Summer of the Midnight Sun (18 page)

She took up paper and pen and thought of the questions she would pose to the Canadian authorities. She needed to know if Jayce was wanted for other crimes during the past year. She would also need to check with the expedition headquarters and find out the truth of Jayce’s employment with them. He claimed to have been there for some time; there was no doubt a record of that. Perhaps she could even learn if Kincaid was given over to long absences—which might explain how he could seemingly be in two places at once.

But even as she jotted down notes to herself, Helaina couldn’t keep the image of Jacob Barringer from coming to mind. She would have to contact the Yukon and Alaskan authorities and learn about his past as well. No doubt there were things he would just as soon keep buried and hidden away. She smiled to herself and wrote several questions regarding Jacob.

Duty continued to call her back to her scribbled thoughts on Kincaid. At the top of her list was a question she underlined several times. If she could get an answer for it—she just might solve the puzzle.

How could Jayce Kincaid be two places at one time?

————

“I think you’re right,” Leah told Jacob as they finalized the shipping arrangements for a load of rice and coffee.

“Right about what?”

“Going to see Karen and Adrik. Despite your plans falling through, I don’t think it should stop my trip to Ketchikan. Do you suppose you could get Oopick to continue running the store for a while? I know there will be a lot of work to do to store food for next winter, but perhaps if I promise to bring extra supplies when I return—maybe bring a few things they wouldn’t normally have—it wouldn’t be so bad.”

“I figure there’s nothing wrong with just opening the store once a week,” her brother replied. “I mean, it’s all well and fine to have it open daily when we’re there, but I don’t see that needs to be the way it is when we’re gone. If Oopick only has to worry about doing business there once a week, then I can’t see why it would interfere with her preparations for winter.”

“That’s true,” Leah said, nodding. “I could probably stay a couple of months that way.”

Jacob signed a paper offered him by the merchant, then turned to Leah with a big grin. “Now you’re talking. You can have a great summer together. My only desire is that you’d be back by September. Would that work? I promised Anamiaq to help him with some trapping come winter.”

“Of course. I could even be back sooner.”

They walked away from the merchant and headed toward the shipping office. “September will be soon enough. Why don’t you make your reservation now? Then you won’t have to worry about it.”

She grinned. “I wasn’t intending to worry about it.”

Jacob studied her for a moment and laughed. “Well, I guess given everything else you fret over, I figured you might rest easier if the matter was done and behind you.”

Leah considered his words for a moment. “I’m trying hard to understand God’s will for my life. I think sometimes I know exactly where He’s leading, but other times things seem so obscure. Does that make any sense?”

“Of course it does. I often feel that way myself. I remember back to when we were children—the plans I had then, the dreams. I didn’t see myself here, that’s for sure. Adventure was something our father craved—not me. Yet here we are.”

They began walking again, and Leah couldn’t help but ask, “What about Arctic exploration? Are you still thinking you’d like a chance at that?”

Jacob said nothing for several minutes, just enough time to see them to their next destination—the ticket office. “I guess I wouldn’t say no to the opportunity. It sure intrigues me, so I guess there’s more of our father in me than I care to admit.” He grinned at her. “But . . . well . . . I really only said yes this time because I felt the Lord wanted me to be there for Jayce. His faith is just growing—he hasn’t really had another man of God in his life. You know, someone to share his faith and discuss Scriptures. With Jayce laid up, we’ve had some great times of study and prayer. Sometimes the doctor even joins us.”

Leah had no idea. “That’s wonderful, Jacob.”

“I see it all as part of God’s plan. Jayce wants more out of life—he needs more. I’m convinced that what he longs for is a closer understanding of who God is and what He wants for his life.”

Leah nodded. She knew exactly the meaning of that longing. “I’m glad you’ve helped him, Jacob.”

“I’ll tell you something else too.” He paused, as if trying to think of the exact words he should say. “I think Jayce is just now coming to realize what he lost when he said no to you ten years ago. I think—and this is just my opinion—that he’s sorry for that loss.”

Leah thought her heart might skip a beat. She swallowed hard. Could Jacob be implying something more in his words? Could there be a way to reclaim those lost years?

“Why would you say that?” She looked in Jacob’s eyes. There was no hint of teasing or exaggeration. His expression, to be honest, was quite encouraging.

“I think he’s a smart man—smarter at least than he used to be,” Jacob said, looking out at the water. “I know from our talks that he’s more compassionate and caring than he was ten years ago. I credit God’s touch on his life for that.”

Jacob motioned toward the ticket office. “You going to get your ticket or just stand around out here talking?”

Leah wanted to tell him the ticket could wait, but she didn’t.

Instead, she marched toward the office, contemplating whether Jayce would be upset to find she’d gone. Perhaps her absence would help him to put things in clear perspective. Maybe it would even give him reason to care.

————

“I can’t say I’ll be sorry to leave you, Doc,” Jayce said, trying to walk without using his cane.

Dr. Cox chuckled. “I’ll be sorry to lose you. You’re taking the best assistant I’ve ever had—male or female.” He looked to Leah and beamed a smile. “You are a very talented healer, Leah. You should get formal training.”

“I’m a little old to be going back to school. Still, I hope the things I’ve learned here with you help me to help others,” Leah replied.

Jayce took several solid steps. “Well, look at me, will you? I’m managing this pretty well, wouldn’t you say?”

Leah laughed as Jayce gave a little hop. “You aren’t yet up to running behind a sled, but I think once you give yourself a little more time, you’ll be fit as the next man. By the time the snows come, you won’t even remember this little diversion.”

Jayce shook his head. “I’ll remember it. I’ve learned my lesson about wading in to break up fighting dogs.”

“So will you leave tomorrow?” the doctor asked.

“Yes. We’ve been gone long enough,” Jacob declared.

“You’re welcome in Last Chance anytime you’d like to come visit, Dr. Cox,” Leah said, smiling. “I’m sure the people would be glad to welcome a real doctor.”

Jacob headed for the door and opened it. “We’ll be staying our last night at the hotel just up the street. If you have need of us—you know where to find us.”

They parted company and headed to the hotel. Jayce focused on each step, careful not to step into a rut or sinkhole. The leg was much better, but it pained him. Still, he knew he’d probably have nothing more than a stump had it not been for Leah’s attentiveness.

He stole a glance at her as she walked just slightly ahead of her brother. She radiated a kind of beauty that other women lacked. He knew confidently that this light came from within her soul.
How could I have been so cruel to her? How could I not have seen the genuineness of her heart?
Once again he regretted the choices he’d made ten years ago.

“I’m so glad to have found you,” Helaina Beecham said, greeting the trio at the hotel.

Jayce nearly groaned aloud. What was this woman’s attraction to him? She seemed unnaturally intent on keeping track of his health. She constantly asked the doctor about when he might be released and still talked of how she longed for him to join her in Seattle. But he didn’t even know this woman.

“What do you need, Mrs. Beecham?” Jacob asked.

“Well, I need your help.” She smiled, and Jayce couldn’t help but feel that she was yet again up to something underhanded. He and Jacob had talked at length about who she was and why she had attached herself to the party.

Jacob pushed past her and motioned to Leah to go ahead. “I can’t imagine that we have anything to offer, but let’s go inside so that Jayce can sit, and then you can tell us all about it.”

Once they were seated in the lobby, Helaina wasted little time before sharing her needs. “I’d like to come back to your village and learn how to handle the dogs. I’ve received word that although there will be no second expedition this year”—she looked to Jayce—“there will be another team coming up next year. I volunteered to learn how to handle the dogs and sleds, and the association has granted me several hundred dollars to see to purchases and such.”

Jayce noted Jacob’s look of annoyance and was surprised when he said, “I suppose we could squeeze in one more person. You will need to bring plenty of winter supplies, however. Once we’re up there, I don’t intend to be bringing passengers back to Nome.”

“I don’t mind at all. In fact, I have purchased several pieces from the natives. I have mukluks and sealskin pants, as well as a heavy parka and fur mittens.” She seemed quite pleased with herself.

“I’m glad you’re finally being reasonable,” Jacob said.

“When do we leave?” Helaina asked.

“Tomorrow—midday,” Jacob said. “You can sleep late. It’ll probably be your last chance for a while.”

“That sounds lovely. I’ll cherish it.” She got up to take her leave. “I’ll see you all in the morning.”

Leah had refrained from speaking until Helaina was gone. “I thought you wanted to be rid of her. Why did you say yes?”

Jacob and Jayce both leaned toward her at this point. “That woman is dangerous. She’s clearly up to something—no good, if you ask me,” Jacob said. “I figure it might be wise to keep an eye on her. If you have to have a bear in the house, you might as well determine where he sleeps. Or where she sleeps, in this case. Mrs. Beecham has an unnatural interest in our party—especially in Jayce. We need to know why. Otherwise she could prove to be more dangerous than any of us suspect.”

“Well, you are full of surprises,” Leah said, shaking her head.

Jayce laughed and eased back into his chair feeling quite satisfied. “You don’t know the half of it.”

Chapter Fifteen

L
eah suppressed a yawn as she prepared to leave Nome. She felt a sense of regret and sadness over leaving Jayce. Yet at the same time, she needed to leave him. She needed time to clear her head and think about the future.

“Are you ready?” Jacob asked.

“I am. I’m tired, so I hope to just go to my cabin and rest. Are you sure you’ll be all right with Mrs. Beecham?” She grinned at her brother but just then caught sight of Jayce. “What’s he doing here?”

“It’s a surprise of sorts,” Jacob said. “I hope you won’t be mad.”

“Mad about what?” Her heart pounded in her ears. Jayce carried a small bag in one hand while balancing his cane with the other.

“He’s coming with you.”

She looked at Jacob as if he’d lost his mind. “What are you saying?”

“Look, I can’t explain it all just now, but we have some reasons to be concerned about Mrs. Beecham’s motives for wanting to go north with us. She’s lied about several things, including the possibility of a second expedition this summer. She’s tried over and over to get Jayce to accompany her to Seattle, but we don’t know why.”

“I know that much is true,” Leah said, remembering Helaina’s request that she encourage Jayce to go south. “But I presumed she was merely attracted to him. Why is this going to help?”

Jayce had joined them by now. “Morning, all.”

“I was just trying to explain to Leah why you’re here,” Jacob said. He turned back to Leah. “Helaina has imposed herself on our trip back to Last Chance. Jayce and I are convinced it has to do with him, but we don’t know why. If he instead goes with you to Ketchikan, leaving now before she knows what’s going on, then she’ll be forced to show her hand or come with me.”

“But what will that prove?” Leah questioned. She was still unnerved by the idea of Jayce accompanying her on the ship.

“I’m hoping it might prove what she’s really up to. Look, I know you didn’t plan for company, but it is dangerous to travel alone. I figure Jayce can look after you, and I’ll rest a whole lot easier. Please don’t be angry with us.”

Leah glanced from her brother’s pleading expression to Jayce’s face. He appeared delighted with the entire matter. “I’m not angry. Just confused.”

“If there had been another way, I would have tried it. This seems the only choice other than just calling her a liar.”

“And I truly do have business to tend to,” Jayce declared. “There are some matters for me to address in Juneau. I can just get transportation from Ketchikan and rejoin you when you’re ready to return to Nome.”

Leah tried to relax. Jayce wasn’t coming to Ketchikan for her company. That much was easy to see. Especially given his last statement. “All right. I suppose the matter is already settled. We’d best be on our way or we’ll miss the ship.” She leaned over and gave Jacob a peck on the cheek. “Please be careful. She may be dangerous.”

Jacob laughed. “More to herself than to me. I plan to put her through the most arduous of trainings. By the time you two get back, she’ll be able to run a dog team almost as good as you can.”

Leah watched Jacob and Jayce shake hands. “Take care of her,” Jacob told Jayce.

“I will. I promise.”

The words caused Leah to wince. She turned away.
You’ll take care of me for Jacob,
she thought,
but not because you want to. I’m an obligation—nothing more. I have to remember that
.

————

Jacob was glad to see Kimik and some of the other village men. “I wasn’t sure if you’d get word or not.” He shook Kimik’s hand and gave him a hearty pat on the back.

“Icharaq’s brother came just in time. We were headed out to hunt. Are these all the supplies?” he asked, looking at the stacks around them.