Watcher in the Woods (Rockton #4)(114)

Dalton breaths. “Fuck. Yeah. So he gets the call. He leaves Roy’s cell door unlocked, setting up an alternate suspect. He runs and tells others to help find Will . . .”

“While he sneaks into the forest and cuts us off. And there’s one more thing. Yesterday, Jen didn’t want Roy in the clinic with Kenny alone overnight while Kenny was incapacitated. Where did Paul end up after his suicide attempt?”

“In the clinic with Garcia. Well, with Garcia’s body, but he didn’t know the guy was dead.”

“So he attempts suicide and expects to recover in the clinic, alone overnight with a dying man. Easy enough to finish him off. We’d wonder, of course, but hey, it’s Paul. The poor guy tried to take his own life, and if Marshal Garcia succumbed to his injuries while Paul was in the next room, that’s just really unfortunate timing.”

“Okay, so bring Paul—”

The door opens. My sister walks in.

“I need to talk to you,” she says.

“Can it wait? We’re in the middle of—”

“No, it cannot wait. I wish to apply for residence.”

I look at Dalton, but his expression says he also thinks he’s misheard.

“You . . .” I begin.

“Your town requires a doctor. I am offering my services for a six-month term. I expect room and board and whatever credit stipend you pay. I also require a private residence. The one beside the clinic would be ideal for its location. I know Nicole is currently living there, but Kenny says that was temporary, pending the arrival of a new doctor.”

“Did Kenny talk you into this?”

“I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions, Casey.”

“Right, but you have a career—”

“I will take a Sabbatical. I have discussed . . .” She trails off, and her gaze shifts, still hard, just not quite meeting mine. “I have raised the possibility recently, so that I might pursue my own interests, as one does on Sabbatical. Financially, I do not need to work for the next six months. Or ever again. I have invested wisely, and I am free to do as I please. You require a doctor. While I am not a general practitioner, I am a trained medical physician, one who, unlike Doctor Atelier, has practiced. Also, unlike him, I am willing to do the work.”

She steps toward us. “I don’t know who you had as a doctor before me, but they overlooked many opportunities in equipping and stocking your clinic. I realize you are under restrictions here, with the remote location and the limited electrical supply, however, I see that as a challenge, one I would enjoy.”

Her eyes shine brighter than I’ve ever seen them, her face flush with what I can only call excitement. When she starts to admit that she’d enjoy the work, she stops short, and I see her mentally withdrawing from that word, looking for a way around it. She straightens her shoulders. “You need a doctor. I am willing and able to fulfill that position.”

April wants to stay. I have done the impossible. I’ve shown her something that actually piqued her interest.

I dowse the childish thrill rising in me. Tread carefully here. Do not let my own excitement blind me to the fact this is completely out of character.

“The weather is lovely now,” I say, “but when winter comes—”

“It’s the north,” she says. “I have ventured outside Vancouver, Casey, and I do not forget Ontario winters.”

“Okay, I just—”

“It’s cold and it’s dark,” she says. “I understand that. I’m not saying I look forward to taking up winter sports. I will leave that to you, Casey. For me, a long and dark winter means time to read and focus on my personal projects. I will also require books. I realize that your supply runs are limited, but an ebook reader requires relatively little charge, and I’m sure you could upload books onto it when you are in Dawson. Books of my choosing, primarily work related, but . . .” She clears her throat. “I may also find time for fiction, which I realize is frivolous . . .”

“It’s entertainment,” I say. “And a much needed mental vacation. We have absolutely no problem with that. I think we can supply an ebook reader . . .”

I look at Dalton, who gives a helpless shrug, and I realize he’s not even sure what that is.

“We’ll work it out,” I say.

“Good,” she says. “I understand what life is like up here, and I have spoken to Kenny at length about it.”

“Kenny . . .” I say.

“Yes, he’s one of the reasons I will be staying.” She hurries on, “To help his rehabilitation, of course.”

I sneak a look at Dalton. Am I imagining that flush in my sister’s cheeks? Because if I’m not . . .

Does April have a crush on Kenny?

I’m not even sure what to do with that. I do know what to do with this situation, though. What I must do, as much as I’d love to leap at the opportunity. Because it is an opportunity, not only to get a doctor but to fulfill that little-girl dream, where my sister actually wants to be near me. It doesn’t matter if she hasn’t said a word about wanting that, this is closer than I’ve ever been to having April in my world.

“Eric?” I say. “May I . . . ?” I motion to April.

He nods and pushes off the desk. “I’ll be out back.”