Amanda Stowe sprinted past the evergreen garlands tucked around the doorways of the bed-and-breakfast. Who would have believed that a building that stretched the length of two city blocks could be found out here smack-dab in the middle of nowhere? The grand and imposing hotel had been at least an hour's drive north of Fairbanks. But the isolation was probably the biggest draw---Alaskan wilderness the safe way.
    Amanda didn't feel very safe at the moment.
     She barely registered the fresh scent of pine that tickled her nose as she raced on, ducking down one hall, running as fast as she could down another. Turning the last corner, her eyes widened as she spied the gaily decorated Christmas tree standing like a sentinel at the top of the stairs and prayed she'd be able to stop before she slid into it like a baseball player stealing home plate.
    Slow down. Get control of yourself.