The Replacement. Anne Duquette Marie

living at sea level had hindered her blood’s ability to process the high-altitude air. Lindsey reached for a Diamox pill and washed it down with the hot chocolate. The medication was needed twice a day to prevent high altitude pulmonary edema, which could kill. An easy physical pace for the next few weeks would be required until her body produced more blood cells and adjusted to the higher altitude. The rangers’ winter quarters were at the highest level of Yosemite—the fabled High Sierra that had taken lives from the earliest Native Americans to the tragic Donner Party, and more recent victims, like Eva.

      To live on the edge of survival brought out the best or the worst in people. Sadly, Eva, who had replaced Lindsey, hadn’t made it. But for Lindsey, true Nature with a capital N brought out the best in her. She thrived in the Sierra, and didn’t see death within the snow, but glorious life. She prayed Eric still took joy in his surroundings. Despite their breakup—a breakup he’d said she’d wanted—she’d never wished him anything but happiness and health. She still wished that for him.

      As Lindsey munched on her snack, she mentally reviewed the three rangers she’d soon share a cabin with.

      Eric she already knew. A true wilderness expert, a throwback to the early California mountain men and climbing guides he was descended from, Eric was at home in the High Sierra. Four years ago, he’d been a delightful combination of his intelligent father’s outdoor ways, his educated mother’s handsome looks, and his own brand of wit, charm and courage. All knew him as a gifted expert on climate with an uncanny sense of snow prediction and ability to navigate in any weather. He usually read people just as well—except for Lindsey.

      I wonder if he’s still the same man….

      The second ranger, Eric’s twin sister, Naomi, probably hadn’t changed a bit. She and Eric were instantly identified as siblings; their hair and eye color, even their skin tone and facial features, were so similar, their relationship was unmistakable. Naomi was probably as opinionated, bossy and possessive as ever. She rarely stayed away from her twin for long. Her husband, Bruce Palmer, had been killed in a car accident, and she’d returned to her twin for comfort. She’d qualified for a Yosemite ranger position at about the same time Lindsey started working with Eric. From what Jack Hunter had mentioned in a later conversation, Naomi was still working as a ranger and busily finishing up her master’s thesis on Sierra Nevada botany. A herbalist and botanist, and the team member with the EMT certification, she was usually found deep in her books and research. Lindsey often felt Naomi would never have left her former hospital job for ranger work if her husband hadn’t died.

      Naomi had always been more interested in her studies than in the people around her. Although twins, brother and sister were opposites, with Naomi quiet and somewhat pessimistic, Eric openly sociable and cheerful. They hardly ever disagreed on anything—except Lindsey.

      Lindsey wasn’t looking forward to seeing Naomi again. Eric’s sister had always seen Lindsey as competition, since the twins were so close. However, to be fair, Lindsey had to admit that although Naomi had certainly tried to influence Eric, the final decision had been his.

      Keith “TNT” Arroyo, the explosives expert, remained the only member of the team Lindsey didn’t know. He was a relative newcomer with less seniority than Naomi, and he’d replaced the explosives expert Lindsey had worked with. Supposedly “TNT” lived up to his nickname in both his lifestyle and his skiing. His expertise with explosives had already earned him a place as instructor in setting off man-made avalanches. Like Lindsey and Eric, he had a glowing record and had saved lives more than once. He was the youngest of the party at twenty-three, Hunter had told her during her briefing.

      “Despite his youth, Keith’s an excellent ranger—but that’s not all. The man knows his explosives, and he and Eva made a great two-member team. Keith’s a good man to have on any team—and he’ll need your friendship. He doesn’t have a twin’s shoulder to offer comfort.”

      Lindsey had nodded, finished filling in the final paperwork with Jack Hunter, checked her pack, straps and skis, and set upon her journey. Now, almost finished with her hot chocolate and trail bar, she would soon meet Keith for the first time.

      She’d resume her acquaintance with the brother and sister who’d almost become her family.

      CHAPTER THREE

      Yosemite, Rangers’ winter cabin

       Same day, late afternoon

      “WHERE IS SHE?” Eric asked impatiently, his breath making more fog on the frosted, double-paned window. “It’s going to be dark soon.”

      “She checked in by radio right on time. Stop worrying. She probably hasn’t skied in a while,” Naomi said calmly. “Better to be cautious and a little late than risk injury like—” Naomi broke off and continued setting the table in the large common room.

      Like Eva. She’s gone. If Lindsey were gone forever… That thought chilled him to the bone. He couldn’t finish it, even to himself. Eric strode away from the window and back to the kitchen area. He picked up the spoon and stirred the stew he’d fixed for their dinner. He suddenly wondered if Lindsey still liked stew. Her mother and sisters were vegetarian, but in primitive conditions such as these, it wasn’t practical to cook separate meals for everyone. Cooking duties were shared, as was rummaging in the huge cabin pantry among cases of canned goods, dried meats and a freezer full of frozen vegetables and butcher cuts purchased in advance and stockpiled to last four people six months.

      Lindsey usually ate what was on the table. Still… Maybe she’d become vegetarian, after all. Quickly he tossed some flour and other ingredients into the breadmaker. Lindsey loved hot, freshly made bread—and it would go well with their meal, Eric told himself.

      Keith emerged from the small bedroom he shared with Eric. They were built deliberately small, with low roofs to make them easier to heat. “If we’re waiting dinner on the replacement, I hope she gets here soon,” Keith said with an appreciative sniff. He moved over to the fire, tending it and then stroking the dejected Ginger lying beside it, her tail tucked around her body. “I’m hungry.”

      “I’ll never understand men,” Naomi said harshly. “You lost Eva, and now you’re waiting for her replacement—how can you eat?”

      “That’s enough,” Eric said quietly to his sister. “What would you have us do? Stop eating like Eva’s dog?”

      “You did when Lindsey left four years ago,” Naomi responded.

      “If so, I didn’t urge others to imitate my example.”

      Eric saw his sister flush guiltily, and immediately felt guilty himself. Ever since Eva’s death, they’d all been on edge. And now the proverbial “blast from the past” in the form of Lindsey Nelson, former lover and fiancée, was about to arrive.

      “I’m sorry, Eric. My apologies, Keith. I’ve been a nervous wreck since Eva—and I’m worried about Lindsey,” Naomi said contritely. “I just wish she’d get here, that’s all.”

      “We all do,” Eric added kindly. “Go ahead and radio her again, if you like.”

      “I—no, that’ll only slow her down more.”

      “Tell you what. I’ll go walk the dog and take a looksee,” Keith offered. “I’ll check the generator on my way back.”

      The schedule of cabin chores was strictly adhered to. Wood must be brought in from the woodpile, supplies inventoried, snow cleared from the roof, the generator checked and refueled. As far as meals went, this week Eric was cooking, Naomi setting the table, and Keith cleared the dishes and washed up.

      “I’d appreciate that,” Naomi said before Eric could reply. “Thanks, Keith.”

      Keith nodded. “I won’t be long…ten minutes. Fifteen at most.”

      All three checked their wristwatches from long habit. You planned your travel, you traveled your plan, and you always registered an itinerary with your partners. Even Eva had followed that rule. Keith hooked Ginger to the leash