by Hope Malory
He mumbled loud enough for her to overhear, “Yeah, right.”
Their skirmish didn’t help with the search.
They moved in a slow, deliberate manner and examined the path for signs. Despite the intensity of the search, she admired the magnificence, ruggedness, and raw power of the area. How can I take pleasure from this beauty while searching for a small boy? The sheer size of the forest, the dense dark woods, and the strange sounds must terrify him.
A huge branch blocked the way and impeded their progress. After they made their way through and rounded a curve, a faint rustling sound came from the thick treed area to the right. Movement. They all reacted in synchrony, yelling Cole’s name. Adrenaline surged through Beasley’s veins, and her pulse thumped in her ears. A deer leaped across the trail in front of them, leaving her frustrated. Disappointment registered on the men’s faces.
A half hour had passed with no trace of the boy when sounds of dogs barking in the distance captured their attention. Ranger Walsh said, “Good, the canine team is here to help with the search.” Within minutes the sky opened. Thunder rumbled through the mountains, and raindrops pelted the gravel-laden soil. He directed his eyes skyward and frowned. “Hell, a big storm with heavy rains will ruin the scent trail and wash away any footprints.”
Discouraged by the lack of progress, she leaned against a tree.
“Tired?”
“Leave me alone. I don’t want to talk to you.”
“I meant . . . Never mind, are you this unpleasant to everyone?”
She sighed. “No, I don’t like arrogant people.” Why can’t he understand how important this is? We have to find the child soon.
An opening in the trees revealed thickets growing beside a creek with green algae coating the rocks. The afternoon heat working in tandem with the heavy downpour gave way to sweltering humidity. She removed her rain and sweat-soaked shirt in favor of the cooler camisole underneath. Although she had packed a light waterproof jacket, the storm came without warning. The almost horizontal, wind-driven rain swept the ridge, plastering her hair to her head. Drenched, their clothes clung to their bodies. It was impossible not to notice Will’s ripped torso underneath his wet shirt. Stop looking at his body. She observed his stolen glance at her assets when she took off the outer layer. To rid her mind of those thoughts, she shook her head and turned her attention back to the task. She agonized about the frightened little boy, knowing the first twenty-four hours were the most critical. Would he survive the night if they didn’t locate him soon? A sense of unease gnawed at her.
At the same moment she turned toward Ranger Walsh to ask what they would do if they didn’t find him before dark, thunder roared through the forest making her words inaudible. The crunch of twigs and leaves beneath their feet turned into splashes as the rain persisted. They slogged through ankle-deep mud, around jutting rocks, and over blown-down trunks and branches. The wind whipped, and the downpour continued, slowing their progress.
The trail narrowed with sharp drop-offs on the left side. Walking in a single line, Ranger Walsh led, Will followed him, and she took the rear position. In a fraction of a second, she recognized what was happening ahead. Seized by fear, she cried out as Will stepped in a pool of mud, lost his footing, and tumbled down the side of a cliff.
Chapter 2
Beasley held her breath. She and the ranger scrambled to the edge and peered down. Through a gap in the trees, she saw Will had tumbled about ten feet before grabbing a branch to stop the fall. A narrow ledge helped him recover his footing. When he began to climb upward, they heard him groan. Walsh called down, “Are you hurt?”
“Nothing I can’t handle. Throw me a rope, and I’ll be fine.”
She volunteered, “I’ll check him out.”
The ranger dragged two ropes out of his pack and secured them to a tree. “A good idea, but the rocks are slick. Put on the harness and take one for him.”
“Thanks.” Soaked and fighting against the mountain elements, she descended the cliff as easily as if she were climbing down a ladder.
Irritation registered on Will’s face when she came into view. He grumbled, “I said I’m fine.” When she reached him, she secured him to a bite in the line a few yards above her so they could climb back up together.
After she learned his injuries were not severe, she stifled the urge to laugh. “Curb your pride. I’m going to check your wounds. What hurts?”
“My left wrist and ankle took a hit, but I didn’t break anything.”
She examined his wrist. “You may have a hairline fracture, but I agree it doesn’t appear to be a complete break.” Because of the slight flinch when she probed his ankle and the minor swelling there, she believed he sprained it. Skin abrasions were the only other visible signs of injury.
“Let’s get you to safer ground.”
“I can do this.” He reached for the rope, took a step, and groaned. “Damn.”
Squelching the sarcastic comment that bubbled on her lips, she instead said, “But you’re hurt. Look, you need help, and I’m here. If you’re too stubborn to accept it, you can stay down here. Your call.”
He hesitated before accepting her assistance. While helping him into the harness, she said, “Take your time. I’m right beside you.”
Warring with the surge of warmth to her face and sensual thoughts invading her mind when she secured the straps on his muscled chest, she held her breath until he turned to climb. Her brain reminded her body that Will was not a friend, but touching his pecs was more action than she’d had in quite a while. Why did it have to be this guy?
“You guys okay?” Walsh asked.
“Yes, we’re on our way,” she said.
The ranger tugged on the rope, and with Beasley’s help, Will inched up the cliff to the top.
“Thanks, man.”
“I’m not the one you need to thank.” He stepped aside to make room for her at the anchor as she pulled herself up the final few feet. Then, he checked Will’s wrist and ankle and agreed with her assessment.
She reached for the first aid kit, washed away the mud with her bottle of water, wrapped his injuries, and cleaned and bandaged the worst of the abrasions.
“Thanks,” Will said.
Walsh stashed the ropes in his pack and turned toward Will. “We should get you back to camp. I’ll radio for assistance.”
“No, I can make it.”
“Suit yourself.”
The ranger found a tree limb to serve as a walking stick and handed it to Will. “Try this. There is a meadow with a bench over the next ridge. Let’s go rest awhile, and you can decide then if you can finish the search or if you need help to return to the campsite.”
Will stood and took a few steps. “No problem. I’ve got this.”
His air of confidence fascinated her, but when she read the pain in his eyes and noticed the slight limp, she experienced a twinge of sympathy.
After reaching the long bench fashioned out of logs, Will sank to the gray weathered seat and propped up his foot. Ranger Walsh moved to the other side of the meadow and placed a call on his satellite phone.
“You can sit. I promise I won’t bite.”
She plopped on the opposite side.
“Why did you help me?”
“I would do the same for anyone.”
Will’s attitude seemed to thaw a fraction. “I guess I owe you an apology.”
Nothing further. How lame. “Okay, I’m waiting.”
“I apologize.”
This man doesn’t understand the meaning of the word “sorry”. Aloud she said, “That sounded convincing.”
“What can I say? I’m a nice guy having a bad day.”
Parroting what he said to her earlier, she replied, “Yeah, right.”
“You’re goin
g to continue to give me grief, aren’t you?”
“Count on it.”
~ ~ ~
Will’s dad’s words, “Men are rugged, and women are soft,” rang in his ears. A long time ago, he had ceased to heed his father’s advice and personal truisms. For years, he had tried to reject the elder Gregor’s self-centered behavior. He refused to be like his father, but the conclusions he drew about Beasley sounded like something his dad would do.
Aggravated with himself for letting her goad him into firing back at her, he admitted his initial reaction and insulting remarks toward her had been out of line.
Since he’d just had a fight with Madison, his first impulse was to compare Beasley to her and his younger sister who avoided anything physical and wouldn’t climb a ladder much less scale a cliff. Moving with agility and grace, she had climbed down the bluff with the practiced ease of someone experienced in mountain climbing, more like the well-trained women firefighters and smokejumpers he admired for their strength and endurance.
She pissed him off when she made the comment about his ego and asking for help. How ironic. That was exactly what he had done, and in the process made an embarrassing fool of himself. The guys at the fire hall would laugh their asses off if they knew.
What do I do with this woman who shoots me down and then turns around and helps me? “The girl has balls; I’ll give her that,” he said to himself.
She had tended to his injuries and demonstrated her competence; he respected competence. I do appreciate her help.
Even with the au naturel face and an athletic body, she exuded femininity. After she removed her shirt, he discovered how well she filled out the top underneath. Well, with the wet fabric plastered to her body, he had to avert his eyes to keep his male hormones in check. His mouth went dry just thinking about it. The sleeveless top accentuated her toned arms and slim waist. The sight of her shapely butt and those legs . . . She was hot. Perhaps she isn’t so bad after all.
~ ~ ~
Beasley observed the half smile registering on Will’s face, and his tone revealed sincerity when he said, “I really am sorry I reacted the way I did.”
At first, she couldn’t bring herself to believe he meant it. “You’re admitting you were wrong? Let me take a video and capture this moment.” Well, at least he had the decency to apologize.
He gave her a sheepish grin. Either he was genuine or was an accomplished actor. “I deserved that. How about we start over?” Will stuck out his hand. “Thanks for the help.”
Unsmiling, she shook his hand. A tiny electrical jolt zipped up her arm when they touched. What was that about? Why did she keep having these reactions? It was only a handshake, but the delicious sensation in her stomach led to naughty thoughts. Don’t be stupid, you can’t let his hot body cloud your brain. We have a job to do. Brushing it out of her mind, she said, “You’re welcome.”
Beneath the cap of brown hair and the beads of sweat on his brow, his clear blue eyes expressed regret. A faint jagged scar notched his chin. Three small mountain peaks tattooed on his forearm attracted her attention. Why mountains? Must be a story there. While she appreciated the apology, she was still wary and wanted to keep her distance.
“Appears we had our first fight. Just so you know, I’m not opposed to makeup sex.”
She bristled. “You are the last person I would. . . .” Then she noticed his mischievous grin. Despite her best efforts, she laughed. “You’re pathetic.”
Indeed, his deep sexy voice caused her to conjure up images of makeup sex. “Stop it, Beasley,” she said under her breath.
“So, you scaled the cliff with no help. Do you climb?” Will asked.
“Yes. I came here to conquer the Nose of El Capitan.”
An odd expression reflected on his face. Skepticism? “El Cap is a challenge, even for experienced climbers.”
“Are you assuming I’m not experienced?”
He threw up his hands, palms out. “No, I didn’t say that. Understand I’m trying here. Can we call a truce?”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Is this your first time here?”
“No, I climbed Half Dome and El Cap last year.”
Will’s eyebrows shot up. “Man, I didn’t expect that. You’re full of surprises. Those are two of my favorites. What kind of climbing do you do?”
Ah, the reason behind the tattoo. Was he trying to make up for his previous arrogance with small talk? “Depends on what I’m climbing. I prefer to free-climb with the ropes and hardware for safety but not to ascend. At least for the mountains I know well. I like to prepare in advance. Until I’m familiar in every respect with a route, I’ll do a trad climb with all the gear and go with a partner. I’m too safety-conscious to do otherwise.”
After deciding to be civil and continue the conversation, she asked, “How about you?”
“Same here. I’m only Alex Honnold in my dreams.”
“The guy continues to set records. Alex was a legend in the climbing world well before his epic climb on El Capitan. Can you believe he scaled the almost 3,000-foot wall with no ropes or safety gear in less than four hours?”
“Seems impossible.” His expression changed, and he raked his fingers through his hair. “At seventeen, I was a reckless climber, believing I was invincible, until a good friend took too many risks climbing without proper training and gear. He paid a high price and became a paraplegic because of one stupid move. And it could have been me. Overnight, I changed my attitude. Since then, I train to the point of obsession before doing anything with a potential for danger. Do you have a partner for the climb?”
How odd for him to share personal information since he has no intention of accepting me as an equal on the team. “Two. I met Nathan last year through a mutual friend and climbed with him twice. A friend of his is climbing with us.”
“What day do you start?”
“Tuesday morning.”
“Mind if I come and watch you get started?”
Of course she minded. She had no desire to put up with this man any longer than necessary. But when she gazed into his eyes, something inside her vibrated. He had an aura impossible to ignore.
“Suit yourself.” Did I say that? Her mouth was out of control. Unable to stop herself, she continued, “I’ll warn you, we plan to start early. Around four-thirty.” Why was she responding this way to someone she didn’t like, and why did someone who didn’t like her want to observe her climb? It was a bad idea.
Chapter 3
The muscle in Ranger Walsh’s jaw twitched, and a scowl spread across his face when he returned from the phone call. “No clues yet.” He scanned the sky. A solid band of clouds hovered over them. “It’s almost sunset.”
Turning to them, he said, “Let’s head toward the trailhead. Will, you need to get to the Yosemite Medical Center to check your wrist and ankle.”
“Sorry, guys.”
“With this rain and the sun going down, we won’t likely make much progress until daylight. The K-9 team will stay behind and search through the night. At dawn, we’ll start again. The chances of us finding him in the dark are slim. Incident Command will dispatch more teams in the morning.”
~ ~ ~
Beasley worried about Cole. Was he safe? Hungry? Cold? Naturally, he was scared. Maybe he found shelter. The search team who stayed behind might find him. Drained from the stress of the day, she headed straight for the showers to wash the mud off before going back to camp.
After setting up a folding chair outside the tent, she checked her cell and saw a text from Casey, her friend in Truckee.
All going well? KC
She doesn’t understand. The search for the little boy and her clashes with Will had depleted her, and she just wanted to relax. In no mood to rehash the day’s events, she texted a short reply
.
Made it. Will call tomorrow. B
“Hello,” a male voice said from behind her. Will stepped into view.
Well, so much for relaxing. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m camping here too, over on the side closest to Northside Drive. I saw you and came to tell you my wrist has a hairline fracture like you said.”
“What about your ankle?”
“Only sprained. Thanks again for your help today. Doc said you did an expert job wrapping it. Are you in the medical field?”
“No, but I am Wilderness EMT certified. During my hike on the Appalachian Trail, I figured if I continued to engage in high-risk situations, I needed training to help myself or others if an emergency occurred.”
“Wow! The AT?”
“Yes, but it took a long time and several months of research for me to muster up the courage to attempt it. I took time away from college to hike the trail.”
“That had to be a mental and physical drain.”
“It was. The intellectual fortitude it requires is incredible. The experience was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding I have had to date, but I’ll never forget the soreness, the blisters, the exhaustion, and the cold. The thought of quitting crossed my mind many times, but when I start something, I don’t quit, so I forged ahead.”
“So, you’re a climber and a hiker. Have you hiked any other long-distance trails?”
“The summer after graduating college, I took part in my first search and rescue on the Colorado Trail. A year later, I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Completing that one profoundly influenced me.”
Will whistled. “The PCT is no easy task. How long did it take you?”
“A few days shy of four months.”