“It’s probably a good idea that you’re able to handle a kayak, just in case for some reason you need to go out on the water. And if you’re going to be in one, you need to know what to do when you’re not in one anymore.”

“As in, being in the lake.”

“Uh-huh.”

Lily imagined the scenario and nodded. “Thanks for the heads-up, Natalie. That does sound like fun. I think I better go get into a suit.”

“Don’t forget your life vest. And it’s Nat.”

Natalie seemed to hold her gaze for just a second longer than ordinary, and Lily wondered… She mentally laughed. Obviously something in the mountain air stimulated more than an appetite for food. Not that she minded, entirely, but she wasn’t prone to thinking every new woman she met was flirting with her, either. Which of course brought Chase instantly to mind. That had gone quite a lot farther than flirting, and all on her initiative too. Not that she really had to worry. She wouldn’t be taking any moonlight walks with Chase or Natalie, so she could put the issue of flirting or kissing safely aside.

“I’ll get the life jacket,” Lily said. “See you soon.”

“Good,” Nat said.

Lily changed into a plain, two-piece black suit, grabbed a towel and a cover-up, thought about sandals, and opted for her running shoes. She’d be walking down that trail again. And…snakes. Which, of course, made her think of Chase all over again.

Chapter Seven

Lily rose at five for the second morning of walk-in clinic. This time she was alone downstairs in the lodge except for the kitchen staff and carried her coffee outside to the porch along with an apple muffin, still warm from the oven. A glance toward the parking lot showed no sign of Chase’s Jeep. The emergency must be serious if Chase was still out on the call. The nagging worry blossomed again, and she pushed it aside. Chase was an expert and equipped to handle whatever she faced out there. She was the one out of her element, which no doubt brought on the anxiety over what Chase might be dealing with. Not every emergency led to a disaster like the first deluge of infections that caught her and every other doctor in the country unprepared. This wasn’t the same. She needed to find her balance again, that was all.

But she’d feel better when she saw Chase again.

At six when she unlocked the clinic, she found another note on the floor and smiled. This was obviously Sarah’s favorite mode of communication, which struck her as sweet and very Sarah. Her smile disappeared as she unfolded the note and scanned the unfamiliar tight, precise script.

They tell you to say something to someone if you see something wrong. I think there’s something wrong in cabin 8. A couple of the girls are saying Marty doesn’t belong with the rest of them, and trying to get some of the others to go along. This isn’t fair and I thought someone should know. Thank you.