The Yuletide Rescue

by Margaret Daley

  When she reached what was a body, she knelt by it and rolled the frozen person toward her. Jeremiah. Thank You, God. Now I can bury him.

  Although she’d seen her share of dead patients, she couldn’t look at Jeremiah any longer than to ID him. She quickly rose and pivoted away while David approached. “It’s him.”

  “I guess whoever took the plane didn’t want a dead body in it.”

  “Why did the person bring him here?”

  “Didn’t want anyone from the air seeing a body on the ground, I’d guess. Black is hard to miss when everything else is white. The trees block an aerial view of Jeremiah.” He paused for a long moment. “At least the animals hadn’t gotten to him yet.”

  “If we hadn’t come to investigate the site closer, he might not be found for weeks or months. This is pretty isolated.”

  “Or an animal would have finally taken him.”

  “Like the wolves.” She shivered at the memory of them outside her snow cave, their howls echoing through the night. Fear pricked at her skin like tiny needles.

  David leaned over and hoisted Jeremiah up. His body was stiff from the near-zero temperature.

  Bree swallowed the lump in her throat and took hold of Jeremiah’s feet while David held him by the shoulders.

  “At least now the cause of death can be determined,” David said between gasps.

  Bree didn’t reply. It took all her strength to trudge toward the shoreline while carrying Jeremiah’s lower half.

  When Chance glimpsed them heading toward him, he hurried to Bree and took over for her. “There’s no reason to hang around here. I’ve taken my pictures and assessed what little evidence there was.”

  “How many people do you think were here?” Bree managed to ask when they reached the bottom of the slope.

  “Four, counting the one who must have hidden Jeremiah in the trees.” Chance started up the incline.

  “The guy went to the stand of evergreens then back. He had to be one strong dude,” David said over his shoulder.

  “So what were the others doing while he got rid of Jeremiah? I doubt they were out in this weather too long.” The cold wind off the lake cut through Bree.

  “Setting up the ropes they used to hoist the plane up, I would guess.” David ascended the rise a few feet before Chance.

  “I’ll make some inquiries of the state troopers in this area. I know a couple personally. Maybe someone saw a helicopter flying overhead with a plane dangling below it.” Chance panted as he crested the hill. He paused. “I took a week’s vacation and flew to Hawaii during Thanksgiving, and I’m paying for it now. Too much good food and not enough exercise.”

  David laughed. “That was two weeks ago. That’s no excuse.”

  An eerie sound when the wind blew through the surrounding trees made the hairs on Bree’s nape stand up. She took David’s pole and plowed ahead of the two men. “I’ll lead the way.” She wanted to get back to Anchorage. This place only held bad memories for her. And fear.

  * * *

  After returning Jeremiah’s body to Anchorage the day before, Bree looked forward to going to work at the clinic. She needed to think of something other than her loss. Treating patients could always refocus her on what she loved to do. She stuffed what she needed into her backpack, then slung it over her shoulders and left her house. Her street still wasn’t clear, so she took her alternative mode of transportation. Bree strapped on her skis, then headed for the trail that led into town and the clinic. As she made her way to work, she nodded to several familiar people on the path with her.

  At the clinic, she racked her skis and headed to the office she shared with several other part-time volunteer doctors. None of whom were in yet, she noticed. When she entered the room, her attention zeroed in on her desk and her black medical bag. It had been in her missing piece of luggage. How did it get here?

  Chilled, she turned in a full circle, checking the office for anyone else. It was empty.

  The implication of the bag sitting on her desk renewed the fear she’d felt waiting in her snow cave with the wolves outside.

  Bree gasped when one of the nurses poked her head in and said, “You found it. Someone left it here for you early this morning. With your last name engraved on it, I would know your medical bag anywhere.”

  With her hand over her racing heart, Bree spun toward Gail.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” the nurse said.

  “But I lost the bag.” She couldn’t take her eyes off it. “It was my dad’s. Using it reminds me of him.”

  “Good thing someone found it then. Nice to have you back. We have a full schedule today.” Gail hugged her, then turned to leave.

  “Wait. Did you see anyone drop it off?”

  Gail shrugged. “No. It was hanging on the back doorknob when I got here. I was the first person in today. Is there a problem?”

  “Yes! The person who stole Jeremiah’s plane left it here.” Bree inhaled deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Why bring it here? They felt bad about stealing the bag but not the plane? What is going on? “I didn’t expect it to be here.”

  Gail came into the room, staring at the black leather bag. “Maybe you should check to make sure everything is there.”

  For a second the word bomb flashed in Bree’s mind. She touched Gail’s arm and motioned to come with her. They backed away.

  Out in the hall, Gail faced Bree. “Do you think something is wrong with the bag?” Her wide blue eyes dominated her expression.

  “I don’t know. It’s mine, but I lost it in dubious circumstances. It shouldn’t be here. Remember a couple of years ago when that clinic was bombed across town?”

  “Yeah, but that was different. That had to do with drugs.”

  “We can’t take a chance. I’d rather be safe than sorry. We should call the police.”

  Gail’s face paled. “Now you have me scared. What do I do with the patients coming in? The first one should be here in twenty minutes.”

  “I’ve got a police detective I can call and ask his advice.” Bree had stuck Thomas’s card in her purse in her backpack, hoping never to have to use it. But right now she didn’t know what was going on and couldn’t take any chances. “Get the others out of here while I grab the list of patients. We can call the ones coming this morning from Aurora Café.”

  While Gail scurried away, Bree snatched up her parka and backpack, digging out the card and her cell phone. As she exited the building with the other doctor, nurse and receptionist, she placed a call to Thomas. She explained what happened with the trip to the wreck site yesterday and the medical bag waiting for her at the clinic. “I’m having everyone leave and go to Aurora Café down the street. Am I overreacting?”

  “No, I’m on my way. Inform the businesses on either side of you. I’ll meet you at the café. It should be okay there.”

  Five minutes after following Thomas’s direction, she stood at the plate glass window in the café, which gave her a partial view of the clinic. She phoned David. “Now with people evacuating three buildings, I’m feeling foolish,” she said after telling him what she had done.

  “I’m coming. Is the restaurant far enough away?”

  “Yes. Across the street on the next block.” She craned her neck to peer down the road. “It looks like the cops are here and closing off traffic.”

  “I’ll come in the back way. See you soon.”

  Bree hung up and tried to control her rapid heartbeat, but she couldn’t seem to drag enough oxygen-rich air into her lungs. Closing her eyes, she sent up a prayer that no one would get hurt.

  “Bree, I’ve taken care of the patients,” Gail said as she walked over and leaned against the window and faced her. “You okay?”

  “I will be. With the wreck and Jeremiah’s death, I’m skating on thin
ice.” The sounds of the ice cracking the night of the crash echoed in her mind. That was exactly how she’d felt over the past few days. As if the ground beneath her was cracking open. “That bag was lost at the wreck site.”

  “But isn’t it a good thing it was returned to you?”

  “The plane has disappeared, and Jeremiah was left outside for the animals to get him.”

  “Oh,” Gail dragged the word out, her eyes growing round again.

  She stood next to Bree as they watched the police clear the area. Thomas arrived at the same time the bomb squad did. While he strode toward the café, a man at the back of the police van suited up in protective gear.

  The bell over the door rang as Thomas came into the restaurant. He headed straight for Bree. “The bomb squad will let me know the situation after they’ve assessed it. All we can do now is watch and wait. On the way here, I talked with David, and he elaborated on what you told me about yesterday. I’ve asked to be informed of the results of Jeremiah’s autopsy. Without the plane, we don’t really know what is going on.”

  Bree gave him a weak smile. “Thanks for coming and not telling me I’m crazy.”

  “Something is going on involving Jeremiah. I’ve talked with the drug detail in the department.”

  Bree straightened, throwing back her shoulders and pivoting toward Thomas.

  Before she could say anything, he added, “Just a precaution. I’m not accusing Jeremiah of anything. David said it was a sensitive subject for you.”

  Bree nodded. “I know you don’t have to, but please keep me informed.”

  “Will do.”

  David entered through the back door. He greeted them as he approached. The police detective shook his hand, then left, as they noticed the bomb squad officer enter the clinic.

  “Nothing yet?” David asked when they were alone.

  She shook her head, her throat tight.

  David took Bree’s arm and tugged her away from the window. “I’ve had experience with bombs, and I don’t want you near glass. Even at a distance it can blow out a window, so let’s sit over here.” He waved his hand at a corner booth and waited until Bree slid into it before he sat next to her.

  Bree scanned the café, noticing the customers had left. The owner remained, as well as the staff of the clinic. “Should I tell them to leave?”

  “No, we’re okay here or Thomas would have said something.”

  “Then why are we sitting in this booth?”

  “Because I’m a cautious man, and, besides, you don’t need to stand there and watch the building. All the action is occurring inside.”

  “I keep taking you away from your work lately.”

  “Ella will let me know if I’m needed.”

  “How about your father? You haven’t had a chance to see him much since you rescued me.”

  “Speaking of my father, I hope you’ll come to dinner tonight. If your street doesn’t get plowed before that, I’ll pick you up on my snowmobile.”

  Bree drank in the sight of David. As before, his presence made her feel safe. “I hate to intrude on your family time with your father. He’s only here for the month.”

  “He doesn’t mind. I called to tell him what was going on at the clinic and that I thought I would have you over for dinner. He’s thrilled and already planning what he’ll prepare.”

  “Your father cooks, but you don’t?”

  David grinned, his eyes glinting. “Some things aren’t inherited.”

  Bree laughed. Lately so much had been serious that laughing felt good. “What can I bring? Dessert? I have some ingredients for a French silk pie.”

  “If I have to pick you up on the snowmobile, there isn’t any place to put it. Although I love chocolate, and I’m open to you fixing me one another time, you don’t need to bring anything.”

  “You’ve got yourself a deal. It’s the least I can do for all you’ve done for me.” She made a mental note to make him the pie as soon as possible.

  “Is your daughter coming for Christmas?” she asked him. “I’d love to meet her, too.”

  The light in David’s eyes dimmed. “I think so. At least that’s the plan right now.”

  “You said she is in college. What does she do over the holidays?”

  “Work, I guess. Melissa doesn’t share her plans with me.”

  The sadness in his voice touched her. She’d give anything to have both of her parents still alive and in her life. “What happened?”

  “Our relationship hasn’t been as close as I wish. I used to be gone a lot, and we grew apart. But I hope to change that if she comes this year. I think with Dad here, she’ll visit.”

  “Is she staying long?”

  “I’m hoping a week. She liked it here when I was stationed in Alaska.”

  “How old is she?”

  “Nineteen. She took her mother’s death hard.”

  Behind those words there was a wealth of unsaid ones that piqued Bree’s curiosity. She really liked David. He’d come into her life when she needed someone. When her fiancé, Anthony, had died only a month before their wedding, she’d learned the hard way not to open herself up to another person.

  I can’t lose another loved one, Lord, especially like Jeremiah, whom I should have been able to save.

  The bell over the door announced someone else entering the café. She pushed the pain back where it belonged—in the past—and leaned forward to look around David. “It’s Thomas.” She waved her arm, and the detective crossed the restaurant to their booth, sliding in across from her. “Was it a bomb?”

  “No. The contents look like what a doctor would have in her medical bag. We examined the items closely, and there was nothing there that could be a bomb.”

  Thomas leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “Even though there wasn’t a bomb in the bag, I’m concerned about how and why it showed up.”

  David turned to Bree, stabbing her with an intense look. “So am I. It implies a threat. Whoever returned it is telling you he knows you were on the plane and where you are.”

  “Maybe someone just wanted to return what was mine with no ulterior motive. That medical bag is important to me. For all we know, the plane will show up, too.”

  A frown carved deep lines into David’s face. “You’re being naive. You need to treat this as a threat. Right, Thomas?”

  The detective dipped his head. “You should be cautious. We don’t know why they wanted the plane.”

  Bree clenched her hands on the table. “But they’ve got it now. I can’t help them. I don’t know anything, especially what’s really going on. I was only a passenger.” She wanted this behind her, so she could focus on something positive.

  Thomas rubbed his chin. “Chance did contact the authorities in Daring about the seals. Dead end.”

  “What if Jeremiah was killed?” David asked.

  “We don’t know that. When we do, then we’ll talk. You two have been used to the darker side of life. You’ve been trained to look at those possibilities. I haven’t. I know Jeremiah wouldn’t transport drugs or deal in them. I think someone found any opportunity to salvage a plane. Maybe it’s fixable. We don’t know.” She swung her gaze from David to Thomas. “Is it safe to return to work?”

  “Yes, the bomb squad and police are clearing out.” Thomas scooted out of the booth. “I’ll let the others know they can go back to the clinic.”

  David remained, blocking her way and angling toward her, a glint of determination in his eyes. “You shouldn’t be alone until everything is cleared up.”

  “And what do you suggest I do?”

  “Stay with a relative or friend.”

  There was no way she would put anyone in danger. She’d dedicated herself to saving lives. “No. I’m fine. I know how to handle a rifle, shotgu
n and revolver. I have my dad’s weapons at the house. My security is good. Besides, I need to decorate for Christmas.” Now more than anything she needed to celebrate the meaning of Christ’s birth. “I need to get to work. We have patients coming in soon.” She signaled for Gail to come over.

  Her friend approached the table. “I’ll call all the morning patients and try to fit them in today and tomorrow.”

  David rose. “I’m David Stone.”

  Gail shook his hand. “Gail Howard. Nice to meet you.” She assessed David.

  Bree slid from the booth. “I’m going to be working late tonight. Maybe we should postpone the dinner.”

  “No. The Stone men are flexible. We’ll wait for you. When do you think you’ll finish?”

  “I’ll call you after Gail talks with the patients.” Bree started for the door with the nurse.

  David followed.

  At the exit, Bree paused. “You don’t need to worry about me, David. I’ve got tons of people around me at work.” She gestured toward the clinic. “And the police are still wrapping everything up. See you later.”

  As she headed across the four-lane street, she glanced back at the café. David was gone. She’d made it clear she was fine and didn’t need him to walk her to the clinic, so why was she disappointed he’d already left?

  * * *

  “Don, you can cook for me anytime. Your salmon was delicious.” Bree took a seat on the couch in the living room at David’s house, where a roaring fire made it toasty, cozy.

  “I’m glad you liked it. I told my son I was going to eat salmon every other day while in Alaska.” David’s father took the chair across from her. “He told me about the bomb scare this morning. I’ve dealt with my share over the years as a police officer.”

  Bree heard some pans clanging. “Are you sure I can’t help David clean up the dinner dishes?”

  “Yes. He and I have an agreement. I cook. He cleans up. Besides, you’re our guest.”