Journey To You

by AJ Adaire

  Murdoch pawed Paige’s arm and looked to the left. Paige followed his gaze, studying the tree line. Squinting, she finally saw what had drawn Murdoch‘s attention. Concealed in the trees, two women were also watching the camp. She continued to observe them until they began backing away. “Murdoch, stay.”

  Paige disappeared into the trees, circling her way around behind the two women. Making no sound, she crept closer, straining to hear them as they whispered. From the few words she could overhear, it seemed that the taller woman was giving instructions. The shorter one shook her head in disagreement. Paige searched the ground beneath her. She tossed a small rock behind them, drawing their attention and distracting them from her advance. They didn’t hear her as she covered the distance between them in several long, stealthy strides. “Don’t make a sound. Come over this way, and be quiet about it,” she whispered.

  Kim and Peri froze. The barrel of Paige’s Glock faced them when they turned. She held her fingers to her lips and gestured with her head to withdraw farther down the trail. They slipped away to a safer distance.

  “What’s going on here?” Paige lowered her weapon, remaining wary. She looked at Kim for the answer.

  Keeping her voice low, Kim answered. “That big guy took the male and female pair captive. We saw him club the male with a hefty branch and knock him down. We think the couple might be brother and sister. They look alike. We were planning to wait until dark and see if we could rescue them.” Kim looked the stranger in the eyes. “Will you help us?”

  Paige thought for a few seconds. She scratched her ear. “If we do this, recognize that it could make trouble for us. What will we do with the big guy, once we capture him? We can’t let him go, and none of us will want to take him up the trail with us.”

  “He’s hateful and will definitely do more harm to those people if we don’t help them. We’re especially worried about the woman. We heard him make repulsive threats to her.” Kim's shudder added clarity to her words.

  Paige nodded. “Do you have a plan?”

  “It’s what we were arguing about. We wanted to wait until the guy in charge goes to sleep. We’re afraid to do that, for fear of what he might do to the girl before then. You know…” Peri said.

  “Yes, I understand. Asleep would be an easier way to take him. I think you’re right about him though. There’s no doubt that because of that mean streak in him they’re both at risk.”

  They heard a scream from the girl and raised voices from the two men. Paige stayed Peri with a hand to her arm. “Let’s come at him from a couple of directions. You two give me about two minutes. If you hear me yell bite, come running.”

  “Bite?” Peri's eyebrows knit in confusion.

  “I don’t have time to explain. You’ll see, though. Two minutes. Don’t attract attention.” Paige disappeared silently into the woods.

  Peri and Kim did as instructed and worked their way closer to the camp to await the signal.

  Peri leaned against Kim so she could whisper in her ear. “Who do you think she is, a cop?”

  Kim shrugged. “Dunno. She looks fit enough to be either police or military. She’s big, taller than me by about two inches. She probably stands about five-ten. And she’s armed. She’s no-nonsense and seems to know what she’s doing.”

  Their heads snapped in the direction of the prisoners when the girl cried out, “No!”

  The large man lumbered a few steps and stood towering over her. She whimpered, her face contorted in pain, as the rope he used to drag her to her feet bit into her wrists. Pulling a knife from his boot, he cut her free from the unconscious man. “She must have screamed because he hit him again,” Kim whispered.

  The brutal man roughly yanked the girl toward him and bent to kiss her as Paige emerged from the woods. “Hey! That’s enough of that. Get your hands in the air and drop to your knees.”

  He studied the weapon pointed dead center at his chest, making a decision. At first he didn’t move and then, with reluctance, appeared to oblige. As he dropped to one knee, he reached for the thick limb he’d used on the young man. He heaved it at Paige, striking her arm and knocking her gun to the ground. He moved faster than expected for a man his size, and hurled himself at Paige. They scrambled for control of the gun.

  “Murdoch, bite,” she screamed.

  Murdoch emerged from his hiding place. He was no more than a blur as he covered the space in seconds to sink his teeth into the man’s calf. He didn’t let go, despite a howl of pain. The harder the man struggled, the more pressure Murdoch applied.

  “Owww! I surrender. Make him stop.”

  Paige stood and pointed her reclaimed weapon at her prisoner. “Murdoch, release.” She looked around, pleased to see that Kim was removing the ropes that bound the young captives. Peri was already tending to the head wound of the fellow. With the ropes cut free, Kim ran to retrieve their packs. She handed Peri the first aid kit and gave Paige two large zip ties to bind the big man’s hands behind his back. As she bound him, for added safety, Paige slipped one of the ties through the man’s belt before pulling it tight around his wrists.

  “Owww,” he whined. “Christ, you don’t have to do that. I’m not going anywhere after your damned dog almost chewed off my leg.”

  With her surly prisoner secured, Paige bent to ruffle her dog’s ears. “Murdoch, good boy.” She patted him on the side and inspected him to see he wasn’t hurt. She pointed at the prisoner. “Murdoch, guard.” Demonstrating her complete trust in him, she turned and walked the twenty feet to the now-free couple. “Are you all right?”

  “Thank you. Thank you all. I’m Jennifer and this is my brother Jeff.”

  Kim and Peri introduced themselves before turning toward Paige.

  “I’m Paige Monroe.” She pointed to her focused dog. “That’s Murdoch. You don’t have to worry about the prisoner while Murdoch’s on duty.” Her eyes and mouth softened as she stared down at him. “I’m confident enough of his abilities that I trust him with my life every single day.” She holstered her weapon and brushed dirt from her clothing. “What happened? Her eyes turned toward the man Murdoch was guarding. “How did you end up with him?”

  “We live on a small farm about four miles from here.” Tears filled Jennifer’s eyes. “We shared it with our parents. When Mom and Dad died, we planned to walk to our uncle’s farm. He has a place northwest of here. We figured it for less than a two-day hike, from home. Before we were ready to leave, he burst in, overpowered us, and took us captive.”

  Kim frowned. “What did he hope to gain by taking you prisoners? He doesn’t seem prepared to be out here in the forest. You have insufficient food and hiking gear.”

  Still holding gauze to the egg-sized knot on his head, Jeff spoke up. “He told us he’d heard there’s a group of people who are building a fortress, or a stronghold of some sort, up along the Canadian border. They’re looking for workers. He hoped to sell us to them.”

  Paige shook her head. “He has to be an idiot. It’s most likely a few months’ hike up there from here, maybe longer with the two of you in tow. No food, no sleeping bags, no supplies…what’s he thinking?”

  “He mentioned he has a cabin a few miles east of here. I think he figured we’d make it there by tomorrow,” Jennifer said. “Maybe he has more supplies there.”

  “I don’t know. If I take this character home he could come after us. Maybe he has friends. We’ll make camp for tonight.” Paige pointed. “There’s a sheltered spot near that hill, where I left my pack. After I see what this guy has to say. I’ll show you where to set up the campsite.”

  Their prisoner had finally stopped whining about the bites Paige’s dog had inflicted. Murdoch kept his unwavering gaze on his charge. Despite the chill in the air, sweat ran down the man’s forehead. Paige approached him. Her eyes narrowed when she noted the glassy appearance of his green eyes and that his shirt appeared soaked through. “What’s your name?”

  His scowl surly, the man spat his response. “Chuck.
What are you going to do with me? Aren’t you going to fix my leg?”

  Paige took a few seconds to make her decision, based on her observations. “Tomorrow morning I’m going to let you go. If you come anywhere near us again, I won’t call Murdoch off next time. Understand?”

  He glared in the direction of the vigilant dog. Returning his focus to the woman, he nodded.

  “You lead the way,” She watched Chuck stagger and stumble several times, as he followed the trail up to where she’d left her supplies.

  Paige and the others sat huddled together, while Murdoch sat unmoving, guarding Chuck.

  “What are we going to do with him?” Jeff gestured in the direction of their prisoner.

  Paige’s jaw tightened as her eyes darted in Chuck’s direction. “Nothing. He’s of no concern to us now. Look at him. He’s got glassy eyes, and he’s sweating. What does that tell you?”

  Kim’s eyes tracked in the same direction Paige was looking. Her breath slowly escaped between her pursed lips.“He’s got it. The illness,”

  “Yeah. He’ll be lucky to make it to his home before it gets him. He’s of no worry to us. I’ll set him free in the morning. Addressing Jeff and Jennifer, Paige said, “If you’d like, I can go with you to your uncle’s to see you’re safe. After that, I’m heading farther northwest.”

  Peri touched Paige on the arm.“Kim and I are heading in the same direction. Maybe we can all stick together for a bit. We seem to make a good team. And we’ll feel safer with Murdoch along.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Paige placed a hand over her heart, feigning injury.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean to insult you.” Peri rushed to explain. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…look, what I was trying to say is that you both make us feel safe. You were amazing, too.”

  Paige met Peri’s eyes for the first time and grinned. “Thanks for the apology and the compliment. I’m teasing you. I feel more protected with Murdoch around, too. And you’re right, we do make a good team.” Her eyes softened as she looked in Murdoch’s direction.

  Murdoch never took his eyes off Chuck. In response to the mention of his name by his master, his tail gave one quick twitch.

  “Come on,” Paige said. “Let’s get some rest.”

  While the others worked at building a fire pit, Paige secured the prisoner to a tree nearby, tucked a space blanket around him, and made a spot nearby for herself. “I’ll take first watch.”

  Kim said, “Peri and I will do the next two.”

  “Good. Wake me when you’re ready for a break. Keep a watchful eye on Murdoch. He’ll hear someone long before any of us can. Do you have a weapon?”

  “I have an air rifle,” Peri responded. “It’s a high-powered one though.”

  “That’s good, Peri. It’s quieter than a regular gun. It could come in handy. You might want to start carrying it tomorrow, instead of keeping it strapped to your pack.” She said it with such kindness and sincerity, that there was no chance Peri could construe it as a criticism.

  Chapter Five

  THE SUN PEEKED OVER the mountains, bringing the first warmth of morning. Peri worked her head out of her cozy sleeping bag. The air was frigid compared to the warmth inside the bedroll. She inhaled the fresh scent of the forest. It was a welcome change from the putrid air she’d been breathing while trapped indoors. Rolling to her side, she surveyed the camp. Soft snoring and deep breathing emanated from those around her. Paige was hunkered down behind a rock, near the highest point of their camp. She was staring straight ahead.

  While Paige was still unaware that anyone was awake, Peri took an opportunity to study the woman. She was no doubt nice looking. Tall for a woman, she had an athletic build, collar-length hair, and pale eyes with thick lashes. Her clothing looked roomy. Peri wondered if she’d always been this slender and liked her clothing loose, or if she’d lost weight being on the trail. She seemed ever alert, yet not tense. Peri felt an inexplicable attraction to the woman, and wondered what it was that drew her. She reassured herself that it wasn’t sexual. She still missed Trish. At the thought of her partner, she felt the pain of her loss wash over her. No, not sexual. Perhaps it was only Paige’s sense of confidence that attracts me. She’d assumed command of the group with an easy and natural manner. Nobody even challenged her suitability to make decisions, nor right to be in charge.

  Peri slid from her bag, stood, and stretched. Peri shivered at the contrast of the morning air to the warmth of her bedding. She fished her jacket out of the sleeping bag and slipped it on. Leaving the camp, she made her way behind a rock, scraped a hole in the ground and relieved herself. She covered her waste and the leaves as best she could, with the soil she’d removed to make the little hole. Peri returned to camp. There was still no sign of anyone else stirring. Paige watched her progress as Peri climbed to her position. Peri gave a slight wave. “Morning.”

  Paige nodded. “Hi.” She returned to staring out over the forest, ignoring the map in her lap.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Taking a minute to appreciate the beauty. I’ve been so focused on simple survival that I haven’t taken time to do that lately.”

  “I know what you mean. I used to love sharing the outdoors.” Peri paused, her thoughts turning inward. “Everything is so different now, isn’t it?”

  Paige pursed her lips and nodded her agreement. “It sure is.”

  The sun continued its rise above the forest, casting its light against the dark shadows of the trees. Paige adjusted her position so she could see Peri’s face.

  “I love the way the shades of green flow from darker to lighter and back. If someone says green to you, a color pops into your head. If you look out there, I think you can see hundreds of different shades of color.” Paige pointed. “Look how the sun is shining on the tops of those trees down there. The mist, over there in the valley, softens the trees it hides and adds another tone. This is the best view I’ve had in days. The forest is so dense in this area. It’s not possible to get this kind of panoramic view of the forest along the coast or even inland, farther south of here. This view is the first to provide a glimpse at how vast this forest is, and how clearly insignificant we all are.”

  Peri scanned the landscape. “You’re right. It has its own beauty and sense of peace. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about the things you’ve observed. It’s easy to forget to take the time to appreciate it with all this going on.” Silence fell between them. Peri was the first to speak. “Did you get some rest?”

  “A few hours.” Paige saw concern in Peri’s gaze. “Enough.” She looked at Peri. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Very well, both before and after our turn at watching him.” She gestured toward Chuck. “I was so exhausted. Not so much from the hiking. Although, I’m surprised at how little ground we’re able to cover. Taking it slow, because of fear of discovery is part of it. Making our way through the forest is the other. I could cover ten times the ground on the road or a sidewalk.”

  “True, we can’t blunder along at any speed, tromping through the forest. Being quiet and safe is more important and can be tiring.”

  Peri sighed. “I’m more mentally exhausted, because I’ve been so stressed. It’s a relief to be some distance away from the city. Last night was the first time I’ve had any sense of safety in weeks, thanks to you and Murdoch.”

  “There’s always a sense of safety in numbers, I think. I admit I’m eager to get a bit farther into the forest today. The deeper into the woods, the fewer people we have to deal with the safer I’ll feel.” She turned away. “Look. There’s a campfire a few miles from here.” She pointed. “I noticed the smoke earlier. We don’t know who they are, or what direction they’re heading. That makes me eager to get started. Let’s wake the others and get underway. We should have a cold breakfast this morning. Let them know, please.”

  Peri nodded. “I will. What direction are you heading in, after we drop them at their uncle’s place?”

  “Just away. Away from
populated areas. You and Kim?”

  “Yes, us too. We have some friends. Survivalists.” Peri pointed to the map Paige still had open on her lap. “They live here, in this area. You’re welcome to travel with us as far as you’d like. It might be safer if we’re all together.”

  “Thanks. I’ll think about it.” Paige folded the map, and stood up. “Maybe we should get a move on.”

  Peri scurried to her feet. “I’ll get them up and let them know about breakfast.”

  The news there would be no coffee or tea elicited grumbles. It didn’t take long for them to clean up their site and return the camp to the condition in which they’d found it.

  ***

  Paige roused Chuck, who complained about the pain in his leg from Murdoch’s grip there the night before. Paige helped him to his feet and looked him over. Dark circles ringed his eyes and his coloring was grey. His appearance, worse than yesterday’s confirmed her assessment of the evening before. She cut his restraints and admonished him again.

  He glared at her as he rubbed feeling back into his wrists and hands.

  “I’m serious, Chuck. If I see your sorry ass anywhere near us, I’ll turn my dog loose on you again.” He hasn’t started throwing up yet, so he’s got another couple of days still. She squashed her natural sympathy for the man whose fate was already written.

  Chuck spat. “Believe me, I’m as happy to be rid of you as you are to see the back of me.” He turned and headed down the path in the direction he’d told them his cabin was.

  Paige returned to the others. She confirmed the location of the farm owned by Jeff and Jennifer’s uncle. Glancing around at the group, she told them, “You get started. Murdoch and I will hang back a little while and make sure our friend is really gone.” Turning to Kim and Peri, she asked, “Which of you has more hiking experience?”

  Kim replied. “We’ve done a lot of camping together before…” She swallowed hard. “Um, our skill level is pretty equal, I guess.”