North Country Mom. Lois Richer

met her on the train. Her name is Giselle Campbell. She moved here with her father, Jack, who bought the Northern Lights Lodge,” Alicia explained. “Laurel is her aunt.”

      “Think she’ll join our youth choir?” Eli asked in an awestruck voice. “We could use some more girls, especially ones who look like her.”

      “You could always ask her.” She picked up her purse.

      “Alicia?”

      “Yes?” She studied the boy, noting the change of tone in his voice.

      “When’s your next haircutting day? I think it’s time for me to spruce up,” Eli said.

      “Soon.” She hid her smile as she slid the strap of her bag over one shoulder. Clearly Eli wanted to make an impression on the newcomer. She turned around to leave but had to stop suddenly because Jack stood in front of her. “Oh, hello. Again.”

      “Hi.” His gaze moved from her to Eli and back. “You do haircutting?”

      “Only for the boys at Lives, and only if they want me to,” she said, slightly embarrassed by his intense scrutiny. “A friend of mine in Vancouver taught me the basics. She’s a hairdresser and runs a homeless shelter. She gives haircuts to anyone who wants one. I don’t have my license, but since a hairdresser only comes to Churchill every three or four months, I help out if someone asks. Laurel asked.”

      “I see.” Were those piercing blue eyes more intense?

      “Can I help you?” she asked when the silence stretched out too long.

      “You’re busy.” Jack was acting very odd, as if he had something on his mind but was afraid to say it.

      “Just going for groceries,” Alicia explained. “Oh, this is Eli Long. He works for me. Eli, this is Mr. Campbell, from the lodge. Laurel’s brother and Giselle’s father,” she added.

      “Hi.” Eli waved to Jack, then, as if he too sensed Jack’s tension, got to work.

      “Do you need something?” Alicia asked again.

      “Maybe,” Jack muttered. He shuffled his amazing shoes then looked at her. “Yes, please,” he said in a firm voice. “I need your help.”

      “Sure.” Alicia nodded. “With what?”

      “With whom,” he corrected. His gaze slid to Eli. “Giselle. I, er, did something—”

      “Why don’t we walk while you tell me?” she said, realizing that he didn’t want to speak in front of Eli. She stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind them. As Jack walked beside her down the street, her pulse began to thrum at his closeness. “Well?”

      “How about I treat you to coffee?”

      “If you add a doughnut, I’ll agree,” she teased.

      But Jack didn’t smile. He simply nodded and began walking toward Common Grounds, a coffee shop down the street from Alicia’s store. Sensing he needed a few moments to collect his thoughts, she caught up, saying nothing until they were seated with their coffee and doughnuts in front of them.

      Jack’s silence unsettled her. She needed to get him talking. A quick glance at the clock told her she’d need to hurry him a bit. Today was early closing at the Northern Store because of inventory taking. Grocery shopping and a decent dinner might have to wait till tomorrow.

      Finally, without looking up at her, Jack spoke.

      “Giselle’s run away.”