Peter looked around his office one more time, then checked his list. He prayed the supplies they were bringing would be enough. But if the sickness was what he dreaded—measles—eradicating it could be a lot more complicated and take more time and medicine than he had on hand.
He’d done his best to prepare for epidemics. In remote locations such as Nome, it was crucial to think ahead. Supplies didn’t come in regular shipments. Especially in the winter. And the number of people living in close proximity to each other made the spread of contagious diseases that much more rampant.
But even with his planning and foresight, it might not be enough.
The reports he’d gotten from Amka weren’t good.
Father God, give me wisdom. Please help Amka’s people accept my help. And Lord, please staunch the spread. Keep us safe as we travel, protect Whitney, Amka, and the dogs. And thank You that Whitney is willing to take me and the supplies there.
It would be wise for him to have his own team, but he’dhave to learn a lot before he was ready for that. He should watch Whitney’s work closely on this trip, learn as much as he could, and then broach the subject with her.
He checked the clock. The ladies would be here in a few minutes. Once he made sure he had everything, he started hauling the crates outside his office. Within moments, the yapping and yipping of dogs brought his attention up.
Two sleds headed his way.
“Whoa.” Whitney’s calm voice had her dogs slowing to a stop. They ended up with the basket straight in front of him.
The dogs were a beautiful breed. He wasn’t sure what kind, but he’d have to learn. Their fur was about two inches long, thick. Some black with white around their faces, some brown. A few with gray mixed in. The most striking feature was their eyes. Most of them had blue eyes. He hadn’t ever seen that in a dog.
Whitney hopped off the basket, praising individual dogs by name and giving them a slight rub. Then she headed toward him. It had been a while since he’d seen such a bright look in her eyes. This was what she loved to do. That much was obvious.
“Is this everything you need loaded?” She motioned toward Amka, who steered her sled to a stop as well.
“It is. I hope it’s not too much?” He buttoned up his coat.
“Not at all. The dogs can carry a good load, but since both sleds are carrying two people, that is extra weight. Still, we should be fine.” She went to grab a crate.
Peter stopped her. “Two people? Who’s the fourth?”
She sighed. “My apologies. It’s my father. He’s got a lead on Ruth’s husband at one of the mining camps.”
“Oh. It will be good to have him along.” Another man would be great help, but Whitney had problems with her dad.Hopefully that wouldn’t make things more difficult for her. “I need you to teach me how to load a sled properly. Where to put the weight, how to secure it, et cetera.”
“Of course. Why don’t we start with the heaviest and go from there?”
“Sounds smart. Just show me what to do.”
Judas peered out his office window. What were two teams of dogs doing outside Dr. Cameron’s office? Wait a minute. He’d recognize that red hair anywhere. Whitney.
Mustn’t miss an opportunity to speak with her.
Making his way out to the street, he put a hand to his hair to make sure it was all in place. Appearances were everything. “Good afternoon, Dr. Cameron, Miss Powell.” He dipped his head.
“Mr. Reynolds.” The doctor narrowed his eyes and stacked another crate. Now what had he done to receive such censure? Just because the man didn’t want to peddle any of Judas’s medications?
“Mr. Reynolds, nice to see you.” Whitney’s words held the slightest bit of warmth. That was enough for him.
“Are you headed out on a trip?” He pointed the question to her and turned his back on thegooddoctor.
“Yes, Amka’s village has many sick children, so we are bringing supplies and medicine, and Dr. Cameron will do what he can to help them.” She strapped down another crate.
Judas stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Well, might I speak with you in my office before you leave? I’d like to help if I can.”
She looked around at the sleds. “As long as it won’t take too long. It’s a good thirty-mile trek to the Inupiat village.”
“Of course, of course.” He held out his arm toward his office. “Please.”
Whitney glanced at Amka. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just make sure everything is ready to go. My father should be here any minute. He needed to pick up something.” She shrugged.
