Page 28 of Double Exposure

The clearing is tight and near the creek. I take the binoculars back and try to follow the smoke trail to its origination point.

Ross banks the chopper hard to the left. I cast around, looking for tributaries that might make the snow and ground unstable for a landing.

Ryan gives a thumbs up as we close in on a landing.

What once looked like a smooth landing spot is fast appearing as uneven, with snow mounded over fallen logs and small rivulets of snow melt coursing dark and wet to the swollen creek.

Ross straightens the helicopter out and gently settles the vehicle when there is a sudden lurch and it lists to the right. A dislodged log rolls into view.

Jade grips my arm as Ryan gives an excited yelp. Ross lifts the Bell and settles her again, gently testing the ground. Right as he cuts the motor, something shifts underneath again. This time, the helicopter tilts slightly to the right. Then it holds.

It takes a minute for the rotors to stop. “We're good,” I say to Jade and slide my hand over hers to give it a squeeze.

Instead of letting go, there’s pressure in my palm, a silent request for me to stay, and she leaves her hand in mine for a moment.

Then she unbuckles herself.

Afraid of what we’re going to find, I think the team of three needs to go first. If it’s Ken Choi, the chances of him being alive at this point are pretty slim. Being in the cold and exposed to the elements during a storm is usually fatal. That fire could have been sputtering out for hours. I have to remember, Brock spent two nights out and survived—but that was extraordinary.

Putting a hand on her shoulder, I ignore Ryan and Ross, who are already opening doors and gathering gear. “ I think you should stay here.”

Ryan hops to the ground.

Jade looks at me. “Why?” Then my reason registers without me having to tell her. “Oh.”

Ryan opens the door on her side and climbs in behind our seat and starts unfastening the gurney latched to the floor. He starts hauling it out and flips the ski kegs into action. It’s like gurney-toboggan mash-up.

I squeeze her hand again.

“I’ll call you when it’s time,” I say.

But she shakes her head. “I’m coming anyway,” she says, jumping down from the open door. She sinks knee deep into snow and then immediately favors her left foot.

I follow. “Listen Jade,” I start but she’s already pulling up her hood.

“I’m going.” She picks up on of the lead ropes to the gurney. “I’m fine.”

“Let’s go boss,” Ross says and then the four of us head toward the trees. Fifty yards away, the trail of smoke is nearly gone and just a thin blue haze lingers in the air.

My stomach churns. I’ve seen people frozen to death. Ross tosses me the first aid kit across the space between us.

I can only hope we get a chance to use it.