Reed nodded as he stared at the snow-covered mountains to the south. “She must have known not to go that way. I’m sure they would have taken the north trails.”

Erika thought his voice held a note of hopeful optimism, but it masked a layer of uncertainty. He was obviously struggling with his belief in his sister’s abilities.

“But I think we need to cover both trails just in case,” Reed said.

Tiffany nodded. “Okay, why don’t I lead the support team members along the north?”

The least experienced members. They should definitely go the safer route—no question. The last thing they needed was more emergencies that day.

Reed nodded. “Yes. And Tyler, Tank, Cruz and I will go along the south.”

“What about me?” Erika asked.

“You’re with Tiffany’s group,” he said.

“No. I’m going with you guys.”

“No, you’re not. You’re not an official crew member...”

“Stop. We are not doing this shit. Cassie is my best friend and I’m a doctor—if someone is hurt out there, I’m your best ally.” Cocky, arrogant, she didn’t care how she was coming across. She’d just gotten Reed and Cassie back in her life. The idea that they could be in trouble or injured and she wouldn’t be there to help would drive her crazy.

Reed walked toward her, obviously pained with a similar dilemma. “Look, my sister means everything to me...and now you are...becoming someone I care deeply about. I’m not putting your life at risk.”

“It’s not your decision. If you say no, I’ll follow you anyway.” Hard-faced, she met his stubborn stare.

“If you get hurt...”

“Then I’ll fix myself up. Let’s go,” she said with more bravado than she felt. The south mountain trails looked terrifying as shit. On a clear, sunny day she wasn’t sure she’d feel confident hiking them, and on a day like today there’d be no chance in hell, but her friend needed help. The man she was falling in love with wasn’t doing this without her.

“I want her with us,” Tank said, joining them.

Her chest swelled with pride in the man’s confidence in her.

“Me, too,” said Tyler.

She stared at Reed.

“Fine.” He reached for his backpack from the Ski-Doo and gave some final instructions to Tiffany’s group as they headed toward the north trails. Then he turned to the rest of them. “We walk in. Noise and vibrations of the Ski-Doos will only make the avalanche conditions worse.”

They all nodded, gathering their gear.

“Tyler, as we walk, please give Erika a crash course in her avalanche gear. There’s a beacon, probe and shovel in her backpack.”

“Will do,” Tyler said.