“The director of the Fish and Wildlife Commission in Montana is the senator’s brother-in-law. The kind that like each other.”
“So?” Drake prompted.
“So. The director has a son. One he and his brother-in-law are awfully proud of and want to see him in Washington one day.”
“Oh no,” Clove covered her mouth.
“Oh yes. Mayor Winston is destined to be a senator—if they have anything to say about it.” Caleb sniffed. The sun went down and the temperature dropped with it. “Saving an endangered species would have been the cowboy’s white hat he threw into the political ring.”
“Wickman called in a favor from dear old Dad and Dad called a couple of friends in our state and now Rory has to camp out here to corroborate Grandma Hannah’s story.”
Drake looked over his shoulder at Felix, who waited patiently for them. “Is it safe to bring Felix in?”
“Sure. We’re fully licensed and insured to take in rescues. It’s not Felix they’re worried about—it's you two.”
“Us?” they said at the same time and then smiled at each other. Clove wrinkled her nose like it was so cheesy, but he knew she loved it when they were in sync.
“Yeah. Hoffman claims you stole the reindeer from the animal shelter. Did you really dismantle a video camera?”
“No!” they shouted together. “That was Hoffman—it was broken when we got there.” Clove inched forward, as if she could crawl through the phone to prove her innocence.
“I figured as much. If you can—,” Caleb cut off at the sound of the door opening.
He didn’t hang up and Clove put her cheek next to Drake’s as he lifted the phone closer to their faces so they could hear better.
“Look, I’m not asking for much. I just need to talk to them. Without a video, Hoffman won’t have any evidence.”
Drake leaned over and whispered in Clove’s ear, “That’s Rory Anderson. He’s a friend of the family.”
“What about Felix?” asked Faith. Her light blue coat was barely visible on the porch because she was hidden by the Christmas tree they used for decoration.
“As soon as he sets foot—or hoof—on the ranch, he’s safe. It would take a presidential order to move him back to Montana.”
Clove closed her eyes and mouthedthank you.
“I’ll be back tomorrow.” Rory tipped his hat before striding down the steps toward his vehicle.
Caleb put his arm around Faith and they stood there until Rory was in the animal control truck and pulling out. “Did you hear that?” he asked Drake and Clove.
Drake wanted to sing. A deep sense of longing to be home overcame him and he jumped to his feet. “Yes! We’re coming in hot!”
He grabbed Clove, the two of them scrambling to their feet, and ran down the hill for the sled. Drake whooped and threw his hands over his head. “Come on, Felix! We’re going home!”
Felix stomped his feet–all four of them quickly.
Clove climbed into the cargo hold, and Drake took up the reins. “On Felix!” he shouted.
Felix took one mighty step forward and then another one that was three inches higher. In a flash, they were in the air, swooping over the snow and down the hill. Drake whooped again. He may not have taught the reindeer the flying command, but it was in Felix’s blood.
“Are we flying?” Clove asked.
He grinned down at her. “We’re flying!” The air whooshed all around them, tugging at their clothes and tickling their cheeks. It wasn’t harsh like riding a snowmobile at top speed, and it never bit into you when you flew with a reindeer.
“They’re coming!!” Caleb yelled. He waved his hat over his head. “Welcome home!”
Drake whooped. He couldn’t help himself. Joy overflowed and came out of his lungs.
Felix trumpeted. Clove laughed. “I’ve never heard him do that before.”
