Rails of Ice: Part Two
#4 of Rails of Ice
Nickel took another look at the file before putting it into his pack where it was dry. Detective work usually wasn't in his job description, but he'd make an exception this time since it was Molly who had asked him. As the husky made his way towards the supply shed that the North Guard frequently used, he couldn't help but get a feeling in his gut that this was going to be a hell of an adventure! Before reaching the storage shed, he pulled out his revolver and spun the cylinder, checking to make sure that it was full before putting the gun back down into it's holster. Then he reached out and grasped the icy cold metal handle of the shed door and pulled it open all the way. He was greeted with a cheery voice.
"Hey Nick! Good ta see ya again!"
The husky grinned as he stepped into the shed. Off several yards away from the entrance was a younger male pine marten working on one of the many dogsleds. Nickel went over to the marten and sat down on the edge of the mid-section of the sled.
"Just here to get my sled ready Terry, got an important job to do ya know" He watched as the martin put the finishing touches on the repair work of the sled's left runner then sat himself down next to the husky.
With a mischievous grin, Terry said, "Important huh? How important could it be?"
Nickel snorted then replied curtly but with a touch of affection, "Very important"
Terry crossed his arms at that while his tail lashed back and forth across the surface of the sled they sat on, "C'mon, you know that's not fair! Won't you tell me what it is?"
With a laugh, the canine sitting beside him shook his head and gave him a more elaborate reply, "No can do Terry! The Director said that it was only to remain between her and I. Wish I could tell ya more, I really do"
The pine marten nodded softly at that. With a wink, Nickel got up then stretched a bit before looking down the row of dogsleds and spying out his which was all the way at the end since it was only a light-weight sled, "You checked on my sled right? Last time I saw it, the runners were cracked all to hell and the decking was smashed downwards. Not to mention the bullet holes"
Getting up as well, Terry motioned for him to follow and led him down the long row of sleds, "Well, I worked my magic and made it a bit better than it was before. Of course I fixed it back up, I'm only saying that maybe next time you should be more careful when you go out on jobs"
Nickel nodded at that, "I understand perfectly, though it's easier said than done" With that he walked over to where the sled harnesses were hung on hooks along the wall. Grabbing one of the harnesses, he began putting it on. Once he finished he walked back over to the sled where Terry had finished attaching the towline. The pine marten clipped the towline to a loop on the back of Nick's harness.
Stretching, the husky then looked to his friend, "Well, I'd best be getting over to the Medical Plaza. Time to go an' pick up my field medic"
Terry nodded softly at that, "Good luck out there Nick, from what I've heard there's a storm a coming. Not the usual blizzard mind you"
Nickel nodded, then pulled the sled out from it's row. The husky discovered that it was heavier than usual, but he didn't let that bother him. Instead he surged forward, going out the warehouse doors at a sprint. Normal you weren't allowed to run while pulling a sled in town limits due to an accident that happened a year ago, but Nickel knew what he was doing. Townsfolk would see him coming, then quickly move out of the way. He loved running while being attached to a sled though he couldn't quite explain why, but frankly, he didn't care. He slowed down as he neared the plaza, knowing all too well that the place was usually crowded. The Medical Plaza was home to one of three known hospitals up in the north, each one was about around a hundred miles away from each other. North Point Hospital was the second largest hospital up in the north, the largest being St. Mary's Hospital in Fort McDavison.
Soon he reached the plaza and just as he expected, it was crowded. Slowing down to an easy walk, the husky pulled the sled up to the front of one of the main buildings, unhitching himself from the towline and making his way towards the entrance. Opening up the doors and heading in, he paused a moment to try and collect his memory and remember where it was that his field medic could usually be found at this time of day. With a shrug, he walked over to the nearest employee, a white female dog, and cleared his throat to get her attention.
She looked to him then turned to face him, "May I help you with something?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for my field medic, Alan Moradin? I mean, Lieutenant Moradin"
"Oh him, he could most likely be found at the cafeteria at this time of day"
Nickel nodded at that, "Thank you"
She gave him a return nod then stepped around him and went over to the reception desk by the door. Nickel then headed down the main hallway that led to the cafeteria, "Probably stuffing his face. I still can't believe he eats that much food and still stay thin"
As he walked, he happened to pass by a black-furred wolf who eyed him. The husky eyed him in return; there was something about the lupine that didn't feel quite right. Once the wolf passed by him, Nick peered back over his shoulder. Suddenly the stranger spun around to face him, in his paw was a revolver. The canine reacted instantly, diving into an open doorway as the wolf pulled the trigger. The explosive retort of the revolver echoed down the hall, alerting everyone in the building. Nickel rolled, his six-gun already out and the hammer cocked. Cautiously he peeked around the corner but quickly jerked back as he saw the muzzle blast, the bullet shattering the doorframe where he had just been. The wolf was also hiding in an open doorway, peering out every now and then. The husky leaned out quickly, bringing his .45 up and pulling the trigger. The gunman ducked into the doorway as Nickel's round blew a hole in the wall next to him. Perfect opportunity. He jumped out from the doorway, cocking the revolver's hammer and aiming it at the wolf's hiding spot. The lupine leaned out, his eyes widening as he saw the muzzle blast. Nickel's bullet went straight into the wolf's thigh. The gunman let out a loud yelp of pain then dropped to the ground clutching his leg, his pistol had fallen out of reach. The husky began to move towards him, lowering his revolver a bit. Growling as he saw Nick coming closer, the wolf suddenly reached down and took out a small caliber revolver and put it to his head.
Nickel's eyes grew wide, "NO DON'T!"
He was too late. The wolf closed his eyes and pulled the trigger, then went limp. Going over, he knelt by the corpse and despite the fact the wolf was dead, he checked the pulse knowing there wasn't one. Then something caught his eye. Reaching down into one of the wolf's pockets, he pulled out a photo. His blood ran cold when he saw that it was of picture of him. There was a circle of red ink drawn around him. Then the realization dawned on him: He had been targeted. But why was he a target? He needed answers. Flipping over the photo, he discovered there was something written on the back:
Name: Nickel
Last known location: Ironfang Mine
The canine frequents the town of North Point, it is suspected that he more than likely lives there. Take him out by whatever means necessary, we can't have him snooping around. If the job is done successfully, you will be rewarded handsomely
-A.Z.
A.Z.? Who in the fur was that? The husky slipped the photo into his pocket and rose to his feet as several armed soldiers came rushing down the hallway. After explaining what had happened, they let him go. Nickel then proceeded down the hallway in a timely fashion until he reached the cafeteria. Everyone inside turned their heads to look at him as he entered. After looking around for a second, he spied out his field medic. The brown labrador was sitting at one of the tables. Going over, he grabbed him by the arm and hauled him to his feet.
"Get your field kit Owen, we're heading back to the North Guard Headquarters now" The lab blinked in surprise at that
"But the gunfire-"
"Taken care of, let's go"
The medic nodded quickly then rushed off towards the doors that led to the living quarters for the military troops and medical officers. Nickel followed close behind, keeping a watchful eye out. Things were getting more and more complicated by the hour.
*****
END OF PART TWO