Hunted by Lindsay Buroker

asked.
    Kali scowled. “No. It’s just pitch glue, but
it’s wedged in there good. We can’t use the bicycle until I can get
back to my workshop and find some turpentine or something suitable
for breaking the bond.” Kali jammed her hands against her hips. “We
shot this woman, Cedar. How could she possibly be spry enough to
perform all these pursuit-delaying feats with blood gushing down
her arm?”
    “Human beings are resourceful and dangerous,
doubly so when they’re desperate. Which is why tracking them is
always perilous and takes experience and expertise.” Cedar folded
his arms over his chest. He must be employing great restraint not
to add, “I told you so.”
    “All right, I apologize for belittling
tracking,” Kali said. “I know your work is dangerous and hard, and
I know a dog couldn’t do it. I was just...irked about the money,
even though I knew you were right and I hadn’t done anything to
contribute, much as I haven’t done anything today.” She curled a
lip at herself. “I’m not...good at patience. I had hopes of getting
my airship together this summer and escaping this place before I
was stuck here for another dark endless winter of being haunted by
memories that are impossible to forget when you face constant
reminders.”
    Cedar lifted an arm and stepped forward, as
if to hug her. Her eyes widened. She was just letting loose some
steam; she didn’t need a hug. What kind of female meltdown did he
think she was having?
    He must have read her expression, for he
dropped his arm before touching her. He clasped his hands behind
his back, and she wanted to kick herself. No wonder he had no
interest in going to the dancing hall with her. She was as warm and
inviting as a glacier.
    “We better go if we want any chance of
reaching Sebastian’s claim before it’s completely dark out here,”
Kali mumbled. “Especially since we’re walking.”
    “Do you want me to go after the woman? I can
deal with her and meet you at the claim.”
    “No, it looks like she’s heading back to
Dawson. Her annoying booby-trap skills aside, she’s still human, I
assume, and she’ll need time to heal and recover. I bet we can find
her there when we’re done up here.” Besides, as good as Cedar was,
Kali worried this woman might have tricks up her blood-saturated
sleeve that could thwart him. “And,” she added, “if I show up alone
with my bedroll forgotten, Sebastian might think I want to reunite
with him.”
    “I assume you would be quick to disavow him
of that notion,” Cedar said, but he was already heading up the
trail.
    She caught up and walked beside him. “With my
Winchester if necessary.”
    “Good.”
     

PART III
     
    Though long days graced the Yukon in May,
Kali and Cedar still did not make it to Sebastian’s camp before
nightfall. The faintest hint of twilight lightened the horizon, but
full darkness blanketed the forest. Fortunately, a well-used trail
ran along the Sixty Mile. The sound of rushing water guided them
further, though they had to step carefully when they reached the
claims. Sluice boxes, pans, and mining tools littered the rocky
bank, and in places water flowed over the trail. With the snow
melting, the river ran wide and high. One might stand on one side
and shoot a critter on the other, but swimming would be a tricky
endeavor. Since Wilder’s claim lay on the far side, she assumed
Cedar would have to borrow a boat to investigate.
    “Are we getting close?” Kali asked softly,
aware of men nearby.
    The claims were long and narrow, each with a
small piece of waterfront, so numerous camps were visible along the
shoreline. Cedar and Kali had already passed through several
without the prospectors noticing.
    “Yes,” Cedar said.
    Campfires burned at intermittent spots, most
near the water. Men’s voices rose and fell in conversations and
sometimes song. Drink gave some of the voices a boisterous slur.
Kali doubted there were many women out here, if any, and she was
glad