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“I’m an old fool, and I could use your help,” Doc launches right in.

My concern is flagged when I hear the breathless quality of his voice.

“What’s going on?”

“I felt bad for getting on your case a bit about the house yesterday, so I thought I’d drop by with a peace offering. Unfortunately, I wasn’t careful on a turn, hit a slick spot, and slid in a ditch.”

“Jesus, Doc…are you all right?”

“I’m fine, just cold, and a little embarrassed. I’m only a few hundred feet from the turnoff onto your road and could probably walk it, but⁠—”

“No, don’t walk,” I interrupt. His breathing already sounds like he’s running a marathon. “Stay put. I’m coming to get⁠—”

But before I can finish my sentence the line goes dead, and the next moment the lights flicker once before they turn off.

Shit.

“Power outage,” I announce to Rick’s mother.

It’s not uncommon up here and I know there is a small generator in the shed I can run the fridge and a few lights on, but it’ll take me some time to get it going. I need to get Doc inside and warm first.

“Is everything okay?” Theresa looks at me with concern.

“A friend of mine is stuck in the ditch at the end of the road,” I tell her as I head for my coat on the hook by the door. “I’m going to quickly pick him up, and then I’ll take care of the lights. I won’t be long,” I promise as I shove my feet into a pair of boots.

The air outside has a real bite to it, but instead of smelling fresh and clean, there’s a hint of smokiness. Maybe some hunters with a camp around here somewhere. Deer season is over, but the hunt for elk and bear continues through to the end of this month. I’m not a fan of hunters getting too close though, I’ve seen the results of too many ugly hunting accidents at the hospital, I don’t wish to become a victim to one. I hope they’re careful with that campfire too. Other than a few flurries, it’s been pretty dry this summer and fall, and it doesn’t take much to ignite a forest fire. Even this late in the season it’s not unheard of in these mountains.

As I turn left at the end of the driveway and head down Quarry Road, my anxiety grows as the smell of smoke is getting thicker. I can actually see it hanging in the air as I head down the mountain. It’s impeding my visibility when I make my final turn to the main road, but I have no trouble recognizing the dark orange glow of flames maybe a few hundred yards ahead and stomp on my brakes.

It looks like the entire road is engulfed, from one side clear to the other. Flames are shooting up the trees, towering high on either side, fueled by layers of fallen leaves and small branches acting as tinder. All it would’ve taken is a spark.

I’m torn, because down there is a man I treasure and respect who may be in harm’s way, but I’m not even sure I’ll be able to get to him, and behind me, Theresa is waiting back at the house, unaware of what is heading her way.

As I do a three-point turn and rush back up the mountain, I try to call emergency services, but am met with dead air. Nothing, no service whatsoever.

My heart sinks.

Chapter 24

Rick

* * *

I can see the smoke from a mile away.

Immediately, I try to call into the station to see if any reports of fire have come in, but am met with dead air. I must’ve hit one of those dead pockets and reach for the radio I had the foresight to grab on my way out.

“Dispatch, this is Rick Althoff, Sheriff’s Department, come in.”

“This is dispatch, go ahead.”

“Any reports of a fire on the east side of Lizard Mountain?”

I can see flames as I come over the next ridge, and my heart sinks as I close in on the exit to Dana’s place.

“Negative.”

“I’m reporting it now. Forest fire five miles south of Silence on Highway 2 at the turnoff onto Quarry Road.”