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how the accident happened, list the boy’s symptoms and the treatment he’d started. Jay assured Matt he had done all the right things. He made a few suggestions and also offered to look at the boy and do a workup if Matt could bring him down there.
    “Sounds like you got there just in time with the steroids. Because if you hadn’t and the nerves were totally destroyed…he could be totally paralyzed. If and when the boy can travel, I’d be glad to look at him and do the surgery myself, if that’s what he needs.”
    “Thanks, Jay. He’d appreciate that. I’ll get back to you.”
    “How long are you staying up there?”
    “I don’t know.” Matt glanced out the window into the dark Alaskan night. “That depends on theweather. This is an isolated spot, accessible only by plane or boat. It doesn’t look like I’ll be flying out anytime soon.”
    “Sounds like you got more than you bargained for on this trip.”
    Jay could have no idea just how much Matt had gotten out of this trip. This was no time to go into details.
    “Talk to you later,” he said.
    Then Matt fished a piece of paper from his pocket and tried to make sense of the numbers that would let him call the ship. He picked up the phone and punched in the number. There was no answer in his parents’ cabin. The ship’s operator could only promise to deliver the message. He hung up somewhat relieved. He really didn’t want to hear his father remind him how important this vacation was, maybe their last together, or hear his mother sound wistful about his absence.
    “Did you reach them?” Carrie asked, fifteen minutes later. She was in stocking feet, wearing black stretch pants that hugged her hips and her long legs like a second skin, and a pink sweater that drew his attention to the outline of her breasts. It was quite a change from the unisex jumpsuit she’d been wearing. Her hair was damp and curled around her face. The light scent of flowery soap wafted his way. He sucked in a deep breath. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night. A long frustrating night.
    “I got ahold of my friend the surgeon. He had a few suggestions, and he even offered to treat Donny, if you can get him down to San Francisco. He’s an expert in spinal-cord injuries and the best person youcould get. But he won’t be able to help until Donny’s condition is stabilized.”
    “That’s wonderful. I wouldn’t have known where to turn for the best treatment. I just hope…” She nodded as if to reassure herself as well as him. “We’ll get him there somehow.”
    “I called the ship and left a message. I also left your number. I hope you don’t mind.”
    “I hope they won’t worry,” she said, one hand on the back of a chair.
    “I’m afraid it’s built in. Parents always worry. At least mine do. Don’t tell me your father didn’t worry when you were out flying.”
    “I’m sure he did. But he never said anything. Except to remind me a hundred times to watch out for crosswinds. They can come up here when you least expect them.”
    “I’m almost glad I didn’t have to talk to my parents,” Matt said. “My father will feel bad that he didn’t insist on coming along. I think he might even be envious. Doctors spend so much time doing what they’ve been trained to do in a tightly controlled environment, this would have been something to tell his patients about. Of course he’s enjoying the cruise, but coming here…” He looked around her cabin as if he’d been transported to a rare and wonderful land. “It’s something special. On the ship tonight is the captain’s champagne reception. It’s a black-tie affair. That’s where they’ll be.”
    “I can’t offer you champagne or a black tie. But there’s enough hot water left if you want a shower, and you can take your pick of the clothes in the bedroom on the left.”

    “Thanks,” he said, and went up the stairs.
    Carrie put another log on the fire and watched the flames rise. It was only