Free Adam by Kris Michaels Page B

relationship with him.”
    “Dude, come hell or high water, I’m getting you on the ground. You have a shit-ton of damage control.”
    Doc closed his eye and answered the only way he could. “Roger that, Captain.”
    “Major.”
    “What-the-fuck-ever, dude. Get me on the ground.”
    “Roger that.”



Chapter Nine
    “You can’t be serious! Young lady, there is a blizzard barreling this way and you’re going up into the hills? What on earth are you thinking? Or are you thinking?” Aunt Betty’s disapproving rant was just another notch in Keelee’s freaking abysmal day. Day? Crap, try month or year, or three .
    Keelee straightened from the supply packs she was working on and drew a deep breath, trying to calm her frayed nerves. “Clint said there was a family staying in the old homestead west of the line shack. I… I can’t sit here nice and warm knowing that anyone, especially children, may be in trouble. I’ll take a snowmobile out and be back before it’s time to feed.” Keelee turned away from her aunt before the older woman could notice the tears that misted in her eyes.
    “Honey, if there is a family up there, they’re hiding from something or somebody. Do you think they’re going to take kindly to you just showing up? They’re squatters, for heaven’s sake! For all you know, they’ll shoot you rather than talk to you. And going up there in this weather?” Betty threw her hands out to her sides to signify her incredulity with the situation.
    The older woman’s exasperation and Keelee’s determination collided tangibly as she worked to tighten the clasp on a pack.
    Her aunt’s tenacious tirade relented a little. She must have realized Keelee wasn’t going to stop. “Well, dang it all to hell and back! Sweetheart, at least make Clint go with you! What I’d like to know is why didn’t he do something for them when he saw them yesterday? What kind of man drops a bomb like that on a lady’s lap and then heads off to his own home warm and snug?”
    Raking her hand through her hair, Keelee shook her head. “I don’t know, Aunt Betty… I’m sure he had his reasons for not helping them out when he saw them.”
    Her response froze the older woman in her tracks. “Well, did he tell you why? I mean it’s December. It’s freezing. He should’ve done something yesterday. I question his rationale for getting you involved. If you weren’t dating him, I’d say wash your hands of him and good riddance.”
    Keelee pulled on her down-filled floor-length duster and grabbed at the wool hat, scarf and gloves next to the kitchen door. She wasn’t beautiful. She knew exactly what the men saw when they saw her. At six feet, she was too tall. Work had hardened her muscles. She wasn’t soft or feminine. She wore her dirty blonde hair long because she couldn’t be bothered to take time to get it cut or styled, and her blue eyes were way too big for her face.
    Keelee turned and threw the loaded packs onto her shoulder before she met her aunt’s gaze. “Sorry, Aunt Betty, I’m a big girl. I’ll see who I want, when I want. I don’t plan on washing my hands of Clint. Why would I? He’s nice enough.”
    “Nice enough? That’s not a ringing endorsement. Why don’t you go after someone who sets your blood on fire? Someone like…”
    “Stop it now, Aunt Betty. I know you have a crush on Dr. Cassidy, but you can’t expect me to chase after every man Guardian ships through here. I’ll stick with Clint. He’s what I’m used to.”
    “Child, don’t settle.”
    “Settle? Guess that’s impossible since no one has talked about a commitment.”
    Keelee grabbed her equipment and slammed the door shut before her aunt could respond. She headed toward the barn while glancing at the gray morning sky. The low clouds hung pregnant with snow. Dark pillowed swells threatened to let loose the storm that had been forecast. Well, bring it on. I’m in the mood for a fight.
    Keelee entered the barn and stalked