“Planning on it.”
“You have runs planned?”
“I’m always running, you know that.” She laughed.
“I know. But I mean the overnight trail runs. Solo.” His tone shifted just enough. “There have been some poaching reports in the wilderness areas lately that came across my dad’s desk. A task force is in the works. The Game and Fish, BLM, Forest Service, and Parks Department are all involved.” Chris paused. “Adam Boverman is representing Basin County.”
Steph made a face, and Chris raised his hand. “I know Boverman made some mistakes, so does my dad, but he’s a good guy. Dedicated.”
“He’s a hothead,” Steph said, recalling the trouble Deputy Adam Boverman caused for her friend Brooke and Brooke’s boyfriend, Tyler. Especially Tyler.
“Yeah, well, he’s made his apologies, and Dad is giving him a second chance.”
“By putting him on an important task force.” Steph shook her head.
“They don’t even know for certain there really is a poaching operation...not something organized, anyway. We know there have been a few animals poached, but I don’t need to tell you that happens sometimes.”
“What will the task force do?” Jack asked. “And which wilderness area are they targeting?”
“The investigation is new,” Chris said. “But several areas. Different mountain ranges and even the park.”
Something in his tone suggested to Steph he knew more than he was saying.
“I have something planned for December,” she said. “And a couple in January and February.”
“Just be careful out there.” He said it simply, without drama, which made it land more seriously than if he’d made a production of it. “Let someone know your routes.”
“I always do.”
Chris nodded. “Maybe think about taking someone with you this time. Things aren’t the same in Irma lately. Best to be smart.”
Steph shrugged. She loved training with others, but eight hours in the cold and snow and dark wasn’t terribly appealing to even the hardiest of her running friends.
Bethany touched Chris’s arm and said something quietly. He smiled at Steph. “It’s been great to see you. You coming to Thanksgiving?”
“Um, maybe? Your mom invited me. I told her I’d let her know.”
“She’ll be disappointed if you don’t.” He gave her a wave as he put his hand on Bethany’s back and moved toward one of the snowboard racks.
Steph stayed where she was as she watched them stop and talk with someone.
“You okay?”
She’d almost forgotten Jack was still there.
“Fine.”
He didn’t push it. She appreciated that more than she wanted to.
“I’m going to get the sled.”
“Good choice.”
Steph went to find the seller and didn’t look back. She’d had enough for one day.
Chapter 4
Jack
