickweed, Bluebells…"

"Bluebells? This time of year? How will I find those?" Bo asked.

"Under the ice. They'll be pale blue and at the base of the rocks. Brush the snow away before you start to dig so you don't damage the plants. You should be able to see them through the ice against the dark granite."

"Okay. What else?"

"Fireweed, Roseroot, Jacob's Ladder, Alder and Nettles."

"Stinging Nettle?"

"Yes."

"Anything else?" Bo asked.

"Fiddlehead Ferns – the stalk included, Chaga, Morel Mushrooms and Russian Crab."

Bo sighed, "I saw that you were making pine needle tea for her."

"There's plenty of pine in these woods. What you have on that list are the only things I couldn't find on your land."

Bo nodded, "Our land. It's our land and some of this is out there. I'll be back in a bit."

"What?"

"You have to know where to look." Bo replied, heading for the back door. She saw Rudy glare at her from her place next to Harper, the young girl asking,

"Where are you going?"

"To gather Harper's medicines."

"Mom said her medicines are on my mountain."

Bo nodded, "Some are. I'm getting the ones that are on our land first. Then I'm heading out to Denali."

The brunette moved to open the door, but Rudy called to her,

"I'm sorry I yelled at you, Sister."

Bo turned back, "No, Roo. I'm the one who's sorry. You were right. I'm sorry Lauren left. I promise I will do everything I can to make it right. It's going to take a while, but please be patient with me. I love you, Roo. You're the most important human in my life. Take good care of Harper. I hate to leave her, but if I don't go, she won't have her medicine. I'll gather the ones from the yard, then go to your mountain to get the rest. I'll drop them off for Kurt to pick up by chopper in the morning, but it will take me a while to get back by sled. I'm going to make a training tour out of it… go learn a few things about being part of society."

Rudy rushed over to the door, wrapping her arms around Bo's legs, "I didn't really mean it. I don't want you to leave."

"I know, Roo, but it's the right thing to do for now." She sighed, peeling the little girl free, "I'll be back soon. I'm just going out back, downriver a bit. You can help me pack when I get back."

"Okay." Rudy replied, managing a half smile.

"Now, go keep Harper warm."

Rudy nodded, "I'll sleep with her tonight."

"If it's okay with Mom, I think she'd like that."

Bo exited the house and headed over to her greenhouse. She'd need a shovel and a bag for what she was gathering now and a small axe, ice pick, knife and shovel for what she had to gather on Denali – not to mention the plant wraps her Mom made to preserve plants in cold weather.

She worked quickly, checking the skies. The weather was clear. With any luck these recent storms were a fluke, and she would have warm weather in the coming days. She knew she wasn't in top shape and climbing Denali – even to half of its height was going to be rough in her current condition, but she had to do this. Harper needed her to come through and other than Kyle, no one else was qualified to harvest from Denali. Kyle's climbing days were over. She no longer had full use of her right leg and shoulder, so Bo would never ask her to go.

Once she had gathered everything from the yard, she headed back inside and moved straight to her Mother's bedside,

"Mom?"

"Ysabeau? You're back?" Mary looked confused.

"I just went to the backyard, Mom. Are you okay?"

Mary sat up, "How long were you gone?"

"About forty minutes."

"Oh. I feel like I've been asleep for hours." Mary replied, "That tonic really knocks me out after I take it."

"Is it helping?"

Mary shrugged, "We'll see when Amelia does my bloodwork tomorrow. She's working with that fancy doctor friend of Lauren's from Seattle."

"Well, that fancy doctor friend is super smart just like Amelia, so do what they tell you to do." Bo

"Of course."

"I mean it, Mom. With me away, Rudy needs you and if anything should happen to me…"

"Ysabeau…"

"I'm not planning on it, Mom, but we both know that shit happens on Denali. I'm just glad I don't have to summit her."

Mary smiled, "I would never have let you… not in this weather."

"It's clear out. The skies are filled with stars. Maybe we're going to get a break from these early snows."

Mary nodded, "Your lips to the ears of the Spirits."

Bo asked, holding up the plant bags, "So where do you want these?"

"Lay them on the counter in the kitchen where they can dry. I'll start the mixture in the morning once you get the other ingredients back here."

"I'm not coming back, Mom. I'm going to get some training in… figure some things out."

"You're leaving?" Mary asked.

"It's what everyone seems to want me to do and if I'm not here, I can't hurt anyone."

"Ysabeau…"

Bo shook her head, "My mind is made up, Mom. I'm going to get packed and be on my way." Bo said, "Kurt will fly me up and wait for the plants, then fly them back to you by morning."

"You're taking your A Team, yes?"

Bo nodded, "Yes. I'm going to use this opportunity to do some long training runs."

"You're going to Fairbanks." Mary said, though her comment was really a question for her daughter.

Bo nodded, "That's the route this year, so it only makes sense I should run that route on the way back."

"Do you need me to call ahead at the checkpoints to have supplies ready?" Mary asked.

Bo shook her head, "No. I think I'll do it from each town. You know, do a little… socializing."

"Socializing, huh?"

Bo sighed, "I think it's best that I experiment with my social skills on strangers rather than keep doing it on my family."

Mary shook her head, "Be careful not to make enemies of strangers, Ysabeau. Family will always love you through your mistakes. Strangers aren't inclined to do the same."

Bo nodded, "I love you, Mom. Take care of yourself and thanks for looking out for Harper."

She turned and moved towards the door, stopping when Mary spoke,

"Don't lose your way, Ysabeau. I know it's more comfortable out there than it is here, but your little sister would be crushed if you ventured back into your former life."

Bo lowered her eyes, "I don't know about that. You didn't see her just now. She blames me for Lauren leaving."

Mary nodded, "As she should. But she's a child and her memory with some things is long while others are quickly forgotten. I think you will be sorely missed."

"I don't know that I'm the best role model right now." Bo speculated.

"She loves you. That's all that matters."

"Maybe." Bo replied, "We'll see. Take care, Mom."

She moved to the living room and knelt down before her dog, Rudy watching her carefully. She leaned in to whisper in her ear, the dog responding by lifting her head slightly and giving Bo a kiss.

"She lifted her head." Rudy smiled.

Bo nodded, "She did. It looks like you're good for her."

"Really?"

Bo smiled, "Really."

She looked up at the young child, "Rudy, if anything should happen to her while I'm gone, just remember that she has lived a good, full life on her own terms. If she decides it's too painful to stay with us on earth, respect her wishes, okay?"

"Cassie says that if she lives, she won't be able to run anymore."

Bo nodded, "Her legs are badly damaged, Roo. She won't be running, but she'll still be our Harper."

Rudy smiled, "I love her so much."

"Well, make sure you tell her every day, okay?"

"I will and I'll tell her you do too." Rudy smiled.

"I love you, Roo."

"I love you, Sister." Rudy replied, standing and running to Bo to hug her, "Let's not fight anymore."

Bo smiled, "That's a plan. Take care of Mom and Harper, okay? Be good and work hard in school, okay?"

Rudy nodded, "Mom put something on Harper's collar for you earlier today. She said you would understand."

Bo looked down and tugged the leather and cloth collar around until she found a long silver tube with Harper's name engraved on it. She twisted the end and carefully pulled out the rolled-up message, reading to herself,

"Ysabeau, know that I fully understand what you're going through right now. Trust that in time, you will make peace with the loss of this precious pup – whenever her end may come. Until then, trust her to tell you what she needs. Your bond is unique and unbreakable. Please know that with or without her, you will always find your way. The lessons she's taught you are in your heart. Let them flow into your conscious mind and guide you well. Love, Mom."

Standing, Bo looked down at her Sister, "I believe in you, Rudy Dennis. Don't you ever forget it. You're going to be a great Musher one day. I know that for certain, because I see how dedicated you are to Harper."

She paused, taking in the incredible smile that stretched across her little sister's face, "You'll help Mom out with the pups while I'm gone?"

"I know what to do, Sister. I'm not a little girl anymore." Rudy smiled, her confidence on full display.

Bo smiled, "You are growing up fast. Do me a favor and stay little just a while longer?"

"Why? Are you afraid I'll beat you in the Iditarod?" Rudy giggled.

"That's it exactly," Bo grinned, "But seriously, Mom's on the mend but she's not fully healed and the medicine she's taking is going to make her weak before it makes her better. She can use your help. You know where all of the family phone numbers are, right?"

Rudy nodded, "Yup."

Bo smiled, "Good girl. You call Shannon or Carolyn…"

"If anyone is hurt or sick."

Bo smiled, "Call LJ, Kurt or Kyle…"

"If the house or sled is broken."

Bo nodded, "Call Tosh…"

"If strangers are around… or any of the construction guys working on the houses on the river."

Bo nodded, pausing for a moment. She sent off a message to Tamsin,

"Do a background check on all of the guys working for my company – especially those who started since my Mom arrived or just before. They have access."

Bo looked back to Rudy, "Good girl. Call Molly…"

"For cookies… oh, and food." Rudy giggled.

Bo smiled, "I'm going to miss that laugh."

"I'll miss you, Sister."

"I'll miss you, more." Bo smiled before turning to walk away, but stopped, "Roo? I really am sorry that Lauren left. She'll be back. I know she will. She promised and Lauren never breaks her promises."

Rudy nodded, turning back to Harper, "I'll take good care of Harper. She'll be okay. I won't let her die, Sister."

Bo walked back to Rudy, kneeling down in front of her, "I'm afraid that's not our choice, Rudy. It's Harper's decision. So, if she leaves us, don't you blame yourself. We both have to accept whatever she decides, okay?"

Rudy's bottom lip quivered, causing Bo's eyes to tear up. She pulled the small body to her, squeezing her tightly until she was able to pull herself together. Slowly, she released her,

"She's been with me for a long time, Roo… been through an awful lot. She's pulled LJ and a team of dogs from a freezing cold lake, done the same for me twice, been attacked by bears three times now, been shot once and poisoned once. This time, her body may not be able to recover."

"Wow. I didn't know all that happened." She stared at Harper for a moment before she turned back to Bo, "But if she's still here after all that, maybe she'll live this time too."

Bo shrugged, "I just don't know, Rudy. All we can do right now is show her we love her, take care of her wounds, keep her company and pray to the Spirits."

"I been praying all day, Sister. How do you know when the Spirits hear you? I mean, what if they ask me a question and I don't answer? Will they get mad at me and take it out on Harper? This boy Tiki at school, he does that. He talks soooo much and if I don't answer him, he steals my lunch money or pulls my hair."

"Oh?" Bo asked, "And what do you do?"

"I make him give me my lunch money back and sit forward so he can't reach my hair. No sense being mean to someone who's mean to me, right? At least, that's what Mom says. Besides, I think he's just lonely, Sister. I think that's why he messes with me. He just wants somebody to give him attention because he doesn't have anybody else."

Bo nodded, "Well, it's really kind of you to be nice to him even though he's being mean to you."

Rudy shrugged, "Momma says there's no need to be mean to someone who is being mean to me. She says I gotta kill 'em with kindness. Is that right?"

Bo chuckled, "I suppose so."

Rudy frowned.

"What's wrong, Roo?"

The child shrugged, "I don't really want to kill anyone."

Bo laughed, "She doesn't mean to really kill someone, sweetie. She means to give them more kindness than they know what to do with. That way, they might find they have no choice but to be kind in return."

"Oh."

"You understand?" Bo asked.

Rudy shrugged, "You adults have weird ideas sometimes."

Bo laughed, "Yea, I guess we do, Roo."

Rudy took Bo's hand, "Come back to me, Sister."

"Just as soon as I can, Roo. Like you said, I've got to go learn to be nice. Now go on – take care of Harper and those pups."

"See ya."

Bo didn't get to reply, her little sister taking off to the crates along the back wall of the living room. She opened each door to let the puppies loose then ran with them to Harper. The whole crew settled around the elder dog, Rudy settling into the middle of the pack and whispering to Harper. Bo smiled, pulling her phone from her pocket to snap several pictures. She took a moment to set her favorite one as her wallpaper, then sent one off to Lauren. The blonde may be unhappy with her, but she would always want a picture of Rudy and the puppies.

She shifted her attention to the task at hand and headed towards the kitchen, stopping short when she entered the room,

"What are you doing here?" Bo asked.

The Federal Agent smirked, "Tamsin called and told us what happened on the North Slope. She insisted."

Bo shook her head, "Really, Acacia? Tamsin insisted?"

"Okay, so Johnson here insisted. He's been with Rudy since she was born…"

Johnson stepped forward his, hands folded over his legs and explained,

"Please, Bo. I know you're not a fan of men… or at least me… but Rudy is like a daughter to me. Tosh tells me you're leaving and your family has businesses to run. With Mary fighting this poisoning and her wounds… well, Rudy will be alone. That's unacceptable."

Bo sighed, "Okay, but can you lose the suit? It would be nice if you would try to blend a little."

He lifted a bag from the floor, "Already went shopping."

Bo eyed the souvenir gift bag, "Let me guess – a T-shirt that says Alaska on it and a pair of flannel-lined jeans?"

"Wow. How'd you know?" Johnson asked.

"Lucky guess." Bo replied, rolling her eyes at her brother who was holding back his laughter.

"I'd be happy to have the two of you look after my Mom and Rudy. Thank you."

Acacia nodded, "I take it the barn rooms are still available?"

"All accept the room closest to the river." Bo said, her mind flashing back to memories of the night she and Lauren spent in the room. She hadn't gone back to clean it up and wasn't sure if Lauren ever got to it either. Regardless, she didn't want to taint the room now… not if Lauren didn't come back.

"So, your friend Kurt says you're heading out somewhere?" Acacia asked.

Bo nodded, "I'm heading out to get the plants and herbs that my Mom needs to make medications for Harper and for her poison antidote."

Acacia shook her head, "I'm sorry about Harper, Bo… a lot of people are. It's the talk of the town."

Bo sighed, "Dyson."

"What?" Acacia asked.

"Nothing." Bo replied, looking to her brother, "I wanted to give you my plan before I head out."

Tosh knew the look on his sister's face. Shaking his head, he replied, "Bo, you've got family here now."

Bo nodded, "And I've got a race to win. It's my job. It's how I earn the bulk of my money for the year and you know it. The only way I'm going to win is if I get back to being myself, Tosh. There's no way that bear should have gotten the best of me…" she scowled, "No way those guys should have been able to drop a cub into my dogs. I've lost my edge and I've got to get it back. There's only one way I know how to do that and it's the only way I can think of to honor Harper."

"I thought you would want to be with her." Tosh suggested.

Bo sighed, "Nothing I'd love more, but I have to go get these medicines and there is nothing I can do to help Harper right now. Some of you may be fit enough to climb, but you all have kids and family counting on you – not to mention employees. Harper needs these ingredients. I'm her Master – she's my responsibility. This is her fight, but I've got to give her the tools to do that, so I have to go."

"Bo…"

The brunette shook her head, "I need this, Tosh. Not just for the race, but for me. I've been… afraid…" she steeled her will, "I've been afraid for months. I need to get back to being me."

"What? To being an outcast? To pushing everyone away?"

Bo was quick to deny the suggestion, "No. I need to find the best parts of me… only the best parts… and leave the rest in the void."

"The void? Bo, where are you going?"

She pulled a map from her inside pocket, "To the lands where I trained for my first win."

Tosh looked down at the table as she unfolded the map. Acacia and Johnson moved closer while Molly stepped around her Father-in-Law and said,

"You… you want to train there?" Molly asked, her finger tracing the unforgiving mountain range to which Bo referred.

"I'll be back in time for Christmas." Bo said, lifting the map and storing it securely back in its pocket.

Tosh shook his head, "Bo, it's mid-October… we may get a week of clear weather, but the snows are coming and with them, sub-zero temperatures here. Out there, it's going to be…"

"Nothing I haven't handled before… the dogs too. I've got everything I need including the knowledge and the skills to travel those lands. I've spent more time there than you know, Tosh. Where do you think I lived all these years? I wasn't welcome here… or anywhere our Father had traveled. This… the National Park lands… is where I was safe. He couldn't by the lands or the people who work on them."

She looked up at Acacia, "Federal lands."

The Special Agent smiled, "Strange place for a native to hang out."

Bo shrugged, "On land the white man stole from our people?"

"Easy Bo." Tosh warned.

The brunette looked up at her brother, "Mom's plants and herbs are on Denali. I'll get the one that grow at higher altitude first, then get the rest on the way down. Kurt will trade me my supplies for my trip for the plants for my Mom. From there, I'll head southeast, following my old routes. There are towns along the way that Big Jim never influenced. I have friends…"

Tosh cleared his throat and Molly chuckled, leading Bo to correct herself,

"Fine. I have acquaintances…"

Again, Molly chuckled, so Bo clarified again,

"Okay, so they're business associates. Anyway, I've got people who can get me supplies when I run out. I know exactly where my stops are. Trust me. It's like my own private Iditarod course complete with checkpoints. Kurt is even arranging for me to carry one of the satellite phones from the emergency team. I can call ahead to the next town, so they know to expect me. I've thought this through. I'm doing this Tosh. I was just hoping to do it with your support."

He heaved a deep sigh, "You die, and your Mom will never forgive me for not at least trying to talk you out of it."

He paused for a moment, staring at the icy, barren wasteland where his sister was planning to use for her own personal vision quest. Thinking of her Mom and Rudy… and Lauren… damn, Lauren…. he looked up at his little sister,

"Bo, don't go. Please don't go."

Bo stared at him for a long moment before the siblings burst into laughter. When she caught her breath, Bo laughed and asked,

"That's the best you've got, huh?"

He turned to his daughter-in-law, throwing an arm over her shoulder before offering a nod to the federal agents, "You all heard me try to talk her out of it, right?"

A collective nod was his reply, Acacia's face serious,

"Bo, are you sure about this? I mean, I know you're some sort of pioneer woman, but I've flown over these mountains. There's literally nothing there."

Chuckling, Bo replied, "Nothing by your definition, city girl and I'm not a pioneer woman – they lived in houses and tended to the home while the man did what I'm doing. I am…"

"She's an Athabascan Warrior…" all eyes turned to see Mary in the doorway leaning heavily on her cane as she continued, "…the toughest there is once she returns to the path I raised her to walk. Go child, you have your Mother's blessing. Travel swiftly with the Spirits and pay them mind. They have always protected you and there is no reason to believe they would not continue to do so on this quest."

Bo's eyes brimmed with tears as she moved quickly to her Mother, throwing her arms around her and mumbling into her neck,

"Thank you, Mom."

Mary whispered, "I understand that you need this. Be smart, Ysabeau. You've stopped listening to the land. It's time to return to the lessons of your past. There, you will find the balance you seek… balance between the calling of the land you were born to and the yearnings of your heart and soul."

Bo pulled back, "I love you, Mom."

"And I love you, Ysabeau. Please be home for Christmas. Your sister…"

"I know, Mom. I'll be here. I promise." Bo replied.

Mary nodded, "Open the cabinet by the window. Top shelf, in the back. Get me the tin can."

Bo did as she was told, turning to Tosh for help reaching the back of the cabinet. He handed her a square tin while Acacia helped Mary to the table. Bo examined the tin for a moment, trying to figure out where she had seen it before. Coming up with nothing, she placed the hand-painted container carefully in front of her Mom, watching her badly frostbitten fingers try to work the lid free.

"Mom, let me." Bo smiled.

"Thank you, Ysabeau. You know, I don't know what I'll do without the ability to knit."

Molly smiled, holding up a finger while she turned to pull a box from her bag. Walking to her side, she placed the box in front of her, opening the lid to reveal paints, brushes and a pad of paper,

"I'm told you paint. Shannon and Carolyn said these will be a great way for you to get your manual dexterity back which will help you to restore your fine motor skills… whatever all that means." Molly laughed.

Johnson spoke, drawing everyone's attention, "It's your ability to use and manipulate your fingers to perform your usual daily tasks."

Molly's eyes went wide, "Wow. He speaks."

Acacia nodded, "Yes, he's even potty trained."

Everyone laughed while Johnson glared at his superior. Acacia shook her head, "Johnson, you really do need to loosen up."

"Yea, like using your first name, for example." Molly smiled, "What is your name, anyway?"

"It's Adam." Bo replied, "And while I really love this conversation, I need to get moving or I'm going to miss daylight. I may be comfortable in the wild, but I'm not comfortable climbing ten thousand feet in the dark."

Mary nodded her agreement, pulling the first item from the tin, "Ysabeau… take this… do you remember?"

Bo took the small satchel of herbs tied in a bundle from her Mom. She looked at the tin and then back to the satchel, "This tin is familiar to me and so is this satchel. I'm trying to place them, but…"

Mary placed her hand on her daughter's, "Remember, Ysabeau. I told you when you were just a child. You asked me what it will do. I told you it would keep you safe. That you should tie it to the inside of your jacket. Do you remember?"

Bo raised the cloth to her nose and inhaled, the scent transporting her to a time long ago. It was the first time she was driving her own sled to the trading post instead of riding in the basket of her Mother's sled. She was very young and they had stopped just before the edge of the lake crossing. She asked,

'Mommy? Why did you tie the satchel of herbs inside of my jacket?"

"It will keep you safe, Child."

"But how can a satchel of herbs keep me safe, Mommy?"

'The scent will ward off evil spirits, Ysabeau. And if you happen to get cold or ill, it makes a powerful tea…'

"…that will control a fever." Bo finished aloud.

Her Mom smiled, "You remember."

Grinning down at her Mother, the brunette replied, "I remember."

Another small satchel was pulled from the tin. This one had hook wrapped in fishing line. Bo smiled, looking at her Mother,

"Tie this to an Evergreen branch and it's a fishing pole. The beads in the sack are bait."

Tosh examined the sack, "Really?"

Mary nodded, "I've caught my share of meals with this little rig."

Bo looked into the tin and pulled out the small leather jack, "I would keep this tied to my wrist, the weighted metal balls tucked into the back of my glove. It comes in handy if a man gets too close."

Molly stepped forward, "What is it?"

Mary explained while Bo readied the weapon, "Ysabeau's Great Grandfather called it a Jack. He was taught to use one by his Father and his before him for over seven generation that we know of. The long leather strings get tied to your wrist, the excess tucked into your sleeve. The row of metal balls encased in the leather sleeve can reach a man with a flick of your arm and a whip of your hand. Bo knows how to use it."

Bo smiled, "I remember."

The younger Dennis turned towards the garage door, finding a clean line between her and the flashlight on the lower shelf. Throwing her wrist out to the side, the concealed weapon popped free. Bo snatched the weights out of the air and snapped her arm forward jack cleanly knocking the torch free from the shelf, leaving a small opening in the wall.

The group stood, mouths agape while Tosh grinned, proud of his baby sister, "Nice shot, little Sis. I'll fix that hole while you're gone."

Bo smiled, wrapping the weapon up to reset it once more, "Gosh that felt good. I haven't done that since I was a kid."

Mary smiled, "You and your brothers used to set up rows of cans on the wall outside the house and see who could knock the most down."

Bo tucked the leather back into her sleeve, "I always won."

"Yes, you did."

Turning her attention back to the tin, Bo pulled out a locket. Opening it up, she smiled, "Snow and Cinder."

Mary smiled, "Your first loves named for your first Disney princesses."

Bo nodded, "They were great dogs."

"What's this?" Tosh asked, holding up a small metal piece with notches in either end, a thick short wire wrapped around it.

"That's a miniature crossbow and these are the arrows." Bo said, showing him what looked like metal toothpicks, "Quite deadly if placed properly."

Mary nodded, "A last resort only."

"Strike the carotid. When he moves towards me, thinking he's fine, I pull out the arrow and duck." Bo said, flicking the sharp metal arrow in her brother's hand.

"He'll be unconscious in seconds, dead soon after if you don't stop the bleeding." Mary replied.

"If I don't have help, let him bleed, take the dogs and run or he will surely follow and intend me harm." Bo replied, reciting the words her Mother spoke so long ago.

"Wow." Acacia said, stepping forward, "Take the law into your own hands, much?"

Mary turned to the agent, a scowl on her face, "Does the Federal Government intend to set up shop on the open tundra or open ice? It's a lawless land and not everyone is friendly – especially to an attractive young woman on her own."

Adam cleared his throat, "Why not just release your dogs?"

Bo stepped towards him, "Maybe you haven't been paying attention or maybe you just have to go see Harper to see the damage that can be done to dogs."

"Yea, but that was a bear."

Bo nodded, "A bear that was angered by her cub being dropped into my team by the hands of men. They likely stood in the trees on the other side of the team, dangling the cub for her to see. My dogs went after the bear because they thought she was attacking them. The bear was likely not attacking my dogs but just taking the shortest route to the hidden culprits."

Shaking her head, Bo sighed, "They were all innocent victims of men. Regardless, we'll never know for sure. Of course, you can also go back to the reports on the handywork of my Dad if you're not fully sure why you've had a job with my Mom and Rudy all of these years. There are bad people here just like in your big cities. The difference is, the cops aren't just a call away and even if they were, it would take them forever to get to us out here. By then, it would be over if we didn't defend ourselves."

Bo turned to her Mom who placed the lid on top and handed Bo the tin, "Promise me you'll go through the rest of it."

"I can't believe you kept all of this." Bo said, referring to the can.

Mary shrugged, "I didn't have time to grab much, but one of your secret cans under the floorboards was something I knew you would want. Of course, I thought we'd only be apart for a few weeks. Sorry I didn't grab them all."

Bo leaned down and kissed her Mom on the forehead, "It's okay, Mom."

"It will never be okay – what your Father took from us. But I keep your words in my mind. We wouldn't have Rudy if I hadn't left."

"She's a gift, Mom… to both of us." Bo smiled, "I'll see you soon. I really need to go."

Mary nodded, "Stay safe."

Bo turned, giving a hug to her brother and Molly. She then turned to Adam, "Keep them safe."

"They're my family too, Bo. You have my word I will protect them with my life."

"Yea, well just remember that you can't protect them if you're dead."

Bo moved to Acacia and whispered, "I don't know when I'll be back. I'm counting on the two of you to get the job done. Someone is poisoning my Mom. She's the priority – for Rudy's sake. Check anyone that has anything to do with anything that can get into her body. Carolyn, Shannon and Kelly can help – they know all the ways something could get into her blood. I'm trusting you to stay until this is done."

Acacia nodded, not bothering to tell her that they'd already discovered how her Mother was being poisoned. She didn't want to tell her until Rudy was checked and given a clean bill of health. Instead, she whispered a firm reply,

"And I'm trusting you to come back alive."

Bo nodded. With a last glance at her family, she headed for the door. Kurt would be waiting for her, so she needed to get ready, load the dogs into her truck with her gear and get to town. Daylight was coming and she wanted to be at the base of Denali when it did.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Twenty Hours Later, Boston Harbor

"Permission to come aboard?"

The ship's First Mate turned, his eyes wide, "Lauren! How are you? Come! Come aboard. You should know by now you never have to ask permission. You're like one of the crew."

The doctor boarded the ship, welcoming a hug from her old friend, "Hank, how are you?"

He shrugged, "It's a tough day, Lauren. You know how it goes."

Lauren nodded, "That's why I'm here. It's a big one this year."

"Fifteen years. Feels like it was just yesterday that we were all kids helping him through the first year."

"Gracie Marie would want him to celebrate, not spend the day pouting in his cabin."

"And celebrate is what we're going to do, old friend."

The crew was assembling to meet Lauren at mid-ship, but her eyes found Elijah in the middle of the pack. She smiled, calling out to him,

"Eli!"

She walked into his open arms, welcoming the warmth of his embrace. He waved off the rest of the crew when he felt the shudder against his chest. Keeping her face hidden, he turned her towards his cabin, keeping an arm around her,

"Lauren, what's wrong?"

She shook her head, unable to speak, so he continued to walk her down the stairs past the crew quarters and to his personal cabin. He walked her to the bench beneath the row of small square windows and sat beside her,

"Take your time." He said, "I'll get you some water."

Lauren gripped his hand, "No. I had too much water on the plane. I feel like I'm going to float away."

He sat, watching her as she gathered her thoughts, but he was already pretty sure where this was headed, so he started for her,

"Bo?"

Lauren nodded as the tears fell again. She shook her head, "We're… we're on a break."

"I swear, I told her that if she hurt you…"

"I asked for the break. I mean… I was going to, but she had a fever and then she flipped out on Shannon and then Shannon quit, so Bo felt bad and then realized she had screwed up, so beat me to it. She admitted she was a mess… I mean, she's not… I mean, she is, but so am I, so we both agreed we needed time to get our acts together."

"So why are you crying if the break was mutual?"

She shrugged, "Because I'm afraid it's a breakup."

"Lauren…"

"No, I walked out on her. I got mad and I walked out on her."

"So, did you call her?"

"No. But she sent me this." Lauren pulled out her phone and showed him the picture of Rudy laying on Harper surrounded by puppies.

"Oh my God! What happened to that dog?"

Confusion rushed across Lauren's face until she realized that she had forgotten all about Harper,

"I was talking about her adorable little sister, but that just makes it even worse."

"Makes what worse? Lauren, you're not making any sense." Elijah smiled.

The blonde sighed, rising to her feet to pace the room, "I left her at the very worst time, Eli. Her Mom was poisoned…"

"She has a Mom?"

"Yes. I told you…"

"Oh, right. The whole dirty Dad and his posse of really bad guys."

Lauren rolled her eyes, "Really? Do you take anything I say seriously?"

"Sorry. It was my peak season and most of our conversations were very much like this one. It's like you've got random thoughts that sort of shoot out of your mouth while some really pertinent information stays tucked away in that big brain of yours. I can't understand the story if there isn't a beginning, middle and end. You're sort of burying the lead, Lauren."

"I know. Here's the gist of it all." She sat down beside him again, "Bo's Mom was being slowly poisoned to death by a toxin introduced via a small metal capsule imbedded in a tooth during a dentist appointment last year. It has a very small hole that leeches out the poison. A kindly old woman knew of the technique being used by Bo's paternal grandfather. I never would have figured that out."

Elijah laughed, "You're upset that you couldn't solve a medical mystery."

"I am not. No one would have thought someone could do something so dastardly."

"Dastardly, huh? You're still upset you couldn't solve it."

Lauren sighed, "Fine. You know I hate not knowing something."

"Yea, well there's big difference between healing a heart and healing some random poison."

Lauren nodded, "Anyway, while we were traveling to the village to learn about this poison, Bo's Mom and a friend who was traveling with her fell through the ice. The dogs pulled them out, but they were badly injured and hypothermic. We hurried to the village, expecting to get treatment for their conditions, but instead we were tossed into a stone prison that was freezing cold. They gave me basic medicines and I managed to keep them alive until we were set free, but… well, Bo was called to save us and by the time we got there, she wasn't needed."

"Well, that's a good thing, right?"

Lauren shook her head, "She got jumped by some guys who were old friends of her Dad's and found out that they were responsible for a bear attack on her sled team."

Elijah glanced down at Lauren's phone, "The picture you showed me… that's one of Bo's dogs?"

"It's Bo's best friend… canine form not withstanding… they've been through everything together since Harper was born. Uh… Harper is the dog's name."

"Cool name."

"Very cool dog. These men took a bear cub from its mother, then moved behind Bo and her team in the woods. The bear followed and the men dropped the cub into the middle of her team…"

Eljah nodded, "And the bear attacked the team."

Lauren shrugged, "That's where it all gets a bit hazy for Bo…."

The blonde spent the next little while explaining to her friend what had happened and why Harper was so special to Bo. For his part, Elijah tried to reassure her that none of this was her fault, but it was clear that Lauren felt terrible for leaving Bo with all she had on her plate. Still, they had agreed on a break, so she had left, ignoring the urging in her gut that she should go back before Bo did something desperate to save Harper.

"What could she possibly try to do?"

Lauren shook her head, "I don't know, but I do know Bo and when faced with a fight she can't win, she tends to react badly."

"So, call her, Lauren. You said that the two of you had agreed you would still talk while you were apart."

The blonde shrugged, "I suppose I could respond to her text. I was just… angry."

"Really? You won't call her to check in and see how Harper and her Mom are doing? You aren't even going to talk to the kid?"

"The kid's name is Rudy, and I should probably call her. I didn't even say goodbye. I just left. She must be so upset with me."

Elijah shrugged, "Or she blames Bo that you left since the two of you fought."

"The two of us didn't fight. I screamed horrible things at Bo. That's not how two people in love should treat each other – no matter how angry." Lauren banged her head against the bulkhead several times, "Dammit."

The Captain stood, buttoning up his pea coat, "Right now, I've got a ship to launch. We're heading out to the lighthouse. Today… well, we're…"

"I know, Eli. It's why I came here first instead of going right to my beach house."

He smiled, "What do you say we sail up to Provincetown and anchor offshore? We can take a few dinghies to your house. We're used to sleeping rough on the beach."

Lauren smiled, "Don't be silly. I've got tents."

"Even better."

"I guess we've got a plan then." Lauren said.

He extended his hand, "Come on. A little saltwater air will make everything better. It always does."

Lauren nodded, "You're right."

He smiled, turning to walk away until Lauren spoke again,

"I'm sorry about Gracie Marie. I know today is hard for you."

He shrugged, "It was a long time ago. I'm trying to move from grieving her passing every October fifteenth to celebrating what little life she was able to live."

"Well, let's go celebrate then." Lauren said, moving past him and through the door. Elijah was right – a little salt air and saltwater was just what she needed right now.

"So how long are you around? Think you can finally take that winter trip south with us?"

Lauren smiled, thinking she had always wanted to do the trip from Boston to North Carolina. It would be months and she wasn't sure when she was going to be ready to return to Alaska. Still, it was a trip worth considering. She would miss Thanksgiving and Christmas, but if she wanted, she could always catch a flight back for the holidays or at the very least, do a video call with Rudy and the gang. She turned to her friend,

"Maybe. Can I let you know in a week or so?"

Eli smiled, "The fact that you didn't automatically say no is all I need to know right now.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

December 25th – Onboard the Gracie Marie, about three miles off the coast of Maryland

As the crew stood together, singing Christmas carols around the mast at mid-ship, Lauren leaned back against the rail as she stood just towards the bow side of the main sail holding her mug of coffee with both hands. The winds were strong today and so it was cooler than usual. She had pulled on a scarf, hat and gloves for the occasion.

December had flown by. She couldn't believe it was already Christmas. The month began with an emergency business meeting in Minnesota. Elijah had docked the ship in New Jersey and Lauren had hopped a direct flight from New York to salvage a deal with a group of donors who were funding the emergency team in Alaska. She was four hours early for the meeting, so had done some Christmas shopping in the small town. When she had found a display of snow globes, Lauren couldn't resist the ones with the dog sled teams inside. She picked up two, headed to the local post office and had them shipped USPS to Molly with instructions to wrap one for Rudy and one for Elise – that she would see them on Christmas Eve.

She was excited about the thought of being back home in Alaska for the holiday – surrounded by family and friends... by Bo. That little trip to the post office and the idea of seeing everyone kicked off a little shopping spree. Lauren had never had so many friends and family to shop for before, so she indulged herself and made several more trips to the post office that day.

She was pulled from her thought by a rousing round of The Twelve Days of Christmas, kicked off by a deck hand known as Rugby. He was a burly, loud man who called the commands from mid-ship to stearn, so his voice was low and powerful. Lauren had to laugh at the off-key crew, but they were a good group of good men and women who she absolutely adored. Living on ship like this was a very different experience. At times, she felt smothered, but had eventually adjusted to finding small spaces along the rail to spend some alone time writing in her journal. It's something that Bo had always encouraged her to do, but until now, she hadn't started. As it turned out, the brunette was right - it was therapeutic, so Lauren had stuck with it, making daily entries.

She smiled looking up at the Christmas Tree they'd hoisted into the Crow's Nest. It had been quite the celebration, and no one had slept much since last night. There was music, singing, dancing, an exchange of Secret Santa gifts followed by a lot of food and drink.

They were traveling close enough to the coast to pick up cell tower signals so that the crew could call home for Christmas. Lauren had thought quite a bit about calling Bo but had decided against it. In truth, Elijah had prevented the ugly drunk dial from happening and Lauren was grateful for that.

Instead, she called Stephen and Betsy, then Carolyn and Shannon this morning. Her friends told her that Kelly had never returned after Kurt had taken her out on a romantic Christmas Eve sled ride. She wondered if he had proposed. Even more, she wondered if Kelly had said yes if he did.

Still, she missed Rudy terribly, so she had eventually sent off a text to Molly, asking her if she could arrange some alone time with Rudy for a video call without Bo knowing. It was then that she had learned that Bo wasn't home. When she asked where she was, Molly had given her a somewhat cryptic response and then turned the phone over to Elise so that they could talk. The youngster told Lauren all about the gifts she'd gotten for Christmas and that LJ and Kyle had built her very first sled for her as a gift.

The youngster then grilled Lauren about why she didn't come home like she'd promised. Lauren lied horribly explaining that the ship she was on hadn't gotten to port in time for her to catch her flight home. Elise explained that she and Rudy had been permitted to open one of the gifts Lauren had sent last night and they were very excited about the matching snow globes. Elise had also opened the clothes, scarf and veterinary books Lauren had sent her. She told Lauren all about the extra shifts she was working with Cassie at the kennel. The doctor could only grin ear to ear as the child spoke excitedly about all that she was learning and her plans for the future.

Finally, Lauren asked Elise how Bo was, but they were interrupted by Molly who took the phone back. She was quite abrupt, telling Lauren she would be sure to get her connected with Rudy and Mary for a Bo-free video call as soon as she arrived at The Homestead for Christmas dinner. Molly had said that Rudy was refusing to open the rest of the presents Lauren had sent unless she was there with her. Lauren hoped that a video call was enough to get her to open the presents she had sent. She also learned that Mary was cooking with help from Carolyn, Shannon and Kelly. Molly was bringing the desserts. She didn't say that Bo wouldn't be there – honestly, she didn't mention her at all. It seemed like everyone was going to be there… everyone, except her.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Lauren looked up, fully expecting to see Bo on the other end of those words, but sighed when she saw Elijah,

"Sorry to disappoint. Expecting someone else?" He smiled, raising his mug to his lips.

The doctor shook her head, "No, no one else. It's quite a party, huh? She asked, nodding to the crew.

He grinned, "It's like this every year. We're a family, Lauren. One that now includes you, too."

Lauren smiled, "They're such a great group. You're lucky, Elijah."

He nodded, "I am. I'd be luckier if I knew you were going to stick around on a more permanent basis."

"Eli… that hasn't changed. My heart belongs to someone else."

He nodded, "Then why are you here, Lauren?"

"When we left, it seemed like the right thing to do. I'd always dreamed of doing this trip. Who knows if I'll ever get to do something like this again in my life." She looked at her friend, "Eli, I'm sorry things aren't different between us, but I'm also not sorry I love Bo."

"You don't even know if you can be with her, Lauren."

She shrugged, "Regardless, I know I could never be with you… not romantically."

"Because I have a dick?"

"Frankly, yes. I love women, Eli. It's not some big newsflash. You've known for decades."

He shrugged, "I guess in some ways, I'd always held out that it was just a phase or that part of you would be willing to… I mean, I read somewhere that people have an attraction to both the opposite sex and their own."

Lauren shook her head, "Eli, it's not that simple and anyone who says it is has written from their experience alone. It is irresponsible to give advice if that is the case. Gender and love are fluid. They're very complex ideas that define the human psyche. Both are different for each of us. I feel very much a woman, but I'm not as feminine as some women might believe I should be to represent women as a gender group. Those women are also defining the female gender based on their own feelings and belief system. It's…"

The sound of Lauren's phone drew both away from their conversation. She looked down, smiling when she saw Mary's name,

"I've got to take this."

Elijah nodded, "I'll give you some privacy."

Lauren accepted the call and pressed mute for a moment, "Eli, I'm sorry."

"Me too." He replied, shoving his hands into his pockets as he turned and walked to the stern and his quarters where he could sulk for a bit.

The blonde turned to her call, "Hello?"

"Lauren! It's me, Rudy!"

"Hey, Roo! It's so good to hear your voice! Why didn't you make it a video call?"

"I don't know how!"

Lauren smiled, "Okay, hang up and I'll all you right back."

The doctor hit the button for FaceTime and waited for Rudy to appear. When she did, the blonde could only laugh,

"I'm Rudy the Reindeer!"

Grinning, Lauren looked at the red nose and antler headband the youngster was wearing, "Yes you are!"

"Wait – are you… is that the ocean?"

Lauren smiled, "It is! Do you want a tour of the ship?"

Rudy yelled to her Mom and Elise, 'Come quick! Lauren's going to give us a tour of the ship!'

"Hang on, Mommy and Elise are coming! We're in my house so we have privacy. Aunt Molly told us to come here so that we wouldn't be bothered. It's so loud here. There's so many people that there's not enough seats in the kitchen!"

"That must be amazing! I'm so sorry I'm missing it." Lauren replied turning her face into the wind to quickly press the tears out of her eyes, "Okay – I'm going to take you towards the bow of the ship first."

Elise jumped into the conversation, "That's the front, right?"

Lauren smiled, "I see Rudy showed you the diagrams I sent her of the ship?"

Elise nodded as Rudy spoke, "Mom, Elise and I started building the model ship of the Gracie Marie. It's part of her physical therapy."

"Good idea." Lauren said, giving Mary a wink, "Take your time. You don't want to make any mistakes because taking it apart once it's glued in place isn't easy."

"Believe me, we know! Elise was holding a piece while I glued it on and I accidentally glued her finger to the side of the ship!"

"I almost had to go to school with a half-built boat on my hand!" Elise said, the expression on her face making Lauren feel as though she had been there for the humor of the moment.

"So, are you going to open the rest of your presents?" Lauren asked.

Rudy looked up at her Mom who nodded and smiled, "Yes! I'll go get 'em!"

The little girl took off like a rocket with Elise following close behind. Mary took hold of the phone,

"So, how are you, Child?"

"I'm okay, Mary. How are you feeling?"

"I feel much better than I did before the serum. These Federal Agents are keeping close tabs on me and anything that comes into this house is analyzed in some lab they've set up in the barn."

"Bo must love that." Lauren replied.

Mary was prepared for the topic, so casually replied, "You know my Ysabeau. They show up, she goes sledding."

"Is she training for the Iditarod?"

"Yes. She's on long runs now, so right on track in her training. She left for an overnight right after dinner."

"Wow. On Christmas Day?" Lauren asked.

Mary cocked her head, "This break of yours has not been easy for her, Lauren. But you seem to be doing well."

Lauren hesitated, taken aback by the woman's tone, "I'm not suggesting our separation is easy for her, Mary. It's not easy on me despite appearances. You'll forgive me if I don't burst into tears while talking to the two youngest members of the family."

"Lauren! Lauren!"

"I'll hand you back to the girls then. Take care, Lauren."

"Take care, Mary." Lauren replied, watching as Elise angled the phone so that she could see Rudy restacking the gifts that the two of them had dropped on the way into the room.

"Okay. Which one do I open first? You didn't number them."

"Number them?" Lauren asked.

"Yea. Mom numbers my gifts. My candy is the little numbers and my surfboard was the biggest number I ever got."

Lauren chuckled, "I'm sure. Okay, well let's say we go smallest to biggest, but save the absolutely smallest one for last, okay?"

"Got it!" Rudy said, giving Lauren two thumbs up.

Elise leaned into the screen, the doctor smiling as she got a good view of the little girl's nostrils, "Did you get her the same things you got me?"

Lauren smiled, "I guess you'll have to wait and see."

"Awwww." Elise moaned, "Hurry, Rudy. Open it so we can see! Mom Dennis, can you see or do I need to move out of your way?"

Lauren could hear Mary laugh as she replied, "You're fine, Child. I'm afraid you're going to have to be patient with your cousin. She doesn't like to tear wrapping paper."

"But why? It's just gonna go in the trash." Elise whined.

Mary smiled, "We keep the wrapping paper on this side of the family. Remember, I grew up where there are no trees, so paper is quite valuable – particularly attractive wrapping paper such as the paper Lauren used to wrap your gifts."

"I like that it's sparkly." Elise smiled as Rudy folded the paper she'd removed and opened a small box.

She pulled out the gift, holding it up so that the three of them could see it, "It's a watch?"

Lauren nodded, "It's a watch with a GPS locator on it. If you get lost on your sled, your Mom will know where you are if you don't come back in a reasonable amount of time."

Mary clapped her hands together, "I love that gift!"

Elise smiled, "I got one too! Mine is pink and yours is purple!"

"Did you set yours up yet?" Rudy asked.

Elise shook her head, "No. We can do it together. Michael said he would help me, so he'll help you too."

"Awesome." Rudy replied, handing the watch to her Mother who put it on the table beside her.

"Open the next one, Roo." Elise urged.

Rudy did as she asked, this time working a bit faster. Once the paper was folded, she opened the box,

"Wow! It's so pretty! Look, Mommy! It's an ormanent for our Christmas tree! It's a little girl driving a dog sled and she looks like me!" Rudy smiled, handing the ornament to Mary.

"Oh, Lauren! This is precious!"

"I got one, too and mine looks like me!" Elise leaned into the phone, this time giving Lauren a close-up view of one of her eyes.

Lauren laughed, "They were hand-painted by an artist in Minnesota named Pearl Manning. You can see her initials are on the bottom."

"Wow. That's cool! Someone painted the ormaments just for us, Elise!"

Mary laughed, "It's pronounced orNAments, Roo. Not ormaments."

"Well, whatever it's called, it's real pretty."

"Yes, it is." Mary smiled, placing the ornament back in its gift box and placing it on the table.

Lauren watched as Rudy opened the Boston T-shirt, Gracie Marie T-shirt and cap, the waterproof rain suit and winter coat she had sent her, all matching Elise's, but in different colors. She grew more and more excited from the first present to the last until finally, only one box remained. Elise was grinning widely at Lauren as the doctor placed a finger over her lips, begging her not to ruin the surprise for her friend. Molly hadn't understood the gift so had called Lauren late last night to explain. Now that Elise was in on the secret, she was dying to show her best friend her own.

When Rudy opened the box, she pulled out a silver necklace with a small diamond on the bottom. She tried to read the inscription on the front but handed it to Mary for help. Mary stared at it for a long moment while Lauren gave a nod to Elise. Reaching behind her neck, Elise gripped her necklace and pulled it over her head.

"Here. Hold my necklace charm next to Rudy's charm."

Mary did as she was told while Rudy leaned in to see. The Mother and Daughter's matching smiles stretched slowly across their face before Elise and Rudy stood staring at each other,

"Best Friends Forever!"

Lauren smiled, her eyes brimming with tears as the two embraced. Mary returned Elise's necklace and then handed Rudy hers.

Lauren interrupted, "Now, to be sure no one is left out there's another gift you haven't received just yet. Tuck those necklaces into your shirts and keep them close to your heart. The two of you are related as family, so will always be close."

"The closest!" Elise said, the two hugging again.

Lauren nodded, "But Janie is equally important, so I sent Mrs. Tyson a gift for Janie and your Moms have the other parts to her gift. It's similar – just not a necklace."

"Thanks, Lauren! Janie has friends in her own grade now, but we still see her a lot and she's still learning mushing with us, so we still consider her a best friend." Elise smiled.

"I know and that's why I wanted to include her. Mary, if you speak with Kyle…"

"She already gave me the envelope, Lauren. I cannot thank you enough. That's quite a gift and I'm sure it will be quite an event this spring."

"No matter what happens, the gift stands."

"Understood." Mary replied to the unspoken message that no matter what happened between her and Bo, the gift would be honored.

Lauren shrugged, "Some things will never change, no matter what."

The two women looked at Rudy who was putting her charm up against Elise's again and laughing about something they hadn't heard the pair say.

"Well, I should let the three of you get back to the party. I'm sorry I was unable to get to land and catch a flight. Please give my biggest Christmas wishes to everyone. I would have enjoyed having my first holiday with you all."

"But you were going to give us a tour of the ship!" Rudy said, suddenly hearing Lauren's shift in tone.

Lauren cleared her throat, the emotions getting to her once again. She turned into the wind, blinking several times before turning back,

"I almost forgot. Okay, let's go have a look around, shall we?" She smiled.

The three nurses entered the room just as Lauren was about to begin. Shannon shook her head, "Lewis! We've got a bone to pick with you!"

"I'm sorry, Shannie. I really did want to be there…"

"You're on that damn tall ship again without us! You've got nerve live-streaming your adventure without including us!" Kelly said, leaning in as Rudy and Elise giggled when she tickled them.

"Hang tight for a second. We got Rudy and Mary a streaming box for Christmas. Got one for Molly and Mark too. We showed Elise and Roo how to use it this morning, so let's take it for a practice run on the big screen."

Lauren waited while Carolyn showed Rudy, Mary and Elise how to use air play from the phone to the TV screen. They all smiled when a full-screen Lauren showed up on the screen. Lauren watched as the entire room came into view on her end,

"I got them a phone mount for on top of the TV so you can see everyone." Shannon added, checking to be sure the phone was securely in the mount.

"Oh, that's much better! What a fabulous gift! You all look wonderful!" Lauren clocked the ring on Kelly's hand, "Uh… Kelly, is that a sparkle I see on your hand?"

The young Nurse beamed with excitement, "Kurt proposed! I said yes! I think I said it a thousand times, Lauren! Gawd I love that man! He's perfect in every way – especially since he's alive thanks to Mary sacrificing herself on that sled and you with your incredible skills. This could have been a very different Christmas, but it's not because you saved him."

Kelly hugged Mary from behind as tears trailed down her cheeks. Lauren nodded,

"I think we're all grateful things turned out for the better. Now, let's get to this tour. What do you want to see first?" Lauren asked.

Rudy jumped on the bed excitedly, "Why do they call it a Tall Ship? How's it any different from other ships?"

Lauren walked to the center mast, "This is the main mast of the ship – do you see how big it is?"

Rudy turned to Mary, "Momma, it's like those big trees in that forest we went to! It's huge!"

Lauren smiled, calling to the First Mate, "Hank! Permission to go to the Crow's Nest?"

"Granted! Muck, Chappie – mind her lines, boys!"

"Aye, Hank!"

The group in Alaska watched as Lauren's phone turned away from her facing the pole, but they could hear her voice,

"You're mounted to my chest right now, so you're going to see what I see. I'm climbing the mast up to the Crow's Nest – that's an observation point on the ship that will give you a 360-degree view of where we are. Because ships are always rocking while at sea, they're securing safety lines to a belt around my waist. While I climb, they'll be sure to keep hold just in case I should slip."

"So you don't fall back onto the boat?" Elise asked.

"Yup. Because that would hurt." Lauren laughed as she started to climb.

The group of women watched as the cracks in the mast were all they could see. They could hear Lauren's effort in her strained breathing – particularly as she got closer to the top. Finally, she climbed over the rail of the Crows' Nest and turned slowly a circle,

"This is where I am."

"Whoa, the ship is really rocking now!" Rudy said.

Lauren smiled, "It was rocking when I was on deck. You just don't notice it as much down there as you do up here. I've been on this pretty much since I left Alaska. Believe me, it took some getting used to – and a few nights of sea sickness – but now I've got my sea legs and don't even notice it. When I go on land with the crew for supplies, that's when I feel bad. The land is still and I feel like I'm still on the ship!"

"The sails are so big!" Elise said.

"But they look sort of like big clouds or puffy pillows." Rudy added.

Lauren pointed out the different sails, explaining what each was for. Then, she removed her camera from the dock on her chest and zoomed in on the lines that led to the spinners below,

"That's how we raise, loosen, tac or jibe the sails to maneuver the boat. The captain calls out orders and we obey."

Lauren heard Elijah's voice and turned towards him. He was asking Hank what she was doing in the nest and Hank was – more or less – defending his decision. Lauren tried to keep the frustration from her voice as she zoomed in on Elijah,

"Elijah! Say hello to my family in Alaska! Explain to them that being up here is nowhere near as risky as driving a dog sled through a forest in negative 20 degrees surrounded by Moose, Brown Bears, Black Bears and sometimes, Polar Bears!"

She flipped the bird to Eli who clearly got the message. He removed his hat and bowed to the women on the camera,

"It is so very nice to meet Lauren's Alaskan family! If I could, I would bring my ship around the continent and drop her off for to celebrate Christmas with all of you."

Lauren passed on Rudy's question, "The youngest of the group would like to know if you can really sail that far."

Eli shrugged, "I've never tried, my young friend! That would involve traveling through icebergs and while this ship is said to be capable of handling such waters, I've never attempting that crossing. Perhaps one day, I will do so with you on board to help us set the sails of the Gracie Marie!"

Lauren again smiled when she heard Rudy and Elise cheering, "Eli, the girls have just realized that the T-shirts you so graciously sold me as Christmas gifts for them are from this very ship!"

Eli nodded, "Yes, my young Ladies, this is the very ship that is painted on the shirts your favorite doctor sent to you!"

Lauren smiled, "They said it's a beautiful ship and asked why she's named Gracie Marie."

The doctor watched as her friend's face dropped, his eyes turning to the sea as he again removed his hat,

"She is named for my younger sister who left this earth when she was just a child. She loved the sea and so I thought it only fitting that she be able to continue to sail the seas in the afterlife."

Lauren nodded her reply to Mary's comment, "Mary believes that is a beautiful and fitting tribute."

"Ah, Mary! The strong, proud and resourceful Athabascan Warrior Woman who has taught my friend Lauren so much! It is a pleasure to meet a woman of your courage and wisdom. Might I, perhaps, beg a blessing for my ship and my sister on this Christmas Day?"

There was a long silence before Rudy whispered, "Lauren, she's got that thinking face on. You just gotta wait a little while longer."

Lauren smiled, whispering back, "Thanks, Roo."

She signaled to Eli to wait. He stood, his hands folded over his waist before summoning the crew to his side for the blessing. Lauren again heard Rudy,

"Wow. It takes all of those people to run the ship?"

Lauren grinned, "We take shifts, Rudy. Well, our captain likes to sail as they did in the old days, so he doesn't anchor at night. That means that the ship must be manned all night long, so some are always awake, and some are always asleep."

"But it gets dark there, right? So how do you see?" Rudy asked, Lauren's heart clenching at the concern in the youngster's voice.

"This ship uses candlelight." Lauren turned the camera, "See? There are lanterns everywhere. We use big, long poles to light them."

"So, if the captain knows the most, what happens when he sleeps?"

"The captain has a first mate so both of them sleep only a few hours at a time every day, they sleep both during the day and at night. Sometimes they're both awake, but it's rare that they're both asleep."

"Do you sleep at night or during the day?"

"Strangely enough, I enjoy sleeping during the day and sailing at night." Lauren replied.

"You usually hate the long days here, Boss. What's up with that?"

Lauren shrugged, though they couldn't see it, "I don't know. It's just something I've come to love here. It's peaceful…quiet… and the stars are out."

Carolyn spoke softly, "It's when you're with Bo."

Lauren only nodded, which they could not see, but Lynnie was right, as usual. When Lauren looked at the night sky, she couldn't help but think about Bo and Denali. The sky was different here, but it made her wonder if Bo was looking up at the sky at the precise moment she was and… did she ever think of her too?

Mary's voice came through, pulling the doctor back to reality, "Lauren, if you could speak each phrase of the prayer after me so that they can all hear?"

"Of course, Mary." Lauren replied, speaking each line as Mary spoke,

"Oh Athabascan Warrior Spirits of the Sky and Sea, give The Gracie Marie the winds to sail swiftly, the seas to sail smoothly and the strength to withstand the evils of the deep, so that she may carry these adventurous men and women safely home to the shores of this continent where their loved ones anxiously await their return."

Lauren did not repeat the final words Mary spoke, as she knew they were intended only for her, "…and may you carry our beloved Lauren back to the Great Northern Coast where her family will welcome her back with tremendous love and open arms."

"Thank you, Mary. That gives me great comfort."

"You're welcome, Lauren. We may not be happy that you did not make it home, but there is much love for you here and we hope to see you back among us soon."

Before Lauren could reply, Eli shouted, "Thank you, Mary. Now, if it's okay with all of you, can we please get my friend down from the damn Crow's Nest before she breaks her skinny little neck?"

Lauren shook her head, grinning as he marched back to the stern of the ship. Mary's voice rang through,

"Child, did you put yourself at risk climbing this… mast of the ship?"

Lauren laughed, "I assure you, Mary, I have climbed this mast a dozen times or more now. My old friend is just slightly over protective of me."

"Ah, a man after my daughter's heart."

Lauren offered a tight smile, "Yes, well your daughter is not too fond of my friend Elijah, so I don't know about that."

Mary grinned, "They love the same woman, so they do share a common bond of the heart. It's fairly obvious the man is smitten with you, Lauren. So you have taken this trip to determine if the feelings are mutual?"

"What? No!" Lauren answered, feeling a bit insulted that Mary assumed, "I have… I mean, he's… a he and… I… well, I don't… I only… I love Bo, Mary. I thought that was clear. It's either Bo or no one. I'm not the type to just throw my heart or body, for that matter, around at just anyone. I cannot believe you would think…"

Suddenly, Lauren realized that all eyes were on her. She blushed, "I don't think this is the appropriate venue for such a discussion and I believe I've set enough to set the record straight. Now, if you'll give me moment to descend the mast. It's a bit trickier on the way down."

"Descending!" Lauren called out to the crew and immediately felt her belt tighten.

The blonde made her way down, listening as Rudy scolded her Mother. What started as a grin, became a frown of concern the closer she got to the ground,

"Mom! I can't believe you were so mean to Lauren! You told us we weren't allowed to mention Sister and then you go and mention her anyway! You said you weren't going to upset her! You promised! Bo got her upset and she left! If you upset her, she may never come home!"

Lauren turned the phone around, "Rudy, I can assure you I will be home and nothing will ever change between you and I know matter what happens with the adults in your household. I have a hospital to run, so I'm in Alaska for the foreseeable future. At the very least I would be commuting back and forth from Anchorage or Seattle, but my plan is currently to remain in Talkeetna. Let's not worry about that, okay?"

Rudy nodded, "Can I meet the first mate?"

Lauren smiled, waving the man over, "Sure! This is Hank!"

"Hi Hank!" Rudy and Elise said as the adults waved to him from behind the pair.

"Hi! And who, may I ask, do I have the pleasure of welcoming aboard the Gracie Marie?"

"I'm Rudy!"

"I'm Elise!"

"Well, Rudy and Elise, it's very nice to meet you and your adult companions. However, I must warn you, that boarding a ship without permission is a grave form of misconduct and could result in you being bound, gagged and forced to walk the plank!"

The eyes of the two girls went wide, "Like in Pirates of the Caribbean?"

"Exactly, only we wouldn't wait to drop you where there was an island nearby and we would bind you with chains."

"But Lauren would put the key in our mouths at the last minute, wouldn't you, Lauren?"

The blonde smiled, "I would!"

"Then she would walk the plank for mutiny!" Hank said, hamming it up.

"You're mean!" Rudy yelled, standing up with her hands on her hips. Lauren burst out laughing behind Hank who finally let the girls off the hook,

"I'm just kidding, my young friends."

Elise put a hand on her chest, "Oh, man! I thought you were serious, Mister!"

"But do you have a plank?" Rudy asked.

"We have wood on board the ship for repairs, but none for actual plank-walking." Hank smiled.

"So, if we were to come to Boston when your ship is parked there, how do we get permission to come on the ship?" Rudy asked.

Hank smiled, "Well, first we don't park a ship, we dock a ship. And to answer your question, you would walk to down our dock to the gangway, face the ship and ask the crew members manning the boarding walk by simply saying, 'Permission to come aboard, Sir?' and they would reply, 'Permission granted, welcome aboard.". You would then walk up the gangway and step onto the ship."

"That's all?" Rudy asked.

Hank nodded, "What else do you want to know about the ship?"

Elise smiled, "Lauren sent us both books about the ship. Was it really built all by hand without any nails?"

Hank was impressed by the questions, "You two are pretty sharp! Yes, that's exactly how she was built."

"That's how Sister builds her chairs and furniture!" Rudy smiled, "She says it's… ethnic!"

Lauren smiled, "She means authentic."

Hank nodded, "Oh, I see. Is that Lauren's Bo?"

Rudy nodded, "Yes, Lauren's Bo is my Bo. She's my sister!"

"Oh, so you will be Lauren's sister too!" Hank replied.

"If they decide to get married but right now, they're both being stinkers about it." Rudy said, pinching her nose.

"Rudy!" Mary scolded, but Hank could only laugh,

"Adults are like that sometimes, little Miss. I wouldn't worry must about it. Love has a way of finding its legs just like a new sailor at sea."

"Your sailors lost their legs?" Rudy asked.

Lauren grinned, as Hank explained. It was in that moment that the blonde saw Bo in her younger sister. They'd grown up thousands of miles apart and yet they were so similar. Rudy was drawn to all things speed and adventure. Her curiosity, thirst for knowledge, the way she cocked her head and moved her lips when she was thinking were all Bo.

"Lauren?" Rudy asked again.

"Sorry. Yes, Rudy?"

"You'll bring us to Boston one day, right?"

Lauren smiled, "As promised."

"We've got head winds, Ladies and Gentlemen! Prepare to heave the Main Sail! We're heading to the Carolinas!"

Hank and Lauren's heads snapped to the sound of Elijah's voice. Hank bid his farewell to the group and rushed off shouting orders before calling back to Lauren. The blonde's heart clenched, her eyes finding the land just off the midship rail. In that moment, she might have gone overboard to take a swim to get to shore, the look in Rudy's eyes begging her not to go, but she had to finish this journey.

"Rudy, I'll talk to you soon. We'll be in the Carolina's by the end next week."

"No, Lauren! Don't go! Can't we talk just a little while longer? I miss you so much."

"I know, Roo and I miss you too. Elise, I miss you… I love you all. I've got to go. They need me to help hoist the main."

"They've got a ton of people! You're just little. They can do it without you! Please don't go!" Rudy begged running to the TV screen and dropping to her knees, her face now below the camera.

Lauren could only listen, helpless to the sounds of the youngster crying. Elise stood and walked to her friend, no doubt, holding her while Lauren looked to her friends and Mary. All of their eyes were on the pair. Lynnie looked up for a moment at her friend who waved goodbye and signed off.

Lauren clenched the phone tightly to her chest, squeezing her eyes shut tightly.

"Stations!"

Wiping her cheeks, Lauren hurried off to her station. She had a job to do and a journey to finish. She couldn't turn back now. Head into the wind, she gripped the handles and on command, cranked the sail. Her muscles burned, but she welcomed the pain – any physical pain was better than the pain in her heart right now. She heard the familiar snap, then the shouts of the crew as the ship lurched forward, gaining speed.

She pulled off her gloves, looking up to see the full main stressing under the southerly winds, the wood of The Gracie Marie croaking under the pressure until it had bent to meet the tac of the breeze. She wiped her brow and turned to head to her state room for a nap.

She looked up to see Elijah looking down at her, his long sun-bleached hair blowing freely in the wind. He stepped to the side of the wheel, steering with one hand as he waved her to him with the other. She wanted to deny him his request to speak, but he was her Captain and she was required to heed his request.

She made her way up the stairs and came to stand beside him, "Yes, Sir?"

"Sir?"

"My potential Mother-in-Law just questioned if I came on this voyage to decide between you and Bo. Telling the crew to get me down from the Crow's Nest before I broke my skinny neck? Really, Elijah? I came on this trip because you invited me – as a friend. You said it would be a quiet place to think, but since boarding this vessel, you have continually pressed the issue of us as a couple. You have been overbearing and overprotective, giving me privileges you would never give your crew."

"Lauren, you're my friend."

"The fact is, you've always wanted more and while I believed you were able to put that aside, the truth is, you can't. You never have. You've been waiting for me all of this time. Until you let me go and find the love of your life, you will always hold tighter to me than you should… than I am comfortable with."

She paused, her decision made, "I believe that when we reach the Carolinas, I will be taking a cab to the nearest airport and flying back to Boston to finish my journey from there."

"But Lauren…"

"No, Elijah. You can be mad at me, hell, you can choose never to speak to me again, but you're holding on too tightly to me and it's making me uncomfortable. Do you think that the crew doesn't notice that your sleep times almost always match my own? They're beginning to talk and that is unacceptable. When I'm with the crew, this is my dream voyage. When I'm with you, I grow more and more uncomfortable every day. The past week, you've had me eating meals in your cabin. I hadn't noticed it – it was nice to chat and catch up, but every meal ended up with your flirting… at least I thought that's all it was. Each night, you pressed the issue more and more until today…"

"I'm sorry, Lauren. I just…"

"You love me, I know. You've told me every day since I boarded the ship. We're done here."

Lauren turned and walked away, ready to let sleep claim her mind and body. In a week, she would fly to the beach houses and take some time away. She knew Patrick would be there, but at least she knew that he wouldn't be putting any pressure on her to start a life together.

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