Under the Northern Lights

by Tracie Peterson

  ‘‘I cannot imagine a father hating his child.’’

  ‘‘Then you didn’t know my father.’’ Chase’s words were full of venom and bitterness. ‘‘It wouldn’t have mattered who held me in esteem. My father would have used it against me or to show me some object lesson.’’

  ‘‘I’m sorry,’’ Leah murmured. And in truth she was. She felt sad for the little boy who must have tried his best to please.

  ‘‘I don’t need your pity,’’ Chase countered.

  ‘‘That’s good,’’ Leah said, handing him a plate of food, ‘‘because I offer you none.’’

  He raised a brow. ‘‘You are a queer woman, Leah.’’

  ‘‘I suppose that could be said of me,’’ she responded. ‘‘But I’m also honest. I don’t lie.’’

  ‘‘Everybody lies, Leah. It isn’t possible to live life without lies.’’

  ‘‘That is where you are wrong, Chase. Honesty is the only way to live life. If I wrap myself in lies, I’ll have nothing but misery. My mother taught me at an early age to cherish the truth—and I do.’’

  ‘‘Then tell me the truth now.’’

  She looked at him and shook her head. ‘‘I don’t understand. Tell you the truth about what?’’

  ‘‘Why did you marry my brother?’’

  She actually chuckled at this. ‘‘Because I love him. I’ve loved him since I was nineteen.’’

  ‘‘That’s your truth?’’

  Leah thought about the question a moment. ‘‘No. It’s not just my truth. It’s the truth. Jayce is a generous and loving man. He has worked hard to earn a good reputation, for which he’s had to fight equally hard to clear—thanks to you. I suppose that’s what bothers me the most,’’ Leah said thoughtfully. ‘‘For hating a man as much as you claim to hate Jayce, I can’t help but wonder why you would so clearly associate yourself with him. Associate yourself so much, in fact, that you take on his personality, his likes and dislikes, even come to Alaska. I think rather than hate Jayce, you truly esteem him—love him. I think you desire more than anything to be like him.’’

  ‘‘Hardly that,’’ Chase said, looking away. ‘‘I competed with Jayce all of my life. First for our parents’ affection and later our teachers’ attention. I have known nothing but misery from him, and frankly, it would not bother my conscience in the least if he were to meet with a terrible accident. An accident that ends his life.’’

  Leah tried hard to keep the fear from her voice. ‘‘But that’s where I believe you’re wrong, Mr. Kincaid. I think that you’ll go forward in life only so long as Jayce goes forward. I think when you come face-to-face with the prospect of killing your twin, you won’t do it, because there is just too much of yourself in Jayce. It would be like killing yourself.’’

  ‘‘But we’re all killing ourselves in one way or another, Leah. So what if my standards are different from yours?’’

  Leah shook her head. ‘‘You are wrong, Mr. Kincaid. I’m not killing myself. I’m trying hard to survive—no thanks to you.’’

  Chapter Seven

  Leah found it impossible to know exactly where they were. She had tried her best to keep a mental picture of their trail—mapping the route in her mind as they continued north and east. To the best of her knowledge, Leah figured they had skirted Kotzebue Sound by some distance and now were moving into interior lands, away from the sea. The weather had calmed somewhat, but from the look of the skies overhead, Leah figured it would begin to snow most anytime.

  The other thing that had her worried was the fact that winter had come rather early and hard. She was concerned that the bears would be desperately hunting for food to fatten themselves for winter. She saw signs of bear from time to time but said nothing. If Chase was as smart as he claimed to be, then he’d no doubt see the tracks and scat.

  But more than the bears, Leah feared the natives. The tribes that lived farther inland were often warring with the coastal people. There were very few members on either side who would tolerate the others. Some had pacts and agreements that allowed for one or two specified people to come and trade goods, but this had been born out of desperation for foods and furs, not because of any great love between the nations. Now as she and Chase moved farther from the coast, Leah couldn’t help but wonder if there would be repercussions for this intrusion.

  ‘‘You do realize, don’t you,’’ Leah began as they readied to move out after a modest lunch, ‘‘that the tribe in this area isn’t very accommodating toward strangers.’’

  ‘‘I have friends in these parts,’’ Chase said, completely unconcerned. ‘‘I wouldn’t worry about it.’’

  ‘‘But I do.’’ Leah pointed to the sled and then to her own clothes. ‘‘They will clearly associate us—or at least me—with the coastal natives. There are many hostilities going on between some of these people. They may not realize you are friendly to their party until it’s too late.’’

  ‘‘By my calculations, we have less than two, maybe three hours to go. I’m telling you it isn’t a concern.’’

  Leah shook her head. ‘‘We have two or three hours until we reach the others?’’

  ‘‘That’s right.’’

  ‘‘And what are your plans for us then?’’

  He shrugged. ‘‘I’m not entirely sure. I have a place up north, but this was where I left Mrs. Beecham.’’

  Leah frowned. ‘‘What of the others?’’

  Chase laughed and gathered his things. He checked the rifle he always kept close, then motioned her into the sled basket. ‘‘There are no others.’’

  Leah froze in place. ‘‘What are you saying?’’ The tightness in her chest made her realize that she was holding her breath. With a loud exhale and gasp for air, she questioned him again, aware her greatest fear was unfolding. ‘‘What are you saying to me? Where is my husband—my brother?’’

  ‘‘I have no idea.’’ He again motioned her to the basket. ‘‘I haven’t seen either of them.’’

  ‘‘But I don’t understand. You came to the village knowing they wouldn’t be there—otherwise you wouldn’t have posed as Jayce.’’

  ‘‘I came there because it was close enough to get the supplies and dogs I needed, and Mrs. Beecham had already informed me that my brother and yours were after me. I figured the last place they would look for me would be in Last Chance.’’

  Leah was completely confused. She momentarily considered pushing Chase to the ground and attempting to take off with the sled, but she found she could not move.

  ‘‘We’re wasting time, Leah. Now get on that sled. I’m taking us to where Helaina has been kept. If she’s still alive, I’ll decide then what to do with the two of you.’’

  Leah moved slowly to the sled. ‘‘If she’s still alive? What do you mean by that? Why wouldn’t she still be alive?’’

  ‘‘Because she’s a woman, much like yourself, who asks way too many questions. Frank has probably grown quite tired of her by now. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s already killed her.’’

  Leah swallowed down the bile that threatened to rise in her throat. ‘‘Who is Frank?’’

  ‘‘He’s a murderer and a thief. Much like myself. You could say that we’re kindred spirits. I met him on my trip north last summer. They call him Cutthroat Frank because he likes to do just that—especially while people sleep.’’

  Leah didn’t know what to think. For all she knew, Chase could be lying to her again. She took her place in the basket without asking anything more, knowing she needed to formulate a plan. The situation had changed. Helaina was the only person at risk now.

  No, that’s not true, she thought with a heavy sigh. I’m at risk, and I have no one but myself to blame for believing a man who’s made it his goal to be the best of liars.

  ‘‘Is it much farther?’’ Leah called back to Chase. ‘‘The snow is growing worse, and before long we won’t have any light at all.’’

  ‘‘It’s just over the next ridge, if I have my
bearings,’’ Chase shouted over the wind.

  Leah could see that the dogs were tired. They hadn’t had a decent meal all day because Chase had been unwilling to allow Leah to feed them more than a few scraps of frozen meat. For all he seemed to know about driving a team, Chase acted rather unfeeling—even ignorant of their care. When one of the dogs had slowed his pace due to sore feet, Chase had merely shot the dog rather than let him be taken off the line for rest and Leah’s min-isterings. The act had grieved her greatly, but it once again served to drive home the realization that Chase had no regard for life, human or otherwise.

  As they topped the ridge, Leah could see a small cabin. There was a light in the window—a traditional method of helping weary travelers to find their way to safety. But this cabin didn’t represent refuge. This might well be the place where Leah and Helaina would meet their fate.

  Oh, God, Leah prayed, help us now. Help us to be wise about our choices—to see what we should do and when.

  Chase brought the team up alongside the cabin and threw out the hook to anchor the dogs firmly. Leah didn’t think at this point it was as needed as other times. The dogs were spent. They were more than happy to collapse on the ground for rest.

  ‘‘Get inside,’’ Chase commanded. He grabbed hold of Leah as she jumped out of the basket.

  ‘‘I need to take care of the dogs.’’

  ‘‘No. Get in the cabin.’’

  ‘‘But . . .’’ She saw something in his expression that halted her words. ‘‘All right.’’ She turned toward the cabin door, surprised when it opened and light spilled into the dusky twilight.

  ‘‘Frank, it’s me,’’ Chase called. ‘‘Come take care of these dogs for me. I’m half frozen.’’

  The old native man looked at Leah, then grunted. She could see he wasn’t happy with the task but nevertheless appeared to accept that it had to be done. Up here, dog teams were the difference between life and death at times. Surely this man understood the need to see the animals well cared for.

  Chase pushed Leah through the door of the cabin. She might have fallen, but as if pulled up straight by unseen hands, Leah steadied herself and lifted her eyes to gaze straight into the face of Helaina Beecham.

  ‘‘Leah!’’ The woman’s expression seemed to be one of hope, until she caught sight of Chase. ‘‘You.’’

  Chase laughed. ‘‘Miss me, darling?’’

  Leah stepped to the side. She could see that Helaina was bound by ropes. She could also see that the cabin was small and held few places where escape might be possible.

  ‘‘You are despicable. Do you realize how long you’ve been gone?’’ Helaina questioned before falling into a fit of coughing.

  ‘‘Well, it sounds as though I’ve been gone long enough that you’ve talked yourself hoarse and grown ill in the process.’’

  ‘‘Why is she here?’’ Helaina questioned, regaining her wind.

  ‘‘She’s my additional insurance against my brother’s attack. See, after listening to you, I’m just not all that convinced that Jayce will care at all what happens to you.’’

  Leah saw Helaina’s expression fall. ‘‘But my brother will care,’’ Leah quickly threw out. ‘‘He’s the one you need to fear in this situation. You’ve not only taken his sister, but you’ve taken the woman he cares for.’’

  Helaina looked at Leah oddly, but Chase seemed not to notice. He laughed, but it sounded rather nervous to Leah. ‘‘It seems I’m always paying for someone’s affair of the heart. Well, let him come. I have a rifle and plenty of ammunition, thanks to your store in Last Chance. I’ll deal with him when he gets here—if he gets here.’’

  He motioned to the corner where Helaina sat. ‘‘Leah, I want you to sit there and wait for my return. I’ll tie you up if I need to.’’

  Leah shook her head. ‘‘You don’t need to. You know I’ve pledged my cooperation.’’

  Chase narrowed his eyes. ‘‘That was when you thought I had your husband and brother. Now that you know I don’t, there’s really no reason to expect your good nature. Still, it’s enough for you to know that I will kill you and Mrs. Beecham if need be. Now sit there while I bring in some of our supplies.’’

  Leah immediately sat and said nothing more. She didn’t want to give Chase any reason to believe her anything but obliging.

  When he’d gone, Helaina turned to her. ‘‘I don’t understand any of this. How did Chase capture you?’’

  ‘‘It’s simple enough. He came to Last Chance thinking it would be the only place people wouldn’t expect him. He took you at your word that Jacob and Jayce would be after him. You’ve really got to learn the benefit of keeping some things to yourself. Anyway, he figured no one would be at our home in the village. So he went there to secure dogs and supplies. Apparently he’d been there before because he knew his way around—at least in part. He very nearly pulled it off without a hitch, except I showed up and caught him in the act.’’

  ‘‘But why were you there? Where is Jayce . . . and . . . Jacob? Where are the agents my brother sent to Alaska?’’

  ‘‘Jayce and Jacob thought it too dangerous for me and asked that I remain in Nome until someone from the village could come take me home. Jacob sent word via some relatives of our villagers who happened to be heading north. It took longer than I’d hoped, but John finally came for me. As for the Pinkertons, they’re in Nome. The two officers Chase shot in Nome died of their wounds. The police chief wasn’t in great shape, either, and needed help. My brother felt the agents would be liabilities as he and Jayce moved out across the territory. The agents were ill-equipped and knew nothing of survival in the frozen north. It seemed the best decision.’’

  Helaina nodded. ‘‘No doubt. So there’s only Jayce and Jacob to come for us?’’

  Leah leaned back against the cabin wall. For so long she had figured her brother and husband to be prisoners, and while she had hoped they might escape, she hadn’t really believed this scenario to be possible.

  ‘‘They’ll come,’’ she said softly. ‘‘I just don’t know how soon or in what manner. They may have headed back to the village to restock and reorganize.’’

  ‘‘But they’ll not give up?’’

  Leah heard the desperation in Helaina’s tone. ‘‘No. They won’t give up.’’

  ‘‘Because of you,’’ Helaina said, sounding rather defeated. She, too, fell back against the wall. ‘‘They hate me, don’t they?’’

  Leah considered the question. ‘‘They aren’t happy with you, Helaina—that’s for certain. Your actions caused problems for everyone. It caused the death of two good men, and now it’s risking the lives of other good men. What in the world possessed you to leave ahead of us and pull that stunt in Nome?’’

  ‘‘I had a job to do.’’

  ‘‘Your brother had relieved you of that job, as I recall.’’

  Helaina was undeterred. ‘‘You are just as determined a woman as I am. I know that if you were given a task, you would seek to accomplish it no matter the cost.’’

  ‘‘I wouldn’t risk the lives of other people. Not just to satisfy my ego.’’

  Helaina opened her mouth to speak but instead fell into a fit of coughing.

  Leah could hear the hacking, unproductive sound. ‘‘Does your chest hurt—down deep?’’

  ‘‘Horribly. Every breath cuts me like a knife, right here.’’ Helaina pointed to her lower ribs on the left side.

  ‘‘It’s probably pneumonia. I have some herbs, but I don’t know if Chase will allow me to treat you.’’

  For several moments Helaina said nothing, and then she surprised Leah with her question. ‘‘Why did you say that Jacob cared for me?’’

  Leah was quiet a moment before saying, ‘‘Because I believe he does, even though it wasn’t my right to say so. I said it because I wanted to ensure that Chase knows you are as important to my brother and husband as I am. Otherwise, I’m afraid he might very well kill you simply to be rid of the responsi
bility.’’

  Helaina nodded. ‘‘I’m afraid he might just do that. He has no conscience.’’

  ‘‘Be that as it may, we have to figure a way to outsmart him.’’

  ‘‘Yes!’’ Helaina seemed to gain momentum. ‘‘We have to capture him and get him back to Nome, where my brother’s men can take him into custody.’’

  Leah eyed her for a moment. She was completely serious. The thought of capturing Chase was far from Leah’s mind. ‘‘I meant only that we need to find a means of escape. Turning the tables on Chase and taking him hostage is not in my plan.’’

  ‘‘But it must be. He’s a criminal. He’s the reason your husband nearly died for crimes that were not his doing.’’

  ‘‘No, Helaina. You are the reason my husband nearly died for crimes that were not his doing.’’

  Helaina looked stunned by Leah’s words. ‘‘You can’t mean to hold that against me. I was doing a job. I realized there were discrepancies and I worked to resolve them. I am also the reason your husband’s name was cleared.’’

  ‘‘I suppose so,’’ Leah replied, ‘‘but I still fail to see why I need to play bounty hunter. I have no desire to risk my life to capture Chase Kincaid. I want to figure a way out of here and do it as quickly as possible. Either you’re with me or you’re against me. What’s it to be?’’

  ‘‘Please listen to me, Leah,’’ Helaina said, lowering her voice. The pained expression on her face indicated the cost of talking so much. ‘‘I know this is a difficult situation, but I need you to help me. Chase must be taken into custody or he will continue to kill. He’s proven that over and over.’’

  ‘‘My point exactly. We need to get away from him and let others who are more qualified take that matter into hand.’’

  ‘‘But I am qualified.’’

  ‘‘You’re also desperately sick. If you don’t get treatment . . . and soon,’’ Leah said quite seriously, ‘‘you’ll most likely be dead within a week.’’