Searching the area around their campsite, Galina gathered dry wood and stacked it neatly beside a rock circle that appeared to have held many fires.
Overheated, she shrugged off her longer outer coat and laid it over a stump as she went back for another load. The insulated hoodie, flannel, and t-shirt were sufficient.
She returned with her arms full as the others came back from the stream. The heavyset man looked like he’d fallen asleep and it made her smile.
Putting down the wood, she took her canteen from Knox. He stared at her with wide eyes and she realized she’d revealed a lot more of her figure than he’d seen since they started.
Looking around nervously, the others didn’t seem to notice. “I’ll put my coat back on.”
Snapping out of his surprise, he asked softly, “Who are you, Gail?”
“Nobody. I’m nobody.”
His blue eyes stared into hers and he said, “You’re safe. I want you to know that.”
“Thank you.”
He held her gaze for a moment longer and nodded. “Grab your rations. I’ll get a fire started so everyone can eat.”
Knox gathered his students around the fire circle and demonstrated how to start it without matches. It was fascinating to watch.
Once it was going strong, each of them warmed rations that could be eaten cold in an emergency. While they ate, their guide kept up a steady stream of conversation.
“Why don’t each of you explain why you decided to take this course. It’s a lot different than other things you could have done with your time and money.”
The heavyset man was named Kevin. A business executive from Atlanta, he’d recently been demoted. “My job went to a guy half my age. My wife signed me up for this so I could clear my head and decide what to do next.”
“Any thoughts?” Knox asked him.
“Not yet but the heavier this pack gets, the clearer my head.”
Randall was a photographer and travel writer. “I’m going through an ugly divorce back home in Chicago. I wanted to do something like this that wasn’t for work. Get some focus.”
A mechanic from Colorado, Sullivan confessed, “I went camping with some buddies a few months ago, and I couldn’t even start a fire with matches.” He shook his head. “They want to go again in the spring and I’m going to be ready.”
“You can’t know everything, Sullivan,” their guide said kindly.
“Call me Van. Yeah, I know. I need to know something though or I’m going to get razzed for the second year in a row.”
A wiry man with stringy black hair told them, “I’m Jonas. When society as we know it has a full-on meltdown, I’m gonna be ready. I’m not going to be one of the mobs trying to raid the local Walmart when it’s already too late.”
“Okay. Fair enough.” Galina caught the edge of Knox’s grin as he hid it from the others. He turned to look at her. “What about you, Gail?”
Carefully clearing her throat of her usual huskiness, she replied, “I’m a t-teacher. From California. I’m taking a sabbatical to get some privacy and quiet.”
Rubbing her palms on her jeans, she added, “I rented a cabin for a couple of years and I’ll need to know things about where I live. You know, cutting wood, starting fires, and stuff. I don’t like feeling helpless.”
“You’re going to stay up in these woods for two years?” Randall asked her and she nodded. He made a huffing sound. “But…you’re a woman. You’ll probably get lonely and need to share your feelings. Right?”
“I’ve already shared more of myself than I ever wanted to. I’ve been waiting a long time to be alone.”
Knox looked at her curiously but didn’t comment.
Kevin rested his elbow on his knee. “So, you’re taking the course to prepare for living up here?”
“Yes. I might not need all of it but it can’t hurt to know it.”
“There you go!” Jonas nodded emphatically. “When they mess up the world and we’re all left without electricity, you and I will be ready. We’ll survive!”
Van grumbled, “Wish I’d have thought to plan ahead before I went camping last year. I was humiliated. My tent leaked like a sieve and it took me three hours to start a fire while the other guys caught dinner. They said it was like camping with a chick. Uh…sorry, Gail. No offense.”
She laughed. “None taken.” Glancing around her at the scenery, she added with the awe she felt, “Aside from the skills, this place is stunning. I’ve finally learned what real beauty is and that’s saying a lot.”
A little while later, they cleaned up and turned in. In the privacy of her tent, Galina pulled out her journal and wrote about her first full day.
She slept deeper than she had in years.
Knox taught his students to take out whatever they brought in and how to leave no evidence of their passing.
During a break, one of the guys asked him, “Are there others groups like Embrace the Wild that come up here?”
“I have special permission to take groups out in the wilderness of the park for extended trips. My best friend is one of the park rangers.” He shrugged. “There are a couple of other guides but the park takes preservation seriously.”
“I’m glad,” Galina told him. “This should never be spoiled.”
At another small clearing, they made camp and Knox asked her quietly, “Are you sure about being up here for so long? I imagine it’s different than what you’re used to.”
Looking him directly in the eye, she saw his concern and kindness. “That’s exactly why I want it so desperately.”
“Understood. When you’re all set, I’m going to take everyone up to a small ridge before it gets dark. I thought you might like some pictures of an eagle’s nest there.”
“I’d love that. I’ll be ready.”
He gestured to her small tent. “You’re getting that up in record time now.”
With a small smile, she replied, “I have a good teacher.”
Chapter Six
Knox knew two things better than all others. The wilderness and women. Abigail North was a conundrum that niggled at the back of his mind no matter what was happening.
On their fifth and final night in the wild, he left his group to set up their tents and used his satellite phone to call his best friend and longtime roommate.
From a higher vantage point, he watched Gail pitch her tent with precision before quickly gathering fire wood.
The call connected as she sat cross-legged beside the stone circle and started a fire exactly the way he showed them.
He couldn’t help a small bubble of pride as the flames grew.
“What’s shaking, Knox?”
He’d known Wade Overly almost twenty years. He was more like a brother than a friend and he trusted him with his life. He also trusted him to help protect the mystery woman Hollow sent to their door.
“Just checking in. We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“You have some severe weather hitting tonight, man. You need to huddle up.”
“I can see the clouds rolling in from the west. I’ll take precautions.”
“How’s our new charge? Is she going to make us nuts?”
“Hardly. When you meet her, you’ll be as anxious to identify her as I am. I feel like I should recognize her.”
“Hmm. Nice though?”
“Very. Articulate and quiet for the most part. Her cover is a school teacher from California but that couldn’t feel further from the truth.”
“You sure?”
Knox watched as a lithe Gail stood up and stretched. “I don’t see it. She’s trying awfully hard to conceal her figure.”
Wade laughed. “She’s stuck in the woods with five dudes she doesn’t know. That’s gotta be terrifying on some level.”
“You’re probably right.”
“Buzz me when you’re headed into town and I’ll meet you.”
“Will do.”
He disconnected and realized the temperature had already dropped several de
grees since he left the campsite.
Rejoining the others, he watched Gail grab her canteen and rations from her pack. She watched all of them, often imitating their movements.
She was a quick study.
Just outside their camp, she used his small hatchet to practice chopping kindling. Her pride in figuring it out was obvious even though her arm was clearly sore.
Knox taught his students how to find or build shelter, protect their food supply, stay warm, locate edible food, and so on.
He showed them how to use the knives and rifle secured snugly to his pack, demonstrated basic first aid, construction of a litter to carry an injured person out of the forest, and waste disposal.
“If you don’t have toilet paper, leaves are your only option but knowing which ones to use is very important if you don’t want poison ivy or poison oak on your butt.”
Each skill he taught corresponded to a list of supplies each of them were instructed to bring.
Gail was usually the first to retire after their evening meal. Her flashlight cast her shadow on the tent wall as she made notes in her book.
When they were settled around the fire, he announced, “We have some severe weather coming in tonight. I’d like two or three of you to a tent to conserve heat. I’ll keep the fire going all night.”
Her nervousness was immediately obvious. “I’ll be alright. I sleep in my clothes.”
Knox let it go until it was time to turn in. Taking her aside, he said quietly, “You don’t have to worry. I give you my word no one will hurt you.”
“I-I really like my privacy.”
“I understand, Gail. I do. Do you feel the way the temp is dropping?” She nodded. “Staying warm has to be your top priority.”
She looked out over the mountain. The last of the light was fading and it was already several degrees colder than when they’d eaten.
“O-okay. I’ll grab my bag.”
The two largest tents belonged to Kevin and Van. There was room for three people in each and Knox guided Gail to the older businessman’s space.
“We’re bunking with you, Kevin.”
“Glad of the company honestly. Let me scoot my bag over.”
Gail rolled out her sleeping bag near the tent wall, furthest from their host and Knox retrieved his from his tent and positioned it between them.
Kevin fell deeply asleep within moments but Galina stared at the ceiling, unable to relax.
“You were an only child, huh?” Knox asked her quietly. Turning her head, she met his eyes in the dim glow from the fire outside. “In the service, I could always tell the singles.”
“How?”
“They didn’t know what it was like to sleep with other people breathing in the same space.”
Returning her gaze to the canvas ceiling, she admitted, “Yes. I was an only child. I wish I hadn’t been.”
“Tough parents?”
She grinned but didn’t look at him. “Still fishing for clues.”
“It’s in my nature,” he told her with mock affront.
Rolling on her side, she stared at him. “Hollow…he told you I won’t be any trouble?”
“He implied it but I figured that out for myself. Females are rare on outings like this and most aren’t as calm.”
“Thank you. I might have been called dramatic a time or two.”
“Dramatic? Hardly.”
“I like it out here. It’s very still.”
Staring into her eyes, he said, “That tells me you’ve led a chaotic life.” She nodded.
He concealed his shock when the movement showed a small strip of golden blonde hair along her temple. She wore a wig. For days in the wilderness, she maintained the illusion.
“Wade and I have been in some chaotic situations in our lives.” She started to say something and stopped herself. “I realize it will take you time to trust your safety. When you’re ready to share, know that we’re vaults.”
“That’s good to know.” She covered her mouth to conceal a small yawn.
“Get some sleep. Roll on your back and stare at the ceiling. Imagine a place in your head. Like somewhere you’ve visited or something you’ve experienced. Let your mind drift and put yourself in that moment.”
“Thank you.”
“Goodnight, Gail.”
“Goodnight, Knox.”
Ten minutes later, her breathing turned slow and deep. He watched as she curled into a tight ball inside her sleeping bag. It caused the wig to slip further out of place.
Staring at the strip of blonde, he turned over the mystery of her in his mind. It was clear she went out of her way to make herself appear less attractive and he wondered why.
It took a long time for him to fall asleep.
Chapter Seven
The next morning, Galina startled awake at the sound of Kevin’s deep snores. Knox was already gone.
Slipping quietly from her sleeping bag, she left Kevin’s tent and stepped into her boots.
There was a heavy layer of frost on the ground and the air was frigid. The fire was freshly fed but their guide was nowhere in sight.
In her own tent, she reaffixed the dental piece with fresh adhesive and straightened her wig, pinning it down.
Leaving her t-shirt on to preserve body heat, she pulled on a thick thermal and another flannel before quickly pulling long underwear over her lower body. With her jeans on again, she pulled on fresh socks and laced her boots.
It took her five minutes to break down and pack her gear. She stoked the fire and added more wood as the others started emerging into the cold morning air.
“I’m making coffee,” she announced.
“That’s because you’re the best. Holy shit, it’s freezing.” Kevin frantically pulled on his coat.
Knox walked into the clearing with more wood and a string of fish. “I thought everyone could use a hot meal this morning before we make the final push back to civilization.”
He cleaned and roasted his catch over the open flame, grinning as all of them ate fast.
Gail gave what she couldn’t eat to Kevin when he stared at it longingly. “Be my guest. I don’t want to waste it.”
“I’m going to ask my wife to send you cookies.”
“That’s nice of you but not necessary,” she assured him. “Out here, we’re supposed to look out for each other.”
“I think you’ve learned everything faster than all of us,” Jonas said as he swallowed another bite.
“Motivation is the key.”
Knox stood and packed up his own gear. “We’re going to hit it hard today. I’m as anxious as the rest of you for a hot shower and a comfortable bed.”
The other men cheered.
“Your packs are going to feel really light today and most of the trek is downhill. I like to reward my groups for hanging in there.”
Within half an hour, they followed him from the clearing that was swept of all human habitation other than the circle of stones. They didn’t talk much as they maintained a faster clip down the mountain.
As the lot where they’d left their vehicles appeared below them, their relief was obvious. They chatted non-stop until they exited the trail.
“Returned to where you started, as promised.” Knox grinned as he shook hands and congratulated each of their group. “I hope I wasn’t too hard on you.”
Kevin laughed. “You were but it was good for me.”
One by one, the men packed up their cars and said their farewells. Eventually, Galina and Knox were the only ones remaining.
“You ready to see your new place?”
“Absolutely.” At her Jeep, she threw her pack in the back and removed a satellite phone like his. “Before we get on the road, I need to make a couple of calls. Is that alright?”
“Take your time.”
She found the small notebook she’d been writing in and dialed a number listed there.
“Hi. Yes, I survived. It was amazing.” She laughed. “You don’t have to sound so surp
rised.” Listening for a minute, she nodded. “I will. Thanks, Hollow. Uh huh.”
Disconnecting, she dialed the second number from memory. Walking a few feet away, he thought she asked for Sister Ana.
He pretended to straighten the gear in the back of his old Bronco as she floored him by speaking fluent Russian to the person who took her call.
“Aunt Ana! I miss you, too. I finished the course I wrote you about. Yes, I was proud of myself. No, they still don’t know where I’ve gone. Not yet, Ana. I just want to be left alone. I’ll keep in touch.”
Gail kept her back to Knox as he walked to the far side of his truck. “No one recognizes me, thank god. I’ve been in close contact with several men for days and no one knew. Just as I want it, as I need it.”
She listened in silence for almost a minute before saying, “Amen. I can always use your prayers, Ana. You’re the only one who prays for me. I love you, too. I’ll call again soon.”
She ended the conversation and turned to him with a smile. He couldn’t help but notice her flawless skin and full lips. Everything about her confused him.
Starting her vehicle so it had time to warm up, she said, “Sorry. I needed to check on an elderly relative.”
He decided to withhold the fact that he spoke fluent Russian. “That’s good of you. What does your relative think of you moving to the great wild?”
One shoulder lifted in a shrug. “I’ve never been allowed to see her much. She just wants me to be happy. I think she’ll be grateful for anything that helps me accomplish it.”
“We’re going to take Going-to-the-Sun Road to Saint Mary. You can follow me in and Wade will meet us at a gas station to take you up to the cabin outside Babb. My need for a shower is pretty serious at this point. He’ll take good care of you.”
“Sounds good. I’m ready when you are. I need to shower desperately myself.”
He laughed and headed to his truck. As he pulled out on the Sun Road, he wondered about the identity of their new charge for the hundredth time since the call from Hollow.
She stayed close behind him and followed when he pulled into the gas station not far from Wade’s post as a forest ranger.
Jumping out, he approached her window and she rolled it down. “I’ll wait with you until he gets here. This time of day, the loggers pass through and I don’t want to leave you alone.”
Embrace the Wild (The Great Outdoors Book 5) Page 4