The day passed slowly. Knowing Audrey was in the coffee shop was a unique form of torture. She was safe there, far safer than if she was holed up in a lonely cabin or even trying to hide in Anchorage. But still…

He went in to check on Audrey every time he returned to town.

There’d been too damn many calls today.

Gabe parked the patrol car in front of the station, got out, and stretched. A concerned citizen had phoned in about abandoned sled dogs. Jesus. With dreams of big winnings or getting sponsorships, potential mushers would buy dogs, then discover it took work and money to develop competitive teams. And they’d kill or abandon the dogs.

Talk about asshole behavior.

Although Gabe had called a rescue organization to get the emaciated dogs, it’d be a while before his anger died.

Over the course of the day, the fog had dissipated, but the sky remained a leaden gray. Occasional rain smeared windshields and dampened clothing.

He’d be off duty soon. As he looked down the street, tourists still wandered the town, in and out of the few stores.

A sports equipment rental was looking at setting up on Main Street. If it did, the next step would be another restaurant since the fishermen and hikers would return their rented equipment around late afternoon and evening.

Gabe poked his head in the station to see if there was anything going on.

Regina was tidying her desk in preparation to leave. “Evening, Chief. Your messages are on your desk. Nothing needs your attention until tomorrow.”

“How did I survive before you arrived?”

“Badly, Chief. Badly.”

He smiled, enjoying how she’d settled into the job. Her manner and posture had changed in just this short time. It was as if she finally saw herself as she truly was—an intelligent, competent woman and a valuable member of the team.

“I’m going to make a quick foot patrol and call it a day.” When he’d called, Audrey said she hadn’t finished whatever preparations she’d been making.

“Yes, sir.”

Gabe reversed course and headed down Main Street, detouring along the back alleys to check that the new business owners had heeded his orders about securing their garbage. There was nothing a black bear liked more than a free lunch.

So far, so good.

As he strolled down Sweetgale, he saw Lillian wasn’t home. She was probably off at one of her numerous social things.

Reaching the end of the road, he stepped into the roadhouse. There were a good number of patrons…and no problems. Perfect.

Before leaving, he raised his hand to Bull and got a wide grin in return.

In the parking lot, a raised voice from the rear of the building caught his attention.

Gabe headed that way.