~ Drango Gap ~
by Elizabeth Carroll AKA RangerLiz

---

Chapter Seven:

Jason Hendricks kept his eyes on the list of names, uncertain what he would say when Dianthe strode towards him. Tracy had the forms ready to sign in the new residents, sixteen seasonals in all. The regular seasonals, career seasonals like Charlie, were locals, giving Burntmountain a total of thirty-six seasonals split between three divisions.

Annie and Charlie were doing patrols. Charlie had been silent when he came in, and Jason worried about the man. Charlie had looked if someone had torn his heart out and stomped on it. Jason would try and talk with him when he came back in.

Tracy had noticed it, too. She had never dated Charlie, saying she preferred men that were more open-minded. Her comment had puzzled Jason. Tracy loved men. Tracy was bound and determined to sow her wild oats for another year or so before getting serious about settling down.

She was a smart, sassy woman whose sheer love of life was infectious. She had a bit of a wild streak, but she was a fine law enforcement ranger. Dianthe showed signs of being one of the best law enforcement rangers that he had ever worked with. And Meredith had been his personal favorite, since she had come on board. Annie cherished Meredith, too. She was family. Overall, he and Annie were damned lucky to have such fine staff members whose professionalism and dedication were very rare even within the National Park Service family.

"Morning, Tracy, Jason," Dianthe beamed, accepting the clipboard Jason extended towards her.

"Hey, lady," Tracy winked. Dianthe knew word was out that she and Meredith were now officially a couple. Karen and Morgan told her and Meredith that they had placed bets when the couple would finally act on their mutual attraction. It seemed Tracy had guessed the date closest to the event, and now was one hundred and sixty dollars richer.

"Good morning, Dianthe," Jason felt himself blushing furiously when their eyes locked. Tracy began snickering Dianthe knew instantly what had happened, and found herself coloring, too. Jason swallowed, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "Ah, the seasonals have begun arriving. Dianthe, you will check in the law enforcement seasonals and trail crews. We're not expecting the two Interps until tomorrow, but Irene and Craig are locals and live in Blackstone.

Tracy has the room assignments, keys and paperwork. I'll issue the badges and gear for the five law enforcement rangers. Meredith said she would come by after her doctor's appointment to orient the entire group about backcountry rules and regs about.

She and you will give a three-day crash course on SAR methods and basic equipment. All the law enforcement rangers are first responders, three of the trail crewmembers are, too. Both Interps always have current certification, as well."

"What about Sam's ground pounding course?" Tracy asked.

"He's working on getting the funding for it. If all goes well, he will be giving two courses this summer to those not already red carded."

"Are the guys out of Boise, Idaho coming to help him?" Tracy asked with bright eyes.

Jason shook his head, "You need another hobby besides men, Tracy!"

"Hey, it's a great hobby! Some are very collectable, ask Annie."

Jason shook his head, watching the first car pull up outside the staff housing area. It had New York plates, though there were dozens of stickers indicating the old Ford had visited many states. A tall, impressively muscular young man with almost no neck slid out of the vehicle. Atop the car, a gleaming Hardrock Specialized mountain bike with a high-end suspension fork and a short white-water kayak indicated the driver loved physical sports.

He had the build of a bodybuilder, well-groomed hair and keen eyes. He stepped forward and offered his right hand, "Hi, I'm Danny Matthews."

"Matthews? Ah, you are one of our seasonal law enforcement rangers. I'm Jason Hendricks, superintendent of the Burntmountain District. These are fellow law enforcement rangers, Tracy and Dianthe Xavier," Jason returned the young's man strong handshake, without flinching. The kid could give a boa-con stricter a run for its money.

"You're the former fighter pilot the Navy kicked out?" Danny asked, eyes narrowing when he really looked at Dianthe.

Jason stiffened, not certain where the young man was going with the question he had asked. Dianthe nodded, watching the hazel-eyed male with guarded eyes. "Yes."

"Damn stupid policy. My cousin was forced out, too. He loved the navy, but he made the mistake of being honest about being in love with another guy. Pissed me off," Danny extended his right hand. "Maybe, someday, folks will see past such things."

Dianthe accepted it. Dianthe understood why Jason was shaking out his hand, behind his back. She flexed her fingers, thinking the kid did not know his own strength. Danny's eyes focused on Tracy with interest. He grinned slowly as his eyes glazed over. Jason sighed. Not five minutes had gone by, and Tracy had the attention of yet another eligible male. "You like mountain biking, Tracy?"

"Yes," Tracy responded with a grin. Danny was hooked, and Tracy was reeling him in.

"Good, so do I. Maybe we can get together?"

Tracy inclined her head, "Sounds good to me. Here's your key and room number. You have one roomie. He's a member of the grounds and trail crew."

"Place looks better than the seasonal quarters I had in Boston."

"Danny, we need to get you to fill out the following papers," Dianthe interjected. Danny blinked, slowly regaining awareness. Jason had seen dozens of young men felled by the Tracy affect.

Annie told him he had done no better the first time he had meet the outgoing law enforcement ranger. Pheromones. It had to be pheromones. Meredith had ventured that Tracy had pheromones that bedazzled the male of the species. Jason and Annie concurred with the resource management ranger and wildlife assessment of the matter.

Meredith arrived three hours later, being dropped off by Annie. Meredith slipped carefully out of the Range Rover. Annie slid out of the white and green Suburban, stretched her lower back, and ambled towards the table where Jason, Tracy and Dianthe sat.

"Meredith, how's the arm?"

"Hurts like hell, but it's healing," Meredith admitted.

Dianthe raised worried eyes. Meredith managed a tired smile that reassured her lover only so much. "But I can return to light duty this week."

"You got the doctor's note saying that, young lady?" Jason narrowed his eyes.

Meredith produced the note, a hint of a smile on her lips, "Usually supervisors are delighted when folks return early."

"Light duty it is. And I mean light duty, no using that arm for anything over the weight of your ball cap. You will be given Administrative Leave for your PT sessions. Brett cleared it. Four times a week, so you will be working half a day for the two months once you start rehabilitation sessions."

Meredith's expression indicated she was not thrilled with the restrictions, but she knew Jason and Annie would not let her come back if she did not follow the doctor's orders to the letter. She nodded agreement.

Dianthe pulled a chair over and patted it, "Sit down. You look tired."

"Ah, but for all the right reasons," Meredith laughed, nudging Dianthe affectionately with her hip. "I see Tracy got another one, huh?"

Annie and she had laughed about the young man's posture, having seen it dozens of times. Annie slid up behind her husband, "If we could only bottle what she, we could all be rich."

Jason felt Annie squeeze his right shoulder, and he smiled at his wife. He and Annie had found each other, now Dianthe and Meredith had found each other. He hoped Tracy would find her match, too.

Meredith sat beside Dianthe, watching the seasonals being processed. Annie and Jason spoke for several minutes before she climbed back inside the patrol Suburban , and drove away. Meredith answered questions of several ground and trail crew members, mainly issues concerning bear safety and awareness.

A couple darted speculative glances towards Meredith and Dianthe, but no one dared say anything. Besides, there were many gays and lesbians working within the agency, and the policy was very clear for those less enlightened staff members. By four o'clock everyone had arrived, and the necessary paperwork had been completed. Jason rose, clearing his throat.

"Let's get everyone rounded up: Meredith, you can give your back country talk. Then, we will go have something to eat at Smokechaser's," Jason stated. Annie and Jason hosted the official welcome dinner out of their own money, since they wanted to see how the new staff members interacted in a social setting. Seasonal quarters meant living together in relatively close quarters, and they had learned over the years how to spot potential conflict before it became a real issue.

It took several minutes to round up the seasonal, most who would not venture into the field for another week. Meredith, Dianthe, Jason, and Annie would be giving orientation to the unique park site, gauging where there might be skills gaps and providing the proper training to augment existing skills. Meredith and Dianthe would handle the five-day refresher for basic SAR method, protocols and backcountry medical packaging and evacuation of injured persons.

Meredith was a certified NASAR instructor for Introduction to SAR, Fundamentals, Basic Ropes and Lost Person Behavior profiles. Dianthe would back Meredith up, since she was certified in the same skill set, and would teach land navigation skills to the entire group. Most of the seasonals had the skills on paper, but none of the full-time staff wanted to discover whether or not their seasonals had fudged their abilities when it counted.

A dual two week intensive course would be taught by Meredith and Morgan to the combined staffs of the National Park Service and National Forest Service for those that had limited skills, and several seasonals already had requested the training in the sign-in process. This allowed the different agencies responsible for protecting the Burntmountain District to forge bonds that could be the difference between life and death. The participants would receive NASAR certification and limited membership, skills that would help those intent on becoming full-timers get the eye of discerning Personnel Officers and hiring officials.

Dianthe would have to work her patrol schedule around the training, since she would be assisting to her friends. Tracy, Annie, Jason and Charlie would be pulling more patrol time to cover the gaps, but it was well worth it. Morgan and Jason had worked hard at forging unity between their staffs, and the Witch Mountain Incident underscored the value of such cohesion and training.

"Ok, folks, time to have our first official meeting. Everyone to the day room of house four," Jason called out, herding his seasonals ahead of him. Most were college kids, but there were some twenty something's and thirty something's mixed in. It was a diverse group of men and women, united by a common love of the outdoors and nature.

House four was the largest of the seasonal houses, and had a large living room where twenty folks could be gathered somewhat comfortably. Dianthe and Tracy were handing out packets of information Meredith had put together for the incoming seasonals.

She had researched and written the package of information that Karen and Morgan had modified for their seasonal staff. Meredith stood up, smiling at the newcomers. "I know you folks are tired, but there are things you need to know to keep yourselves and others safe."

With those words she launched into a twenty-minute talk that engaged the seasonals and full timers. Jason grinned. Alex was right. Meredith would make one hell of a good interpretive ranger, having a sense of humor and insight about her group. She popped in a video she and Karen had created.

The forty-minute video had been filmed by a specialist out of the Seattle office. It had a good sound track, using music groups Jason had never heard before when either Meredith or Karen were talking. They showed bear dens, bear droppings, markings that told of recent bear activities, and other important issues.

It was the first time Jason had viewed the video the two women had worked on with Alex Larson last summer and fall. Drawing on the collective experience of dozens of field researchers and their own, it taught and entertained as well. No wonder he had heard that Region wanted to use it all parks with Grizzly bears, wolves and other big predators.

"Now, if there are no questions, this session is over," Meredith announced, "But tomorrow morning at seven thirty we will begin a refresher on SAR methods. Classes will begin next week for fire fighting and SAR for those that have not done this before. Your work details will be arranged around your classes. It's a free class, and looks good on your 171."

Meredith sat down, grinning when most of the seasonals clapped their hands. Jason stood up. "One last thing: tonight, we are having our first park wide gathering at Smokechaser's Grill: good food, good folks and a chance to network. Directions how to get there are inside the packets Meredith gave you. Also, locations of different shops and stores.

We will be there starting around seven thirty. No pressure, just a chance to get familiar with your new home for the next six months."

The residents of house four soon had their home to themselves. The other seasonals headed towards their quarters while Jason glanced at his watch. "You ladies going to come?"

"Danny said he's going, so I will be going, too," Tracy grinned.

"Count on us," Dianthe said. "See you then."

Jason watched the new lovers head for Dianthe's Jeep Grand Cherokee. She helped Meredith slide up into the vehicle, using any excuse possible to touch her lover. Meredith did not seem to mind.

******************



A steady rain pelted the seasonals as they practiced the necessary techniques for carrying a rescue basket down the side of a steep incline. Meredith moved like a mountain goat along the rough terrain, pointing out better methods for carrying the litter.

She had watched the seasonals set up the ropes, pulleys, anchors, and arrange the ropes with keen eyes. She pointed out mistakes, demonstrating the proper methods without rancor. The seasonals were a smart bunch, and eager to learn.

It was the fourth time she had done this particular exercise in the last six hours, it was the final day of the refresher. She nodded approval, and gestured for the next crew to laid down the litter. "Good job."

She gave them several pointers, then hitched a thumb towards the emergency cache shed. "Once we get this equipment away, you are free for the rest of the day."

Cheers rose, and sixteen rain gear clad seasonals gathered up the ropes, slings, carabineers and basket and hauled it to the shed. Meredith glanced at her wristwatch: three p.m. Dianthe had been forced to cover Charlie Fenton's shift when he banged out sick, so she had conducted the class by herself.

Sunlight broke through the cloud cover just when they were finishing. Good nature groans rose. "Welcome to Washington State, folks."

She let the seasonals go once the equipment was in the shed. She removed her Gortex rain gear and began tending the lighter equipment that needed to be cleaned off. It took her an hour to square away most of the gear when she heard something moving outside the shed.

Thinking it was Dianthe she went to open the door and found it would not budge. Frowning, she pushed harder. The door did not move. She cocked her head, heard someone, or something, moving around the shed. "Hey, could you let me out? Door somehow jammed."

No response. Meredith pounded on the side of the large shed, calling out again. She heard a splashing sound, then she smelled smoke. Her gut clenched. She backed away as flames began consuming the far side of the wooden shed.

The lone window was too small even for Meredith to squeeze out of. She hit her radio's shoulder mike attachment, "Dispatch..emergency cache has been set on fire. Door's been jammed shut. I'm trapped inside!"

Meredith grabbed up a fire ax and began attacking the door. Her arm screamed its protest as black smoke began filling the shed, and flames began engulfing the structure. She swung the ax hard, landing five blows before she heard wooden splintering. Another four blows and something metallic hit the wooden porch of the shed. Meredith rammed her shoulder hard against the smoldering door, and the door opened a bit.

She coughed, her vision was obscured by the noxious smoke that seared her throat and eyes. This would be it. The heat of the flames was becoming like a blast furnace. Dropping the ax, she backed up and threw her full weight against the burning doorframe. The door flew wide open as she hurtled out the blazing shed. She tumbled head first down the shed's six stairs, gasping in lung full of fresh, cool air.

A section of burning doorframe landed across her legs, and Meredith yelped in agony. She twisted hard, dislodging the piece of lumber and rolled on the ground, extinguishing the small flames where the section of lumber had hit her. The sleeve of her long sleeve uniform shirt was blood soaked, the stitches having split open.

Dark blood washed down the length of her forearm, black specks of burnt material mixed with the blood. Pain became her entire world. The thumping of her heart sounded like a massive drum inside her head, the world fading to an indistinct blur of disconnected images.

Her legs would not respond, nor her arms. She could not move, though she could hear the support beams of the shed groaning under the weight of itself. She was too close. The shed would collapse upon her.

She tried to will her limbs to work, to regain control of her depleted resources and could not. Dianthe. She would not see her lover again, if she could not move. Meredith began inching her way along the ground, thinking she must resemble some strange inchworm.

Each millimeter gained drained her meager strength and threatened to obliterate consciousness. But she would not go down without a fight. She dug the fingers of her good hand into the earth, seeking purchase, and pulled herself along as her feet pushed.

Strong hands hauled her upright, and away from the collapsing shed. The front section hit the patch of earth she had been occupying mere moments before. Had the door not given way, and had her rescuer not snatched her up, it would have been her funeral pyre.

Her legs gave out, and she felt the person supporting her weight stagger. She was set on the ground. Someone kept repeating her name. It was a familiar voice, but her mind could not immediately place the owner.

Gentle fingers surrounded her chin, and a pair of anxious forest-green eyes searched her own gray-green ones. "Meredith? Are you okay? What happened?"

Annie. It had been Annie that had half carried, half dragged her out of harm's way. Meredith blinked, trying to make her mind work. "Someone locked me inside..set a fire.." Meredith heard herself stammer.

Danny Matthews held up a tire iron with infinite care by the ends, with the tips of his gloved hand's fingers. "Found this laying nearby, Annie," he said softly.

"Be careful: there may be prints on it," Annie cursed when she saw the blood running down Meredith's limp right arm, not to mention the smell of burnt cloth and seared flesh. "Damnit. We have to get you to the hospital."

"No more hospitals. I just want to sleep," Meredith protested, trying to shake off Annie's gentle grip.

"Easy, honey," Annie murmured, stroking Meredith's sweaty brow. "You are hurt; you need to go to the hospital."

Meredith heard the screech of tires and the sound of a door being thrown open. Dianthe appeared, ashen faced and shaking, beside them. Her vivid blue eyes flickered from the burning emergency cache shed to Meredith. Anger replaced fear.

"Dianthe, get her to the hospital. Danny, secure this area. I want whoever did this," Annie rose, forest-green eyes sweeping the area surrounding the shed. She spotted tire tracks of a car that had been brought up behind the shed.

Meredith found herself hard pressed to think clearly. She wanted nothing more than to seek the comfort of Dianthe's strong arms, to sleep for a while. She tried rising, but her legs would not respond. Dianthe hunkered down, and carefully lifted Meredith off the ground. Her long stride covered the distance to the patrol vehicle with ease.

Dianthe settled Meredith down on the passenger seat with infinite care, but the back of the seat pressed against her burnt flesh. Meredith screamed, tears streaming down her pale visage as her lover strapped her in.

"Shit! Meredith, hang on," Jason rumbled. "Whoever did this is going to be one sorry sonovabitch."

Dianthe assured him she would get Meredith to the hospital. Felt Jason's big hand touch her right cheek and heard him murmur something. Pain and disorientation began overwhelming her exhausted mind and body. Things began spinning wildly, and she fought a wave of nausea.

She lost the battle, and she bent over and vomited. A hand rested on the back of her neck, soothing her even as Dianthe drove. Meredith vomited twice more, then sat back up. Her vision dimmed, and she lost consciousness.


**************************


Laying on the ground was a wallet. Annie pulled on her thin leather driving gloves and picked up the wallet. She carefully opened it: Maggie Sanderson's California driver's license photo occupied the plastic window of the expensive leather wallet. Annie's jaw muscles worked hard.

Jason and Tracy appeared as Dianthe was helping Meredith inside the National Park Service Suburban. Danny helped keep the area clear, making sure no evidence was lost. Annie and Jason began documenting the evidence, while their dispatcher called the Blackstone sheriffs department.

Annie and Jason did not have solid evident that the woman was directly involved, though two new hires stated they had spotted the woman observing their training. But other visitors had been watching the training, so they had dismissed it.

What worried Annie and Jason was that it was another fire. Arson had become the favorite method of criminals, or someone, of late. Questioning the suspect should get them the information they would need.

**************************

Dianthe entered the semiprivate hospital room where Meredith slept. The nurse had said the sedation would keep her under about another hour. This time she had not bled out that badly, but the torn stitches had been hard to repair. She would be kept at least overnight. Maybe longer, depending on what the doctors thought best.

When she was released, she would be off duty for the next two weeks minimum, and would be requiring very intense physical therapy. She had sustained a few minor cuts and abrasions, and two nasty, though minor burns on her legs where the fire had touched her. The smoke had not damaged her lungs.

The shed was a total loss. But Region had told them they would make sure the shed and equipment were replaced. It would be a priority. They would be getting the money released within two weeks. The shed itself would take only a few days to build. Local merchants, too, were already seeking ways to donate equipment, though it would take time to get the proper authorizations.

Dianthe sat beside the bed of the woman she loved. Someone had tried to murder Meredith Murphy. Tracy had been acting as the dispatcher when she called in. Told her about Maggie Sanderson's wallet being found outside the shed.

Dianthe absorbed the information: Maggie Sanderson had told Meredith she wished her dead. She had attacked Meredith, uttered those hateful words, but Dianthe's gut instinct told her there was something wrong here.

If she had wanted Meredith dead, she could have had a gun or knife the day she slapped the woman. Why now? Had she gone totally insane with grief? Dianthe heard Tracy's voice tight with anger.

Blackstone sheriffs department had been alerted, and no doubt Jon himself would be looking for the woman. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fit together, but important ones were missing. Dianthe settled herself down, reached out and covered Meredith's smaller hand with her own larger one.

She vowed no one would hurt this precious woman again. She shut her eyes, and entered a light slumber.

**********

Jon Brandice signaled his fellow deputies that they could put away their weapons. He scanned the darkened hotel room that stank of death. The suite was very neat, clean and orderly. He studied the body hanging from the heavy wooden beams of the expensive lodge suite.

She had used a climbing rope to hang herself. Jason and he exchanged looks. It had taken them about a day to find the hotel where the woman had holed up. She had used another name, paid in cash. But the desk clerk recalled how distraught the woman had seemed when she had left during the morning.

It had been following a brief phone call.

She had asked about sporting good stores. Jon shook his head. He was the crime scene officer for the department, and he had his work cut out for him. He called for the special kit he would need, and prevented anyone else from entering the room.

There was no doubt the woman was dead. She had been for a bit. The shed had been set fire about sixteen hours ago. Maggie Sanderson's limp body showed not signs of life. The coroner had been called.

Already, the smell of death hung in the air of the very expensive suite.

*************


Dianthe heard Meredith's soft moans, and jerked awake. Meredith was in the throes of a nightmare, and began fighting the IV tubing feeding her antibiotics and painkillers. She was thrashing and whimpering. Dianthe jumped up and held her down. Frightened, dull gray-green eyes flickered open and focused on Dianthe's face.

"Easy, honey," Dianthe whispered, smoothing Meredith's hair off her sweaty brow.

It took several minutes for the woman to realize she was not inside in the burning shed, and she relaxed. A voice made hoarse by smoke and fear said, "Shed?"

"Total loss. But you are fine. That's the important thing. You will need to spend the rest of the night here. Your stitches tore open, so they had to do some repairs. Patrick stopped by while you were asleep.

He said you're going to be off duty a few weeks, and you will need lots of PT. You also have two first degree burns to the backs of your legs, but those should heal well enough."

"How come I don't hurt?"

"Painkillers. Doctors, Patrick included, decided it was best. Tearing open your stitches did some more muscle damage," Dianthe held up a sipping cup that had a built in straw. Meredith sipped the tepid water gratefully. "Meredith, Maggie Sanderson's dead. Her wallet was found close to the shed. And some of the seasonals noticed her driving up."

Meredith shut her eyes, fighting back tears. "Maybe now she'll find peace..."

Dianthe did not hear anger in her lover's voice, just remorse. She kissed Meredith. "I hope so." She did not share her suspicions with the weary woman. "Morgan's coming back in a few minutes. She and Karen will be here the rest of the night. I have to go back on patrol. Charlie's is going to be out the next few days. Hurt his back lifting something heavy again."

"Tell him I hope he feels better. He hurt his back last winter hauling some wood for his cabin."

"I will; my shift ends tomorrow around eight a.m. Karen will bring you home; I'll met you there," Dianthe hated herself for leaving Meredith. She stroked her lover's sweat matted hair, still shaken at how close she had come to losing the woman. Meredith and she shared one more kiss. "I love you, Meredith."

"And I love you," Meredith fought the drugs claiming her mind once again. Dianthe murmured soft words beneath her breath, soothing the smaller woman.

Meredith's eyes drifted shut. Morgan and Karen had backed out of the room, granting the new lovers a few moments more of privacy.

Dianthe nodded her head towards the older couple, then headed out to finish her patrol. In the back of her mind, a pattern was being to emerge that made her stomach knot: there was an arsonist and murderer working within the staff of Drango Gap.

Every instinct she possessed screamed that Maggie Sanderson had been a victim, not the perpetrator of the most recent fire. She had some ideas, but dared not mention them until she had time to do some further checking.

Dianthe slipped on her shades and surveyed the parking lot of the hospital. News crews were arriving. She muttered a dire oath under her breath when she noticed that a certain female reporter was approaching her. Dianthe unlocked the suburban, ignoring the woman's slightly nasal voice.

"You can't hide from the press, Ranger Xavier," the woman called out. Dianthe recognized the woman: she had been the one with the slanted report about herself and Meredith, not to mention interviewing Cal Trent. "A good woman was driven to suicide because your lover did not do her job. Maybe she was too busy doing something else to do the right thing."

Dianthe stiffened. She removed her shades and met the woman's eyes with a level stare. She said nothing, just studied the woman with cool eyes. The reporter shifted uncomfortably, and her news crew seemed equally uncomfortable. "If you will excuse me, I have a patrol to do."

"You must not be very good at patrolling, if you did not see Maggie Sanderson enter or exit the park," Janice Portman declared, smiling thinly. "If Mrs. Sanderson did set fire to the shed, which I personally doubt. I wonder who really set the fire? Or did Ranger Murphy accidentally set fire to the cache?"

Dianthe gripped the steering wheel tight, not wanting to give the other woman the satisfaction of seeing her upset. She started the engine and signaled for them to give way. After several moments, the news crew reluctantly did move.

Only when she was on the open road did she begin to relax and focus on the important issue of arson. She would have to access the National Crime Information Center to find out what she needed. But first thing she was going to do was go home and shower. Furball. He would not be a happy cat.

She radioed in she was going home for an hour. Blackstone's deputies had doubled their patrols around Meredith's property, since the media had again been spotted there. Dianthe drove past two news vans, ignoring the pleas of the reporters to answer questions.

America loved the drama and pathos of tragedy, and this newest twist in the Burntmountain Incident (as the media had dubbed it) had the media clamoring. No doubt tonight the major networks would have coverage about the suicide of the woman, the attempted murder, and speculation about relationship the relationship that she and Meredith had.

Dianthe opened the cabin door and found one very annoyed cat demanding her immediate attention. Gathering him up, she hugged him and headed to the kitchen. Fresh water, a big bowl brimming with dried cat food, and some very expensive wet food made him relax. She dumped out his litter, poured in fresh, then headed for the shower.

She laid her gun belt on the bed, closing the bedroom door firmly, and removed her clothes and vest. In the military she had learned how to shower well in five minutes, but civilian life made her appreciate the finer points of a prolonged soak. She dried off, found a fresh uniform, and dressed.

A quick meal and she was on the road again. She drove past the media again, and headed out. The next ten hours gave her time to consider her theory. Local law enforcement officers doing their level best to keep the media off the property

**************

The nurse entered the dimmed room where Meredith lay, being held for another few hours because of the doctor's concerns regarding a fever. She had watched Karen Winslow and Morgan Griffin head for the cafeteria, since Meredith would not be awake for hours.

The young, seasonal deputy guarding the door opened the door for the pretty red headed nurse, winking. She winked back. He had a nice body, and kind eyes. Then she spotted the small, gold Star of David twinkling around his strong neck.

She hid her revulsion well, and push the cart before her. She shut the door, and pushed the cart containing bathing equipment beside. Reaching underneath the cart, she pulled out a small palm corder, and began recording the medical charts. Once she had recorded the sections of the chart she had deemed necessary, she pulled back the covers.

Using the medical scalpel, she cut open the light hospital gown, and studied the drugged woman. She held the scalpel for a moment, thinking how many of Dawson's problems could be solved with a single slice. For an instant she lowered the scalpel next to the exposed flesh of the woman's throat and considered the issue. A little pressure against the vital area, and Meredith Murphy would no longer be an issue But, she had her assignment, and they already had an executioner working for them.

Placing a framed photograph showing the Sanderson's taken two years ago, she began narrating what she had written out. And four coroner's graphic photographs of the remains of the man and his sons' ravaged remains. She panned the small camcorder over select areas of the woman's nude body, not seeing the door opening behind her. She yelped when powerful fingers dug deep into her shoulders, and she was spun around to meet furious gray eyes.

Karen Winslow snatched the camcorder out of her hands, and the young deputy began reading her rights while a real nurse checked Meredith's vitals and drips. Morgan Griffin spun Janice Portman hard against the wall, and her wrists were swiftly cuffed.

"Get her the hell out of here.." Morgan snarled.

"My camcorder and tape," Janice Portman protested.

"Will be turned over to the proper authorities of the United States government," Sam Griffin promised. He stood beside his cousin, his lone gray eye blazing with pure loathing. "You are a real piece of work, lady."

Janice Portman found herself the center of the news crew when the Blackstone Sheriffs Department hauled her past her colleagues. A female deputy told the reporters that they could contact the Public Information Officer for any information, stating they could not answer any further questions. Every camera turned on the flushed woman being led out past their ranks, protesting she was a good American.

********************

Morgan did not like the way Meredith looked. She had become increasingly distant during the drive home. Not even Karen could get the woman talking. Morgan wished she could have taken that bitch Janice Portman and shoved her off the side of a mountain. The tape had shown love bits left by Dianthe, and avoided the damage Meredith had sustained during that bloody night on the mountain.

After viewing the sickening tape, she had called Jason and Annie. They were in Seattle, discussing the situation with Brett Ferris and Region. Jason had put the call on conference, and the solemn gathering heard what had happened. Jason and Annie would be back tonight, and Ferris vowed he would be speaking personally with the folks in Washington, D.C.

Word would be sent to the Murphy's and Stanhopes about this most recent incident involving Meredith. Morgan knew this time the family would not remain in the background, waiting for the authorities to handle the matter.

No doubt Katherine Murphy would become directly involved; she would make sure Janice Portman understood that she had chosen the wrong victim.

"You're home, Meri," Karen said. The Blackstone deputies kept the media crews across the road from the edge of Meredith's property line.

Meredith glanced towards the throng of reporters with weary eyes, then shut them. Tears slid silently down her cheeks. They had told her what happened, knowing the arrest of Janice Portman would be televised. Karen and Morgan exchanged worried glances. In the five years they had known the younger woman, she had never acted like this.

Morgan cleared her throat, "Meri, talk to us."

Meredith ignored the plea, remaining silent and detached. Morgan pulled up behind the house, parking beside Meredith's Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition. She climbed out of the front seat, then helped Meredith out the rear passenger side. Karen gathered the duffel bag and went to unlock the house.

Meredith walked up beside Morgan. Morgan kept a steadying arm out, ready to catch the unsteady woman. She got Meredith settled down in her bedroom, saying that she would be back. Meredith shut her eyes, and drifted to sleep. Between the drugs and emotional drain of the last two days, the woman would most likely sleep for hours.

"How is she?" Karen asked, preparing a light lunch for salad and chicken for them.

"Exhausted, frightened and guilt ridden. Three near fatal incidents in the last few months has shaken her confidence. I've seen it before. Remember Jared?"

Karen nodded. Jared Morningstar had been easy going, soft spoken man whose life had been affected by several dramatic events. On a rescue he had been helpless to stop the fatal fall of a coworker when the man's harness broke. A month later he lost his own life when he was hit by a watermelon-sized rock. His neck had been snapped.

Jared had blamed himself for the death of his coworker, and the during next mountain rescue he had lost his focus. It cost him his own life. Meredith and Jared had similar gentle souls, and Jared had become withdrawn and silent like Meredith was becoming.

But Jared had been between relationships. Meredith had Dianthe. Dianthe might be the anchor that would keep the woman safe and sane. Morgan hoped Dianthe would be home soon.


**********************

Dianthe perched on the edge of the king-sized bed, and watched her sleeping lover. Even in the sleep the strain of the last few days showed clearly on her face. Dianthe reached out, and brushed her fingertips across her lover's left cheek. It was wet with tears, as was the pillow.

She hung her head, feeling utterly powerless after having viewed the tape, and she had wept. All she wanted was to love Meredith, to have a life with her. Morgan had laid a comforting arm around her shoulders while Sam and Karen cooked dinner. She had regained emotional control, and gone upstairs to awaken Meredith.

Breathing deeply, she leaned down and kissed Meredith's temple. Meredith's eyes fluttered open, and she let out a strangled noise of joy. Dianthe offered her arms, and Meredith burrowed against her warmth and strength.

Neither woman spoke. They held each other close, and soon Meredith began crying. Crying for Maggie Sanderson, for her dead husband and sons, and for herself. Dianthe let her weep. If she did not release the tension she felt, it would build inside her soul and break with terrible results.

Finally, Meredith stopped weeping and rested inside the shelter of lover's arms. Dianthe reached over and yanked out a handful of tissues from the nightstand beside the bed. Meredith accepted them, wiping her eyes and blowing her nose. "Better?"

"I think so," Meredith sighed. "Hold me?"

"I am, Meri. I am," Dianthe squeezed her lover close, pressing her lips against the woman's. "How about a shower, then some dinner? Karen and Sam are downstairs cooking up some really fine chili. Jason and Annie will be stopping by later on."

Meredith raised her eyes, nodding. "Join me?"

Dianthe smiled, "Of course. Let me get the plastic wraps for your arm."

She shed her uniform, tossing aside her bulletproof vest, and removing her tee shirt. She already secured her gun downstairs in the office. She helped Meredith out of her clothing, pressing gentle kisses against the bruised shoulder and throat.

Dianthe offered her right hand to the suddenly shy woman, leading her inside the master bath. Neither woman noticed the figure standing on the hill opposite the master bedroom.

************************

He had come back looking for his ring, but not been able to find it. It was dangerous, being out during daylight hours, especially with the activities happening in the household. Not to mention the Blackstone Sheriffs deputies patrolling the area, and the news crews. But he discovered he liked the thrill of fear he felt.

If he was found here, he could say he had spotted someone in the woods and decided to follow them. He had not been caught. Ever. He recalled his discharge from the marine corps ten years ago. His love of fire had gotten him in trouble.

Bored, one night he had lit up an old shed. It had been empty, but the military review board had considered the mental evaluation he had been given. He had chosen a general discharge rather than face a possible court marshal.

He had become tired of the Corps, of the way those not his equal were given power and authority. It had been there he had first met some of those he deemed brothers in arms. The Aryan Nation and its offshoots made him understand what was wrong with America.

He had moved back west, applying for a State Trooper slot that he held for several years. He had thought America was back on course when he saw the legislation against gays coming into being. He had joined others in teaching gays and lesbians that their crimes against God and Nature would not be tolerated.

No one had ever proven he had burnt down the house of a long time gay couple. Dawson had made sure of it. He and Dawson were good friends. Dawson was the brother his mother could not give him.

Hunkering down, he watched the two women undress. How could he have spent all these years feeling love for Meredith? He cursed himself for a fool. No wonder she had not responded to his presence.

She had been tainted. Tainted by long association with gays and lesbians. She did come from the East Coast. He decided he would have her once. He would teach her what it meant to be loved by a man of God. He would show her how real love was made, the way God had meant it to be.

Then he would kill her. He smiled. She had a strong survival instinct. It should be fun playing with her mind. He watched Jason's truck pull in. He shook his head. It was a shame Jason and Annie were so brain washed by the ZOG controlled media. Jason had been good to him. So had Annie.

But he would kill them, if they interfered with his work. Rising, he slipped ghostlike out of the woods. He had spoken with Dawson. He had a favor he needed to attend to. One he would use others to do.

*******************

Morgan and Jason rose when Meredith came downstairs to the Great Hall. She and Dianthe had spent the last hour and a half upstairs, and their pink glow hinted more than showering had gone on. Wearing her Burntmountain sweats, she snuggled close against Dianthe's right side.

"Hi, kiddo," Jason gently ruffled Meredith's damp curls, relieved. "Better?"

"Yes," Meredith smiled, giving him a hug Jason hugged her back, lifting her up off the floor in a bear hug. She embraced Morgan, too. Morgan returned the hug, claiming it was dust in her eyes that made them tear.

Morgan gave Dianthe's right shoulder an affectionate thump. Dianthe grinned back. Annie came up stairs, carrying trays laden with food and drink. "Meredith," Annie laid aside the tray, and drew the smaller woman close. Meredith returned the hug, knowing her friends had been very worried about her.

"Katherine called while you were asleep. She has decided to come here to attend to the matter of a certain reporter. She will be here tomorrow afternoon. Dianthe, Ferris wants you fly down and pick her up. He will fly up here for a few days, too.

He wants to make sure that Dawson and his reporter understand the National Park Service is not amused. Not to mention that he will be attending the Burntmountain Cooperation meeting regarding expanding the Nordic skiing trails bordering the park."

Dianthe inclined her head. She had known about Ferris. Katherine was a surprise. Meredith smiled. Katherine was fourteen years older than her sister, and the next in line to control the family law firm.

A striking, coolly beautiful woman whose photograph was on the mantel of the Great Hall fireplace. It was a family portrait taken three years ago. Meredith's beloved Grandfather was a handsome, silver haired, blue-eyed man whose eighty years had not lessened his presence.

Her parents were vital and healthy. It seemed both the Murphy and Stanhopes' were blessed with great vigor and longevity. Meredith had the stamina and steely determination that marked her family.

She was a strong woman. Dianthe reached over and took Meredith's hand. Karen and Morgan would be leaving in the morning. They had attended to the matters that had required their presence, and both missed their home.

"Will you come back this weekend? I would like you to met Katherine...there's more than enough room."

Morgan and Karen exchanged looks, then Morgan said, "Sounds good. Besides, Annie and Jason are having a poker game this weekend."

"Poker?" Dianthe listened with interest.

"Yup. Whenever Brett's up, we play poker. We all came up through the ranks together. Should be a fun weekend."

"Yeah. Want to hold it here?" Meredith asked.

Dianthe glanced at her lover. Meredith had not struck her as the type to play poker. "You play poker?"

"Sure; my grandfather taught me when I was five."

"Watch yourself, Xavier. Behind those innocent eyes lies a true card shark," Jason warned.

"What are the stakes?"

"Usually dinner out, though in your case, I could think of a better game," Meredith murmured, sea green eyes sparkling. Relieved laughter greeted the quip. They had been worried about Meredith's state of mind, since the arson incident.

Dianthe narrowed her eyes, studying her mate with intense interest. "Sounds like it could be dangerous."

"I think I am too young for this," Jason said, snaking his arm around Annie's waist.

"Or too old," Annie teased, soundly kissing her husband.

"Come, there's food to be eaten," Karen chasten, filling up a bowl of ground meat and beans chili with all the fixings. She handed it to Meredith. "Eat woman."

Meredith sniffed the contents with appreciation, and took a bit as Karen served everyone else. Meredith ate the hot chili, sipping her iced tea between bites.

No one spoke of the fire, the suicide of the brokenhearted woman and compounding mystery surrounding their lives. Instead, they celebrated the joy of being together and being safe.

*************************

The flight down had been uneventful. Dianthe had gotten to the small airport outside of Blackstone two hours before she had to leave. She inspected the twin-engine, pressurized cabin plane twice, checking everything including the fuel for contamination and amount, and spoke with the airport mechanics about some changes he had done.

She rechecked her route, monitored the flight conditions and entered the necessary information inside the log. She hit the head, then did a final check of the plane. Assured all systems were working, she climbed inside and taxied to the runway. She had two planes ahead of her.

Thirty minutes later she was airborne, and twenty minutes ahead of her anticipated flight time. The plane performed well, but she missed the raw power of supersonic flight. But she was flying more frequently than she did in the glades.

One day she wanted to own her own plane. Maybe a restored Mustang or another old warbird she could restore. It would be an expensive hobby, but she loved working with her hands. She studied her instrument panel, monitoring the information on it. Knowing how to fly by instruments alone could determine whether or not a person survived bad weather conditions, and mountain flying meant lots of weather.

She permitted a portion of mind to wander to the tender moments she had shared last night with Meredith. She shivered, recalling how they had made love. Last night had been about tender touches and gentle love making Meredith. Dianthe felt her lips curl into a smile. She had never thought she would fall so deeply in love.

Her heart thumped when she remembered the frantic radio message about Meredith being trapped inside a burning shed. Dianthe had been finishing up her patrol. She had driven like a madwoman, lights flashing and siren blaring. When she had seen Meredith being hauled away from the collapsing structure she had held her breath till she saw Meredith was breathing.

It had been a frantic drive to the Blackstone hospital, Meredith unconscious but breathing. Dianthe had carried Meredith inside the hospital, bellowing for help. The ER nurses and doctors were quick to respond, having heard about the fire. They had taken the limp form out of her arms, and placed her on a gurney. A gray haired ER nurse had blocked Dianthe's path, telling her the doctors and nurses would take of Meredith.

Dianthe had dropped heavily into one of the chairs lining the lounge for those that waited.

No one had approached the brooding woman wearing a bloodstained uniform whose eyes were fixed on the doors where they had taken her lover. She paced the corridor, craned her neck whenever a nurse or doctor emerged from ER. Four hours later Meredith had been moved to a private room after the Orthopedic surgeon had finished repairing the damaged limb.

The same steel-gray haired nurse had personally escorted the towering woman to the private room where Meredith lay. It seemed Doctor Christine Hastings-Murphy had arranged the room, and granted access to her daughter's lover. Meredith had no secrets from her family. She had told her parents and sibling about herself and Dianthe, telling them she had found the one.

During that time Dianthe had sat, touching her lover's good hand to make sure she was alive. There had been something in the back of her mind. Something that she had been unable to bring forward, and it had been haunting Dianthe since.

It hit her. No one had seen Maggie Sanderson beside the unmarked storage shed that most visitors passed without notice. Maggie Sanderson had been seen near the park concession stand and gift shop area a quarter mile away from the shed and Ranger Station/ District Headquarters. She had been inquiring about an overlook area, and checking her watch as she got the directions. One of the store clerks, a local kid, had wondered about her wearing heels if she was headed for the scenic overlook which had a trailhead.


She had come from the memorial service for her family. No one had said she had been drunk. Dianthe frowned. Jon did not found a suicide note, and the suite had been very neat. Maggie Sanderson had been a rock climber, a good one.

Purchasing a good climbing rope and other equipment did not hint towards suicide. Dianthe felt her blood run cold. She grabbed up the park radio and tried contacting Jason and Annie. But the distance was too great. Turning around would not be an option. She would tell Brett Ferris when she landed.

If she was right, Maggie Sanderson had been a victim of murder, not suicide. How had they missed it? She cursed herself and the others. They had a killer running loose, and the woman she loved was the target.

************

Jon Brandice studied the crime scene information, frowning when he read the coroner's report. He studied the black and white photographs of remains of Maggie Sanderson. His heart began thumping wildly.

The report had been written by the under coroner, a young, inexperienced man new to being a doctor. He reached for the phone next to him. He was off duty, getting ready to go visit Meredith. He was seated on the verandah of the Victorian house. The squeal of tires racing down the street diverted his attention. A battered old Chevy Impala roared down the street, the windows tinted.

For a brief moment his mind registered what was happening even as the window dropped and the slug hit him in the chest. There was a vivid explosion of color in his mind, and the sheer power of the impact threw him backwards into the exterior wall of the house.

The car sped away. Distantly, Jon heard Patrick screaming his name, then a frantic shout for his secretary to call an ambulance. Jon met his lover's tear filled eyes, trying to tell him what he had realized when the world fell away.

***********

Brett Ferris was not a tall or imposing man. He was five foot eight, leanly built and moved like a dancer . He radiated power and self-confidence despite his slight frame, and Dianthe smiled Here was a man used to taking control when things were spiraling out of control. For twenty-six years he had been a law enforcement ranger, SAR coordinator, river ranger and administrator.

He still wore his hair Marine Corps short. He had been a Marine Corps officer once he completed his college education as an ROTC student He hailed out of Harlem, New York City. His mother and father had worked hard to make sure their children would have a better life then they had. His father had been an NYPD cop and his mother a public school teacher who taught English and History to tough inner city kids too many sold short, but not her.

Brett grinned when Dianthe met him. His dark brown eyes were keen, and he liked what he saw. He extended his hand, and said, "Good to finally met you, Xavier."

"Sir," Dianthe accepted the firm, warm grasp. Brett Ferris was a mixture of Native American and African American bloodlines, she guessed.

"Call me, Brett," Brett insisted, beaming. "Ms. Murphy should be landing in twenty more minutes. Her flight was delayed, so how about a cup of coffee?"

"Sounds good to me, but you have to call me Dianthe," she stipulated.

"Good, I learned a lot from the Corps, including a vice for coffee."

"Thought that was a law enforcement trait..."

"Nope; coffee and donuts would be the ticket there," Brett chuckled. "How's Meredith doing?"

"Better."

"Great. She's good people, and my wife would be very upset if she were not well. My wife's a professional photojournalist, and shares Meredith's love of wolves. Meredith's pretty good with a camera herself; we have some great photos of the Spirit Lake pack she took."

They made their way through the milling crowds of the small commuter plane section of the airport where Dianthe had landed. Two sets of beepers went off simultaneously. Both received the same message: call dispatch.

Brett pulled out phone and dialed the number, "Ferris here. What's happening?"

Dianthe watched Ferris' golden brown eyes narrow in anger. He met her eyes. "Once we have Ms. Murphy we will be underway. I will tell her what happened."

Dianthe stiffened. "Meredith?"

"She's fine, but a local Burntmountain deputy was gunned down. His name is Jon Brandice; he's in ICU. Seems that a group of skinheads decided they would do the world a favor." Brett slid the phone back inside his gray flannel suit's inner pocket. He hitched his leather flight bag onto his shoulder. "Jason says they are part of Dawson's old warehouse crew. Seems they have not been able to find work since their boss shut down the warehouse there."

Dianthe recalled that his company had decided to relocate the Burntmountain operation to another section of the state. Business had not been good since word got out about the poaching, drug and gun running operations Dawson had run.

In the court of public opinion, he had been convicted. Besides, Burntmountain and Blackstone had thriving gay communities that worked hard to keep good relations within their towns. Ferris's eyes were glinting, "My father's grandfather was hung by a bunch of KKK members for just looking at a white girl down south. He heard her cry out, and he looked at her. He was a married man with three kids working three jobs to keep his family alive and together.

They dragged him from his house, and hung him in his own front yard that night. My grandfather never forgot that night of terror. You would think people would learn hate groups like the Aryan Nation , the KKK and all their ilk are destructive, not constructive, things."

Dianthe sensed the man had run headfirst into such prejudices himself. He shook his head. "Not much we can do about it, but I don't like it."

Dianthe risked telling him what she suspected. He listened, head cocked to one side as he listened with an intensity rarely encountered. She watched him. He nodded. "Annie and Jason think the same thing: too many fires, too many circumstances that don't add up."

"Sanderson could have taken Meredith out the first time they met. Why fire? She could have used her car, even. First the fire that burnt Meredith's research cabin down, then these last two fires."

"Somebody likes fire."

"Somebody who works with us, or knows us too well," Dianthe stated.

Ferris weighed her words, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place. He made a few discreet phone calls. He had friends in several federal law enforcement agencies, and they would shake some closets to see what skeletons would fall out. Ferris advised her to keep her ideas to herself for the meanwhile, not wanting to tip their hand.

Twenty-five minutes later Dianthe heard her name being called over the airport intercom. Both she and Brett Ferris headed to the location given and found a tall, slender woman waiting. Katherine Murphy's spotted them instantly, and lifted the garment bag and carryon with ease.

"Brett, nice to see you again. You must be Dianthe Xavier," Katherine Murphy grayish blue eyes studied Dianthe with interest. Dianthe met the woman's eyes, and found acceptance there. They shook hands, and Brett and Katherine exchanged a felt-felt hug. "I'm ready to go when you two are."

"Then let's go," Bret said, falling into step beside the lovely blonde woman. Dianthe had offered to carry her bags, but Katherine had graciously declined.

********************

Patrick sat beside his unconscious lover, watching the machines that monitored his condition. Outside the private room stood one of the six deputies of the Burntmountain Sheriffs Department. No one was allowed in without clearance, by order of the sheriff.

The skinheads had been caught because their car blew out a tire on the edge of town. When the deputies and state troopers surrounded them, they opted to stand their ground. Two were killed in the gunfire exchange, and the remaining two surrendered. They were being held inside the small holding cell of the Sheriffs building, awaiting transport to Seattle.

Dawson had posted their bail several months ago when they were arrested with him. Since they were connected with the crimes that Dawson had been accused of, the feds wanted them. This shooting incident gave the power they needed to keep them locked up.

No doubt a bit of squeezing would encourage the two survivors to reconsider their loyalty to Dawson and Aryan Nation. Seeing two of their companions blown away made the reality of their situation all too obvious.

Patrick raised his weary eyes when the deputy permitted someone to enter. Meredith came forward, hugging her friend hard and sat beside him. Together, they sat beside Jon. Patrick knew she would come. He been crying, and Meredith offered her good arm and her heart.

*******************

"Meredith?" Katherine called out her sister's name when she entered the main house. No answer.

She spotted something on the counter top. It was a hastily written note stating that Meredith had gone to Burntmountain Memorial Hospital.

"Dianthe, could I ask one more favor?"

"Sure," Dianthe replied, frowning when she saw the note. " Could you drive me to Burntmountain Memorial Hospital?"

Dianthe nodded. She had already noticed Meredith's Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition missing. She had called Annie. No one had picked up Meredith. Meredith had driven. Considering her own condition, it was a damned dangerous and foolish thing to do.

"Give me five minutes," Dianthe dashed back to the cabin. Furball meowed his displeasure. The last few days he had been feeling distinctly ignored.

Dianthe picked up her cat, pressing kisses into his fur before setting him down. She filled his water bowl with fresh water, spooned out fresh wet food and replenished his dry. With that done, she dashed down the hallway, and got out of her uniform and into civilian clothes.

A quick stop at the restroom soon had her ready for the drive. Katherine had gotten out of her dress and donned L. L. Bean blue jeans colored white shirt and a stone colored L.L.. Bean barn coat. She had taken her hair out of the pins that kept it up, and wore it in a simple French braid.

"Tell me she did not drive herself," Katherine asked softly.

"She did," Dianthe answered, pulling out of the drive. She did not get far when Meredith's SUV came down the road.

Meredith pulled up alongside Dianthe's vehicle. She looked pale, tired and in pain, but happy. "Jon's out of danger. He's going to be fine."

Dianthe said nothing. Instead, she shut down her engine, climbed out, and walked to the side of Meredith's vehicle. "Meredith, you are under doctor's orders to rest. You are in no condition to drive short distances, let alone long ones."

Meredith stiffened. She narrowed her eyes as storm clouds gathered behind those expressive eyes. "Sorry, Dianthe. I can deal with a little discomfort. Patrick needed someone there. I went. End of story."

Meredith drove past Dianthe. She parked, slid out of the vehicle, and stormed up the steps of her house. Dianthe cursed. Katherine watched the entire scene with knowing eyes. "Your first fight, I take it?"

"How can she be so stubborn?" Dianthe shouted.

"She has Murphy and Stanhope blood. It comes with the territory," Katherine warned, a hint of a smile curling her lips. Dianthe's jaw muscles worked.

Christine slid out of Dianthe's SUV. "Give her a bit, and she'll be fine."

"Right," Dianthe snapped, climbing into her vehicle to drive away.

Katherine Murphy watched the dark haired woman drive away. She turned, and headed back towards the house. Meredith was pacing inside the kitchen, eyes flashing with a combination of annoyance and guilt.

Kat shook her head, and approached her little sister. "Meri."

"Kat," Meredith sighed, sitting down wearily. Katherine raised her sister's chin and stared into her eyes. "She loves you very much, doesn't she?"

Meredith nodded, sniffling.

"And you love her. What you did was not smart, honey. You are supposed to be recuperating. You could have had someone take you to the hospital, but you drove. She was scared you could have been in an accident due to the combination of your injures and stress."

Meredith lowered her head, holding her injured arm close. Katherine sighed. "It hurts pretty bad, huh?"

Meredith managed a thin grin. Katherine shook her head, the fatigue of her flight forgotten. "Upstairs. A hot bath, some hot soup and sleep will help you feel better. Dianthe will be back when she cools down."

"But--"

"But nothing, Meri. You are exhausted, frightened and angry. No a good combination, considering your physical condition. If you don't listen, I'll call Mom."

Meredith flinched. She loved her mother dearly, but Christine Murphy was a formidable opponent when aroused. A sick child, even one almost thirty years old, would get the same hard line treatment patients did if they did not follow sound medical advice.

Her mother had cleared her schedule, transferring her patient load to her partner, and stayed to take care of her youngest. Meredith had never had a bad flu or cold until this tough case of pneumonia.

She spent five days hospitalized, her mother insisting on monitoring the level of care she received. When she was released, Christine and Dennis had stayed with her another two weeks. Meredith had found her mother very, very tough to sneak around. She had spent most of those weeks inside her master bedroom or den, watched over by her mother's eagle eye.

When Christine had been a very young girl, a beloved elder sister had gotten a similar case of pneumonia. She had been the picture of health and vitality, till this case of pneumonia ravaged her. She had died.

Meredith bore a strong resemblance to her lost namesake, and Christine Murphy had determined history would not repeat itself. For an independent soul like Meredith, it had proven challenging.

Her father had kept his distance, knowing his beloved wife would not be easily swayed. Instead, he did his work out of Meredith's office, fetched groceries, stocked the firewood pile with Jason and Sam, and visited his daughter whenever possible. Her father had come to understand the allure of this place, and spoke of building a vacation place outside of Blackstone.

Her mother seemed to like the idea, especially noting that it meant they would see their youngest more often. Meredith had vowed not to be sick again.

"Okay, I'll be good," Meredith sighed.

"Good. If Mom were not in presenting in Sydney right now, she would be here. Dad, too, but he's working on big merger deal for two drug companies. Granddad and Grand mom want you visit them. Soon."

Meredith nodded. She missed her grandparents. She would take a week and fly out East. She would not be working the field until midsummer, if not late summer. It would be wonderful to introduce Dianthe to them.

"How did Dad and Mom take the news clip?"

"How do you think, hon?" Katherine shook her head. "They were fit to be tied. They love you so much, Meredith. So do Rich and I. Look, the simple truth is we all thought you might be gay."

Meredith froze, blinking. She shot her sister a puzzled look. Katherine smiled softly. "Meredith, you are a passionate woman. You have Murphy and Stanhope blood. You are my sister! I have had lots of lovers, but never been fortunate enough to find my soul mate. You have. Don't let her go."

"But what about the news story?"

"Why do you think I am here? Dad was furious anyone would dare hurt his youngest daughter. Mom was livid. Not to mention the rest of the family."

Meredith lowered her eyes, knowing there would be another family heated debated about Dennis and Christine's youngest child again. She sighed. There were times she wished she had been born into a regular family, since there were distinct advantages to anonymity.

Katherine prepared the tub while Meredith got undressed, her gaze drifting towards the cabin concealed by evergreens. She blinked back tears, hoping she had not damaged the relationship between herself and Dianthe.

**********************

Dianthe pulled back into the driveway hours later, having blown off the steam she needed to. She had stopped by and checked up on Jon and Patrick, then driven for another hour. Lights were on in the main house.

She pulled up alongside Meredith's SUV, mustering her courage. They needed to talk. Both of them had been through a great deal in the last few weeks, and the attempted murders of Meredith and Jon had unnerved them both.

Dianthe mounted the rear steps, and rang the bell. A few minutes later Katherine Murphy appeared wearing comfortable light blue sweats. Dianthe blinked.

Katherine laughed, "Look, even very rich, very powerful international lawyers like comfortable stuff. Come on inside. She's upstairs in the den. I'll be working out of the office. Go see her."

"Ms. Murphy..."

"Kat. Call me Kat. Friends and family call me Kat," Katherine smiled.

Dianthe nodded, "Kat. Thanks. Call me Dianthe."

"Dianthe, go, she misses you."

Dianthe smiled, straightened her shoulders and headed upstairs. Meredith sat gazing into the flames of the fireplace, a cup of tepid herbal tea forgotten. Dianthe cleared her throat, and Meredith looked up.

She had been crying. Dianthe mentally kicked herself for being such a jackass. Meredith may have said she was fine, but the woman had been through hell lately.

They met halfway. Dianthe held her lover close, murmuring words of comfort while Meredith stammered out an apology. She leaned down, kissing away the tears. "We need to talk, Meri."

Meredith led her to the couch where they had become lovers and sat down. Dianthe started talking, and Meredith listened. When Dianthe had finished, it was her turn to listen.

**********************

Brett Ferris and Katherine Murphy had left three weeks ago, having spent a week clearing up the situations that brought them to Burntmountain. Meredith had sat in on the ski resort expansion meeting, since her input was vital.

Jon was slowly recuperating, the skinheads that shot him were being held a federal prison, and the emergency cache shed had been rebuilt. The Murphy-Stanhope Foundation had donated an impressive amount of money to replace the lost gear, and combined with federal moneys, the equipment was better than what they had had.

Not to mention the donated rescue equipment sent by local sporting goods stores. Meredith was still the secondary SAR coordinator for the park, so she was examining each piece of gear with a critical eye.

Charlie Fenton was helping her square away the gear, though he did not do heavy lifting. The seasonals were providing the grunt work. Charlie wore a back brace, moving with infinite care. He was on light duty. Since Dottie had gone back East to tend her ailing sister, he was acting as a Dispatcher.

"Well, fire sometimes helps clean things up, I guess," Charlie observed, glancing over his equipment list.

Meredith frowned. She had almost been killed in the fire he was talking about. "I would have preferred we had our old shed and equipment, Charlie. And that Maggie Sanderson was alive."

"Yeah, there are a lot of things I wished for to. But life unfolds how it wants, not how we would make it," Charlie shook his head. He watched a pretty woman named Bethany Pierce working alongside Danny and Tracy.

She was a seasonal law enforcement ranger, and very sweet nature. She was about twenty-five years old, almost nine years younger than Charlie Fenton, but he liked her.

Meredith frowned. Bethany had made it clear she thought he was fine as coworker, but nothing more. She was engaged to be married this Fall to her longtime beau. He was another seasonal ranger working in Glacier National Park.

"Bethany, want to grab a burger after we finish stowing the gear?" Charlie asked, smiling.

Bethany hesitated, and Danny stepped forward. "Hey, how about we all go? It will fun. Charlie, you can teach me how to put some English in my pool game," he enthused, beaming.

Charlie froze. Anger clouded his eyes, but turning down the man would not be smart. Tracy hid a grin behind her hand. Danny had saved Bethany again. She and Danny had become very, very close.

There was something about Danny that her feel warm and safe inside. Danny was the type of man she could really love. And he felt the same way about her. Jason and Annie both had made comments that this spring seemed to be affecting their staff more than usual.

Charlie knew he had been cornered, and managed a thin smile. "Yeah, kid, I'll teach you how to play pool."

Meredith found herself becoming aware of the fact she was uncomfortable around the man. Charlie never made direct comments about her and Dianthe, but it was clear he was upset. Dianthe and she were open about what they meant to each other.

A glance at her watch told her she needed to heading out for her physical therapy appointment in Burntmountain soon. She stretched her lower back, glad she had been given clearance to start working.

In three weeks she and Dianthe would be flying out East to spend a week with her family. It was a big step for them. Especially for Dianthe. This week she had finally moved into the main house, and Furball was in kitty heaven.

The main house was sprawling, so he could find all types of sleeping and hiding places. Not to mention beams that he could climb on. Dianthe had been less than pleased to learn her cat had a very wicked sense of humor.

He discovered he could jump beam to beam high above the Great Hall, reducing his stalwart mother to a nervous wreck. Meredith reminded her time and time again cats did, and always would climb high things, and that he should be fine.

Dianthe had begrudgingly accepted Meredith's expert opinion, and let the cat explore. Tonight was the first night in two weeks that Dianthe had not pulled the night shift. Meredith had already planned a fine dinner for them.

"Meri, you gonna join us tonight?" Tracy asked, sliding her arm around Danny's lean waist.

"Nope. Dianthe and I have plans for tonight," Meredith answered. "And if I am going to make my physical therapy appointment, I have to leave now."

Tossing Tracy the clipboard, she exited the larger shed that had been finished a week ago. She saw Dianthe parking outside the Ranger station. Dianthe beamed when she spotted Meredith.

"Hi," Meredith said, appreciating the easy stride of her lover. They brushed lips quickly. "How's the patrol going?"

"Nothing much to talk about..." Dianthe slid an arm around Meredith's waist. "How's the new shed?"

"Good, it's almost twice the size of the old one. Better racking systems for the gear, too. And three fire extinguishers located inside and windows that Danny and Jason could climb out of," Meredith felt Dianthe's arm squeeze around her waist. "I'll be home around six or six thirty. Do you want anything from Burntmountain?"

Dianthe glanced around, making sure they were basically alone. "You. I want you," Dianthe leaned down, claiming Meredith's lips. Her hands smoothed up and down Meredith's sides. "I'll pick up something nice at Decadent Delights."

"Hmmm, sounds good," Meredith reluctantly broke free. "See you tonight."

Dianthe glimpsed Charlie watching Meredith climb into her Expedition. There was coldness behind his eyes that made Dianthe's blood run cold. She turned to face him.

"Something wrong, Charlie?"

Charlie shook his head, "Nope. Just glad to see Meredith feeling better, that's all."

Dianthe did not trust the man. Charlie had been distant before, but now he had an edge she did not like. Jason, Annie and Tracy had noticed it, too. Charlie slipped past her, humming a strange tune beneath his breath.

Dianthe flanked him. She had another four hours left on her patrol, but she needed a quick restroom break and coffee. Tracy and Danny would be taking the night shift for the next few weeks, meaning Meredith and Dianthe would be working the same schedule. It worried her that Meredith drove herself, but the doctors said it was fine.

Besides, it gave Meredith a sense of control.

*****************

Jon Brandice would be released from the hospital in another few days. He had been fortunate that his lover was a surgeon, and the hospital not far from their home. His memory of the day was very vague, but he knew there was something had meant to tell Dianthe and Meredith.

He sighed, shook his head and watched the TV. No wonder Americans were so confused. TV left much to be desired. He clicked off the set, and picked up the book he had been reading. The door to his room opened, and Meredith entered. She flashed him a big grin, and handed him big paper bag containing his favorite deli sandwich and an iced tea.

"You are a life saver, Meri," Jon said, attacking the ham, Swiss and mustard sandwich with pleasure.

"And I brought you some movies, honey," Meredith stated.

"But there's no DVD player," he said, rummaging through the discs with appreciative eyes.

"They will be hooking it up this afternoon, Jon. Consider it an early birthday gift."

Jon grinned. He would watch Mister Rogers and Operation Petticoat tonight. He beamed when he saw the other titles: Scream, Scream II, and the Halloween series.

"Thanks, Meri," Jon opened his arms, and Meredith gave him a gentle hug. "How's your arm?"

"Hurts, but it will for sometime to come. Your husband is a sadist, by the way."

Jon smiled. Patrick and his partners knew how much Meredith missed her freedom. Physical therapy was never easy, especially when the limb in question had been damaged twice. "Yes, he can be when a patient is as stubborn as you can be, Meri. Give it time, and you will be clinging off mountainsides, mountain biking, and the like."

Meredith laughed. She perched on the edge of her friend's bed. "You had me scared, Jon. No more getting shot."

"And you no more fires," Jon said, offering up his right pinky. Meredith snared his pinky with her own. "Pinky promise."

"What does Patrick say?"

"I'll regain most of the function of the arm, but this time there was a little bit of nerve damage. Nothing that will hold me back, but damage none the less," Meredith said, settling down for a brief visit.

Jon playfully inquired about Dianthe and herself, and Meredith's bashful blush made him beam. Meredith spent forty minutes with him, telling stories and laughing. When she left, Jon could not shake the feeling of building dread.

******************

He watched Meredith's Eddie Bauer Ford Expedition driving up the winding road that lead to her house. He tracked her progress with the scope of the M40A1 Marine Corps sniping rifle. A gentle squeeze of the trigger and Meredith's head would explode like rotten fruit.

He grinned, envisioning what the reaction of Dianthe would be to finding the headless corpse of her lover. He felt himself getting hard. He thought about the sweet young woman that he decided he would woo. They had gone out. Played pool, drank some beers, embellished stories about themselves. There had been a point when Bethany had been leaning over the pool table that he had been hard pressed not to take her.

His lower back still ached. Maggie Sanderson had been a fighter. He had used her climbing rope to choke the life out of her when he met her outside the park. She had been walking around the park, wanting to confront Meredith and Dianthe again.

He had come up behind her, identified himself, and said he had some information she could use. They agreed to meet outside the park. Maggie had understood he could not risk being seen giving her vital information concerning how Meredith Murphy had gotten her family killed.

Maggie Sanderson had taken the bait. It had been easy, her guard had been down. He had given her copies of Meredith's reports concerning the bear. She had read the concise notes with mounting disbelief: Meredith had done her job right.

It had been amusing, watching the false hope of someone else being wrong fade. He had gotten her climbing rope, and choked the life out of her. His back had gone out during the brief, but strong struggle.

He had still managed to hang her body from the beams of the hotel room where he met her. He had gotten in and out without being seen. Once he was away from the crime scene, he changed clothing, and buried his clothing deep in the woods. No fiber evidence. He had worn leather driving gloves when he had been inside her hotel room.

He felt himself become fully erect. He groaned, slinging his weapon, and released his engorged member. The cool, damp mountain air felt good on it. Dianthe and Meredith where kissing on the deck.

Dianthe had Meredith pinned against the side of the house, her right knee pressed firmly between Meredith's legs. It seemed they could not wait to get inside. Dianthe had Meredith's shirt open, and was busy suckling her lover's nipples while her hand worked lower.

He timed his strokes with the action occurring on the deck. Meredith was beginning to writhe, her face contorted with pleasure, her hands clutching the towering woman's sides. Dianthe was laser locked on what she was doing.

Meredith's scream announced she had come. He bit his tongue, not permitting himself to cry out as he ejaculated. He dropped to his knees, quivering with release. He touched his organ affectionately, watching Dianthe soothing her lover. He hoped they would make love in the den. He could watch them.

Yeah, there was something about watching two beautiful women doing it that made a man hard. He would grant himself the release he had denied himself the last few times. He left his organ out, enjoying the sense of heightened danger.

Being caught, exposed and hard, added to the risk. He grinned. He liked this unfolding game. Dawson had been upset with him when they had spoken. He did not want him playing with the two women.

He wanted Meredith Murphy dead. Her testimony, combined with the photographic evidence would be damning. There was only so long lawyers could play their games, and keep Dawson out of prison. He was becoming very anxious.

I am the master of this game, he thought. His organ stiffened again, and he watched the unfolding scene in the den. They did not disappoint him.

**************

Dianthe stretched out, watching Meredith warming up for their morning run. Meredith was wearing one of Dianthe's old Navy sweatshirts. It was a couple of sizes too large, but Meredith looked cute wearing it.

"Ready?" Dianthe asked as the woman straightened to her full height.

"Yup..." Meredith gave her a quick kiss on the lips and turned towards the innermost running trail she had designed. Since she could not work the trail, she had hired some of the grounds crew to maintain the property.

They began running. Dianthe took the lead, her longer stride carrying her further than Meredith's. But Meredith kept up. She ran every day she was not in the field for prolonged periods, and it showed. In high school and college, Meredith ran cross-country and had continued it.

Dianthe let herself slip into the Zen-like state that accompanied running, savoring thoughts of last night. She remembered how she had been too impatient to wait, and had taken Meredith right on the porch.

Meredith had not fought her. Instead, she had surrendered, encouraging the other woman with soft moans and hot kisses. Later, it had Meredith's turn to be the aggressor, something Dianthe discovered she rather enjoyed.

"Penny for your thoughts," Meredith asked half way through their six mile run.

"Thinking about last night," Dianthe answered honestly, cobalt blue eyes molten.

"Definitely one of the best nights I've ever had," Meredith replied, cresting a ridge. The damp, chilled morning air made her breathe mist.

Dianthe laughed, nodding her head. "We never did get to eat your surprise from Decant Delights."

"I thought you were my treat," Meredith quipped back. swatting Dianthe playfully on the butt and beating feet.

For a heartbeat Dianthe froze, rubbing her bottom and watching the other woman running for her life. Dianthe grinned, and gave pursuit. Meredith veered off the path, following a game trail with incredible ease.

Dianthe made noise. Meredith did not. Meredith moved ghostlike through the trail, though when she risked a glance over her shoulder she let out a yelp. Dianthe closed the distance with ease, snagging Meredith by the collar of the sweatshirt.

"Gotcha, you imp," Dianthe pushed the smaller woman up against the trunk of a tree and kissed her deeply. Meredith slid her arms up around Dianthe's neck.

They kissed for several minutes. "Hmm...how much time before we have to go to work?"

Distracted, Dianthe glanced down at her wristwatch. "Two hours..."

"Good," Meredith began sliding down Dianthe's length, pressing kisses through the damp fabric of her running sweats.

Dianthe began leaning back against the ledge formed out of two boulders and surrounded by trees. Her blood chilled when she spotted the bullet laying atop the leaf litter. She noticed the heavy boot prints, then the whitish globs on the leaf litter. The positioning of the feet, relative to the location of the semen, told her what had happened.

Meredith felt the tension, and knew it was not the tension of passion, but alarm. She scanned the area, seeing what Dianthe had, and then glanced towards the house. "Oh god..."

"Come on..." Dianthe hauled Meredith up, noting the location of the sight. She cursed herself for not having something to pick up the bullet with. "We may not be alone."

Meredith nodded. They left, trying not to disturb the sight when Dianthe spotted a figure wearing camouflage dash between the trees a few hundred yards ahead of them. The figure wore a knitted ski mask, making identification impossible, and the rifle slung across the prowler's figure made their situation worse.

They ran back to the house, Dianthe thankful for the fact Meredith kept her key on a long fabric leash worn around her neck. Dianthe shoved Meredith inside, slamming the door behind them.

"Stay low. Our friend has a rifle," Dianthe snapped, risking reaching up and grabbing the phone. She dialed the Blackstone sheriffs' office, then Jason and Annie.

"Last night..."

"I know, Meri, I know," Dianthe met her lover's frightened eyes. Last night they had been watched. Most likely they had been watched for days, if not longer. "Look, I'm going for my gun. Stay here."

Furball purred, rubbing himself between his favorite humans, not certain what had upset them. Meredith held the purring animal close, shivering despite her best efforts at not being afraid. Dianthe crawled across the floor, then rose and made a dash for the office where she kept her weapon secured.

Anger was replacing fear. Someone was playing with them. The bullet had been very, very deliberately laid out. Dianthe heard sirens announcing the arrival of Jason and Annie and the Blackstone sheriff department.

Meredith rose, holding Furball close. Dianthe wanted to kill the person responsible for stalking the woman she loved. She knew it was directed at Meredith, not her. Meredith seemed lost, her illusion of safety and sanctuary shattered.

Dianthe heard the clump of heavy male feet up the stairs, and the deputies were shouting out their names. Jason and Annie were outside, too. It had taken them twenty minutes to arrive.

In the time it had taken them to arrive, they could have been dead. It was a sobering realization. Dianthe left Meredith with Annie, and lead the way to the ledge. The bullet was gone. But the message, "Dykes" had been painted across the rock surface in orange spray paint.

Next to it, the symbol of Nazism and hatred: the swastika. Once a holy symbol in another religion, the swastika had been perverted by the Nazi's and their offspring. Meredith's name had been written too, then dashed out. The message was clear. Meredith Murphy was a marked woman. Dianthe turned and slammed her fist against a tree.

No one commented on the action, nor the blood that seeped out of the woman's hand.

"We won't let anything happen to her," Jason murmured softly.

"This bastard has been watching us, Jas."

"I know, I know," Jason squeezed the upset woman's shoulder's. "Hal and his men will handle it for now. I'll let Brett know what's happened; he has friends that will make sure we get this sick son of a bitch."

Dianthe's jaw muscles worked hard. The men shifted, uncomfortable with the fact none of them had seen the stalker. The simple fact was the bastard might have a bead on any of them. And though they might not fully understand or accept the bond between the two women, they did not like the bastard behind this.

Jason kept his hand on her shoulder, and said, "Let's get that hand cleaned up. Meredith needs you sane right now, not losing it."

Dianthe inclined her head, and fell into step beside Jason. When they entered the house Meredith had completed her statement, looking tired and angry. Furball had taken himself up to the beams, watching the humans below with feline uncertainty.

Annie was sitting beside Meredith, one arm wrapped around the shivering woman. Dianthe knelt before her lover, and gently raised her chin. "You okay?"

"No, but I will be," Meredith met her lover's eyes with total trust. "Your hand!"

"A tree got in her way," Jason answered.

Meredith rose, guiding her lover to the sink where she washed off the hand. Annie brought the small medical kit Meredith kept downstairs, and the deputies milled around. Annie motioned them outside, where she and Jason spent time discussing what needed to be done.

"You gonna be all right?"

Meredith had gotten the grit out of the wound, had applied the antiseptic ointment, and was busy bandaging the hurt. She raised her eyes, studying Dianthe, "Yes. I survived being left to die once before. Now I have a better reason to keep alive: you."

Dianthe searched those amazing eyes, and saw the same steely determination that she had glimpsed behind the eyes of several female fighter pilots she had known. She slid her arms around Meredith, pulling her in close for a brief kiss. "I won't let them hurt you."

Meredith smiled, and settled into the embrace. Dianthe felt no need to release her, so they stood holding each other in the kitchen.

**************

Charlie Fenton watched Dianthe stride inside the Ranger Station, and smiled. Twelve days had passed, and no one had seen hide nor hair of the stalker. Deputies patrolled the woods, and Annie and Jason were staying in the cabin behind the main house. Meredith was forbidden to go anywhere alone, and the pressure was beginning to show.

Even Charlie stopped by to check up on her twice. He had brought flowers, and had checked the property with Jason. He and Jason had talked about what they would do to the bastard stalking Meredith.

Meredith was overseeing a grounds crew reopening the Witch Mountain hiking trail. Repairs were almost complete, and the media had lessened. Charlie hit the transmission button, and said, "330, Dispatch."

"330," Meredith answered. She sounded winded. Dianthe paused. Brett and Jason insisted the woman check in via radio ever two hours when she was out in the field. Meredith had reluctantly accepted the new conditions, since it was the only way she could be in the field.

"How much longer do you anticipate being up on Witch Mountain?"

"Another three hours," Meredith's disembodied voice responded, the sound of male voices exchanging playful insults in the background.

"10-4," Charlie jotted down the date and time and location in the radio log. "Dispatch clear at 1100 hours."

Charlie smiled and waved at Dianthe. "Good afternoon, Dianthe."

"Good afternoon, Charlie," Dianthe murmured. Charlie would be returning to regular duty in another week or so.


Dianthe headed for the locker room. She had the eleven to nine shift, the same as Annie and Tracy. The late and early shifts were covered by the seasonals, leaving the standard day shift to the permanent rangers.

Brett was working on sending up two full time law enforcement rangers out of headquarters in Seattle. The two rangers would be augmenting the existing law enforcement staff as a precaution. Brett did not want Meredith hurt. The Blackstone Sheriff's was keeping an eye on the property, the deputies checking the house and cabin when Dianthe and Meredith were out.

Brett had called Meredith last night, checking up on her. They had spoken for an hour, and Meredith had been laughing when the conversation ended. He cared about his people, and he really liked Meredith. Dianthe realized how rare a man like Brett Ferris was. He had worked his way up through the ranks, and respected those that loved what they did. Brett had a talent for making his people feel good. Dianthe realized how rare such people were. Meredith inspired similar feelings in her coworkers and friends.

Dianthe found Annie and Tracy already inside the locker room, chatting. The three women exchanged greetings, Tracy "

"This is serious, Annie," Dianthe interjected, winking towards Tracy. "She has been with Danny a couple of weeks now."

"Yup, Jason and I noticed that. Wish we had placed bets like some other folks did. I understand Sam won six hundred bucks on Danny keeping her attention. Understand the boys in Boise figured he would last only about two weeks, max, so they lost a ton of money on the pool Sam ran."

Tracy heaved a sigh. "You two are rotten. And Sam is dead meat when I catch him."

"Nope; just honest, ma'am," Dianthe drawled. "Not to mention you won some money on myself and Meri getting together, if memory serves."

Tracy laughed. "Okay; you got me dead to rights. But Danny's really special. He knows me, and I know him, somehow. He's really incredible."

"So are you, sweetie," Annie said affectionately. "But we've never seen you settle on one man before."

Tracy grinned. "I think I found the one I've been looking for. Maybe I had to tryout a lot of would-be mates, but it was worth the wait."

Annie smiled, pleased. "Good, we will be having another full time law enforcement position opening up soon. Danny and Jason have already spoken about it. We finally got the funding needed, and Charlie does not want a full-time slot. Neither does Hank nor Carl. Danny had great grades in college, outstanding scholar level, and he has a great track record with parks he worked."

Tracy beamed. His odds were good. Jason and Annie were very, very selective, and barring a vet wanting the position Danny had a real shot at it. Charlie had settled down, backing off on Bethany. Jason had spoken with him.

From what the scuttlebutt said, it had been a very intense conversation concerning Charlie's performance and behavior since he had come back from the wintertime furlough. Rumor had it he had been told his services would no longer be needed by the Burntmountain ski patrol due to an incident that had happened when he was on-duty. Jason speaking with the longtime seasonal law enforcement ranger must have been sobering for the man. Annie never said anything, but Dianthe sensed her tolerance for Charlie's current behavior was very limited.

"Come, we got work to do.." Annie said, buttoning her uniform shirt over her protective vest. "Tracy, you and I are sharing a unit today. Jason had to take one of the vehicles down to Burntmountain today. He and Morgan are meeting about the new shared response training course we will be holding."

Tracy nodded. "Sounds good to me. I'll drive."

Annie shrugged her shoulders, "Good, I can keep an eye out for our mysterious friend."

Dianthe knew where she would patrol near. Witch Mountain. She dressed, hit the head, and headed out of the Ranger Station. Charlie seemed nervous. She frowned, watching him watching Annie and Tracy driving away.

"Something wrong, Charlie?"

Charlie met her eyes, and there was a look of pure loathing behind his eyes for a brief moment. He regained control of himself. "No. It's nothing."

He headed back towards the desk. Dianthe reached for the keys to the patrol unit. She frowned. She usually had the unit Annie and Tracy had taken. It was the oldest of the patrol vehicles, but still in good shape for all the action it had seen.

She got the newest one. Annie must have decided she earned the right to play with the donated Range Rover. Dianthe grinned, taking the keys and headed out. Today was shaping up to be a fine day.

*****************

Meredith frowned as she drove along the back roads with her three-man team. The suburban bounced along the rough roads that she rarely used, but the crew wanted to see Haunted Bear Rock. It added forty-five minutes to the drive, the long way back to the station, but these were good guys and worth it.

Bobby had turned out to be one hell of good worker, and Meredith discovered he really loved nature. He had good grades, and quick mind, and a good sense of humor. But his family could not afford college.

Meredith had been helping him study, and working on getting him ready for college by verbally quizzing him when they did trail work . The Murphy's had a college scholarship fund, and she had already spoken with her family. Bobby would be attending college.

He wanted to be a wildlife biologist, and Meredith had connections. She had told him yesterday about the scholarship, and he had been grinning ever since. His parents had called and thanked her.

Meredith told them their son had done the real work, and how good of a kid he was.

"That rock was so cool," Bobby enthused.

Meredith smiled, unable to shake a sense of dread that had been haunting for several hours. Her gray-green eyes narrowed when she spotted black smoke as she approached a dangerous turn in the old logging road. It was a road closed to visitor vehicles, and only used by park personnel for patrols and trail repairs. Meredith pulled over and parked the vehicle on the interior shoulder of the road.

She saw the torn soil, the shattered trees and knew a vehicle had lost control. She jogged towards the edge of the ravine and spotted a form laying on the grassy slope. She slid down the slippery slope, recognizing the form instantly: Annie.

With infinite care she checked for the woman's vital signs and found a pulse. She shouted for help, and the seasonal crew came running. "Christopher, get the trauma bag. Bobby, call dispatch. Tell them there's been an accident involving Annie and Tracy. We will need a medevac. Todd, get the backboard down here."

Christopher came down the slope with the forty pound run bag slung over his shoulder, and hunkered beside Meredith,"Take over patient care. Tracy told me they were riding together today."

They both gazed down at the twisted, smoldering wreckage of the flipped over patrol unit. He nodded, breaking the plastic seals on the international orange trauma bag that was part of the standard emergency cache kept in all the vehicles. Having the right gear could make the difference between life and death, especially in remote locations within the sprawling park.

They both stared down at the twisted, smoldering remains of the flipped over patrol unit. He nodded, unzipping the run bag and fishing out a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. Todd skidded to a halt, placing the orange backboard down beside Annie and Christopher. He turned and ordered Todd Whitestar down to help Meredith find Tracy. The shaking youth came sliding down the slope, his brown eyes never leaving the woman that was laying on the ground.

Todd was a very shy young man whose mixed linage had given his father's dark brown eyes and sienna brown complexion, and his mother's long, silky dark hair. He was not very tall, but he had lithely muscular frame.

Meredith steeled herself against what she might find, and approached the smoldering truck. It had caught fire. If Tracy had been inside, there was no way she would be alive. She found Tracy's body twenty feet beyond the smoldering wreckage. She must have either jumped or been thrown clear like Annie. Her body lay shattered and broken on the rocky ground. At some point, she had hit a very low branch, and the results had been instantly fatal.

She found herself fighting for control of her stomach's contents, and waved back Todd coming to help out. "We can't help her."

"How do you know?" Todd asked.

"She was decapitated," Meredith removed her twill uniform jacket and laid it over something roundish on the bloody ground. She would grieve later. She made her way back up the slope, ignoring the sound of Todd getting sick.

She knelt beside Christopher Davidson, the oldest of the seasonal staff members and a former Marine Corps medic. He had begun a full patient assessment, and Meredith knelt beside him. She pulled on latex gloves and began helping him.

"Tracy?" he asked, inclining his head towards the open bag, "Need a collar.." he said softly as he stabilized Annie's head.. Meredith nodded, picking up the adjustable collar that was inside the run bag. He watched Meredith expertly measured the collar, then how she smoothly slipped underneath the unconscious woman. She had it secured within seconds, then she measured the proper oropharyngeal airway against the landmarks of edge of Annie's lips to the tip bottom of her ear.

Meredith slid the hard plastic airway device down Annie's throat to maintain an open airway. Christopher kept Annie's head stable, and would until they had her the back board and tied down. Still focused on the task that needed to be completed Meredith setup the sheathed oxygen cylinder with practiced ease, hooking up the flexible tubing and testing the flow before fitting the non-rebreather mask over Annie's face. A flutter valve had been removed to prevent suffocation, should the oxygen run out. "Tracy?"

Lips compressed, Meredith continued doing what needed to be done to stabilize Annie. Meredith never raised her eyes, intent on doing what she could for the woman they were working on. "She didn't make..."

"Damnit..." Christopher shook his head. "Todd, Bobby, we need the backboard and ropes laid out for a steep slope," Meredith barked out, applying pressure bandages over several nasty wounds with cold determination.

Neither youth questioned the tersely delivered order, nor the silence of the tawny haired woman working with grim determination on the pallid woman she was hunched over.

Christopher met her eyes, nodding. Todd struggled back up the slope, and followed Meredith's directions. He and Bobby began getting the ropes, pulleys. slings and carabineers out, as well as the backboard. Soon they had Annie secured to the backboard, her head tied down and her body carefully secured along with the oxygen bottle. Meredith had rechecked her pupils: they were unequal, and blood was trickling out Annie's ears and nose.

A test with a four-by-four gaze pad showed haloing, another bad sign of a major head injury.

She had hit her head hard against something during the accident. Somehow she had been thrown clear of the vehicle, and landed on relatively soft grass and wildflowers. Her vitals were better than Meredith would have expected, but Annie was still not out of the woods.

"Give a few minutes," Meredith growled, hauling herself up the slope. It took her several minutes, but she had rechecked rescue ropes and pulley system with a nod of satisfaction. They secured the backboard with exquisite care, none of them wanting to make a mistake.

"Okay. We need to do this by the numbers," Meredith told her crew as they prepared to carry their patient up the ravine. Bobby reappeared, looking winded. He had run up to give a status report before returning to help haul Annie up the slope. "Charlie says he's contacted the Air National Guard," he panted.

"Good, what's the ETA?"

"He said we should have an answer soon, and more O2's on the way..."

Meredith nodded. She made sure each of her team members had a good grip, and began hauling Annie up the slope. It took almost ten minutes, but soon they had her up on the road.

"Bobby, Todd, clear out the back of the truck. We need to get her to a clearing so the helicopter can land," Meredith ordered, running another vitals check with Christopher recording the information on the run-sheet.

There were indications of broken ribs, too. Meredith heard the wail of a siren approaching them fast. Meredith noticed Annie's vitals were declining, "Christopher, keep an eye on her."

Meredith slid into the front bench seat. "Dispatch, what's the ETA of the helicopter?"

"Air National Guard can be up your way in five minutes. They are rerouting from an SAR exercise," Charlie sounded anxious. "Where do you want them to meet you?"

"Grover's clearing up on the top of the mountain; it's the best landing zone around here, and the wind should be good for a landing. Tell them she has multiple injuries, including signs of skull fracture, broken leg and ribs. We are stabilizing her as best as possible."

"Tracy?"

"She didn't make it," Meredith answered softly. She saw Jason hurtle out of the patrol unit and run towards his wife. He glanced at his wife, then met Meredith's eyes. Meredith watched Jason master his emotions, and said, "Give us a hand getting her inside the truck, Jason. And I need your bag's oxygen bottle."

Jason nodded, grasping the edge of the backboard. With infinite care they slid her inside the back of the cleared Suburban, settling her down for the brief ride. Bobby brought the run bag out Jason's vehicle, pulling out the nylon encased oxygen bottle that would soon be used. The Range Rover pulled over and parked as Dianthe joined the rest of the group.

"Coroner's been contacted," Dianthe announced, lips pressed thin. She inclined her head. "Charlie's contacting the others; we have everything covered, Jason."

Jason nodded, and slid up into the back of the SUV to keep a vigil over his wife. He was an EMT, like Meredith and Christopher. Meredith and Christopher would return once Annie had been picked up. Dianthe watched the vehicle drive up the road that lead to the top of the mountain.

She turned towards the two stunned trail crewmembers remaining behind, cleared her throat and said, "Ok, I need statements. Todd, you first."

Taking out the small, green flip cover memo pad, she began taking down the statements. They had not witnessed the accident, but it would document how things were handled during the critical first few minutes. There might also be something one of them observed that might explain why the vehicle had gone off the road.

One thing was obvious: the loss of control had been dramatic and sudden. The consequences had proven fatal for Tracy, and perhaps, Annie, too.

********************

Meredith stepped back as the Air National Guard helicopter rose smoothly and sped towards Burntmountain. The drive would have taken over three hours this far into the park, time Annie did not have. Her condition had become dicey.

The paramedics had been giving her necessary IVs, haven gotten the medical information that she and Christopher had meticulously written down. Jason would accompany his wife to the hospital. Meredith leaned against the bumper of the vehicle, and permitted herself a chance to cry for Tracy.

Christopher squeezed her shoulder and said, "I know it's hard...real hard, losing someone you care about like you did Tracy. She was a good woman. Sorry, Meredith."

Meredith met the young man's eyes and saw painful experience mirrored there. Christopher had been in Bosnia. He never discussed what he had seen there, but it had been enough that he had left the military. He was roommates with Danny.

She swallowed hard. "Come, let's see if we can help Dianthe out."

They climbed back into the vehicle and drove back to the accident site. Several non-park vehicles were pulled alongside the road, and Danny was being restrained by Dianthe and Hank. He was shouting Tracy's name, and cursing Dianthe and Hank. Hank was retired Seattle detective that had moved up the town of Blackstone when his wife of twenty-four years had died in a car accident, and kept himself busy with fly fishing and working as an intermittent law enforcement ranger. He stood six-four, and was still a powerfully built man, but he and Dianthe were having a hard time holding onto their screaming coworker.

Dianthe held fast, not permitting him to see the terrible sight. Bethany Pierce and Jack Talbot, the other two seasonal law enforcement rangers, were helping the coroner's people haul Tracy's remains up the slope. Meredith walked towards Dianthe, Hank and Danny.

"Meredith, tell them it's not Tracy," Danny insisted frantically.

"I'm sorry, Danny. I'm so sorry," Meredith said softly. Her blood stained twill work jacket had been laid atop the body bag holding the remains. "I need back my name plate and badge from my twill work jacket, if possible."

The coroner, a robust, raven-haired Hispanic man with kind hazel eyes named Sanchez nodded. "Hang on," he snagged the blood soaked jacket, and deftly removed the items. He wore thick latex gloves, and had a field kit beside him.

He cleaned off the two items, using rubbing alcohol, and handed them back to the woman. He shook his head mournfully. He knew Tracy and the rest of the staff of Burntmountain. "We need to limit the amount of foot traffic here."

Dianthe nodded, and told the seasonals to secure the area with tape. She had asked Charlie to inform Ferris of this most recent disaster, and began the painstaking work of trying to figure out what had happened.

They would be working with local authorities investigating the cause of the accident, and no doubt crime scene specialist attached to the regional office would come up. Protocol meant the Regional Law Enforcement Specialist for several states would become involved.

Dianthe locked eyes with Meredith. They shared a private moment before Meredith began giving her statement. Though shaken and grief-stricken, she gave the information in a calm, collected manner.

**************

Meredith entered the ICU silently. Jason sat holding Annie's hand, murmuring words of encouragement and love to his wife. Her hair had been shaved off when the surgeons had opened the woman's skull to relieve the pressure.

Annie's condition was listed as critical.

"Jason..." Meredith touched the man's shoulders gently.

Pain filled brown eyes rose, and Meredith's own self-control began crumbling. She could not imagine Annie or Jason without each other. They had a rare kind of marriage, better than even Meredith's parents and grandparents.

"She's in a coma..." he stammered, eyes red rimmed from crying. "I can't loss her, Meredith. I can't."

Meredith opened her arms, and Jason leaned against the solidness of her small body. She wrapped her arms around him, and began crying with him. She had spent the last ten hours helping Dianthe handle the most current crisis, speaking with Brett Ferris at length.

She had been given orders to help manage the park's daily operations with Dianthe. Ferris trusted their judgment enough that he did not feel it necessary to send up one of his deputy superintendents, since he knew they could handle matters.

Meredith shut her eyes, thinking how this ritual was becoming commonplace in their lives. Beth. Herself. Jon. And now Annie. She held Jason close, giving and gaining strength. The ICU nurse had permitted Meredith inside the room only because Jason had asked for her.

Meredith had been told she could stay only for thirty minutes. She promised she would come back in the morning when they heard the nurse clearing her throat in warning. Jason would be spending the night, and however long it took, beside his wife's side.

Meredith exited, finding the lounge brimming with fellow staff members and friends of Annie and Jason. In a clear voice, she related the information concerning Annie's condition. Sam shook his head. He and Beth may have gone through hell the last two months of her life, but they had had time to say their good-byes.

If Annie never regained consciousness and slipped away, Jason would never have the opportunity to say farewell. Meredith noticed Charlie pacing the length of the corridor. He looked grief stricken, like the rest of them, but there was something off about his behavior.

Karen and Morgan were talking softly with Patrick and Jon. Jon was seated inside a wheel chair, having insisted he be permitted to join the others for awhile Meredith smiled softly. If love could move mountains, maybe the love of these people could bring Annie back to them. Dianthe came striding down the corridor, bearing solemn expression.

She had gone to the autopsy of Tracy's remains. Meredith met her lover's eyes, and knew that whatever had happened, it had not been drug related. Dianthe's quiet presence gave a sense of order and hope to the solemn gathering.

She had laid out the patrols for the next week, noting that all park vehicles would be inspected for brake problems. The most rational explanation of the accident had been brake failure. Annie and Tracy had been coming down the very steep logging road, going into a hairpin turn.

"Charlie," Dianthe approached the sullen looking man.

Charlie's eyes rose, meeting hers with pure loathing. It was a fleeting instant, and he quickly regained his composure, but the entire group had glimpsed his hatred. He saw Dianthe's eye darken, but she controlled her anger.

"You did a good job dispatching today. Thanks."

Charlie seemed surprised by the praise, despite his reaction to her being in charge. Dianthe inclined her head, and turned back towards Meredith.

"Annie and Tracy were great gals," he said softly. He wiped his eyes, a rare display of open emotion again. "Women any man would love. They were real women, you know."

He made his way past the others, and out into the night. A steady, cold rain had begun, adding to the sense of loss that hung over the gathering. Meredith disliked the way he referred to Annie in the past tense.

"I'm gonna bunk out overnight," Meredith told Dianthe. "I want to here for Jason...just in case."

"Not alone; I'll keep you company, love," Dianthe hugged her lover as they shared a brief kiss. Danny sat silently in the lounge, surrounded by his coworkers and friends. He had barely spoken since learning about Tracy's death.

"Christopher, Bethany, keep an eye on him tonight," Meredith asked the two older seasonals.

"No worries," Bethany said softly. She had become good friends with Tracy. "I can't believe what happened."

"None of us can," Meredith murmured. She leaned against the solid warmth of her lover's body. Dianthe slid her arms around Meredith, holding her close.

Patrick had gone to speak to the nursing staff, and returned several minutes later. "I've arranged for you two to have a room for the night. There are five open rooms on this floor. In the East wing; room 340."

Meredith nodded her thanks. She had brought a change of clothing for the next day, as had Dianthe. The group began breaking up, since there was not much they could do.

Dianthe led Meredith to the room that Patrick had arranged for, carrying both duffels. If this had been the height of ski season, there would not have any available beds. It was a semiprivate room. There was a private shower and toilet, the room's interior not the standard drab hospital colors.

Built twelve years ago, the hospital had pastel colors that helped keep the moods of the patients and visitors up. It smelled clean, not hospital like, since the builders wanted a nontraditional hospital. Not to mention most of the patients were very well known and rich; Meredith unlaced her hiking boots, and climbed into the hospital bed.

Dianthe smiled when her lover scooted over and patted the bed. It would be a tight squeeze, but they could fit inside the bed together. Dianthe removed her own boots, thankful she had decided to lock up her weapon before driving over to the hospital. Meredith snuggled against her warmth when she laid down, pulling the blanket up over them.

"I love you," Meredith whispered, sounding weary.

Dianthe smiled, and kissed her lover's head. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be very busy."

Meredith said something barely audible, and Dianthe knew her lover was already half asleep. She shut her eyes, and joined her in oblivion.

****************

Meredith counted mentally to ten, and met the eyes of the reporters. The most recent tragedy had brought back the media, and the twenty odd reporters were jostling for position.

It had been a very quiet news week, and the media had found the Burntmountain drama captivating. Meredith had donned her best class A dress uniform, and read a prepared statement concerning the current condition of Annie Hendrick. She had not yet regained consciousness. Three days had passed since the accident. It was not a good sign.

Meredith stated the investigation had not determined the cause of the motor vehicle accident. It might be another week or two before a determination was rendered.

"Were drugs involved? I understand the driver had a bit of a reputation for being on the wild side," Janice Portman interjected with a cold smile.

"No drugs were involved," Meredith answered smoothly, meeting the eyes of Janice Portman. Like the proverbial bad penny, the woman had returned despite the lawsuit pending against her and her station. "And Ranger Tracy Spencer's record has been one of excellence and professionalism that reflects the best traditions of the National Park Service."

Three days sitting inside a prison cell had made Janice Portman more angry than introspective. She cleared her throat, and said, "It seems that since the arrival of Dianthe Xavier, things have been going wrong for the personnel of the park. Do you believe there is a connection?"

Meredith felt the muscles of her shoulders and neck tense, but she kept a cool facade. She smiled softly, and said, "No more than when you show up at events that attract the attention of the genuine members of the media."

Chuckles rose amidst the gathered reporters. Portman was not well regarded within her own community, especially following the stunt she had pulled. Her colleagues had played up the angle of the woman's connection to the White Supremacist Movement, deeming her actions a violation of ethical conduct and condemning her actions.

"Not if you ladies and gentlemen will excuse me, I have a park to run," Meredith announced. She turned back towards the Ranger Station.

"Ranger Murphy," Janice Portman made the title sound trite as she closed on her favorite subject. "Why has Jason Hendricks given control to you?"

"Because he has a family crisis that demands his full attention."

"I understand his concern, but considering the shadow you are under I do not comprehend leaving you in charge. It would seem to me better to leave a more experienced hand in charge," Janice stated. "Besides, the Hendricks have no children, so it's not really a family crisis. What happened to the Sanderson's was a family crisis."

Meredith narrowed her eyes, and swallowed her mounting anger. She held the other woman's eyes, and said, "I would not comment on the nature of family when you yourself have never been married, Ms. Portman. The Hendricks have been married almost as many years as I have been alive."

"Nor is she likely to be, Ranger Murphy," quipped one of the other reporters. He had the random good looks that the camera loved, and he kept himself fit to make himself even more appealing.

Meredith smiled. Janice flushed an unflattering red, and shot the man a cross look. "I have high standards."

"So do we," the man laughed. "I breed within in my species."

Meredith left. There were times the universe was just. Janice Portman might well find herself the center of this evening's news, and not in a flattering way.

She entered the Ranger Station, unzipping the summer weight Ike jacket she wore as Dianthe spoke with the other law enforcement rangers. Meredith paused when the meeting began breaking up. Dianthe had things running smoothly in terms of law enforcement, and Meredith had been handling all other aspects of park operations.

"You survived the hounds of hell, I see," Dianthe teased, eyes taking in her lover with pleasure. "You look so cute in your dress uniform."

Meredith sighed, shaking her head. "I feel silly. Give me my field jeans, fleece and ball cap any day. How are things doing?"

"Good, only minor stuff. A couple of car clouting incidents at Willow Lake; I have Charlie and Carl checking it out. Most likely it's teenagers. Five speeding tickets, three fines for illegal campsites, but nothing out of the ordinary."

Meredith removed her form fitting Ike jacket and draped it over the chair as she unclipped the uniform tie. She laid aside her summer Stetson, sighing with relief. Whenever she could, she visited Annie and Jason. Sleep had become a rare thing. She stretched her lower back, flinching at the protest of muscles that had become tight with fatigue.

"Coffee, boss?" Bobby asked softly. Meredith met the eyes of the youth. She nodded, smiling in gratitude when the youth brought her an oversized mug. "You and Christopher are doing a great job on the Witch Mountain trail restoration."

Bobby colored, but managed a shy smile. He told Meredith of the progress they had made since that terrible day of the accident. It was very impressive.

Danny had taken a few days off. Meredith had kept a respectful distance, concerned about the man. Tracy's death had been devastating for the staff, but it may have shattered Danny Matthew's soul. He had fallen hard for Tracy, and she for him. In the years Meredith had known the woman, she had never seen Tracy so focused, so content to be with one person.

Charlie had been acting odd again, and Meredith found her patience with the man wearing thin. He lounged against the office wall, dark blue eyes missing nothing. A sneer touched his lips whenever Dianthe and Meredith were near each other. Meredith had always been polite and nice to the man, but she had never really gotten close to him as she had other staff members. There was something that made her uneasy around him since she had known him.

"Anything you need to tell my folks?" Dianthe asked. Meredith shook her head and smiled, "Nothing other than the standard rules regarding media seeking comments, let me take the heat by sending them my way. Other than that, , thank you for working under very unusual circumstances, and the funds for Tracy's memorial service had been generous. Her family wishes to thank everyone, and we shall be holding service within the park in a few weeks for those interested at the site of the accident.

For those on patrol, do what you do so well, and keep safe. Those of you off duty, get some rest and have some fun," Meredith met the eyes of the law enforcement rangers with gratitude before ambling for her small office.

Charlie did not move. Dianthe locked eyes with the man, and Charlie slowly uncoiled his body. He readjusted his gear belt, and said, "Sure, boss." When Bobby had said it, it had been playful and respectful. Charlie made it sound like an insult.

Meredith held her tongue and temper Charlie ignored Dianthe and approached Meredith.. Silence fell as the assembled staff watched the unfolding drama. Charlie had become the least liked person on the staff. Meredith held her ground and met the man's stormy blue eyes. "Is there a problem, Charlie?"

"Yeah, but guess there are something that we can only hope will change. I wonder how Jason would like the way you are running the show. No offense, but running this park takes a real man, not a wanna be one with limited experience in real wilderness.."

Meredith stiffened, her eyes narrowing at the reference to Dianthe. Her sea-green eyes narrowed as they darkened with the storm building inside the woman's soul. She began to phrase her response when a familiar form entered the fray.

"He likes them just fine," Jason Hendricks growled. Meredith held her breath. Jason looked exhausted, but he still radiated power. He motioned for the others to clear the office area. "Meri, Dianthe, Charlie, my office, now."

Charlie shifted his weight uncertainly, but he obeyed the man. Jason looked blasted. He settled down on the edge of his big wooden desk. "Annie's still not regained consciousness; her mom is with her right now. Brett called me. Seems the Suburban brakes were tampered with."

Shocked silence descended. Jason let the weight of the words settle in. He leaned forward. "Whoever did it is gonna regret the day they were born. Forensics lifted a good print, and is running it through the database of known offenders.

It's just a matter of time." Jason unlocked his desk drawer and removed a thin file. "And Charlie, do not give Meredith or Dianthe any grief. Whatever's been bugging you better stay outside the office; am I clear?"

Charlie nodded.

"Good; Meri, you are doing a good job. You, too, Dianthe. Charlie, you have been with us a long time. Get it together; we need you. I need you out there doing the job I know you can do. Remember the conversation we had earlier, too."

Charlie had a look of shame that made him lower his eyes. He nodded, "Okay, Jason. For you and Annie. You both have always been good to me."

"Good man. Go on, make sure the park is safe, Charlie," Jason said, watching the career seasonal leave.

Charlie headed out, never looking back. Meredith watched him with narrowed eyes. She waited until he was gone. She turned her attention back to Jason, "How are you?"

"How do you think?" Jason snapped, instantly regretting his harsh tone. Meredith did not flinch. " Meredith, what if she does not wake up?"

Dianthe backed out into the dispatcher's area, closing the office door as she exited. She watched Meredith stand up and slid her arms around the big man, giving what comfort she could. She did not make false promises, but said softly, "Then we do whatever we have to, Jason."

Jason sobbed. It was a broken sound that made Dianthe's blood run cold. Someone was hurting people she had come to love; she stepped outside, and let the misting rain anoint her face. She noticed Charlie Fenton. He sat inside the patrol vehicle, head down on the steering wheel.

His shoulders were jerking, and she thought for a moment he was crying. Then he raised his head, and she saw he was laughing. Their eyes locked, and Dianthe's little voice was shouting. She watched him start the engine, and drive away. The most of the media had left, save for Janice Portman and her crew.

Dianthe pivoted, and went back inside the Ranger Station. She would monitor Charlie Fenton, and continue her discreet inquiries. Jason and Meredith were talking softly in the dispatch area. Jason gave Meredith the look a proud father would give a beloved child. He gave the woman a bone-crushing hug that left Meredith wheezing.

He left the Ranger Station. Meredith puffed out her cheeks, and shook her head. She rose, found her coffee cup, and took a deep swig. "Annie's gotta come out of it..."

Dianthe brushed her fingers through Meredith's tawny hair, and met her eyes. "She will, honey. Annie's a fighter."

Meredith smiled, and hugged her lover close. The world seemed bent on falling off its axis.

**************

Seven days had passed, and the print had not found a match in the base of known offenders. Brett had asked for the prints to be checked against other databases, but Dianthe doubted it would be found in the standard databases.

A steady rain had been falling the last two days, and the world had taken on a grayish cast matching the mood of the park. She and Meredith had spent less than four hours together since the accident. Between running the park's daily operations and her ongoing physical therapy, Meredith had been running sixteen hour days. Dianthe had assumed night patrols with Danny and Bethany, and Val Dermot, a full time law enforcement ranger reassigned to the Burntmountain Mountain District out of the central office.

Charlie and the seasonals were covering the morning and afternoon shifts. What time Meredith did not devote to the daily operations and physical therapy, she spent with Annie and Jason. Meredith read to Annie and Jason. She was reading Watership Down, one of Annie's favorite books, and the Velveteen Rabbit, which was Meredith's. It soothed Jason, and Meredith insisted that keeping up a running conversation and reading would reach Annie.

Also, they played soft music to the woman. Meredith kept them all afloat. She would not permit herself, or the others, to mourn Annie. When she got home, she would work out for an hour, shower, then grab a quick bite and a bit of sleep.

Furball was not speaking to either of his humans. They made sure he had food, fresh water and clean litter, but they were neglecting his emotional well being. He sat on the beams, glaring down at the humans that made infrequent appearances and made his displeasure known.

Dianthe stepped out of the shower as Meredith came inside the bedroom. Meredith had lost weight. A very trim woman, the weight loss was noticeable. She dropped heavily into the bed Dianthe had left five minutes before, and was snuggling Dianthe's pillow close. Dianthe padded over to the bed.

"Hi, love..."

"Hi, Dianthe," Meredith managed a weary smile. She sat up, and they shared a brief kiss. "God, I miss you."

Dianthe held Meredith closer, kissing her lover with tempered passion. "How's Annie?"

"Her vitals are much better, but she's still in a coma," Meredith swept her fingers downwards, pushing off the plush body towel with deliberate intent.

Dianthe shivered in delight when those fingers found her nipples, and began a gentle teasing. Meredith had learned how much pressure to use, making the swollen nubs of sensitive flesh more so. "I don't suppose you could play hooky?"

Dianthe closed her eyes when Meredith's tongue, lips and teeth covered the nipple. It had been over a week since they had been together. Her body began responding to her lover's sure touch.

Meredith's hands roved, eliciting responses that made Dianthe moan. She loved this part of Meredith: the frank, sexual side capable of taking control. Dianthe had oftentimes been the one to initiate sexual contact in her other relationships. Meredith enjoyed receiving and giving pleasure, and she was most definitely not shy when it came to making love and sex.

Dianthe found her ability to speak rapidly dwindling as Meredith made love to her. Meredith smiled wickedly up at the writhing woman, and urged her to lay down. Dianthe found herself laying on her back, hands clutching the sheets as Meredith kissed her way down her lover's impressive length.

Meredith used ever skill she had learned over the years, never letting her lover's urgency dwindle. She was relentless in pursuing the pleasures of this love. Trashing on the bed, Dianthe's hips undulated under the firm tongue strokes that laid bare her very soul.

She reached down, holding Meredith's head close to the wellspring of her need. Her eyes focused on the woman giving her such pleasure, and thought how erotic the sight of a fully clothed lover could be. Sweat poured down her tense length, and she heard herself making animal sounds. Meredith never slackened her pace, and used several fingers to drive Dianthe over the edge.

Her cries echoed out inside the master bedroom. Meredith crawled up beside her panting lover, grinning. Her face was slick with the heated juices that had poured out of her quaking lover. Dianthe hugged Meredith close, trying to express what she felt. A soft buzzing sound made her groan for another reason. Meredith reached inside her jeans front pocket, and sighed.

She rolled away, and reached for the phone. She hit a speed dial number as Dianthe cuddled against her. Meredith laughed, saying, "I'll there be as soon as possible, Jason. Tired; no, I'm fine."

"Annie?"

"She woke up about twenty minutes ago. She's confused, but the doctor says she will be fine. She's back," Meredith laughed, and threw her arms around Dianthe.

Dianthe pulled Meredith close, and claimed her lips. Dianthe could taste her own essence, igniting her desire to make love to the smaller woman. Meredith gently pulled back, gray-green eyes twinkling. Meredith nuzzled Dianthe's throat, "Join me in the shower?"

"Hmm, guess I could use another one after what you did," Dianthe teased. She helped Meredith shed her garments, caressing the flesh she exposed with gentle fingertips and lips. "Give me a minute. I'm going to let dispatch know that I will late. I want to see Annie, too."

Meredith smiled, and went to get the shower ready.

***************

Jon smiled when Patrick kissed his forehead, then went to tend to the myriad of things he needed to do. It was almost eight p.m. when they received word about Annie having come out of her coma. They had promised they would visit in the morning, since this was Jon's third day home.

He sighed, touching his sore chest. It would be another few weeks before he would be able to start doing things, and another month before he could return to light duty. He despaired his once hard body might become a soft body, but Patrick assured him that would not happen.

And if it did, it would not matter. Patrick was happy that his lover was alive. In time, he would regain his strength and vigor. Patrick was cooking a well-balanced meal of chicken breast, mushrooms, asparagus and herbs in white wine, laid over a bed of wild rice.

Jon gazed at the crackling fire inside the fireplace, thinking how blessed he was. He sat in one of two dark brown leather lounge chairs, his feet propped on the matching footrest. A snifter of brandy lay to his right on the cherry wood end table, and the soft strain of classical music rose inside the den. His eyes rested on the table. The drawer was half ajar, and he glimpsed a mantilla folder inside the deep drawer of the handcrafted piece of furniture.

He opened the draw, noticing the blood splattered file and felt his stomach clench. He pulled out the file, and flipped it open. The stark black and white photographs were mixed with color ones of Maggie Sanderson's remains, as well the report.

Jon shut his eyes. He remembered holding the report of the coroner, and knowing something had caught his attention. He focused. Fought past the painful memories of pain and terror, and made himself think. His eyes flew open.

He remembered what had struck him: the bruising around Maggie Sanderson's throat had been wrong. If she had hung herself, her throat would have had an upward V bruise, not the straight back one. Maggie Sanderson had been strangled from behind. She had been murdered.

"Patrick..." Jon called out, struggling to rise.

Patrick appeared in mere seconds wearing his favorite cow patterned apron that read, "Here's the beef." He settled his beloved down, and listened to what he was saying.

*******************

Annie was asking questions when Dianthe and Meredith joined Jason, Sam, Morgan and Karen inside the hospital room. She had been moved of the ICU, and now had a semiprivate room where an elderly woman was recovering from a bad fall that broke her right hip.

Birdlike and bright, she was smiling when the rowdy group included her in their celebration, savoring a piece of fine cake that Morgan and Karen had brought. Flowers surrounded both beds, and Martha had photographs of an amazing amount of children, grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She beamed when Jason said something about her grandchildren being very handsome, which they were.

Annie was weak, but color was returning to her face and her eyes were becoming clearer. She gave a small noise of delight when Meredith came into view. "Meri..."

"Annie," Meredith said with a quavering voice, tears streaking her face.

"Come here, kiddo," Jason demanded, patting the edge of the bed he occupied. He and Annie both hugged the woman, and she hugged them back. "You know she remembers you reading her the Velveteen Rabbit."

Meredith sniffled, enduring an affectionate mussing of her hair by Jason. Dianthe touched Annie's right hand gently, her understated greeting making Annie beam. Annie squeezed the woman's fingertips, and said, "Jason tells me you two have been running the show."

"Not really much to do," Meredith said, smiling when Dianthe stood close behind her.

"Yeah, right," Annie sighed, looking tired. "God, I can't believe Tracy's dead."

The mood shifted. Karen and Morgan exchanged worried looks, wondering if it had been wise to tell Annie the truth about Tracy. Jason had told her gently. He insisted his wife would do better with the truth, than having it hidden from her.

"If it means anything, it was most likely very quick," Dianthe said.

Annie met her eyes, slowly nodding. She studied Meredith, a smile touching her lips. She reached up and swept her fingers across Meredith's wet right cheek. "Jason tells me you saved me."

"I helped rescue you, so did my grounds crew and the Air National Guard."

"You rarely use that road, why that day?"

Meredith thought about the answer, and said, "Because I knew I had. too."

Dianthe raised an eyebrow. It seemed she was not the only one in their family with a little voice. Martha interjected that bonds of love and friendship oftentimes transcended logic and rational things, when life and limb where involved.

"Especially when you learn to trust you partners," Martha stated, smiling at a distant, but fond memory. "When I flew with the W.A.S.P.s you had to trust your companions."

Dianthe turned towards the older woman with frank interest. She wore her leather bomber jacket with squadron patches, and the woman's merry blue eyes met hers. "You were one of the W.A.S.P.s?"

"Yes, my husband was an Army Air force pilot, and before the war we ran mail routes and did stun-flying. Harry loved women that flew. Said it meant that the world was becoming a better place!"

"You own Remington Air, don't you?" Meredith said, recognizing the woman.

"Yes; though I do not do anymore flying since my vision has gotten so bad. But my son and daughters run it now. My grand daughter Emily would love to met you, Ranger Xavier. She could not believe a former female naval aviator would be working up here."

Dianthe promised she would talk to the young girl about naval aviation. Martha grinned, winking. Ryan Smith had worked whenever possible for the small family run airline. Mainly, they ran cargo flights, but had some passenger planes, too. It might be small, but the operation was doing very well.

It would give Dianthe the chance to fly larger planes, he had told her. Like the Hercules she had flown. She had flown the huge transport planes, as well as A-6's and Tomcats. She turned her attention back to Annie.

Annie was getting sleepy, and the nurses had decided their charges had had enough excitement. Except for Jason, they herded the rest of the group out of the hospital rooms. Meredith sighed when her pager went off again.

"Be right back..." she told the others, and headed for the phones.

Morgan, Sam, Karen and Dianthe were discussing the memorial service planned for Tracy Spencer at the end of the summer. Meredith came jogging back. She looked worried.

"We have a report of two lost hikers up in the Fire Mountain area. They were supposed to have checked back four days ago with the Forest Service Ranger Station, but they have not done so. It's two young college kids out of New York City, two women, both experienced, but they have not checked in."

"They were in your section then?" Morgan asked.

Meredith nodded. Fire Mountain was inside the Spirit Lake section of the park, bordering the National Forest's eastern edge. Morgan frowned. It was hard country for seasoned outdoors people, let alone newbie's.

"It's your call, Meri."

"I say we go. Dianthe, you will fly patrols in the grid where they were last seen and make your way out. Morgan, can you spare me some bodies?"

"Count on it, Meri."

"I'm in," Sam said.

"Good, Karen, you will be our dispatcher. I'll contact Air National Guard for a lift, and have them on standby for a medevac. I'll lead one team. Morgan, you and Sam will lead the others. Only experienced hands can go on this one..." Meredith was already assembling a mental list of search and rescue members capable of the task.

"What about your arm?" Dianthe murmured.

"It's strong enough to handle this," Meredith replied, squaring her shoulders. "Let's get moving."

Dianthe could not shake a feeling of dread.

******************

Fire Mountain was a dormant volcano, one of numerous smaller, lesser known volcanoes within the Cascade's chain. The area was beautiful, but very rugged. Only very experienced backpackers were given access to this remote area, and only twenty permits were given out annually.

Meredith studied the photos of the two missing hikers: two zoology majors that had worked in Yellowstone for the last two summers. Both young women came from families with extensive outdoors experience, and were considered fine outdoorswomen. The weather conditions had been good, but the weather patterns were indicating a large storm system would be coming inland soon off the Pacific.

Meredith briefed the SAR team on the women's background and medical histories, studying the solemn faces of the men and women huddled inside the Huey's belly. The first rays of dawn had not yet touched the mountain valley where they would be disembarking. There were three teams: Morgan and Sam lead two of the teams, Meredith the other.

Meredith drew in a steadying breath. She had been on dozens of SARs since she had been in the National Park Service, but she could not shake the feeling this would be different. Charlie sat silently, listening with quiet intensity to the whooping of the chopper blades.

He was on Meredith's team. She, Danny and Charlie made up the first team. Sam, Bethany and Christopher the second team. Morgan, Paul and Sally the third. They would hump in enough gear for several days, including medical supplies and camping equipment. Karen would maintain a temporary base camp with two Forest Service seasonals, where the chopper would return to pick them up.

Meredith knew Jason would be monitoring the operation, since Annie was out of danger. He would be a standby with another team should something go wrong.

The Huey dropped downwards to the valley where they would begin the search. Meredith swallowed hard. She had lead teams before, but this was the first time since being stabbed that she was leading one. Annie's rescue had been different; it had been in an area with old timber roads.

This was wilderness. Any mistakes out here could become very lethal very quickly. She found her hands shaking, and clasped them together. It had not gone unnoticed. Morgan held her eyes, and Meredith managed a weary smile.

"You folks know it might be a few days before we can come back? The weather's going to be too heavy for flying," pilot informed the clustered teams.

"That's why we have a base camp supplied for over a week," Meredith answered, indicating the supplies that Karen would oversee.

"Damned rough country for kids to be roaming without bad weather."

No one said the obvious: they could be dead. All of them hoped to find the young women alive. Hope drove them, even when logic decreed the odds were not good. Meredith sighed. She had gotten about three hours of shuteye.

Bad weather meant Dianthe would also be grounded. She knew her lover would not like the idea of being rendered useless. Meredith studied the skies. Dark storm clouds were making their appearance. Jason would not allow Dianthe off the ground under such conditions.

The four teams hustled their gear out of the Huey and watched the helicopter depart twenty minutes later. Meredith shook her head, thankful Dianthe would be safe.

"Ok...let's gear up and get moving while we have the weather with us," Meredith said, pulling on her backpack with a grunt. She shook her head, annoyed at herself. She had maintained her cardiovascular health, but her pack felt heavier than normal.

"Sure you can carry all that weight?" Morgan asked softly.

Meredith met the older woman's eyes, and managed her best roguish smile. Morgan did not look pleased, but she had to trust Meredith's word. Maps were consulted, search patterns established, and agreed upon check-in times were established. Meredith pulled on her Park Service ball cap and began heading the direction her team had drawn.

Three trails, three chances at finding the missing women if they had not strayed too far from the trail system. Meredith and Danny walked side by side, Charlie bringing up the rear of the group. None of them spoke, their attention focused on the terrain and possible clues.

***********

Dianthe paced the length of the Ranger Station, cursing herself for a fool. She should have insisted that she accompany Meredith. Meredith's doctors had been less than pleased with her decision, but they had cleared her for the search and rescue operation.

Meredith knew the hard backcountry better than most locals, having spent months at a time tramping it. She was the best hope for the lost women hikers.

Jason raised his dark brown eyes, watching his pilot having a nervous breakdown. Three days of searching, and no sign of the young women. The bad weather would last another day or two, and Dianthe's impatience grew with each passing hour. Annie would be released in another few days, and Jason could not wait.

The phone rang. Jason reached over and picked it up. He listened, then asked several quick questions with relief. He hung up, beaming. "Our two lost hikers just reached Forest Service Ranger Station...tired, a bit worn for having gotten lost, but fine. They said they spent four days making a huge circle, and by the time they figured it out they were reported missing.

They had enough sense to ration their supplies, and did some old fashioned living off the land!"

"Thank god...we better contact the teams," Dianthe said, shoulders relaxing. The teams would head back to their base camp, wait for the weather to clear, and would be back home in a few days.

"How about you do it?" Jason said, stretching her lower back. He reached for the phone on his desk to call Annie. He frowned when his phone rang. He sighed, and picked up the phone. It was Brett Ferris, and he sounded very worried. "What's up, Brett?"

Brett told him they had matched the print to the military database. Jason felt his stomach flip when he was told the name of the owner of the print, and the less than stellar military record held by said man.

"Shit...Brett, he's up with Meredith and the others on the SAR operation. No, the women are fine, they got lost, but reached the Forest Service Ranger Station. Damnit, how did he hide this from OPM?"

Dianthe faced Jason. Her blood ran cold. She had finished radioing Karen, and had decided to check her Ccmail. Her inquiry had hit pay dirt: Charles Wyatt Fenton had been released from the Marine Corps for being a firebug. How he had gotten his general discharge altered to an honorable one was being investigated.

The Colorado State Troopers had sent a response saying that Trooper Fenton had quit rather than be fired. Again, his personnel record had been amended.

"It's Charlie. Charlie sabotaged the brakes," Jason stammered. Dianthe remembered how upset he had been when she had been left the keys to the Ranger Rover.

"We have to warn Meredith and the others."

"Right, but how?" Jason rumbled. Any thing they said might tip their hand.

********************

Meredith laughed when she heard the good news relayed by Karen. Charlie and Danny heard the transmission, and the two men had different reactions. Charlie had become increasing sullen and silent, and Danny had hugged Meredith.

"Guess we should head back to camp, then," Danny ventured. Meredith nodded, returning his hug. "Wish Tracy was here. She loved happy endings."

"Danny, I am so sorry," Meredith whispered. It was the first time he had mentioned her name. Danny blinked back tears, recalling how much Tracy loved movies with happy endings. "Come on, let's head home, fellas."

Charlie observed his teammates with remote eyes, and smiled. It was a frightening smile. It was the smile of madness itself. Meredith's brain did not register the reality of Charlie pulling his 9 mm pistol, taking aim and firing off two rounds. Danny tumbled backwards, hands clawing at the twin holes that had appeared in his chest.

Meredith dropped beside the stricken young man, desperately trying to staunch the flow of blood. Danny tried speaking, tried reaching for his own weapon, but his eyes began glazing over even as Meredith fought to save his life.

"No..." Meredith snarled, furious. Danny's lifeless eyes stared up at the gray heavens. She heard the crunch of booted feet closing, and spun. She emptied the canister of bear mace into the face of Charlie Fenton.

He howled in a combination of rage and pain, dropping to his knees as he fired blindly ahead of him. Meredith felt a powerful jolt that sent her reeling, her right leg and side numb with the impact. She grunted when she hit the wet ground, and began sliding down the side of the foothill.

She tumbled down the side of the forested slope, her backpack absorbing much of the damage as roots and rocks impeded her progress. She hit bottom, her right leg numb, and every bone in her body screaming protest. She was alive.

She flinched when she flexed her limbs. Everything hurt like hell, but nothing was broken. She gingerly touched her right hip, and grimaced. Her right hip was not bleeding. Her radio had deflected the bullet.

She pulled the shattered radio off her hip and craned her neck to scan for Charlie. She could hear his faint cries of pain and anger. Without a radio she could not warn the others about Charlie.

She considered the idea of climbing back up, but dismissed it. He would be recovered by the time she hauled herself up the slope, and he had two guns. Meredith pushed herself up onto her feet, grunting.

Her right hip was stiff, and her leg felt numb. She gritted her teeth, and hobbled towards the rain-swollen creek. She studied it, then fished inside her backpack. She removed what few things she could carry inside her fanny pack, then wrote a hasty note that she slipped inside the pack with the damaged radio.

She tossed it into the swollen creek.

It would reach the area where the base camp was located, if she was lucky. It would tell Karen something had gone terribly wrong. Meredith ignored her protesting body, and began making her way towards the base camp.

She was a tracker. She knew how to hide herself, if need be. Charlie was a former Marine sniper; he was an expert outdoors man. It would be a game of wits, of skill, but stacked against her since he had his gun and Danny's.


********

Karen told her base camp personnel the good news even as Sam and Morgan's teams returned to the base camp. Having found no sign of the missing women, they had determined it was best to return to the camp. The news was greeted with good cheer, since they had been out in the field almost six days.

The weather pattern indicated the high winds and lower ceiling would clear off by nighttime. The helicopter would come tomorrow morning, provided Meredith's team returned in time. Karen heard one of the seasonals repeat the message, but there was no response.

It was not unusual, since the mountains could block the signal. But they had agreed that all teams would be back in base camp the sixth morning, even if no sign had been found of the lost women. Meredith had checked in early in the morning, before word had come about the women.

It had frustrated Meredith and her team they could find no trace of the two women, but she had told Karen she and her team would be headed back to the base camp. That had been a few hours before word reached them that the two lost hikers had found a USFS station, and word had filtered out to the SAR teams. Sam had been right, guessing the two female hikers would make their own way out, since there were no indications they had been hurt.

Sam cupped a steaming mug of hot coffee between his work-roughed hands with a sigh of appreciation. "Karen, you make the best damned coffee."

"Thanks, sweetie. When Meredith's team gets back, we can celebrate one piece of good news! When we get back home, I want one of your porter steaks medium rare with a good glass of wine."

"You got it, Karen," Sam chuckled, scanning the surrounding terrain with a worried eye. "I for one, cannot wait 'til Meri gets back here."

"Why?" Karen asked, hearing the concern in the man's voice.

"Just got a bad feeling about her, is all. Hell, I guess I am worried she'll hurt her arm again. I am glad those gals made it out safely, but I would love to know where they left the trail. Meri is one helluva a good tracker, and even she could not find tracks or other clues. They must have been lost further back then we assumed."

Karen nodded. "Too bad we do not have some of Grandma Murphy's cookies to go with the coffee, huh?"

Sam chuckled, "We finished our batch in just three days. You?"

Karen patted her belly, and they laughed. Morgan had settled down for a well-deserved nap inside the dome tent she and Karen would be sharing with Meredith. Bethany approached them, "Anyone need some water? I am going to get some for my bottle."

"Sure," Sam fished out his blue water bottle to the young woman with a grin. Karen did likewise, Bethany had a pump filter with her to fill the bottles she would recharge for them before she sacked out. Most everyone else had followed Morgan's example, and were drifting off to sleep. Bethany made her way towards the rushing creek, and began filtering the water while enjoying the sounds of nature.

Being a backcountry ranger would never make her rich, but the rugged beauty of the mountains made up for it. Her summer had been filled with more adventure than she had encountered elsewhere, and she already was looking for her winter position. She had been learning so much from the full timers, and she had counted herself fortunate to be under the Hendricks. Both Annie and Jason were exceptions to most parks, remaining active and involved in the law enforcement aspects of the operation, and they respected their staff.

She had finished filling the bottles when something caught her eye. Placing the bottles and filter aside, she cautiously picked her way towards the object, and realized it was one of their SAR packs. She pulled it out of the water, and blanched when she realized it was blood splattered.

Heart pounding, she opened the front pouch and found a hastily scrawled note stained with gore, "Fuck..." She hauled the pack with her, shouting out to the others. In mere moments the entire camp knew what she did. She handed Sam the note. He met his cousin's eyes with fear, and handed her the note.

Morgan staggered, jaw muscles bunching. Out there was a killer hunting someone they loved and there was nothing they could do until help arrived. "Hang on, Meri..." Sam murmured, vowing Charlie Fenton would not escape justice.


****************

Charlie had managed to flush out his eyes, cursing Meredith Murphy. He wiped his nose with disgust. He focused his eyes, and surveyed his surroundings. There was no sign of Meredith. He glanced at his wristwatch: forty-five minutes had passed.

He cursed again. The plan had been simple: shoot both Meredith and Danny, pinning the killing on the dead young man. Grief stricken, he had tried suicide, but Meredith interfered. A terrible accident resulting in Meredith's death, then an exchange of fire between himself and Danny. End of story.

But he had not counted on Meredith's response. There would be no way of convincing the others what had happened had been anything other than murder. He took Danny's gun, his rounds of ammo, and shook his head. Poor bastard, he thought. If not for the insanity of the world, they may have been friends. He might have been there for the wedding of Danny and Tracy.

Charlie consoled himself with the thought that Danny and Tracy would be reunited in death. The more he thought about it, the less guilty he felt. In fact, it was really the fault of Meredith and Dianthe.

Damned queers and mud-people were ruining the country, and the world. Charlie envisioned himself an avenging angel, the flaming sword of retribution. He would kill Meredith, but not before he made her pay for her sins.

He opened his pack, fishing out several oblong objects carefully wrapped. He put together the sniper rifle Dawson had gotten him. He had learned how to assemble the M40A1 in field conditions in mere minutes.

It had been easy concealing the weapon inside his backpack; he had been told by Dawson that Meredith had to die. This search and rescue mission had been the perfect cover for killing the woman. Now, it was a question of his reaching her first.

He made his way down the slope, wondering if he would find the woman broken and bleeding on the ground below. He followed the trail made by the woman, shaking his head in mild amazement that she had walked away. She had hit roots, rocks and saplings on her downward plunge, leaving a path he could easily follow.

If not for being tainted with homosexuality, she would make a fine mate for a man like himself. She was wood wise, brave and resourceful. He would have her before he killed her. He would show her what the love of a real man was. He would fuck her like a man should a real woman.

Meredith would make a fun target. He noticed she was limping, and knew she was hurting. There was no blood trail, so the bullet had not hit her directly. He had found chips of dark plastic on the ground near Danny's body: the radio had taken the brunt of the damage.

He followed her tracks. The tracks were hard to follow. This would be a fun game, he thought.

*****************

Morgan watched the helicopters descending, furious they had been ordered to remain inside the camp. But they did not have the right equipment, and a search of Charlie Fenton's cabin had been frightening. He had an assortment of assault weapons, a rambling series of diaries that he had written over the last few years.

Morgan knew whatever it contained, it had sickened Jason and the FBI's Special Agents.

Six very serious looking FBI agents wearing field gear accompanied Jason and Dianthe. They were armed with assault rifles. Jason handed out high-powered rifle with scopes to the team members. Sixteen hours had passed, and there was no sign of Meredith's team.

Morgan could not meet Dianthe's eyes. Odds were Meredith and Danny were already dead, and Charlie headed for the Canadian border.

*****************


Meredith hunkered low, listening for the sounds of being stalked, as she made herself eat half a Power bar. She had been forced to take the long way to the base camp, and had lost her bearings during the night.

She figured she had strayed six miles in the wrong direction, and her hip was killing her. She dared not rest for long. She hauled herself up, keeping to the trees as she followed the creek. The she listened to sounds that were not part of the forest, but heard nothing unusual. Had Charlie decided to bolt?

Were the others dead, too? She had her Leatherman, a good field knife, compass and map, waterproof matches and some dried foodstuff. She knew Spirit Lake better than she did this section of the park, but she could find her way.

What she needed was a weapon. She had pondered making a spear with a stout branch, her knife and the extra bootlaces she carried, but had decided against it. A thrusting spear against firearms was not a good bet.

A pit trap. She could create one, but it would take too long. Not to mention it might snare the wrong person. She could make other traps. Ben had taught her more than mere tracking. He and her grandfather had taught her some old trapper tricks. Not to mention the ones she had picked up.

She sipped her water, all senses engaged. She heard a slight crackling sound, and cocked her head. The Douglas fir she had paused next to exploded, spraying her with wood chips. She hit the ground, knowing the sound of rifle fire all too well. The ground around her erupted, and she scrambled for shelter.

"Run, you fucking dyke bitch," Charlie's voice echoed. This time the bullet hit the ground between her legs.

He was playing with her. Charlie had once mentioned he was a trained sniper for the Marine Corps; he was a hunter, too. Meredith knew he was having fun right now, taunting her, but soon he would become weary of the game. Each shot he took would let the others know where he was.

He knew he was a dead man, and dead men have nothing to loose. Meredith ran, ignoring the pain in her hip. She ran hard. She did not attempt concealing her trail; he had found her trail despite all the tricks she had used.

But she had run cross-country in prep school , college and since. She had been in state and national championships several times. She knew how to conserve energy. Most likely, she would die. But she would do her level best to take Charlie Fenton with her.

************

"Rifle..." the steel gray haired lead FBI agent said softly.

"Sounds like an M40A1, sir," the youngest of the field agents said. He wore his hair Marine Corps style, and Dianthe sensed he knew what he was talking about.

Dianthe knew Meredith was out there alone, and unarmed. Morgan and Sam's team had found Danny Mathews body. She and Jason were part of one of the other teams. There three armed Forest Service Special Agents and National Park Service Special Agents were holding the base camp, so there were three teams hunting down Charlie Fenton.

They had been looking for three hours, and so far they had found nothing. Dianthe glanced towards Karen. The two men readied their rifles and took point. Dianthe and Karen flanked the men, knowing Charlie could be anywhere.

The first shot hit the older agent right between the eyes, and the second shot sent the younger man tumbling backwards. Charlie had shot him below his vest. She and Karen hit the dirt, and rolled for cover behind moss encrusted boulders and snags.

"Shit." Dianthe triggered her radio and snarled. "All units, we are under fire. Agent Martin is dead, and Agent Sheldon is down."

"Location?" Jason demanded.

Karen gave their coordinates while Dianthe belly crawled to the writhing agent. There was the stench of nicked bowels which filled her nostrils. Dianthe grabbed the man's jacket collar and hauled him backwards towards cover.

There was no time to debate the possibility of spinal cord damage; Charlie had nothing to lose. Karen helped her get the moaning young man behind the shelter of a boulder.

"Derek..." Dianthe used the young agent's given name.

"Yes, ma'am," the agent blinked, focusing his attention on the towering woman as Karen donned latex gloves. He seemed so damned young, she thought. He could be no more than twenty-five. The wound was bad. Really bad.

"Did you see where the shot came from?"

"Yes. About six hundred feet up the hillside," the young man's earnest hazel eyes met hers. "M40A1 holds 5 rounds. He's fired two. My PSG1 holds 20 rounds. Extra clips are in my BDU pockets. Get him."

"I will," Dianthe promised. Karen had cut away the man's gore stained trousers and had begun tending his wound. Dianthe met Karen's eyes. "I'm going to draw him away."

"It's suicide," Karen protested.

"It's suicide to remain here. It's me and Meredith he wants."

Karen blinked back tears, but nodded. It was the truth. Charlie had been in love with the wildlife biologist. He blamed Dianthe Xavier for denying him the love of Meredith.

"Derek, hang on," Dianthe told the young man. He smiled thinly, nodding his head. "Here goes nothing."

Dianthe rose, scanning the area for signs of movement. She had taken the agent's assault rifle clips, slid them inside the pockets of the BDU's she wore. She made sure her 9 mm was secure, and dashed forward. She snatched the military sling of the Heckler and Koch rifle and threw herself behind the trunk of a towering Douglas fir.

She heard the thud of a bullet hit the spot where she had been. Charlie was playing cat and mouse with her. She had seen his file. He was one of the best snipers that the Corps had produced in years. If not for his extra curricular hobby of being a firebug, he would still be in the Corps.

Dianthe drew in a steadying breath, recalling her own military and law enforcement training. She had to out flank him. It was the only chance they had.

She saw Karen holding the rifle she given her. Karen knew how to use high-powered rifle, even though she was not law enforcement like Morgan. Dianthe drew a steadying breath, and began a series of timed dashes. Five rounds per magazine. Three rounds fired off. She ran uphill, zigzagging and dropping to a crouch whenever possible.

She spotted a form gliding downhill, and took careful aim. Her finger rested on the trigger of the agent's high-powered assault rifle, stilling herself and focusing. She shut her left eye, using the sight. Her right finger began depressing the trigger when an inner sense told her not to.

Meredith broke cover, zigzagging as she ran. Dianthe felt her heart pounding: she had almost killed her lover. She raced towards the running woman, knowing Charlie had been herding Meredith this way.

She slung the rifle and pulled out her Sig 9 mm, and made her way towards Meredith. A shot rang out, and Meredith's body jerked violently, her arms flung out. Dianthe roared the woman's name as she fell.

"NO!" Dianthe burst out of cover as Charlie Fenton walked out of the undergrowth he had been using as a screen. He pivoted, firing off his last round. It was an off the hip shot, not the type he normally used.

Fire burned through Dianthe's right leg, making it give out even as she fired her weapon. Charlie grunted, and she knew by some miracle one of her bullets had hit him. She was sprawled on her back.

Meredith lay motionless on the earth, her face turned away from Dianthe. Dianthe scanned the forest floor. She had lost her pistol, and the rifle lay trapped beneath her. Charlie's right arm hung loosely by his side, and there was a dark stain spreading along his shoulder area.

Dianthe grimaced. The bullet had passed through the outer edge of her thigh, dark blood pooled around the hole. Charlie drew his pistol, shrugging his shoulders. "Not really a good shot with my left hand, you know. But I am sure that won't stop me from killing you, dyke, like I did her."

Charlie fired the his 9 mm, and the bullet hit three yards to Dianthe's right side. Charlie smiled like it was a joke, walking forward. He was three feet from Meredith, but his attention was focused on Dianthe.

He began adjusting his aim when Meredith bellowed his name. Charlie turned, his smile fading when the woman drove her folding knife deep into his belly. Meredith thrust it deep, twisting the short bladed Buck knife for maximum damage. He let out a curse, stumbling backwards as Meredith regained her feet.

Charlie tore out the short bladed knife and threw it aside, his hand covered with blood. He glared at his attacker. "You fucking bitch," he snarled, hand held over his hard, flat belly in disbelief as he raised his pistol. Meredith positioned herself between Charlie and Dianthe. "You're dead."

"Charlie, go to hell," Meredith hissed, gray-green eyes blazing. "You'll have to kill me first to hurt her again. This ends here, today."

"Meredith, run." Dianthe implored, rolling onto her side and struggling to free the rifle. She cursed, the top of rifle sling was tangled on a gnarled root that she was sprawled across.

The gnarled root had slipped between the heavy duty D-ring connecting the strap to rifle, effectively pinning Dianthe down. She felt like a bug pinned to a display board. She reached down to find the SOG tool she wore on her weapon's belt, keeping her eyes focused on the drama unfolding before her eyes.

Charlie spat, saying, "I'm going to kill that fucking dyke. Let you see her die. Then you are going to pay for the years you made me think you were a normal woman, Meredith."

Meredith said nothing, watching and waiting. She stood balanced on the balls of her feet, ready to strike and dodge.

Charlie moved, aiming for Dianthe. Meredith threw herself forward, ramming the man hard. She grappled his left hand, pushing his hand sideways. Even wounded, Charlie Fenton was a very strong man. He managed to keep his gun and his footing, but the bullet missed Dianthe.

The bullet thudded into the dirt several meters to the sprawled woman's side. Cursing, Charlie caught Meredith with a vicious backhand that snapped the smaller woman's head back. The blow dropped Meredith to her knees.

Charlie delivered a powerful roundhouse kick to the exhausted woman right side. Meredith yelped, flipped onto her back as she struggled to regain her breathe and feet. Another kick sent her rolling down the incline. Not one to let opportunity to escape him, Charlie followed his dazed victim. Meredith pushed herself up onto her knees and hands, determined not to go down without a fight.

"LEAVE HER ALONE," Dianthe shouted, unfolding the utility tool's knife blade. Charlie smiled at Dianthe as his final kick lifted Meredith off the ground.

It caught her in the midsection, and an explosive whoosh of air escaped Meredith's lips before she collapsed. Meredith was down for the count.

Dianthe cursed Charlie, tears of helpless rage coursing down her face as she fought the entanglement holding her firm. All her training, all her skills, were rendered useless by a stupid tree root holding her down. Meredith and she were going to die here, today, despite her abilities.

"Say good-bye to your woman, Dianthe," Charlie pronounced, enjoying the game he was playing. Another kick rolled Meredith onto her back so Dianthe could see her lover's face. "So pretty...right now."

He began raising his gun to finish Meredith when the sharp report of two high-powered rifles erupted behind him. Blood spurted out of his shattered chest, and blood wet his lips. He dropped his gun, his shaking hand touching torn flesh. For a brief instant disbelief registered on Charlie's face, then his body crumpled beside Meredith. Jason and Morgan emerged from the woods, both winded from the run they had made.

Morgan kicked Charlie's pistol away, then rolled the man over. Her high-powered rifle kept level on a killer deadlier than the poor bear she had helped put down. She only relaxed her defensive posture once she saw the damage the powerful bullets had done to his chest cavity. His heart and lungs had been destroyed by the bullets. Jason knelt beside Meredith.

"Meri?" Jason touched the limp form with infinite care, feeling for a pulse. Meredith moaned, no doubt regretting she had regained consciousness. "Can you hear me?"

Meredith slowly opened her eyes, groaning as she hugged her battered midsection. "Jon's right: I gotta learn to duck."

"You okay?" Jason asked, checking for broken bones and wounds with his big, gentle hands. Morgan knelt beside him, shaking her head in amazement that Meredith had survived being hunted by the sick bastard that they had deemed one of them.

"Other than seeing two of you, yeah," Meredith tried rising, but fell back on her bottom. "Check Dianthe. I'll live. She's been shot."

"Stay put, kiddo," Jason insisted. "You took one hell of a beating. You most likely have broken ribs, or very bent ones. Keep an eye her, Morgan."

Morgan hunkered beside the dazed wildlife biologist, smiling, laughing and crying all at once. She gently hugged her friend, planting kisses atop her head as she let tears slid down her face. They had seen Meredith go down, and thought she had been killed. "Goddess, Meredith, you got to stop scaring the crap outta me like this, okay?"

"Karen?"

"She's with the young agent that bastard shot. He's being medevaced as we speak. He's strong and young, but he may never walk again. Think we will need another medevac. We thought you were hit, Meri."

"Actually, I tripped," Meredith laughed, shaking her head. "Ground squirrel nest. Got winded, so decided to play possum. And I was tired of running."

Morgan affectionately mused her friend's hair, and held her close with gruff affection. They heard Jason call for a medevac for Dianthe, once he informed the teams that Charles Brain Fenton was dead. He was busy tending to the sprawled woman whose attention was focused elsewhere. Karen appeared, bearing a heavy duty run bag with ease. She trotted towards Jason and Dianthe, knowing the woman had been shot.

"Dianthe..." Meredith simply murmured, struggling to regain her footing.

"Meri--" Morgan began, falling silent with the level look that ended the discussion. Morgan slipped a supporting arm around the bruised and bloody woman, helping her reach her lover's side. Jason had untangled Dianthe, and helped her sit up while Karen cut away the bloody jeans.

Rinsing over the wound site, Karen swiftly bandaged the thigh wound with bulky dressings and gauze. Jason shook his head when he saw Morgan and Meredith. "Xavier, keep your ass down. You got a through and through hole in your thigh, and I do not want to learn if you got a nicked artery waiting to go."

Morgan lowered Meredith beside her wounded partner, knowing the women would need to assure themselves the other was safe. Dianthe reached out and snared Meredith's right hand, blinking back tears of joy. "I love you," they said simultaneously to each other.

Jason shook his head, unable to stay annoyed at the stubborn wildlife biologist. "And you, young lady, better not move again, or I am telling Annie and your Mother."

Meredith flinched, grinning at the man. "You do not play fair, Jason."

"Too bad, kiddo," Jason growled, watching the approach of the National Guard paramedics. Meredith and Dianthe linked hands, lost in each other's eyes, heedless of what the paramedics would think.

They had survived. Dianthe leaned over and claimed Meredith's lips in brief, sweet kiss. Then, the paramedics began preparing the two women for transport.

****************

Annie and Martha had roommates for the next six days and nights. Dianthe and Meredith were both being held by the doctors for various medical concerns. Dianthe had lucked out, the bullet had passed through her upper leg with out hitting major blood vessels or bone. She would be sideline for several very long weeks, but she would fully recuperate.

Meredith had sustained a mild concussion, badly bruised ribs, numerous other abrasions, bruises and cuts, not to mention extreme exhaustion and malnutrition that had her doctors fuming. Patrick came and personally read the riot act to Meredith about taking better care of herself, and letting Jason and Annie known neither woman would be fit for duty for seven weeks.

Annie laughed at least she would have some company for cards. Meredith grinned, leering at Dianthe. It was obvious what type of cards she wanted to play with her lover. Martha's family came by for visits, and Dianthe met the coltish young girl with stars in her eyes.

When the women were released, they were fast friends with Martha and her rowdy clan. Martha told Dianthe and Meredith they would be able to get flights to Seattle whenever needed.

Jason and Annie dropped the lovers off. Morgan and Karen would spend the next few days with them. Furball, it seemed, had been spoiled rotten. Morgan explained Kelly had come by everyday to tend to the kitty, and had bonded with him.

Sleek, well groomed, and full of himself, Furball greeted his humans with feline disdain. It lasted about five minutes until he saw his humans were hurt. Annoyance forgotten, he spent the next few days proving what a loving fellow he could be.

Dianthe and Meredith spent those quiet days mending, simply enjoying being alive and in love. Gentle touches and soft kisses were shared often, though both wished they could express their love in a more physical manner.

But both were simply too battered for the time being. And having Karen and Morgan staying in the main house made sure neither woman overdid anything.

************

The house was hidden inside the forested area of a little known road of Southwest Harbor. Hidden from the rush and crush of the summer season where tourists taxed the patience of the island natives. Dianthe drove along the dirt road, nervous and pleased. She would finally be meeting Meredith's beloved grandparents.

Two weeks had passed since the events up on Fire Mountain, and they were both well on the road to recovery. Kelly was housing and kitty sitting, no doubt enjoying the house she would have for the next three weeks.

Annie would be returning to light duty in another ten weeks, and they would be back on duty when they returned. Light duty, but duty nonetheless. Seasonal rangers were being held over, extended for six weeks beyond their usual end of business date, and several full timers had been temporarily brought up out of the Seattle office. Charlie Fenton had been buried, his rambling diaries turned over to law enforcement agencies. The murder of Mike Drango and the other wildlife biologist had been solved.

Charlie had been the assassin for both men. Drango, because he had learned about Dawson's drug and gun running. It seemed Mike Drango had died because of his principles. The wildlife biologist had died because he could testify. There was a list of other victims, including Maggie Sanderson, and victims during his time as a State Trooper. Charlie had killed over twenty-nine men and women in the name of his America, granting closure for the families of his victims.

None of the staff had attended his funeral. With his diaries in hand, the federal authorities went to pick up Dawson. He had fled, abandoning his wife and daughter to avoid being imprisoned. He had gotten over the Canadian border, and had gotten on a plane bound for South America.

He was now a hunted man. His own henchman's diaries were more damning than Meredith's photographs. Charlie Fenton had become the worst enemy Dawson had.

"There..." Meredith inclined her head towards the beautiful seaside house that blended with the background. Rose brushes shrouded, it had a commanding view of the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Sitting on a porch swing were two silver haired figures, holding hands and chatting.

Dianthe drove down the sheltered road towards the sprawling house where Meredith's grandparents were waiting. They rose, waving to the rented Jeep driving down the road.

Meredith slid out of the vehicle and rushed forward to embrace her beloved Grandparents. Dianthe watched how they held her lover close, pride and love obvious in their bearing. Meredith hugged her grandparents, laughing and kissing them with pure joy.

During the six-hour flight, and long drive she had told Dianthe stories about her grandparents. Meredith's deep love for her family, especially her grandparents, was clear with each story she shared.

Dianthe watched, feeling momentarily awkward. Meredith turned, reaching out to her with proud eyes.

Dianthe walked forward, hating the cane she needed for the next few weeks. James Dennis Murphy inclined his head, offering a still strong hand as his hazel eyes shone with delight. "Welcome, Dianthe."

"Thank you, Mister Murphy."

"You can call us Granddad and Grandma," Regina Murphy insisted, keeping an arm around her favorite grandchild. Her mere blue eyes twinkled with mirth. "We are glad Meredith has found someone that loves her as much as she loves them."

Dianthe blinked back tears. Except for her parents, she was not very close to the rest of her family. They did not approve of her lesbianism. She beamed, and said, "Yes, Grandmother Murphy."

Meredith smiled, and the four of them started to enter the enchanting house by the sea. Dianthe sent a silent prayer of gratitude to the benevolent god that granted her this woman. this life. She spotted the telltale contrails of military jets in the bright blue sky. Dianthe focused on the two jets, knowing they were Tomcats.

Dianthe sighed.

Meredith stood beside her, watching the jets disappear from view. She reached out and swept her fingertips across the other woman's hand. Dianthe turned, gazing deeply into her lover's sea green eyes and smiled. She leaned down and kissed Meredith, a tender kiss that made them both smile. She let Meredith lead her inside the beautiful home where her new family and life waited.

The End


Send feedback to: Rangstlnm@aol.com

---

RangerLiz's Scrolls
Main Page