Page 25 of Coordinates of Death

“Sure. That’s Gunrunner Ridge and where you’ll find Bertie Hamilton.”

“I know cell service in the mountains is pretty spotty.” Aurora placed her tablet in her backpack. “Is there any way to contact him to let him know we’re coming?”

“He’s a recluse and an old-school type of guy, so he only has a radio. I’ll get ours, and we can try him, but this weather may make it difficult. We keep it in the café.” Howie hurried behind the counter and brought out the radio. “Let me try.” He fiddled with a dial, then pressed the mic. “Bertie, this is Howie. You out there?”

Silence answered.

“Bertie, Elimac Mountain Ski Resort requesting your assistance.”

The group waited.

“Roger Dodger, Howie. Bertie reporting in with Mya. Ya don’t haf to yell. Just hobbled over from my rocker. These bones ain’t young, ya know.” He guffawed. “Waz up, son?”

“I have a couple of folks here from Canada to talk to you.” He gestured toward Aurora. “Go ahead, Corporal.”

“Did ya say Corporal, Howie?”

“Yes, sir. This is Corporal Aurora Hunt from Sweetwood Falls, Yukon. I’m here with Kordell Greene, and we need your help.”

The man snorted. “Howdy. Aurora and Kordell. Interesting names.” A dog barked in the background. “Mya says howdy, too.”

Aurora giggled. She liked this man already. “Sir—”

“Name’s Bertie. Not sir.”

“Sorry, sir—Bertie. Kord and I can use your help.”

“Course. Always happy to help my Canadian friends. Tell me how.”

Aurora turned the map on her tablet for a better view. “We have specific coordinates in your area and need help finding the exact spot. Can you do that?”

“Sure can, little lady. When?”

“We’re heading your way within the hour.” Aurora looked out the window. Snow still hammered the region, but they had to brave the weather. For the next woman’s sake.

“Doggone it. Have you looked outside?”

Kordell leaned toward the radio. “Bertie, this is Kordell Greene. I’m a mountain man like you and have been trained in survival.”

“Greene, you say?”

“Yes.”

“You that watcher who saved your prime minister’s daughter?”

“I am. You heard about that?”

“Even though I live in the mountains, I still keep up with what’s happening in our world. Impressive. Smart boy.”

Aurora smiled, pride filling her like a parent on graduation day. “We’ll get there when we can. And Bertie, keep your eyes open for anything suspicious.”

“Always do, little lady. Always do. Mya, Rudy, and I will be waiting with a roaring fire.”

“Rudy?”

“My Remington 870. Never leave my cabin without her.” He snorted.

Aurora stifled a chuckle. “See you soon.”