Chapter 46

FORTY-SIX

Apprehension and concern gripped Wolfe as he rode toward Raven's cabin. Although Raven had mentioned that he was a medical doctor, his worry for Julie consumed him. If her leg had been broken as Raven had mentioned, going this long without treatment could be fatal or she may suffer permanent disability. What kind of physical or mental torture had she gone through over the last few days? He only had Raven's word that she was safe and well and he didn't trust anyone with his girls. The dogsled moved along the trail faster than he would have expected and soon they arrived at what could only be called a complex rather than a cabin in the woods. The cabin was spacious and had many outbuildings. He noticed solar panels on every available space. The roofs angled in such a way it was difficult for them to be covered completely in snow, but the snow was everywhere and icicles hung from all around the cabin. Before Jenna had dismounted behind him, the cabin door flew open and Julie stood in the opening on crutches. Her face was thin and drawn with bright red patches on each cheek.

"Daddy! Jenna!" Julie staggered forward. "I knew you'd find me."

Grinning, Wolfe grabbed his medical kit and ran toward the cabin. Julie hadn't called him Daddy since she was ten years old. Handing his kit to Jenna, who was on his heels, he scooped up Julie and carried her inside. "Thank the Lord. We thought you were dead or taken by a serial killer." He deposited her on the sofa and then pulled off his coat and gloves. "Let me take a look at you."

"I figured Raven was a serial killer for sure." Julie stared at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "He was so kind and nice, I figured it was a psychopath's charm. You see, he kept disappearing for hours at a time, sometimes all day."

Seeing his daughter so distressed tore at Wolfe's heart but he needed to calm her. "He was out searching for a trail around the avalanches wide enough to get the dogsled through so he could get you some help. We found him making his way to a couple of cabins not far from the highway. He was very happy to see us and saved Emily from a serial killer."

"He did what?! Is she okay?" Julie rose up from the sofa.

"She's fine." Jenna eased her back down. "It's complicated. We found three bodies in the forest, and Dave and your dad stopped the killer from murdering another victim. Emily is with the victim and Dave, and they're heading back to meet the paramedics and Rio. The suspect is strapped to Dave's snowmobile. He'll call me when they have everyone settled. Emily is heading to the ER with the victim, and Rio will take the prisoner into custody. Dave will be back here soon. The main thing is you're safe."

"Where's Raven?" Julie winced as Wolfe removed her bandages.

"Tending his dogs." Jenna indicated with her chin toward the door. "He'll be along soon."

Impressed by the makeshift splint, Wolfe examined Julie's leg. "I don't figure it's broken, more likely a crack, which is painful. X-rays will tell the tale." He pulled out an air splint from his kit and eased it over her leg before inflating it. "There, that will be more comfortable. I won't give you strong pain meds as you'll need to hang on behind me on the snowmobile, but I'll give you a local anesthetic to numb the injury before we leave. It's going to be a bumpy road back to my truck." He handed her two pills. "These will help." He passed her the bottle of water on the coffee table. "Do you remember the crash?"

"Before but not during." Julie rubbed her temples. "The pilot said a storm was coming and it was going to be rough. I put my head down and then everything went black. I woke up here."

"She had an egg on the back of her head." Raven stamped the snow off his boots and dropped them into a plastic tray by the door. "No concussion, she was lucid and as angry as a wildcat. I've figured all along she must believe I'm some type of crazy man. Now, after seeing what happened in the forest before, I'm not surprised she's wary."

"Bad things happen in Black Rock Falls." Jenna frowned. "Have you come across any human remains in your travels?"

"Nope or I'd have contacted you. Well, I would have anytime but the present." Raven sighed. "I did try and get a message out but all my pathways were blocked. I know about the crime rate in town. I have orders for ten protection dogs but they take time to train." His hand went to a large dog at his side. "This is Ben. He's a K-9. I trained him myself when I was in the service. I've had him since he was a pup. He failed his final test, that's why I have him. Since then he's aced every trial I've put him through. He was a little immature before but now he's good."

Wolfe stood and held out his hand. "You did a fine job with Julie's leg. I can't thank you enough for saving her life and Emily's as well. I am in your debt. Anything you need, you only have to ask."

"I did what anyone would do." Raven shrugged. "Agreed, my medical skills are a little rusty but the basics are still there. It's like flying a chopper: you never forget."

A snowmobile roared toward the house, setting the dogs barking. Wolfe turned toward the door. "That will be Dave Kane. He has a military background as well. I flew choppers in my time as well. Have you ever thought about a career in law enforcement?"

"I've heard of Dave Kane and Sheriff Alton—the dynamic duo of Black Rock Falls, as my neighbors refer to them. I'm not too sure about changing my lifestyle. I'm pretty busy with my dogs and I'm a doctor not a cop." Raven grinned. "Although, taking down bad guys might be an interesting distraction. Are you looking for a new deputy, Sheriff?"

"More like a consultant but they'll be deputized and on the payroll. I need someone we can call in when required." Jenna frowned. "I'll need to discuss it further with my team. Training would be required and that includes fitness."

"That's more my style. Maybe we'll talk later then when you make a decision." Raven took a towel from a hook on the wall and rubbed Ben all over before straightening. "I'm sure you'd all like a hot beverage before you leave."

Wolfe rubbed his hands together. His feet had been numb all day and the tingling sensation as they slowly came back to life crept through his toes. "I would love a cup of coffee, thank you."

A knock came at the door. Wolfe looked at Raven. "That will be Dave."

"Ah, you must be Deputy Dave Kane." Raven stepped to one side as Kane stamped his feet before stepping inside. They stood eye to eye. "Your reputation precedes you."

"Johnny Raven, I presume?" Kane stared him down. "Carter gave me the rundown about you." His gaze narrowed and his mouth turned down. "Why have you kept Julie holed up here for so long?"

"It's a long story." Raven shrugged but a growl rumbled in Ben's chest. The dog recognized Kane as a threat. "Dr. Wolfe is satisfied with the explanation."

The two men were like bulls ready to lock horns. Wolfe could imagine having these two working alongside him in the team. He'd really need to speak to Jenna. This man was an asset they could use in an emergency. He moved toward them and looked at Kane. "I'll tell you later. Did you bring the spare satellite phone and charger from my truck?"

"Yeah." Kane fished it out of his pocket, but his gaze was still locked on Raven. "Julie and Emily are like my sisters."

"Hey, he saved both their lives. If he wasn't there, Oberg would have grabbed Emily." Jenna squeezed Kane's arm. "He's one of the good guys."

"Maybe." Kane let out a snort. From his expression, he'd need more convincing.

Wolfe took the phone from him and handed it to Raven. "Take this. One day you might break your leg and need help. My number is on speed dial."

"Thanks." Calm as a lake on a summer's day, Raven took the phone and walked into the kitchen with Ben close to his side. "Now who wants coffee and who'd prefer hot chocolate?"