Outnumbered

“I’m going to have to run to Broken Toy’s and get lanterns and more kerosene. I hope Kirk still has some left.”

“What should I do?”

“You aren’t staying here alone,” I tell her. “I guess you’re coming with me.”

Chapter 28

“I’m glad you are taking me with you,” Seri says as we climb into the Jeep. “I don’t think I’m cut out for complete isolation the way you are.”

“You get used to it,” I say. “It’s really quite serene, but it also doesn’t last forever. When the snow melts, there will be tourists looking for guides.”

“Do you end up working a lot of hours?” Seri asks. “I have to admit, I don’t know how such things work.”

“Depends on the trip,” I tell her. “Sometimes, they will last for days. I make a decent amount of money on those, at least. Usually, people just want day trips.”

Seri goes quiet, and I wonder if she’s thinking of the future. If I’m out hunting for days, what would she do in the cabin by herself? Would I take her with me? If I did, who would take care of Solo? I rather doubt Iris would be okay with Margot coming over to feed him.

I glance over, and Seri is biting her lip and staring out the window. I reach over and place my hand on her thigh.

“We’ll figure it out,” I say softly.

Seri nods and gives me a tight-lipped smile.

We make our way slowly over the ice and snow until we hit the road. The Jeep bumps along, and Seri examines the scenery.

“It really is beautiful here,” she says softly. “It’s peaceful.”

“Yeah, it is. It’s one of the reasons I decided to stay here.”

I pull into the small parking lot of Broken Toy’s Gas and Goods and park the Jeep next to a gas pump. As I get out, I look around for the SUV Kyle had been in when I last saw him, but there is no sign of it. I start filling up the tank and then walk over to the passenger’s side.

“Do you want to come in?” I ask Seri.

Though there has been no sign of Kyle, I’m anxious about leaving Seri alone, even for a minute.

“Honestly, I’m still a little embarrassed about the whole thing with the donuts. I’ll be all right sitting here.”

“I won’t be long,” I tell her. “If anyone comes up to you, lay on the horn. I’m not that far away. Lock the doors though.”

“I will.”

I replace the gas nozzle, give Seri a nod, and head into the store. Kirk gives me a wave as I walk in.

“Do you have any more kerosene lanterns?” I ask. “I need more kerosene as well.”

“I have two,” Kirk says. “One of them is kinda small. I can order more, but Marty just did a run to Yellowknife. We won’t do another for a while.”

“I’ll take what you have.” I hope two more lanterns will be enough to provide decent light.

As Kirk gets the lanterns and kerosene together, I check out some similar items. There are two battery-powered lamps, which might work if they don’t get too cold. I grab those along with two glass covers designed to go over candles.

“Hey, you remember that girl who tried to steal donuts a while back?” Kirk asks as I place the additional items on the counter.

“Yeah.” My mouth goes a little dry.

“Well, these two guys came in here a couple of times looking for her. I guess she’s the wife of one of them. He thinks she has amnesia or something. Really worried about her.”

“What did you tell them?”