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Once the door closes behind them, Tawny exhales and glances up. “Thank you, Micha.”

“Don’t think you really needed me. Looked like Juni was ready to bust a move.”

He meets my gaze. I can’t tell if he’s upset or pleased. I fist one hand on my hip. “Hey a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”

He nods. “You ready to leave?”

“Yes, but...”

“It’s okay. I’m here,” another voice comes from behind Micha. The man holds out his hand. “Hi, Juniper. It’s been a while. How’s JB?”

“He’s good. On vacation with mom.”

“Thank you for keeping Tawny company.”

“It was my pleasure.” I glance at Tawny. “Maybe we can do this again once I’m settled in.”

“I’d like that a lot.”

CHAPTER 6

Micha

Juni was a feisty, headstrong child, and I can see that hasn’t changed. Knowing her dad, she’s had some serious self-defense training, but I need her to show me what she’s got.

Know-it-alls like those clueless hikers at the restaurant will always try to show off in front of a woman. Sexist punks. I served with women in the military who can easily wipe the floor with fools like that. Hell, in her prime, Gerdie would have taken them down. Maybe she’s why I’ve never doubted a woman’s capabilities. I’m watchful and can be protective if they want help. But I let them handle it unless they ask or are outnumbered.

I understand Juni’s drive and I know she’s got what it takes to be a damn good ranger and ultimately a SAR. She only needs more experience, more real-life training. I’ll help her with that and anything else she needs to be successful. To be the best.

At my cabin, I let her get out of the truck first and wait until I can approach her unnoticed from behind placing a hand on her shoulder. She hesitates a moment but goes into defense mode before I can disable her. Her moves are controlled and thought out. She breaks out of my hold. Her father’s training.

“You’re lucky I knew what you were doing, or you’d be ball-less right now.”

“I figured JB had trained you well. Just needed to see for myself.”

She nods. “I appreciate what you did at the restaurant. There was only one sort-of-threat, and I feel I could have handled him. But I always appreciate back up.”

“I suspected the same, but it made sense to let him direct his ire at me. We don’t know how long he’s in town. I’ll be letting the authorities know, and the ranger office.”

“Will Tawny be okay?”

“Yeah. They’re staying pretty close to home right now. Her step-dad is an ass so she’s... jumpy. You want to check the trail with me?”

“I thought this was private property?”

“It is, but people don’t always pay attention to keep-off signs. They also get disoriented and end up crossing onto my property rather than going up a marked trail on the mountain. So, I check.”

“I thought altimeters and compasses were required for hiking here.”

“We provide a list of essentials, but we can’t force people to follow our suggestions. They all think they’ll be fine with their phones and GPS. They don’t realize how quickly their batteries run down.”

As we hike, I point out known terrain issues, dangerous rock piles, and animal tracks. I’m pleased when she identifies a potential widow maker and together, we’re able to get the loose limb down without injury. I also point out a known and marked false ledge.

We talk about her classes and training so far and she asks question after question, soaking up the answers like a sponge. I feel the shift in the weather as we head back. An early snow fall is on the way.

Back at the cabin I need the release of chopping more wood and she offers to start dinner, promising more homemade biscuits.

I know how to cook for myself, but everything is basic. Meat and potatoes, pasta, or canned soups and chili. Hell, cereal is another staple. I can even eat it dry.