Page 47 of Beastly Mountain Man

Then I let myself appreciate everything else.

Caprice caught me.

“Safety inspection?”

“Partly.”

“I’m getting better at identifying the other part.”

I stepped closer and fixed the folded cuff of one glove. “You’re good.”

“Do I get a briefing?”

“Short one. Once we’re outside.”

“Excellent.”

We went out through the rear door.

Cold hit fast after hours inside. Caprice inhaled sharply and paused on the deck while her eyes adjusted to the brightness.

The ridge had returned.

Clouds still covered the higher peaks, but the nearest slope showed between the trees, every exposed surface buried under white. Pine branches sagged beneath the weight. The open area behind the rentals stretched clean and untouched except for the paths crews had made near the buildings.

Caprice took two steps.

“That looks like a lot more snow from out here.”

“It usually does.”

She looked at me. “I’m going to need better guidance than that.”

I pointed across the open area.

“Stay between the trees on the left and the marked property boundary on the right. Don’t go past the posts toward the steeper slope. Lift your feet instead of shuffling. If you fall in deep powder, roll onto your knees before you try to stand.”

She nodded seriously.

“Ice?”

“Possible anywhere the snow gets packed. Stay off the plowed road unless I tell you it’s clear. Fresh powder is safer.”

“Bear?”

I looked behind us.

He stood crouched with his tail high.

“He’s probably the bigger hazard.”

Bear launched.

Caprice had just enough warning to turn.

He hit the drift beside her instead of her body, sending powder over her boots, legs, and one side of her coat.

She stared down.