Gabrela answers the phone at Cherie Books, to her sister, Duenna, saying to her horror, Cliff is taking a chief of police assignment in Sitka, Alaska, in a week, or so time. What their mother and Gabrela are wondering why Cliff assured them he would always check the matter out before leaping into to anything. He doesn't do this and convinces Duenna, maybe if the winters are suitable, they might live there. In due time, the whole family walks into peril.