Page 18 of Gator

We kept moving, tracing the subtle signs I’d left—shifting dirt, snagged threads on low branches, a partial print near a small mud puddle. I gave guidance when they needed it, but otherwise let them work. The best way to learn was by doing.

After another half hour, I called it. “Alright, that’s the last marker I left. Good work.”

We made our way to the camp, all of them pointing out an animal print here or a broken branch there as we went.

As soon as we were back, I turned to the group.

“You all did better than I expected.” I gave them all a long look. “Tracking’s more art than science. You gotta feel the land. Let it tell you what’s outta place. A broken branch, a silenced bird, a shift in smell—those things are easy to overlook if you’re only watching the ground.”

“Thanks, Gator. That was great,” Darren said.

“You’re welcome. I’m not sure what Crowe has in store for you next, but I’m sure it’s something much less fun than tracking.”

“My lessons are fun,” Crowe said as he walked up to the group. “Nothing’s more fun than hunting with a bow and arrow you made yourself from just what you find in the woods.”

“If you say so.”

“You’re just saying that because I’m a better shot than you are.”

“You are not,” I insisted.

“Then stay and prove it. Do you have anything better to do today?”

“Nothing that would be better than teaching you who’s the better shot.”

I was a competitive SOB, and Crowe knew it, but I didn’t mind. I actually didn’t have anything better to do today, and if I went back to headquarters, I would just spend the day worrying about things I had no control over.

“Alright, guys, y’all all follow me and I’ll show you how it’s done.”

I spent the rest of the day with Crowe and the group taking the class. I had to say, this camp thing was a perfect fit for Crowe. He was patient with the people and was an excellent teacher. I’d been a bit skeptical about the whole project in the beginning, but I had to admit, Crowe was turning it into something that was beneficial for the company.

Julius had told me he was going to his sister’s house for movie night tonight, so I was surprised when I got a text from him on my way back to headquarters.

Julius

What are you doing?

Me

Driving will text you in a bit.

Julius

Such a rule follower.

I rolled my eyes but did my best to ignore the text until I got back home, but the second I parked my truck, I grabbed the phone.

Me

I know which rules to follow and which rules to break, and texting while driving is always a no. That applies to you, too, boy. You hear me.

Julius

*soldier saluting emoji* Yes sir, Daddy, sir.

Me

You may think I’m joking, but I’m not.