A gloved hand rubbed his chin. “A cave, huh?”
“Yep.”
“Okay, I’ve got to admit, that’s really cool.” He stepped out of his skis and planted them straight up in the snow, did the same with his poles, and climbed over into the avalanche chaos to join them.
Maya stepped aside and let him take a look just as Gideon reappeared. When he saw Ben, he pulled up short. “Oh. Hi.”
“Hey. Mom’s watching the boys, so I decided to get in a few runs. I was skiing past and saw you all out here. Thought I’d be nosy and see what you were up to.”
Gideon shrugged. “Just doing a little exploring.”
“Is it dangerous?” Lila asked.
“It’s actually not a cave. It’s a network of tunnels. There were a few places that had collapsed and some tunnels that were blocked, but for the most part, surprisingly, it’s pretty solid. I’d love to examine the blueprints of this and see where everything leads—how it was built and when.”
“Spoken like a true construction guy,” Maya said. “The resort was built in the 1920s if I remember correctly. Looks like they simply put a door on the tunnel, built up the ground beneath to make the run straight and smooth, then packed snow on top. Obviously, the avalanche undid all of that. How fascinating.” She looked at Lila. “Ski patrol needs to block all this off before some teens decide it’ll be a grand adventure to go exploring.”
“I can’t call it in, obviously,” Lila said, “but as soon as we head down, I’ll let someone know.”
Gideon nodded. He glanced at Maya. “You want to take a look?”
She shook her head. “I’ll admit to a bit of claustrophobia and stay out here after all.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing that,” Ben said. He looked at Lila. “Interested?”
“Very, but my job is out here at the moment.” She glanced at Maya, then the area around them. Skiers and snowboarders whipped past, and Maya could see the workers beyond the roof of the lodge still working on the blocked resort entrance.
Gideon waved Ben to the cave entry. “Help yourself before you lose the opportunity.”
Ben laughed and shook his head. “Naw, that’s okay. I guess with two boys I shouldn’t take any chances.” He nodded to the three of them. “Can I help do anything? Like head down and let someone know about the area?”
Lila nodded. “Yeah, actually, that would be super helpful. No one from ski patrol has arrived yet, so I’m a little concerned. Another report won’t hurt. Ask for Samantha Davies. She’s head of security and will make sure ski patrol is aware and maintenance secures this so no one gets hurt.”
“On the way.” Within minutes, he had his skis back on and was racing down the mountain to the lodge.
Soon, the three of them were on the snowmobiles and not too far behind. After they turned the machines in, they grabbed coffee and found seats in the café. Lila sat next to Maya. Just as Gideon took the seat opposite them, a teen ran up to them. “Dr. Del said to come find you. She said Mr. Webb was getting worse and she wanted you to take a look at him.”
Maya rose. “Of course.” She looked at the others. “There are all kinds of doctors here, but not one cardiologist. Apparently, I have the most experience when it comes to that area.”
Gideon stood too. “We’re coming with you.”
She nodded and they all followed the teen out the door.
When Maya walked into the clinic, she spotted Del bent over Mr. Webb doing compressions. She hurried over. “When did this start?”
“Two minutes ago. He’s in V-fib and the AED wasn’t working. Need someone to find another.” The woman’s dark eyes met Maya’s, but she didn’t stop her pumping on the man’s chest.
“Where is one?”
“The main lodge or the restaurant. There are a few all over the resort.”
“I’ll be right back,” Gideon said and bolted.
Maya grabbed the mouthpiece from the first aid kit and inserted it between the patient’s lips. She gave him breaths until Gideon returned. Working quickly, they got the pads on him and hooked up. Two shocks later and he was back in rhythm.
Del placed her fingers on the man’s neck. “Thank you, Lord.”
Maya checked. “And he’s breathing.”
