With the first dog-sled expected to rush over the snow-covered trail that ran through Aliak shortly after noon the next day, the town was filled to capacity. The inn had no free rooms for travelers—most pitched tents of their own in the makeshift colony just on the outskirts of town; others bartered for space in stables and spare bedrooms, anywhere to be in out of the cold. When Jack left their table a second time in search of lodging, Emmett trailed behind him, unwilling to be left alone in Monty’s company for long. The man had a greasy way of getting too close too fast, and no matter how much he tried to steel his heart against Monty, Emmett knew that charming smile could distract him too easily.
The only room available was a small log shed at the edge of town. Jack paid a silent India
