Chapter Twenty
The bird-watching group threw a big “thank you” party for Kai and the crew from Rocky Peak FD. Nicole chatted with a scientist from New Zealand and tried not to stare at Kai, who was surrounded by grateful birders.
Max seemed thrilled with the whole event. He chomped on a cigar and told stories about the old days when rescuers used wooden toboggans and routinely lost fingers to frostbite. “That’s how it’s always been here. Everyone’s got each other’s backs,” he kept trumpeting. “That wilderness out there will kill you if you give it half a chance. Rocky Peak, the people here, sticking together, that’s the real deal. Good going, Kai.”
He was in such a good mood that she stopped babysitting him and allowed herself to enjoy the party.
Until a couple hours later, when she re
