Free Yellowstone Standoff by Scott Graham Page B

arm. White pelicans circled the barren islands in tight formations. The big, heavy birds skimmed the surface of the water like squadrons of World War II bombers. The islands served as the endangered pelicans’ rookery, separating the birds from onshore predators. The upper Yellowstone emptied into the arm ofthe lake south of the islands. The river’s surface was dark in the shadows of the lodgepole pines rising close on both banks.
    Chuck turned to Janelle, who held her hands out to the crackling flames. “You did an amazing job out there.”
    â€œI felt good about it,” she admitted. She tucked her hands in her jacket pockets. “Like that was what I was supposed to be doing.”
    â€œYou’ve found your true calling: saving lives.”
    Her cheeks reddened.
    â€œI’m not joking,” he said.
    â€œI know. That’s why I’m blushing. I feel like, finally, I’m getting to grow up. You have no idea what having two little girls can do to you, especially if you’re just a girl yourself when you have them.”
    He grinned. “You’re right. I have no idea what it’s like to be a girl, or to give birth.”
    Janelle shook her head. “Diapers and baby food and kiddie TV, that’s been my life for as long as I can remember. I traded away my twenties—” She stopped, the color in her cheeks deepening. “Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade Carm and Rosie for anything.”
    â€œI know that.”
    â€œIt’s just, finally, they’re getting bigger. I mean, look at them over there with Clarence.” She waved at the shoreline. “They couldn’t care less if I’m here, which is about the first time that’s ever happened.”
    â€œThey’re great kids because you devoted yourself to them,” Chuck said.
    She tucked her hands in her jacket pockets. “I know what it has cost me—in a good way, that is. But now, thanks to you—thanks to us, together—there’s a real future out there for the four of us, and just for me, too. And that last part feels good.”
    â€œI’m glad.” He slipped his hand into her jacket pocket and wrapped his fingers around hers. “So tell me, are you still up for this?”
    â€œWhy wouldn’t I be?”
    â€œYou’ve watched two people almost get killed today.”
    â€œThe thing with Kaifong was an accident, the result of carelessness. And el stupido with the bear got exactly what he was asking for.”
    Chuck waited, wanting her to be sure.
    â€œThe girls have been looking forward to this trip as much as I have,” she said. She aimed a finger from inside her jacket pocket at Kaifong, sorting the Drone Team’s plastic storage cases.
    â€œThat’s who I want the girls to be when they grow up. If she’s not quitting after what she just went through, then the girls and I aren’t quitting, either. Got it, muchacho ?”
    â€œ Sí, esposa mia ,” Chuck said. He squeezed her hand. “ Claro que sí .”
    He turned away before she could see the worry in his eyes.

12
    A t Turret Cabin, Lex drew Chuck aside.
    â€œI owe you some pretty big thanks, from what I hear,” the ranger said. “Your wife, too.”
    â€œRight place, right time,” Chuck replied.
    â€œWhat happened, exactly?”
    â€œThey were messing around at the back of the boat when it hit a swell. Bad timing.”
    Kaifong had completed the hike to the cabin without difficulty.
    â€œNot a good way to start the summer.”
    â€œEveryone will be more careful now.”
    Lex chortled darkly. “We’ll see.”
    The two men observed the research camp springing to life before them.
    A white, rectangular mess tent towered beside Turret Patrol Cabin. The historic log cabin, half the size of the tent, was one in a string of “snowshoe cabins” built in the Yellowstone back-country in the late