Page 54 of Capture the Moment
He scooted closer to her to look at the photographs on her camera screen. His eyes widened in appreciation as he admired the wildlife shots she had captured. “I don’t think I would’ve noticed the differences unless you pointed them out. But now I can see what you’re talking about.”
“And now you can’t unsee them, right?”
He grinned. “When 399 finally comes down from her lair, you’ll be ready.”
“I like that you said ‘when’ and not ‘if,’” Kate said. He was so close to her that she noticed how good he smelled, a combination of soap and aftershave. A hint of coffee, maybe?
“You weren’t at Pilgrim Creek this morning.”
He’d noticed! But he wasn’t there yesterday.She’dnoticed. Her cheeks started to grow warm.
And suddenly Tim Rivers was right in front of them. He gave a quick nod to Kate before turning to Coop. “Bear jam at Jackson Lake Dam. I was driving past the lodge and saw your parked truck. I need you and Frankie over there now.” Tim looked around the room. “Where is Frankie, anyway?”
“He went to the kitchen to ask to sample the food. I’m pretty sure they’ll kick him straight out.” Coop rose to his feet. “I guess that means I should be on my way.”
Kate stood too. “A photographer was telling me about the dam just this morning. Something about bears hanging out there.”
“That’s right,” Coop said. “Anglers discard suckers on the rocks at the base of the dam. The bears know to come snacking there.”
Kate looked up at Tim. “Do you happen to know which bear is causing the bear jam?”
“Not sure,” Tim said. “Report came in that the sow has yellow ear tags but no radio collar.”
“Sounds like 610,” Coop said.
610? Kate made a slight gasping sound. Grizzly 610 was the daughter of 399, nearly as famous as her mother. She’d read a story in which, several years ago, 610 had adopted one of 399’s triplets and successfully raised it. Really unusual, because grizzlies were solitary animals. While Kate knew not to anthropomorphizethe bears, it was remarkable that the two sows had engaged in such a way as to help each other with childcare. “Maybe I’ll head over there after the rain peters out.”
Tim had a sheepish look on his face. “I was wondering if ... maybe you’d be willing to let Maisie spend a little time with you this afternoon.”
“You mean ... today?” Kate hoped her voice didn’t give away her alarm at that request.
“She’s keen on learning more about wildlife photography.” Tim cleared his throat. “And ... she seems to be quite impressed with you.”
As if on cue, Maisie appeared next to her grandfather. “Hi, Kate!”
Hold it.Kate exchanged a shocked glance with Coop, silently questioning what had happened to the girl before them.
Maisie, typically fresh-faced and youthful, now sported a heavy dose of makeup, with her curly hair pulled into a high, stubby ponytail.
Frankie strolled in and grinned when he saw Kate.
Maisie beamed. “Hi, Frankie!”
He glanced at Maisie and did a double take. “Whoa. Are you sick?”
“I feel great,” Maisie said. “Better than great.”
Frankie’s eyes widened, and he burst out laughing. “Oh, I get it! You’re going for the mini-Kate look, huh? A Kate copy!” He practically wheezed with laughter.
Kate and Coop exchanged anoh dearmoment. Maisie sported a thick kohl eyeliner like she’d joined a Goth band. If that’s really how Kate looked to others, she might need to dial back her eye makeup.
Maisie flashed a scowl at Frankie before she turned to Kate. “Can I be your assistant this afternoon?”
“Good luck getting anything done.” Frankie raised one handto make the blah-blah gesture while mimicking the call of a squawking bird.
Kate kept a poker face, but those were her thoughts exactly. Maisie never stopped talking.
Tim put his hands on Coop’s and Frankie’s shoulders. “Let’s get going.” He looked at Kate. “Thanks for keeping an eye on my granddaughter.”
