Devil's Gold

by Julie Korzenko

  The helicopter rose into the night and drifted away.

  Cassidy collapsed to her knees, her roar of hopelessness softened to a low-pitched keening. Rocks jabbed into knees and roots bit into soft flesh, but she barely felt the pain. Fire burned beneath her skin from bumps and bruises that made her eyes water; she inhaled, allowing numbness and a sense of detachment to act as a Band-Aid. Leaning forward, she touched her forehead to the ground and clenched her hands into tight fists as if the action would block Steve’s death from immobilizing her.

  Chill mountain air curled around her shaking body, triggering uncontrollable shivers. Cassidy closed her eyes and concentrated. She searched for her center, that core of existence she needed to find in order to cross the bridge from insanity to survival. Blue eyes flashed, and her mind lunged for the oasis they offered in her swirling chaos of emotions.

  Jake.

  Cassidy struggled to her feet and called his name.

  Beyond the noise of the pounding waterfall a faint timber filtered across the distance. “Here,” he answered from an area outside her line of vision.

  His voice filled a void, becoming an orchestra to her shocked mind. She swallowed, tipped back on her heels, and stood. Her legs wavered, weak and physically jarred by the fall. She bit her bottom lip, breathed deeply several times, and listened carefully to her surroundings.

  Survive.

  Blood and death knocked and demanded entrance, but she refused. Sorrow and tears insisted on release, but she denied. Hate and revenge filled her soul, and she smiled.

  Survive.

  Cassidy glanced around. Moonlight cast a soft glow, allowing her eyes to see beyond darkness and shadow. An arc of thickly forested hills rose to her right and banked into the distance. She tilted her head and listened. The roar of the waterfall lay to her left, cascading down a ravine she couldn’t see. She marked everything in her mind, then crouched down and twisted at an awkward angle. Her fingers brushed against the cuff of her jeans and she wiggled, forcing them farther down until they felt the hard edge of plastic. Her knife. She bent at an uncomfortable slant and whispered her thanks for years of hard workouts that helped block the pain of her contortions.

  Jake’s voice drifted across the distance, distorted by the strain of her actions. “Cassidy, don’t panic. Take a few deep breaths to gain control and then scrutinize our surroundings.”

  She swore and puffed out a breath of air in exasperation, every bruise screaming its location as she reached toward her feet and edged the knife from its holster.

  “I know how frightened you must be, Sunshine. But you can do it.”

  She glanced in the direction of his voice and rolled her eyes, beads of sweat burning her eyes. “Are you hurt?” Her words came out strangled because of the current circus act taking place. Cassidy’s fingers touched the sharp edge of metal that signified she’d worked past the handle and reached the blade. “Thank God.” She inched the knife the rest of the way out, grabbing it quickly before it fell to the ground, and went to work on the ropes securing her wrists.

  The strain in Jake’s voice was evident. She could hear a tinge of breathlessness and edge of gritted teeth. “I’m not hurt; just kind of hanging on.”

  Cassidy frowned, sawing back and forth on the ropes. Too bad she didn’t have her BFK, otherwise known as big friggin’ knife. These ropes would be history in two seconds with that blade. “What does that mean?” She tried to raise her voice, but she was working hard at the bindings. It came out more like an exhausted gasp.

  “Cassidy, Sunshine — please take those deep breaths. Don’t be afraid. I’ve been in worse situations. Once you realize that you’re all right and that we’re here together, things won’t seem so bad. I need you to think clearly.”

  Her wrists broke free and she rose slowly to her feet, dusting herself off. Steve’s death didn’t linger far from her mind but for now grief became imprisoned by anger, which suited Cassidy. She gazed at the sky and reached her fingers toward the stars, stretching her muscles and issuing a silent prayer. A flash of sadness tightened her throat, but she inhaled sharply rejecting the tears.

  “Cassidy, don’t despair. Pull yourself together.”

  Pull myself together? “Shut up, Anderson.” She glanced down at the shredded ropes pooled around her feet. Irritation flashed, and she grinned at the familiar sentiment Jake’s arrogance triggered. “Pull myself together?” Her voice was soft and didn’t carry across the distance separating her from the current object of her aggravation. “I’m about as pulled together as Miss Piggy.”

  She walked to the left and picked up the shredded gear bags, shoving in the items that had spilled across the ground. “Where are you?” She heard several rocks skitter down the stony outcrop. She jogged in the direction of his voice, keeping the echo of the waterfall to her left.

  “Over the edge. But don’t be scared. It’ll be okay. I just need a little help.”

  Cassidy peered over the cliff. The moon held his face in shadow, making it difficult to discern his eyes. “Shut up, Anderson.” His arms were trapped by a scraggly bush, which definitely saved his life, but made it impossible for him to move. “Hang on.” It was good to be near him again, but she ignored the warmth that heated her heart from isolation. She maneuvered herself over the edge, her fingers digging into the side of the cliff. Cassidy carefully tested each handhold before shifting her weight to the next position.

  It didn’t take her long to find a foothold next to Jake. The tree branches trapping him were small but solid with ragged bark that chafed against the palm of her hand. Jake moved his body, securing her between his chest and the chill rock. She nodded her appreciation and relaxed her hold on the mountainside, adding more power to the knife.

  He anticipated every action she took as if his body were an extension of her own. His scent wrapped around her, and Cassidy drew comfort from his presence. Her knife sawed through the rope, one twine at a time.

  She wrapped her fingers around his wrist and guided his hand to a sturdy branch. “Hold on. I’m cutting the last rope.” As his right arm swung free, Jake moved to the side and gripped the ridge of rock beside her arm. He pulled her tight against his chest until her hold was once more secure.

  They stayed there for a moment, catching their breath. “Ready?” Jake asked.

  Cassidy ignored the urge to not move, to remain close to him. “Yeah. I’ll go first.”

  They climbed up the edge of the embankment. Cassidy scooted over the ridge and rolled onto her back, catching her breath. She glanced up into Jake’s grinning face, ignoring the spark of energy he caused.

  “How’d you cut yourself loose?”

  “Contrary to popular opinion, I’m not a scared, quivering female.” At least, I’m trying not to be.

  Jake had the decency to look contrite. “Sorry ’bout that.” He held his hand out and helped her to her feet. “Damn, woman, you’re going to steal my heart with all these hidden talents.”

  Cassidy turned and offered him a cheeky grin. “I thought I already had.” Focusing on anything but the loss of her friend helped to build a wall against the grief. She realized that her internal struggle against Jake acted like a bandage against the sorrow that bled her heart. For once, she welcomed the confusing elements he sparked.

  His expression sobered and she bit her bottom lip, suddenly feeling entirely too vulnerable. Jake reached out and caressed her cheek. “Without a doubt.”

  She fought the flush of pleasure spreading from the tip of her toes all the way to the roots of her hair. Cassidy averted her eyes and stepped back, not wanting him to see how he affected her. Jake’s shoulders dropped and he rubbed a hand across his face, swearing softly. Exhaustion and sadness painted a side of him she’d never seen before. Cassidy hesitated then succumbed to need and reached for him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling herself tightly against his chest. His arms enclosed her, creating a cocoon of safety.

  “I…” Her voice hitched, and she swallo
wed. “I was afraid for you.”

  Jake brushed her hair from her face and tipped her chin upward. “I’ll never leave you.”

  His lips touched hers and she melted against the warmth, stealing a moment of pleasure. When they separated, a sad smile curved her lips. “But I’ll leave you.”

  He shook his head slowly and bent to whisper in her ear. “I dare you.”

  Cassidy allowed a soft laugh to escape and reluctantly pushed away from Jake. He didn’t believe her, but it was the truth. Their lives were too different, the water under the bridge too deep. If she didn’t leave, his world would swallow everything she’d fought for and achieved in life. Self-preservation would win out in the end. Of this, Cassidy was certain.

  “Where are we?” Jake asked, breaking the silence.

  Cassidy allowed a flash of pride to dominate the I-refuse-to-be-in-love thoughts. “Actually, we’re in a damn good position. Cole’s arrogance and haste prevented a solid background check of this area. We’re on Mirror Plateau. There’s a ranger outpost not far from these falls.” Cassidy shivered, the sudden memory of Steve slamming into her mind and rendering her immobile. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”

  Jake pulled her close once more. He held her against his chest, rocking back and forth. “I promise there’ll be time to mourn.” He released his hold and tipped her chin up with his forefinger, offering his own courage from the depths of his eyes. “Now, it’s time for revenge.”

  Cassidy laughed, a bitter edge turning it sour. She pushed away and spun in a circle. “What is it with you and guns and danger? Oh, right, this is your life.” Her words caught, and she stared at him. He stood still, not apologizing, not making excuses. Jake danced with the devil, welcoming danger and challenging death. No matter what she felt for him, it wouldn’t work. He scared her. A fresh batch of tears welled and Cassidy swallowed, willing them away. Yes. She’d leave.

  Opening her arms wide and spinning in a circle, she yelled to the stars. “I’m so freakin’ pissed off it’s not funny.”

  Jake kicked the ground by her side and ran his fingers through his hair. “Pissed is good. Of all the places in Yellowstone, don’t you think it’s odd that he plops us down next to a ranger station?”

  This she could answer. “I’m certain not on purpose. The wolves follow the migrating elk here around this time of year. It was one of my favorite observation posts. I know this country like the back of my hand.”

  Jake frowned. “Ranger post. Wolves. Ethan Connor?”

  Cassidy tossed a backpack at him. “Jealous?” He scowled, making her laugh. The amusement released some of the emotion that had a vice grip on her chest. “Let’s get going. We’re southwest of Specimen Ridge. That tributary over there that’s creating the waterfall forks off the Yellowstone River. Once we cross the river, we have about an eight mile hike to the main road and from there we can head north for about another five miles to the ranger station —” she paused and inhaled. “There’ll be a phone.” She held up her smashed cell phone. “Hopefully, one in better condition.” She watched Jake feel around for his own cell phone, but he came up empty handed. He did, however, reach down and unbuckle his belt.

  “I have a better idea.”

  Cassidy’s eyes widened, and her breath caught. “This isn’t the time or place.”

  Jake’s eyes snapped up and pinned her in place; then a slow, sexy grin spread across his face. “Not what you think. Homing device. I’m too tired to hike.” He flipped open the cover of his belt button, fiddled with some unseen buttons, and snapped it together. A soft red light pulsed from the edge of the metal clasp. “Someone will be here soon.”

  Cassidy nodded, relieved. She sat down, crossed her legs, and stared at the brilliant stars that winked above their heads.

  Jake settled himself beside her. “Tell me about the report Cole was asking you for.”

  Cassidy hesitated, her heart skipped a beat, and she swallowed as a horrifying thought crossed her mind. Grasping at anything to bide her a few moments to think, she held her hand up for him to wait and bent to tie her bootlaces. Her motions were exaggerated as she untied the laces and pulled at each hole to stretch the worn leather.

  Her mind twisted around this latest troublesome thought. Was it possible Jake was in cahoots with Cole? How had the bastard known her whereabouts, the location of Fiske, and her friendship with Steve? Standing, Cassidy took another second to secure her hair with the bandana given by Cole. Jake waited patiently, glancing around and studying their surroundings. She should trust him.

  Cassidy worried her bottom lip, recognizing that under the current situation all of her senses and instincts were warped and discombobulated. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of a quaking aspen, filling the night with the sound of sandpaper. This mission had cost Anna her life, flushed Cassidy’s career down the toilet, and torn her best friend from the land of the living. What had Jake sacrificed?

  Nothing.

  She smiled when Jake turned toward her and raised an eyebrow for her to answer his question. “Cole wanted a geological survey.”

  “Why?”

  A branch cracked and echoed loudly through the canyon, answered only by the muted calls of nature. Cassidy and Jake froze and turned toward the edge of the tree line. A wolf padded into the clearing in a blazing glory of enraged yellow eyes and windswept fur.

  Cassidy felt the power; the fury floated across the small distance. It mesmerized her. She hunched over and reached for her knife, gripping it in her palm—poised for an attack. Jake glanced down at the tiny silver blade and back up at her. “What’re you gonna do? Clean its teeth?”

  She suppressed a grin and grabbed his arm, slowly rising to her feet “It’s not infected anyway.”

  They watched in silence as the wolf sniffed the air, growled, and spun on its haunches, racing back into the forest.

  Jake exhaled loudly. “That was a heart-stopper.”

  Cassidy laughed and released her own shaky breath. “Too bad we can’t live off adrenaline.”

  “How’d you know that wolf wasn’t infected?”

  “Well, it definitely wasn’t one of those mutated wolves. That was obvious. I figure that the healthy sheen of its fur and bright, inquisitive eyes pretty much screamed safe. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. It didn’t smell sick.” Work-related conversation helped ease the tightness in her chest, and she felt a semblance of normalcy return. She needed to tell Jake about the survey.

  Jake shook his head. “Smell sick? Sunshine, they tossed out the plans when you were born. You are one hell of an original.”

  The night was filled with cries of wild animals. Owls screeched, and the underbrush rustled with activity. Cassidy concentrated on deciphering each individual sound, refusing to allow her mind a moment of rest. Coyotes sang to the moon in the distance, and the familiar sound wrapped a blanket around her heart. “My father and I used to play a game.” Her voice sounded loud compared to the music of Mother Nature.

  “What was that?”

  Cassidy stifled a laugh as Jake’s words were even louder than hers. “We’d sit on our roof and listen to the coyote. Then we’d take turns creating an imaginary adventure. Were they hunting or simply celebrating a coyote holiday?”

  Jake’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Were you close with your parents?”

  An unbidden smile curved her lips upward. She placed a hand out to push a branch aside and waited until Jake reached the same area, then released control of the tree to him. “Yes.”

  He grinned at her. “I have a big family. Our get-togethers often sound very much like those coyotes.”

  Cassidy laughed, imagining a group of Jake-like personalities bossing one another around. “I bet you do.”

  Minutes passed, and the moon grew brighter. After a while the nocturnal animals began to shift their activity into a slower, more sedate speed that dropped the noise level to a minimum. Cassidy gazed beyond the edge of the pine trees and noted the shifting of the light. Morning
wasn’t too far away.

  Jake’s voice made her jump. “Cassidy?”

  “Hm?”

  “You never answered my question about the survey.” Cassidy paused and turned to face him. She gazed into his eyes and felt the pull of attraction and something else, something that felt oddly like a desire to bond. It unnerved her. She squared her shoulders and decided brutal honesty was the right path.

  CHAPTER 31

  CASSIDY SEPARATED HERSELF FROM THE INTIMACY OF THEIR surroundings. A distant hum signaled the approach of their rescue unit.

  “Well?” Jake insisted.

  “I have the survey.”

  Jake’s eyes darkened, and he ceased moving. “Go on.”

  Cassidy rushed her words together, hoping to mask her insecurity and misgivings. “I’ve had the survey all along. But I honestly didn’t realize that this entire fiasco revolved around its existence.”

  “Cassidy …”

  She held up her hand, realizing how tangled their lives had become. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Pointing toward the distance and refusing to glance at Jake’s face, she positioned herself ten feet away. “The chopper’s here.”

  The second the helicopter landed within Yellowstone, Cassidy jumped to the ground. Sharp stabs from the impact vibrated from her toes up through her spine, resonating off every bump and bruise. It’d only taken them fifteen minutes to reach their destination, but her muscles tightened and contracted painfully, forcing her to exhale several deep breaths. She waved a thank you to the park ranger flying the helicopter and shaded her face from the dirt being kicked up by the rotors.

  Yellowstone National Park headquarters.

  The oblong, wood-sided building with its green metal roof was an oasis that appeared as luxurious to Cassidy as the Ritz. She followed Jake toward the park offices and stared in surprise as they passed a collection of military vehicles surrounding the place. Jeeps, Hummers, and trucks were parked in haphazard fashion all displaying the insignia of the United States Army.