After five years in New Brunswick, Fortin’s supervisor suggested that he consider going to Alberta.

“Things are moving fast in K-Division, Will. Your chances for advancement are better there.”

Fortin followed his Staff Sergeant’s advice and his next posting was in Southern Alberta at the small Lone Tree Detachment. He and Cathy had rented a ranch house on a two-lane road that meandered into the foothills. It sat before the majestic Rocky Mountains on a small ridge overlooking a clear stream.

They loved it.

Cathy got a job teaching with the school district, she’d planted a garden, and they talked about starting a family. At the detachment Fortin’s outstanding work investigating a series of robberies in the region had earned him a spot with a joint RCMP-Lethbridge city police task force investigating a dangerous organized crime ring of ex-cons and outlaw bikers.

In one instance, Fortin had tracked down a lead suspect who had barricaded himself with his girlfriend and their small children in an apartment complex. The suspect had several guns and had turned on the gas.

“You’ll never arrest me!” He shouted at Fortin while holding his girlfriend and children hostage. “I’m going to take everyone in this building with me!”

Fortin knew there was no time for the tactical team to arrive and set up and after consulting with the building’s supervisor had made a decision to enter the unit through an old laundry chute. Fortin managed to get inside and arrest the suspect seconds before he would have set off an explosion that would have killed dozens.

Fortin had also been assigned to other special operations and helped make some key arrests at the Montana border.

His service record was exemplary. He’d been in Alberta two years now and was eager to apply for Corporal and write the exam. His buddies had told him that the brass in Calgary were watching him and liking him for a detective job with General Investigations in the Major Crimes section.

That would be great if that happened because from there he could eventually work on making Sergeant. At least that was his plan, he thought as his radio crackled, pulling him from his thoughts.

-Chapter 5-

Southern Alberta

Fortin turned up the radio’s volume slightly.

This time the dispatcher’s voice had quickened, betraying a mix of emotion and concern.

“Control to Lone Tree Six?”

“Lone Tree Six, copy.”

“What’s your ETA?”

Fortin checked his position and the time.

“About three to five minutes.”

“Control to Lone Tree Six, got an update.”

“Six, go ahead.”

“Trudy now says Lyle’s suicidal and he’s got a gun. Says he’s been drinking, shouting, and won’t let her leave with the kids.”

Fortin’s stomach tensed and his mind raced.

This is not good. I’ve got to get Trudy and the kids out of there.