Page 94 of Capture the Moment
“Ranger Grant Cooper, I understand that you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep 399 safe during this poacher threat.”
Coop shook his head. “I didn’t do anything that other rangers wouldn’t have done.”
“Not according to Sally Janus. She mentioned how you never hesitated to follow her lead, even when you had doubts. She credited you as a crucial player in nabbing Wade Schmidt. The NPS would like to offer you a full-time position as a Jenny Lake Ranger.”
Stunned, Coop exchanged a look with Kate that spoke volumes to Tim. His young friend had finally healed from the Emma Dilemma. At last.
But there’s still Sally, Tim thought.Don’t forget her.
“And Frankie,” Don said. “I will give parental consent for you to be part of the Wildlife Brigade.”
“Aww, cool,” Frankie said, trying to keep his cool on. Not too successfully, either. He broke out with a big grin.
And now for Sally, Tim thought.Give her the credit she deserves.
Finally, Don addressed Sally. “Ranger Janus, you’ve done an outstanding job managing this park, especially during this recent challenge. You’re to be commended for your role in aiding federal agents to apprehend a notorious poacher. The National Park Service would like to reward you with a promotion from acting chief ranger to chief ranger. Effective immediately. Congratulations.”
Everyone erupted into cheers. Good, Tim thought, clapping loudly. She deserved that promotion. She had a mildly pleased look on her face. Not quite as pleased as Tim would’ve thought.
Tim hung around after the meeting dispersed. He peeked into Sally’s office, noticing the flurry of activity as boxes were stacked against the wall. “Hey,” he said, stepping inside. “I was happy to hear about your promotion. You deserve it.” He looked around. “Are they making you move offices?”
“I’ll say,” Sally said, motioning for Tim to take a seat amidst the chaos of packing. She moved a box to make room for him. Leaning against her desk, she exhaled deeply. “The deputy director didn’t announce it, but my assignment is not Grand Teton. It’s Isle Royale in Michigan.”
Tim needed a minute to absorb this bombshell. Sally’s expression remained composed, but his mind raced with what he knew of Isle Royale. Situated in the middle of LakeSuperior, it was hard to get to, hard to get out of. “Well,” he said, clearing his throat. “I guess I can see why Don didn’t make that piece of information public.”
“You know how things roll with the NPS. To move forward, you have to go sideways.”
“I’ve never been to Isle Royale.”
“No. Not many have. Less than twenty-five thousand visitors each summer.”
“Hardy souls, I would imagine.”
Sally snorted. “I’ll say.”
“I’m a hardy soul. I’ll visit. If you’d like me to, that is.”
Sally’s arms crossed, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “I don’t think so, Tim.”
No, he didn’t think so, either. This last week had shown him something he hadn’t wanted to see. He’d always focused on what they had in common—a shared passion to protect and preserve the national parks. But in doing that, he’d missed the deeper differences between them. “I wish you well, Sally.”
“As do I you.”
The weight of their words hung between them, final and heavy. It was really over between them. Tim noticed the shimmer in Sally’s eyes and was just about to say something, when she shifted the focus away from their personal turmoil. “So, Don asked me to recommend someone to replace me as acting chief ranger, just until they make their final choice,” she said, her gaze unwavering. “I told him you’d be the best one for the job.”
Tim dropped his chin, overcome.
The deputy director worked some magic and snagged a special preseason dinner at Jenny Lake Lodge for Coop, Kate, Sally, Frankie, Tim, Maisie, and even Maisie’s mother, who had just arrived. Kate had been inside the lodge a couple of times, but dining there seemed like a dream. According to Maisie’s funfacts, the lodge was a product of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps, starting as simple cabins and growing into a luxury wilderness destination.
Kate had read the hype about Jenny Lake Lodge’s dining experience from guidebooks. People booked tables months ahead, the gourmet menu boasted locally sourced ingredients, and the food was rumored to be exquisite—and it lived up to the hype. The meal was beyond anything she could have imagined—leisurely, elegant, and absolutely delicious.
But the real showstopper was the view. As the only patrons, they were seated at a table by the massive windows showcasing the breathtaking Grand Tetons. It was a sight that left everyone at the table in awe.
Everyone hung around, staying way longer than they probably should have. It was getting late by the time they finally left the lodge. They all ambled to their cars, dragging out their goodbyes. Finally, only Kate and Coop remained.
“Was it just me,” she said, “or did it seem like there might’ve been sparks between Frankie’s dad and Maisie’s mom?”
“I had the exact same thought. They never stopped talking.” Coop leaned his back against Kate’s car, as if he was in no hurry to leave. “I think Frankie had a very uncool ear-to-ear grin on his face tonight.”
