Prime Catch

by Ilona Fridl

  “When did they leave?”

  “This morning.”

  Sarah worked over in her mind what should be her next move. It would take time for George’s wife to make it down from Yakutat. She knew she couldn’t try to find them by herself. Instead of taking a boat back to Juneau, maybe she should rent a seaplane. To Sally she said, “Stay here in Angoon. We’ll need you to testify.”

  Sally chewed on her lower lip. “Please don’t let them know it was me that told you. They didn’t realize I was listening at the door.”

  Sarah put a reassuring hand on Sally’s shoulder. “I won’t until I know you’re safe.”

  Sally slipped back into the store. “Thank you.”

  Writing down the information in her notebook, Sarah hurried to the pier where the seaplanes were docked. A young man was wiping the wing of one of them. “Excuse me, sir. Is this plane for hire?”

  His dark eyes appraised her. “Who wants to know?”

  “I’m Deputy Sarah Lakat of the Juneau Sheriff’s Department, and I need to get there as soon as possible.” She showed him her identification.

  “All right, ma’am, you got a ten-spot?”

  “Yes. How soon can we leave?” She handed him the bill.

  “Get in and strap up. Name’s Kip Baker.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Baker.” As she strapped herself in, Kip warmed up the engine. “Could you put down at the harbor in Juneau?”

  “Sure thing.”

  The forty-five minutes went fast as Sarah marveled over the wildness of the island that was her birthplace. Kootznahoo, or “bear fort,” was a perfect name in the Tlingit language. She lost count of the number of bears she saw from above on this flight as they got up from their long winter nap. Soon Mount Juneau and Roberts Peak came into view by the channel, their peaks floating on top of the gray mist, and she was almost home.

  Kip landed the plane with a soft plop into the harbor and guided it to one of the tie-ups. He helped Sarah onto the pier, and she thanked him with a one-dollar tip.

  “I’ll be at your service anytime.” He grinned as he tipped his hat.

  A glance at the clock tower let her know it was three o’clock as she strode to the office. “Sam, is Amos in?”

  “Yes, he is.”

  Sarah knocked on the door. “May I come in?”

  Amos opened it. “I didn’t expect you back today. What happened?”

  Sarah told Amos everything she’d learned in Angoon. “I decided to fly back so I could let you know.”

  “Why didn’t you go to Gustavus?”

  “I didn’t know how many besides Bobby and George would be there. I don’t think I could take on an army by myself.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

  “What?”

  “You can be quite formidable when you want to be.” Amos leaned back in his chair, his brows wrinkled in thought. “Was Sally sure of what she heard?”

  “As far as I know. She said they didn’t know she was listening.”

  “We know they want to get to the Chilkoot Trail from Gustavus, so maybe we should have someone follow them and at the same time have someone wait at the trail’s head near Skagway.” He pulled a map from his desk. “Here’s a terrain map. We can find the best route to Skagway in the interior. How are you at backpacking and camping?”

  “I haven’t done it since my father and brothers died, but I still have my pack.”

  “Good. I’m going to wire Creag, Mahoney, and Tunny to see if they could take the Skagway stake with a couple of their deputies.”

  Sarah chewed her lip. “Do you think that will be enough? We don’t know how many are in this troop.”

  Amos paused. “You’re right. Maybe I should ask them to meet us at Gustavus with their deputies, and alert the Skagway sheriff to watch the trail’s head. Why didn’t you bring Sally in?”

  “I don’t think she wants to get into any more trouble. I told her it would go easier on her if she cooperated. I told her to stay in Angoon. Don’t worry, I trust her. I think she was forced to help Bobby escape.”

  “Well, she did give you that information. As long as it’s the truth. I hope she’s not sending us on a wild goose chase.”

  Sarah tapped her fingers on the desk. “It’s the only lead we have right now. We can find out in Gustavus if anyone has seen them. By the way, what did you find out about the old man?”

  “He hasn’t shown after the jailbreak. I assume he was a member of the gang.” Amos checked his watch. “It’s almost four. I’ll go to Western Union and send the telegrams out and then pick up my backpack. You go home and pick up yours. We should be able to get a plane to Gustavus before dark. That’s only a fifteen-minute flight. I’ll be at your house in a half hour.”

  Sarah hurried home and ransacked her storeroom in the back until she found her old backpack. It smelled musty, but it would have to do. Packing a change of clothes and a few cans of food, she made sure the tent, blanket, and light cooking equipment were still all there. Then she sat in the rocker on the porch to wait for Amos and promptly fell asleep from exhaustion.

  Next thing she knew, she was being shaken gently. “Sarah, are you ready?”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Amos, I must have fallen asleep.”

  “I hate to do this to you, but we have to leave.” He took her pack and put it in the patrol car while she climbed into the passenger side. “If they’re still there, this may be a short trip.”

  She leaned back on the seat and her eyes kept closing. It was that way on the flight, too. Amos helped her off the plane and put his arm around her shoulder. The familiar tingling woke her somewhat, but she let him lead her to the sheriff’s office in Gustavus and set her down on a bench in front of it.

  “You sit here. I’ll go in and see what I can find out.” He patted her shoulder and disappeared through the door. Deep down, Sarah knew she should have gone in too, but she was at the end of her strength. The next thing she was aware of was Amos beside her again. “I showed them the picture of George, and one of the deputies remembered seeing him with a party leaving for the back country around one o’clock. There were four men, one woman, and a couple of dogs. I’m guessing they are going to travel over the glaciers. They can’t move as fast as two people, so we can rest here until three in the morning and take off at first light. If any of the posse is here by then, all the better. Otherwise, they can catch up with us.”

  Sarah yawned. “At least they aren’t aware they’re being followed. That’s where we have the advantage.”

  They went to the trailhead campsite, and Amos set up. “We’ll put one tent up tonight. It’ll be faster to clean up in the morning.” He started a small fire, and they opened a can of beans and shared it, with some crackers from Sarah’s backpack.

  Amos slung the packs over the branch of a tree, just in case there were bears around, while Sarah crawled into the small tent, still fully dressed, and promptly fell asleep.

  Chapter 18

  Amos set the coffeepot on a flat rock in the fire and checked his watch. It was two-thirty, and the dusky streaks of dawn were beginning behind the mountains. Already the forest had begun to stir. The hoots of the great horned owl were being replaced by the raspy cries of the ravens. Heavy dew gave a wet chill to the early morning.

  The tent flap opened and Sarah appeared. “Good morning, Amos!” She took off toward the small stream. To wash up, he supposed. Amos rummaged in his pack for the hard biscuits they could eat with the coffee before they went on their way.

  Amos had acted the perfect gentleman during the night, although, during the time he was awake, he had wanted to take her. It was going to be difficult on this journey to control his feelings. He poured the coffee into two mugs as Sarah came to sit by him on a fallen log. She sure smelled fresh and sweet.

  She took one of the mugs, and Amos passed her a biscuit. “I’ll help you strike the campsite. Then we can be on our way.” She took a deep breath. “I love the morning air in the woods.”
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  “Sounds like you miss camping. Been a while, eh?”

  “Too long.” They finished their small repast and packed up. Amos put out the fire and scattered the ashes before they left. A light rain was just beginning, so they put on raincoats and started following the trail of the escapees. Sarah fell silent as they made their way through the long grasses between the patches of spruce and hemlock trees that appeared like phantoms out of the gray mist. With the soil damp, they could easily make out the footprints of the fugitives.

  A couple of hours into their quest, Amos spoke up. “I think we should take a break every two hours. That way we can continue as long as there’s light.”

  Sarah nodded. “Good idea. I see an alcove below that cliff. That would be a good rest stop.”

  While Sarah took care of necessities, Amos climbed partway up the cliff and had a look around with his binoculars, since the mist was lifting. The land would get hillier, and he saw the first of the glaciers in the distance. He knew it wouldn’t be an easy trek, but he was sure that’s what the fugitives were banking on, that no one would suspect they would go that route. They probably didn’t know they were being followed, and if he and Sarah stayed quiet and inconspicuous, they might have a chance of taking them by surprise.

  He told Sarah what he thought before they took off again. Four hours later, they came upon a campsite. Amos felt the ashes of the fire pit. “There’s still a little warmth. At least we know we’re on the right track.”

  Sarah sat on a boulder nearby. “Let’s see. It’s almost nine o’clock. If they left at one yesterday, they camped here around six.”

  Amos nodded. “And if the ashes are still warm, they left around six this morning. They don’t seem to be in any all-fired hurry. They’re only three hours ahead of us.”

  Sarah rubbed her legs. “Shall we take a meal break? I’m starving.”

  Amos swung his backpack off and started rummaging through it. “Another can of pork and beans. I’ll see if I can get a fire going.” He found a few pieces of relatively dry wood and soon had a small fire snapping happily in the pit. Opening the can with his utility knife, he set the can close enough to the fire to heat it.

  Meanwhile, Sarah put the coffeepot on the fire. “The mist is clearing. I can see the sun coming through. Maybe we could try to spot them after the meal. There’s a rise up ahead.”

  When they had finished, they climbed the rise and Amos removed the binoculars from around his neck. Scanning the land, he handed Sarah the lenses. “Look at the glacier ahead.”

  Sarah focused on the vast white strip. “I see some movement at the center of it. Seems like we found them.”

  Amos nodded. “If we keep up this pace, we should catch up with them in a day or so. I hope the rest of our party shows up.”

  They eased their way down the ridge and into the valley between the hills. Several eagles screeched and circled overhead, dipping down to the stream. Amos envied them their fishing ability and made a mental note to camp near a stream tonight. He could take only so much pork and beans.

  The valley part of their trek was easy, and Sarah started singing, “Green grow the lilacs all sparkling with dew. I’m lonely, my darlin’, since parting with you...” and Amos joined in. They both were careful to keep their voices light so they wouldn't carry, but they went through several songs before they decided to stop for the evening.

  Due to Amos’ hankering for some fresh fish, they set up camp by a feeder stream to a lake. He rigged up a makeshift pole from a straight fallen branch, using his utility knife. He didn’t have to dig far in the damp soil to find bait for the hook and line he kept in his pack. Within a half hour he had two fine cutthroat trout that he scaled and gutted.

  Sarah had the fire going and the small frying pan heating up. “Any luck?”

  Amos held up the two trout carcasses as he laid down the two canteens he’d filled with fresh water. “All ready for the fire.”

  Sarah smiled. “I found a patch of chocolate lilies and cut pellets off several bulbs. We can have the trout with that.”

  Amos handed her the fish. “That’s what they call Indian rice, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” Sarah squeezed the trout over the pan to get some of the fish oil into it. Then she added the meat and browned it. Carefully putting in water, she dumped her handkerchief full of pellets into the pan. With a finishing touch of salt and pepper from their supplies, the feast was ready.

  As Sarah cleaned up the dishes afterward, Amos set up their tents. He thought about just putting up one, but he didn’t know if the rest of their party would show up, and that could be embarrassing.

  Sitting side by side on a fallen log in front of the fire, Amos watched the mountain snow turn pink as the sun moved to the horizon. His arm snaked around Sarah’s shoulders, and she gave an involuntary shudder. “You cold?”

  Her dark brown eyes burned into his. “No.” An impish smile played around her lips. “Are you?”

  Amos found he was shaking, as well. “You look so wild and beautiful out here.”

  “Oh, Amos, you do go on.” Her lips parted seductively and his latched onto them. She smelled so fresh in this mountain air. Desire pumped through him like a hammer.

  “Hello, Darcy!” came a shout from behind.

  Amos shot off the log so fast he almost took a header into the fire. When he regained his balance and dignity, he turned. “Mahoney, is that you?”

  Four figures came out of the woods and into the clearing. “Sorry, if we startled you. We figured if we went farther this evening, we could catch up. We saw you when you started through the valley.”

  Sarah rose and stood next to Amos. He made a gesture toward her. “This is my deputy, Sarah Lakat. You know Mahoney and Tunny.” Sarah nodded.

  Mahoney turned to his party. “This is my deputy, Abner Stewart, and this is Tunny’s, Max Cartwright.”

  Sarah didn’t like the way Cartwright was eying her. He had an angry, dark expression. “You have an Indian woman deputy?” he growled.

  Amos narrowed his eyes. “Tunny, did you have to bring a troublemaker with you?”

  Tunny shrugged. “Sitka is full of them.”

  Amos turned his wrath on Cartwright. “We don’t have time for this kind of damned prejudice. She’s been on the case from the first. If you don’t like it, leave.” He whirled on Tunny. “I expect you to keep your deputy in line!”

  Tunny glared at Cartwright. “There won’t be any trouble, Darcy. Will there, Cartwright?”

  The deputy cringed. “No, sir.”

  Amos looked around. “I know the sheriff in Soldatna was busy, but did Creag show up?”

  Mahoney shook his head. “Not that I know of. Tunny and I arrived about the same time and were told you went on ahead. So we’ve been tracking you.”

  Amos jerked his thumb in the direction opposite their tents. “You can set up over there. The stream is northeast of here. We’re planning to leave at three in the morning.”

  Mahoney nodded. “Sounds good, Darcy. We’ll be ready.”

  Amos watched as Sarah crawled into her tent. This is a hell of a fix. I guess I should have known there would be a reaction like that to her. I keep hoping she will be accepted, but I guess I’m beating a dead horse with the men around here. Amos was beginning to understand what she must have gone through all her life, and he admired her even more.

  ****

  Sarah removed her hiking boots and rubbed her feet as she sat on her bedroll. Why do these men have to be this way? I just want to do my job. She heard them setting up their tents. Loosening her belt, she undid her Levis and unbuttoned her shirt while snuggling under her blanket. She was almost asleep when she heard a light scratching on her tent flap.

  “Sarah?” came Amos’ voice, “Are you all right?”

  She pulled it open. “Yes. I’m used to this. Don’t worry about me.”

  Amos sat back on his heels. “Sorry for disturbing you.”

  She reached for his hand and drew him to
her. “Thank you for thinking about me.” She caressed his face and gave him a warm kiss.

  When he pulled back, he blew out a slow breath. “You keep that up, and you won’t get rid of me.”

  She laughed. “We better not give them more to talk about. Goodnight, Amos.” She replaced the flap and settled back into her bedroll. The kiss had given her an electric charge, and her skin tingled. I wish he could have stayed. She thrilled at the memory of his body as she drifted off.

  Sarah awoke with a start. What did I hear? A rustling noise and a snort came from the other side of the camp. That snort didn’t sound human. She carefully opened her tent flap. Amos, who must have heard it too, was crawling past.

  “Stay there!” he hissed under his breath.

  “What the hell?” yelled one of the men when they heard a roar.

  A bear!

  Amos snapped on his flashlight and hit the beast in the eyes with the light.

  “I’ll get my rifle!” called another man.

  “No!” Amos shouted. “Do you want to alert the fugitives? Everyone pick up a rock or a branch and throw it at the bear.”

  The creature first lunged toward the light, but with the stones and wood bouncing off its hide and the light blinding it, it soon took off into the woods in the direction of the stream.

  Amos joined the men in front of their tents. “What was the goddamn bear after?”

  Mahoney answered, “It looks like Abner left some of his provisions on the ground.” And then to his unfortunate deputy, he chastised, “Haven't you ever been camping before? You never leave food on the ground!”

  “Sorry, sir, this is all new to me.”

  “Don’t let it happen again.”

  “Yes, sir.” She heard feet shuffling and the men returning to their tents.

  Amos passed by her tent muttering, “Damn fool kids!”

  Sarah settled back down to sleep, praying there were no more bears looking for a midnight snack.

  The next morning, Sarah slipped out early to clean up at the stream, hoping she would finish before the men got up. All the time she was cleansing herself, she had a feeling someone was watching her. Hurriedly, she adjusted her clothing and turned back to camp. She stifled a gasp and her cheeks burned. In the path was Max Cartwright pissing in full sight, staring at her, his whole organ exposed.