Another rumble echoed—distant.Avalanche?Thunder?
The dark clouds on the horizon hinted at the latter.It was a little too reminiscent of the storm that ran through last month, the one that had the canyon running with flash floods.
He quickened the pace and encouraged the family with gentle words.The last thing they needed was to get stuck down here in a deluge.
When they got to the top, Noah’s phone vibrated with a text from Meg.
Meg
Heard about the hikers.Need me?
His thumb hovered over reply.
Did he need her?
Nothing simple about that question.
Noah
After a fair amount of water, they seem to be alright.
Meg
Let me know if that changes.
Any luck with the chest?
Noah
No.It was a box-shaped rock.
Three dots appeared on the screen.Then disappeared.Then again.
Meg
I don’t think we’re talking about the same thing.
Noah
I’m going back tomorrow to hopefully seal the entrance.I’ll look again.
Meg
I’ll go.
Noah
No.
If she was sure of what she saw, maybe he did need her to go, needed her eyes to find what they’d missed.But he refused to consider it.
No amount of gold was worth her risking her life again.Not for two million dollars, not for twenty.
Meg
I can handle it.
Noah
