Fatal Flashback

by Kellie VanHorn

  “Nothing other than the reeds and the river’s edge, but that’s because I remember it from crawling out.” She stared down the trail, studying the undulations of the path and the way it hugged the cliff face at some points, veering back toward the river at others.

  “Well, let’s keep going.” Logan glanced at the sky and then at his watch, the type that looked like it could endure a hurricane and still tell the time, temperature and direction of true north. “We don’t have much more time.”

  “I’m not lying to you,” she called after him as he started back up the trail. At least, not directly. Did withholding the truth count as lying?

  “Never said you were.” He kept walking without looking back, but his voice didn’t carry much conviction.

  “Please, Logan.” Guilt and frustration compressed her chest like a heavy weight. It was bad enough having a hole in her mind, but for him to think badly of her, too... Well, his opinion mattered to her more than it should. “I can’t remember what happened here.”

  He walked on in silence for a few more minutes, until the path had reached a height above the river from which she never could have fallen and survived. He stopped and pointed to the water. “There’s no way you could’ve fallen in there by accident from this path.”

  “I know.” She pressed a hand to her chest, looking over the edge of the cliff. It would be a long, steep, cactus-filled tumble to the river from this height.

  “Ashley, why were you even out here? On your first day, why would you have driven to this canyon?”

  She shook her head miserably. “I have no idea.”

  He placed both hands on her shoulders, pinning her with his steady gaze. “I want to believe you. But how can I help you when you won’t tell me anything?”

  She opened her mouth to object but realized she had nothing to say to him. Again.

  His eyes, now a deep green in the shade of the canyon wall, scanned her face, as if he were trying to read her soul. “You’ve remembered more than you’re telling me.”

  She swallowed, seized with the sudden urge to break free of his scrutiny and escape. “I don’t remember asking for your help.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t seem to mind last night, when you leaped into my arms.”

  Of all the nerve. Her cheeks flamed instantly and this time she twisted free from his hands, still warm and heavy on her shoulders. “Your job, Ranger Everett, is to train me as a Big Bend ranger. Not pry into my personal life.”

  “Fine.” He stepped past her, back in the direction they had come. “In that case, we’re done here, because I don’t want to be trapped with you on this side of the streambed when the rain comes.”

  * * *

  This day hadn’t gone anything like Logan planned, and the way Ashley was withholding information rubbed him the wrong way. After all his years in law enforcement, he’d learned to read people well enough to know when they were keeping secrets.

  Sure, she had every right to hold back details about her personal life, but her reasons for being here were park business. His business. And her stubborn refusal to talk to him about it—to trust him—was just frustrating.

  He stalked along the trail without looking back. It had been a fool’s errand anyway—something he’d suspected before they’d even taken the trail. But he’d hoped she would remember something or open up about what she already knew—anything to give him some clues.

  The clouds rolled closer, intermittently blotting out the sun, and the scent of impending rain danced in the air. They were running out of time to get across the streambed before it flooded. He picked up the pace but slowed again when they reached the most dangerous part of the trail, where the canyon narrowed and the path clung tenaciously to the cliff face above a long, rocky fall to the river below.

  Suddenly a sharp, deafening crack split the air and a spray of rocks pelted the side of his face. He jerked around, his eyes meeting Ashley’s stunned brown ones.

  “What...?” she asked.

  Too close for thunder. Too brief for a rockslide.

  The crack came again, along with another burst of rocks between them, but this time he heard the telltale whizzing sound, too.

  “Down!” he yelled, jumping toward Ashley and all but tackling her to the dirt path as another bullet zinged over their heads. “Someone’s shooting at us!”

  Dirt and rocks bit into his hands as he pushed himself up. Based on the angle of the bullet into the canyon, the sniper was shooting from the Mexican side.

  Ashley scrambled onto her knees, pulling her gun and firing off a random shot across the river. Another crack, along with the glint of sunshine off metal at the top of the opposite cliff. Dirt sprayed near her head. That one was way too close.

  “We’re sitting ducks up here. We’ve got to get down.” Logan shoved her ahead and pulled out his gun, firing in the direction of the gunman and hoping they weren’t creating an international incident.

  Ashley was sure-footed and nimble as she raced ahead of him, dodging rocks and spiny plants cluttering the edges of the narrow path. Despite the business suit and his earlier assumptions, she was obviously in top physical condition.

  Another loud clap reached his ears as they sprinted across the sand toward the parking lot. Thankfully the Jeep was the only vehicle in the lot. At least they didn’t have to worry about protecting tourists, too.

  “What kind of range does that weapon have?” she called.

  “That wasn’t a gunshot,” he said as they reached the Jeep. “That one was thunder.” He grabbed for his door handle but jerked back as a split-second later the Jeep’s windshield shattered.

  “And that was a bullet.” Ashley dove for the pavement behind the Jeep.

  He crouched beside her as another bullet ricocheted off the vehicle’s hood. “There have to be two shooters. The one in the canyon couldn’t clear the angle to reach us here.”

  “Unless he’s running like we are,” she panted, eyes sparking. “I thought you said there weren’t many border incidents here.”

  “There weren’t, until you arrived.”

  “What do we do now?”

  As if in response, lightning flared bright, followed by a boom so loud it made the ground vibrate. To the west, the dark clouds loomed ever closer, even though the sky was still a breathtaking blue in the east.

  “We’re running out of time before the streambed floods.”

  “The one we drove over?” Ashley stared across the parking lot at the large yellow sign that warned tourists not to cross in flood conditions. “How much rain do you think we’re going to get?”

  “Doesn’t take much. A couple of inches in a sudden downpour is enough to flood the streambed and arroyos.”

  She nodded, but her eyes had grown wide. So, a sniper didn’t scare her, but the power of nature apparently did.

  “Hey.” He reached across the space between them and squeezed her cold hand. “God’s in control here, remember? Whatever happens.”

  Ashley exhaled. “You get the Jeep started. I’ll cover you.”

  She disappeared around the side of the vehicle, firing shots back across the river. Logan fumbled for the keys, waited a second longer and then dashed around the driver’s side, throwing open the door and ducking behind it as a bullet lodged into the metal body of the Jeep.

  He slipped the key into the ignition and turned it, keeping his head low as he climbed into the seat. The engine cranked to life and Ashley jumped in beside him. He threw the vehicle into Reverse, backing across the lot to escape the gunner’s range.

  He tossed her the radio as he put the Jeep in Drive, heading for the road and the streambed. “Call this in, okay?”

  She pressed the talk button and made the report as the first drops of rain fell. Without windows, it would be a matter of minutes before they were soaked.

  Ashley finished
the call and stuffed the radio under the seat. “Marfa border control is sending a helicopter to look for the gunmen.”

  “It’ll be too late.” Logan shook his head. But what else could they do?

  Rain spattered on the vehicle’s metal hood, kicked up dust on the road and filled the air with a hot, wet smell.

  He pulled the Jeep onto the main road as another loud crack rent the air. He and Ashley both ducked, but the shot hit somewhere in the back of the Jeep. Another clap sounded right behind them and this time the Jeep lilted ominously toward the passenger side as the rear tire blew. Logan slammed his foot on the gas anyway. They just needed to get out of the shooter’s range...

  More shots, but finally they were falling short, striking the road and rebounding off the asphalt. Vicious shrieking sounds of grinding metal came from the back of the Jeep, so Logan eased off the gas and let the vehicle roll to a stop.

  In the streambed.

  He clenched his teeth together. It couldn’t be helped.

  “Are we out of range yet?” Ashley asked as a bright flash of lightning lit the dark sky. A loud clap of thunder followed close behind, but no more gunshots.

  “Think so. But this vehicle isn’t going any farther.” He climbed out of the Jeep and checked the rear tire. Completely deflated, its warped rim resting on the road. Hopefully the axle wasn’t so bent it couldn’t be driven. “Tire’s blown,” he called over the pounding rain.

  Ashley stepped up beside him, rain droplets streaking down her pale face and dripping off her eyelashes as she blinked at the yellow warning sign fifty feet away.

  He squeezed her arm then turned away to the Jeep’s tailgate. Time to see how fast he could change a tire.

  SEVEN

  Ashley clutched her gun tightly, although it wasn’t going to help against a flood. Instinct demanded she run, but that was panic talking. Because then what would they do? Run all the way back to Castolon?

  “We’ve gotta try.” Logan dug in the back of the Jeep for a toolbox. “Somebody over there is trying to kill us, and if he decides to cross the river and get closer, his aim is going to get a whole lot better.”

  He was right, of course. “What do you want me to do?” Her voice was hoarse from yelling over the din of the storm.

  Taking out a wrench, he detached the spare tire from the rear gate. “Cover me. And watch the streambed. It only takes twelve inches of water to wash away a car.”

  “That’s not very comforting.” She crouched beside the Jeep as Logan wedged a jack under the rear axle.

  Water trickled past them, running in narrow channels through the hard, dusty ground, forming puddles in low places and soaking through the knees of her pants. Lightning filled the darkening sky. It was followed by a clap of thunder so loud, she jumped in surprise.

  How many inches of water did it take to sweep a person away?

  Logan was halfway under the Jeep now, pulling off the old tire. No gunshots, no sign of the shooter. But at that moment, the heavens opened and buckets of water poured down so hard it obscured their visibility.

  In a matter of seconds water swirled around her boots, carrying sticks and leaves and candy wrappers from miles upstream. How many inches were there now? Three? Her hands shook. A shooter was predictable, to a degree, and things that could be predicted could be controlled. But not this...not the fury of nature unleashed on the earth.

  Only God could control that and He didn’t appear interested.

  She watched in mute horror as the water seeped in through the lace holes and around the tongue of her boots, soaking her socks. Surprisingly cold given the hot day. How much longer could they wait?

  Logan pulled out from under the Jeep, yanking her arm as he stood. “We have to get out of here!” he yelled over the noise of the storm. “Now!”

  “What about the Jeep?”

  “No time. Go!”

  He snatched her hand, tugging her as he ran toward the far side of the streambed. The water swirled around their ankles and kept rising fast.

  The current ripped past her feet, so strong for so little water. It couldn’t be more than four inches deep.

  “Come on!” Logan yanked on her arm.

  Her feet vanished beneath the dark, muddy stream. And the rain, pouring down in dog-size drops, made it hard to even see which direction they were running. Stay perpendicular to the current. She clung to the thought as if it were a lifeline.

  Logan gripped her hand so hard it hurt. The dark water whirled above her ankles now, a vicious torrent threatening to sweep them away at the first misstep. Like a far deadlier version of the river she had been in a few days ago.

  Only, this time, she might not be so fortunate.

  “Almost there,” Logan huffed.

  Finally the water became shallower, making their steps easier. They reached the far side and clambered onto the bank. Ashley staggered forward a few extra paces to give the rushing stream a wide berth. Then Logan released his death grip on her hand and they both flung themselves to the muddy ground.

  She lay on her side, heaving in several deep breaths as the rain continued to pour down. When she had finally recovered enough to sit, she stared at the Jeep, where they had been kneeling on the ground only moments before.

  The muddy water had reached the doors and was flowing into the cab. She hugged her arms around her chest, painfully aware of her own helplessness as the now roaring current tore loose items from the Jeep and carried them away. Seconds later the Jeep itself rocked as a torrential flow of water rushed through the once-dry creek bed. Suddenly, as if pushed by a large, invisible hand, the vehicle overturned and was gone, carried by the ripping current toward the Rio Grande.

  Ashley stared at the place the Jeep had stood, openmouthed, hands trembling. She had never seen nature’s fury like this before. It was as if the hand of God had reached down and touched the earth in front of her eyes. If they had stayed there a few seconds longer... The thought sent a chill down her back until, combined with her wet clothes, she shivered from head to toe.

  * * *

  She was shaking uncontrollably. It was a gut reaction. Before Logan could stop himself, he pulled Ashley into his arms, as if he could will away the cold and the fear by holding her close. Her breath whispered warm against his arm, the cold wet of her cheek slowly giving way to heat. Her dark hair had come loose and fell like a heavy, wet blanket down her back.

  At least no one was taking shots at them anymore. But given the downpour, and the flooding, there was no way they would ever find the shooters.

  No, there was only one source for answers in that regard. He gazed down at Ashley, her forehead so pale against her dark hair. Maybe now she would be willing to open up. To let him help.

  Too soon Ashley pushed against him, her hand on his chest. He hated to let go. She felt too warm, too safe. But theirs was a working relationship and he couldn’t afford the tangle of emotions in his chest. Not after Erin.

  Logan dropped his hands and Ashley pulled away, her wide eyes filled with confusion and lingering fear that, despite his resolve, he longed to soothe away.

  Instead he summoned all his effort and looked back across the streambed. The rain had stopped and the sun was forcing its way through the dark clouds in glittering brilliant streaks. The rushing water next to them slowed and began to recede now that its source had moved east.

  “I’m sorry,” he ground out, “that I didn’t get us out of there sooner.”

  “It’s not your fault.” Ashley reached for him, her cold hand resting lightly on his arm. Although her hands still trembled slightly, the color had returned to her cheeks. “We had to try. At least no one can follow us across the creek at the moment.”

  Logan ran his hands through his hair, sending out a spray of water, trying to clear his head. “The radio’s halfway to the Gulf of Mexico by now. We’ll have to walk.” They were goin
g to get thirsty, but at least the day carried a hint of cooler fall temperatures, instead of the torturing three-digit heat they’d had all summer. He glanced at Ashley, worry gnawing at his insides. “You shouldn’t be exerting yourself like this while you’re still healing.”

  She shrugged, her dark eyes calm. “Headquarters got my call. They’ll send somebody. But walking sounds better than sitting around here without any shade. And, honestly, I feel pretty good except for the memory loss.”

  He nodded, pressing his lips together. “Well, I’m not happy about it, but you’ve got a point.”

  They started up the road toward Castolon. It felt good to stretch his stiff muscles as he walked, keeping the pace easy for Ashley. The sun was gaining strength again and slowly drying out their clothes and hair.

  She strolled silently beside him, staring at the road ahead.

  He kept stealing glances to make sure she was all right, until finally she gave him a crooked grin. “Logan, I’m okay. Obviously, I only remember bits and pieces about the last year, but I must’ve exercised regularly. I feel fine.”

  He frowned, watching the remains of the puffy gray clouds as they disappeared to the east. “It’s not just the exertion I’m worried about. First you turn up in the river with a head injury, then your house and your car are broken into, and now someone is shooting at us. Whatever is going on here, you are at the center of it. Do you have any idea why?”

  * * *

  Yes, she did. It took a major effort to swallow the word before it popped out. The effect this man had on her was almost more frustrating than her lost memories. Ashley wanted nothing more than to tell him everything and crawl into the safety of his arms.

  Her heart wanted to trust him implicitly, but logic dictated that was foolish. She hardly knew him. And her own words before coming here were to trust no one. That had to include Logan.

  But he was waiting for her to say something and she owed it to him after putting his life in jeopardy. Though she didn’t know who’d been shooting at them, she had no doubt the incident was linked to Jimenez. Did that mean her cover was blown? Before she’d even had the chance to remember everything?