Olivia passed the bread and Larry handed over the onions.
Olivia’s mother returned with the tea and a fresh bowl of banana pudding. “I hope everyone saved room for dessert,” her mother announced cheerfully.
Larry put his napkin on the table. “I’m sorry to hear that, Olivia. I’d hoped I could take you out to dinner tomorrow.”
“How nice,” Olivia’s mother said before she could answer.
Olivia glared at her mother. “That is very nice, but like I said, I need to be getting home.”
“Oh, nonsense,” her mother huffed.
Olivia snapped. “Stop it, Momma. Stop trying to run my life.”
“Well, someone’s got to. You’ve already made a fine mess of things on your own.”
Olivia’s father put down his fork. “Settle down, Jewel. The girl’s got a right to a life of her own.”
“Well, someone’s got to do something. I won’t have a daughter of mine living like that.”
Larry looked thoroughly confused. “I’m sorry. Am I missing something?”
Olivia turned to Larry, feeling the heat of anger burning her face. “I’m a lesbian, Larry. I don’t date men.”
Larry’s eyes widened. “Oh.” He seemed to take the information in for a moment. He shrugged. “Cool.”
Olivia’s mother slammed her napkin down on the table as she stood. “Olivia June, that’s enough. I won’t have that talk in my house.”
“Fine, Momma.” Olivia turned back to Larry. “I’m sorry, Larry. It was good seeing you.” Olivia pushed away from the table and stormed out.
* * *
Greyson made it to the Watauga Lake Shelter a little past twelve the next day, only to find a sign tacked to the lean-to noting that the shelter was closed due to bear activity. The hairs at the back of her neck bristled. She would have to be a lot more careful from here on out. She had been aware of bears, of course, but this made things real. She had heard of hikers having their food stolen and their gear ripped to shreds by bears who were getting too used to hikers and the easy access to a free meal. The last thing she needed was to lose all her supplies and risk getting hurt. She would start staggering her hiking to camp a few miles away from the shelters for a while. If she was lucky, the bears would gravitate to the shelters and be less likely to stumble across her. She could stop at the shelters during the day and fill up with water and maybe visit with some other hikers and get news about any other trail activity she needed to know.
She looked around long enough to find the water source. Her water supply was more important than food, as the days were hot and humid. She had just filled her bottles and her CamelBak when she heard footsteps along the trail behind her. She looked up to see a man and a woman headed her way. The man had shaved his hair close to the scalp and wore a multicolored bandana around his neck. He was thin and his boots were well worn from the miles he had trekked. The woman had white dreadlocks pulled back at the neck. She wore large white-rimmed plastic sunglasses that were too big for her face, and a line of tattoos peeked out at the neck and sleeves of her T-shirt in stark contrast to her pale skin.
The woman waved as they approached. “I hope you left some there for us.”
Greyson secured her water in her pack and smiled. “More than enough.”
The man dropped his pack on the ground and went straight for the water, scooping up big handfuls and splashing his face. He dipped the bandanna in the water and washed his face and neck.
“Man, that feels good,” he said as he rose and faced Greyson. He extended his hand. “I’m Green Man and this is Summer Rain. But Green and Summer will do.”
Greyson took his hand. “Good to meet you, I’m Mountain Troll. It’s good to see you guys. You’re the first hikers I’ve seen out here so far.”
“How long have you been out?” Summer asked.
“Just a week. I thought for sure I’d see someone long before now,” Greyson answered.
Green shrugged. “It’s like that sometimes. Then sometimes you’ll run into someone every day or so. We stopped in Erwin for a few days and got in some solid playtime. We met a lot of folks there heading south, but they’re a good week ahead of you.”
“Have you seen any bears?” Greyson asked, curious just how intrusive the bears had become.
Summer had joined them by the water and was filling her water bottle. “We had a close call a couple of nights ago. We were setting up camp when a bear wandered into the area. We had no choice but to pick up and keep moving. There was no way we wanted to risk losing all our gear. The guys in Erwin warned us about the bears this far down. They said some dude had been feeding the bears and they got used to the free grub. Some people just don’t have a clue how much harm they cause when they mess with nature.”
Greyson shook her head. She was sure the guy probably meant well without a notion of the harm he was doing, but it was hard to believe people were still so reckless. Feeding the bears not only put people at risk, but it inevitably meant harm or even death for the bear.
“Any news if anyone’s been hurt?”
Green shook his head. “None that we know of, just trashing camps so far. We hope the bears will move on as the food source dries up.”
Greyson noticed the muscle at his jaw jump as he clenched his teeth, showing his frustration.
“Did you guys find any suitable sites to camp outside the shelters?”
Green nodded. “Yeah, there’s a place about twelve miles out that hikers have started using, but there’s no water source. There are a few streams near the trails along the hike, though, so it works out. Take as much water as you can from here—it might be all you get for a while.”
“Same here. I found a nice stream about ten miles down. You’ll see it on the map, but it’s off the trail a bit. There’s no established camp, though. It’s still pretty pristine. I camped another few miles down at a nice rock ledge when the storm came through. The view is great.”
“Thanks, man, we’ll look for it.”
Greyson and her new friends hiked back to the camp and sat down to lunch. Although she had been enjoying the off the grid solitude of the mountains, she had missed having human conversation. She noticed how easy it was to talk to Green and Summer. They talked like lifelong friends forged from adventure and mutual experience. She wished more of her relationships felt like this. Maybe it was because they really weren’t friends and would likely never see each other again that made the connection so easy.
With lunch finished, Greyson topped off her water and picked up her pack. “Safe travels out there,” Greyson said as she accepted a quick hug from Summer.
She looked back and gave a final wave. Summer was blowing her kisses in true Hollywood style. Greyson laughed. You never knew what you’d see in the mountains.
Moments later silence engulfed Greyson and her solitude was securely back in place. The brief encounter with Green and Summer had left her rejuvenated and eager to find out what other surprises the mountain had in store for her.
* * *
Olivia listened to her parents’ muffled voices filter up through the floor from downstairs. A few minutes later she heard footsteps on the stairs and the front door close. A gentle knock sounded at her bedroom door.
“Come in.”
The door opened and her father stepped into the room. “We’re heading off to church now—you sure you don’t want to come?”
“I’m sure, Daddy. I think it’s best if I just head on home.”
Her dad rubbed his big hand across his jaw the way he did when he wasn’t sure how to say something. “I don’t know how to settle this thing between you and your momma. She can be stubborn as an old mule when she sets her mind to something, but she loves you. Don’t you forget that.”
Olivia sighed. “I know, Daddy. I just want her to love me for who I am, not for who she wants me to be.”
He nodded. “Well, you be safe on the road. Don’t stay gone too long.”
Olivia stood and went to her
dad. She wrapped her arms around his big frame and squeezed. She felt his strong arms close around her, his hand cradling her head like when she was a child.
“I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, baby girl.”
Olivia smiled up at him.
“Well, I best be getting or your momma will have my butt in the coals.”
Olivia laughed. She watched her daddy walk away until the top of his head disappeared down the stairs.
The visit had been a disaster, but she loved her parents. She wondered what they would think if she ever brought a woman home. She thought of Greyson and smiled. With Greyson’s good looks, maybe even her momma would have to see the light. Olivia laughed at the thought of her momma gushing over Greyson the way she had done over Larry. She shook her head. That was only a dream. Given her luck, her momma would have a stroke. Olivia would never be able to live that down. She packed up the rest of her things and said good-bye to her childhood room as she closed the door.
A clap of thunder startled her just as she tossed her bag into the car. She looked up at the dark clouds blowing in from the west. It looked like they were in for one heck of a storm. She shivered, as an ominous feeling slithered across her skin. She hurriedly got into the car, eager to get on the road and get home.
Olivia pulled onto Highway 52 just as the storm hit. Rain beat against her windshield in steady sheets, obscuring her visibility. She had slowed the car to a crawl but had no choice but to pull over to the side of the road when the hail threatened to break her windshield.
“Oh no, my poor little car. I’m sorry, Daisy.” Olivia peered into the rain and hail trying to find any sign of a break in the weather. Her hopes were dashed when a flash of lightning pierced through the already deafening drum against the roof of her car, followed by another loud crack of thunder.
A knock against her driver’s window made her scream and jump. This was just like the things she saw in those scary movies. At least it wasn’t dark outside. Olivia tried to make out the figure through the window, but between the rain and the hooded jacket the person wore, there was no way to see who it was. She cracked the window just enough to hear what they had to say.
“You all right, ma’am?” A man’s voice.
“I’m fine. I’m just waiting out the storm.”
The man slid his fingers through the crack of the window and leaned down to peer in at her. “You’ve got a flat tire on the rear and the weather is giving a tornado warning for the area. Can I take you someplace safe? There’s a café just up the road in Rugby where you could wait this out until someone can come fix that tire.”
Olivia slumped into her seat. Great, all she needed was a flat on top of everything. The wind whipped the rain around and rocked the car. Maybe this guy was right. Maybe she should go somewhere else until this blew over. She looked through her rearview mirror, but all she could see was the chrome grille of a big truck, and the persistent yellow blinker signaling his turn off the road.
“Ma’am?”
Olivia nodded. “Okay. I guess you’re right. I don’t want to be sitting here if a tornado whips through.” She reached for her phone and turned off the car’s ignition. She pushed open the car door and stepped into the pouring rain.
The man shut the door behind her, and they ran to his truck. He opened the door, helping Olivia inside as quickly as she could manage. He slammed the door, and she watched him run around the front of the truck, his head down as the rain pelted down on him. He jumped up into the truck and slammed the door.
“Whew, that’s some storm.”
Olivia shivered. Her hair and clothes were soaked.
“Here, let me put on a little heat and knock down the chill.” He reached for the knob to the heater, and a second later warm air blew across her skin.
“What do you say we get out of here?” the man said as he put the truck in gear and pulled out onto the road. The windshield wipers had little effect as they worked to push aside the waves of water, but the man didn’t seem bothered by the rain or the poor visibility.
“Thanks for your help.”
He smiled. “No problem.” He glanced over at Olivia. “I have a blanket behind the seat that you can use to dry off if you want.” He reached behind the seat and pulled out a soft cotton blanket.
Olivia wiped at her face and arms and wrapped the blanket loosely across her lap. She leaned back against the seat, relieved. She closed her eyes and let out her breath.
Olivia opened her eyes as she felt the truck slow and the tires leave the pavement. She peered out the window looking up at the storm. “Is everything okay?”
Olivia jumped as the man’s hand and a wet cloth closed over her face. She panicked as a pungent smell filled her nose, coating the back of her throat. She pushed at the man’s hand and tried to pull her face away, but he held on too tight. Olivia tried not to breathe, but it was too late. She felt dizzy and faint, then nothing.
Chapter Four
The Recruiter studied the map in front of him with cold intensity. Based on what he had been able to learn about the target, she should be coming through the area in a matter of days. He had scoped out several trailheads and campsites, but so far everything had been busy with too many people around. He didn’t want to go too far into the trail. That would make it difficult to get in and out without being noticed. He needed a quiet, secluded area close enough to the trail and the road, but out of sight of people. He ran his fingers along a line indicating a small parking area with a connecter trail that crossed the AT. He followed the line to a small triangle indicating a campsite. It had potential.
The roads here were barely wide enough for two cars to pass and were rarely paved. The only people he passed or saw along the way were usually on foot, hikers making their way down the mountain into town. Many of the smaller sites were open to the public and didn’t require registration. That was convenient. He could stay in the area for a while without notice. The people here were used to strangers hanging around, and if anyone did see him, he would just be another hiker passing through.
He pulled off the road onto a small packed-dirt parking area. The trail here appeared overgrown, indicating little traffic came through there. He checked the map again. This was the spot he had been looking for, and it was perfect. Mostly concealed from the road, his van was barely noticeable. He could park here, hike into the woods, and camp near the trail. He would have perfect access to the target when the time came.
He pushed through the thick brush that encroached on the thin line of trail. He stopped inside a thick growth of mountain laurel and smiled. The plant grew in large sprawling bushes clustered together forming the perfect cover for his gear. Positioned right, he would be hidden completely. It would be nearly impossible for a passerby to spot him if he didn’t want them to.
He smiled. The hunter had found his lair. Now all he had to do was wait.
* * *
Greyson let out a long slow breath. After two weeks alone in the mountains she had finally made it to Hot Springs, North Carolina, the second state she’d pass through on her journey. She was only a few days’ hike away from home. She was excited about crossing the Smoky Mountains. She was tempted to call Olivia to see if she’d join her along the route for dinner. But that was a reach, and way off course. She was just getting lonely.
Although she enjoyed her solitude, it was good to see civilization again. She was looking forward to a long hot shower, the biggest steak she could get her hands on, and a real bed. She followed the familiar AT diamond symbol inlaid in the sidewalks along Bridge Street, turned onto South Andrews Avenue, and managed to get a room at the Iron Horse Station. After sleeping on the ground for two weeks, this was more than a treat. Not only was the hotel right in the heart of town, the restaurant downstairs looked like the perfect place for that steak she had been craving.
The shower was pure heaven. She would never take hot water for granted again. She washed her clothes and inventoried her gear to see what she could
live without, what she needed to resupply, and what she had discovered she needed but didn’t have. With the smell of days of sweat and dirt scrubbed from her body and clothes, she felt human again. Her stomach rumbled. It was time for a real meal.
Greyson took a seat at the bar and looked around the room. The restaurant was decorated with the history of the railroad that was just outside the door. The decor was very understated and comfortable, the kind of place a group of friends could gather regularly to have a drink, share old stories, and make new ones. Wow. Maybe the solitude had gotten to her more than she thought.
“Hey, stud, what are you drinking?” the bartender said as she slid a menu in front of Greyson.
“I’ll have the Gaelic Ale,” Greyson answered.
“You just drinking or would you like some food too?”
Greyson smiled. “Oh, I’m eating. I’ve been looking forward to this for the past three days.”
“Ah, you just came off the trail,” the waitress said with the knowing tone of someone familiar with hikers.
“Yep. I guess you’re used to hikers coming through here.”
“You bet. The town counts on it. Plus, it makes work more interesting. I’m sure you have your own stories to tell.”
Greyson smiled. “Not really. I’ve had a good couple of weeks, but nothing you haven’t heard before.”
The bartender cocked her hip against the bar. “So, what’s it going to be tonight?”
Greyson licked her lips. “Rib eye medium rare, loaded baked potato, and broccoli. Oh, and I’ll have a side salad with ranch dressing too.”
“Bread?”
Greyson’s stomach growled as she imagined the meal. “Oh yeah, lots of bread.”
The bartender laughed as she slid the beer in front of Greyson. “You’ve got it, champ.”
Greyson lifted her glass and took a deep drink of her beer. She sighed as the cold taste of hops and barley brought her taste buds to life. The fatigue she had been carrying for the past two weeks weighed on her shoulders as if she still carried her pack on her back. She sighed to release the weariness. She rubbed her face—maybe a good meal would pick her up and give her that boost she needed to keep going. She lifted her beer for another drink, savoring the smooth taste as some of the tiredness lifted.
Captive Page 5