Free [Alaskan Quest 03] - Whispers of Winter by Tracie Peterson

friend.”
    Keith nodded. “I’d love to join you. I can guard camp, watch for ships, and pray all at the same time. God will still listen even if I don’t close my eyes.”
    Jayce chuckled. “I can be sure of that. I’ve prayed a great deal while pacing or driving dogs. I didn’t close my eyes then either.”
    “I’ve been memorizing some Scripture,” Keith told him. “I figured to go back to civilization with a big portion of the Bible memorized.”
    “And is it working?” Jayce asked.
    “I’ve got most of the New Testament done. I’m working on Isaiah now.”
    “That’s impressive.” Jayce glanced back at the shelter. “I have a friend who has a difficult decision to make. A lifechanging decision. He trusts God, but this is a matter of the heart.”
    “Which always complicates matters,” Keith added.
    “Have you ever been in love?”
    Keith laughed. “I still am. I have a wonderful wife and three beautiful children.”
    “You must miss them very much. I know I miss my wife and the twins.”
    “I knew you had twins. I heard Jacob talk about them. You’re married to his sister, right?”
    Keith’s knowledge of his situation only served to make Jayce feel worse about not having gotten to know the man better. “Yes. Leah is Jacob’s sister. She’s an amazing woman.”
    “She’d have to be to live in Alaska.”
    “Where is your family?”
    “California.”
    Jayce smiled. “Where it’s always nice and warm.”
    “Well, most of the time,” Keith admitted. “We have our storms and our problems, but nothing like this.”
    “Will your wife despair over what’s happened?” Jayce asked cautiously. “Will she believe you to be lost—dead?” He forced the final word.
    “Janessa? Never. She’s not one to give up easily. That’s one of the things I love about her. She has great faith and hope.” Keith opened his Bible and started to say something more but was quickly hushed.
    “You dirty rotten …” The sound of men fighting spilled into the peaceful moments Jayce had been enjoying with Keith.
    Both men turned to look toward one of the other shelters. Bristol and Elmer were arguing about something. Then without warning Elmer raised a pistol and fired it over Bristol’s head. Things had taken a deadly turn.
    “What’s going on?” Jacob asked as he came outside.
    “I don’t know,” Jayce answered. Keith was already heading off to see what was going on. “It just started. Elmer fired the pistol at Bristol, but just over his head.”
    “I heard it. I thought maybe the war had come to us.”
    Another shot sounded. Jayce narrowed his eyes as Jacob checked his own revolver to make sure it was loaded. “Come on. We’d better see what this is all about.”

Chapter Seven
    E lmer! Bristol! What’s the problem?” Jacob called as he approached. He didn’t want to startle the men and have them turn on him, so he slowed his pace and tried again. “Elmer, put down the gun and tell me what’s wrong.”
    “He said I was stealing. Called me a thief.”
    “You are a thief!” Bristol countered. He could barely stand due to his bad foot. “I saw you get into the food locker. You were taking what didn’t belong to you.”
    “Food belongs to all of us. I went out on the last hunt and brought down the biggest seal. That ought to count for something.”
    “There’s no call for using a weapon against a man. Not here. We’re too few in number, and we need every man just to survive.” Jacob kept a tight grip on his revolver. “Put the gun down, Elmer, and let’s talk about this like civilized men.”
    “This ain’t a civilized place,” Elmer replied. “Neither is he a civilized man. I don’t see how losing my weapon will help the matter.”
    The other men had gathered by this time. Dr. Ripley rubbed his eyes. “I thought we were under attack. Are you men absolutely certain you wish to give me more work to do— under the circumstance?” He turned to Elmer. “Good grief, man. Have