Page 55 of Mountain Refuge

The woman still watched, the rifle clutched in her hand. Why would hikers carry a rifle? The two also looked weary, so weary they could sleep for a week. No, these were not mere hikers. His curiosity grew.

“How would the two of you like to take a walk?”

The dogs’ ears perked up.

“Let me grab a water bottle and something to eat before we head out.” He wasn’t sure what he’d find, but he suspected two campers hiding in the woods. Ryan always trusted his gut, and his gut told him the woman and girl were in trouble.

Did he really want to get involved? Yes. Whatever reason brought two gals up here might be just what he needed to overcome his writer’s block. If he was wrong…well, it never hurt to go for a walk. Half an hour later, the dogs at his side, Ryan hiked in the direction the woman and girl had gone. He should hike more, especially with spring coming.

Cardinals and blue jays flitted through the evergreens. A squirrel chattered its displeasure at the interruption of a human and dogs. A rabbit bounded across their path. Both dogs gave chase, returning when Ryan called their names. A hike might actually clear his mind enough so he could put fingers to the keyboard.

With every breeze, the cobwebs in his head seemed to clear. Every bird song put words in his head. Maybe, he’d have something to appease his publisher soon.

He sniffed. Someone had made a fire. Could it be the two he sought?

The two dogs stood at attention. They were close to someone. Ryan parted the foliage in front of him.

A dilapidated cabin rose above a yard of weeds. Smoke curled from a rock chimney. The young girl from earlier sat on a porch step, a cell phone in her hand.

A few seconds later, the woman came around the corner of the house and snatched the phone from the girl’s hands. “Tracy, I’ve explained to you why this isn’t a good idea.” She held up the phone. “People can be found through social media.”

“Aunt Taya, I’m making up a dummy profile. I’m not even using my own picture.” Tracy crossed her arms. “Believe me, I know the danger better than anyone.”

Ryan frowned. So, they were in some sort of trouble, and it appeared they were living in a cabin that could barely be called livable.

“Tracy…”

“What else am I supposed to do? That phone isn’t linked to us in any way. I don’t have any books to read—”

“We can buy you books.”

“How? We don’t have a car.”

“I plan on buying one.”

“By walking another three days down the mountain? No thank you.” The girl scuffed her boot in the dirt. “I’m tired of walking.”

Taya sat on the step beside her. “All we need is time, sweetie. This will end. I promise you.”

“Can I have a dog? Someone to talk to?”

“Well, I…uh…Again that means going to town.”

“So what?” Tracy bolted to her feet. “We’re far enough away from those men. They’ll never find us here. Never!” She stormed into the house.

Ryan had heard enough to chill his blood and make him uncomfortable at eavesdropping. He whistled for the dogs in order to alert the woman, then stepped from the trees, doing his best to look surprised to see her.

The expression on her face told him she didn’t believe his ruse. “Are you following us?” She reached for the rifle leaning against the porch railing.

“No. I was walking the dogs and smelled smoke. I haven’t smelled smoke in this direction before.” He smiled and held up his hands. “No need to shoot. I’m merely an author out trying to clear his head.”

“I know who you are.” She rose slowly to her feet. “I’ve read your books.”

Despite having a gun aimed at him, a rush of pleasure coursed through him. “I hope you liked them.”

“What do you want, Mr. Boyne?”

“To give you and your daughter a ride into town. Tomorrow morning okay?”