Aliak wasn’t normally a busy town. A settlement consisting of nothing more than a handful of log homes ringed with tents, it served as a final outpost before crossing the Susitna River and delving deeper into the wilderness. The most excitement that came through Aliak was the dog-sleds, racing through the wintry landscape, over slush and snow. Race fans followed the mushers north along the trail, filling inns and camping out to follow their favorites. Bets were placed, fortunes made or lost, in the few days it took the dogs to cross the frozen landscape. The small town of Aliak found itself transformed from a sleepy burg to a bustling city for as long as the dogs ran through.
Emmett entered the town with Jack on his left, where his partner could see him. Monty kept ahead of them, prowlin
