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“That’s why I stopped.”
Her smile broadened. “The need for information, orientation and educational services isn’t being met by the existing visitor center. As you can see, this building is too small to accommodate even a small percentage of the people visiting the area.
“There are no interpretive exhibits and the auditorium lacks sufficient seating for the numbers of visitors wanting to see films. That’s why the Yellowstone Park Foundation is committed to raising the funds to build a new facility.
“It represents the best opportunity for public-spirited individuals like yourself to join with the National Park Service in building a new, world-class visitor center. There’ll be permanent exhibits to help people understand and appreciate the rarest hydrothermal resources on earth today.
“If you’re interested in learning more, please take this brochure and read it. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.”
Jarod pulled some money from his wallet and put it in the attached envelope before handing it back to her. “This is for your excellent presentation.”
“Thanks!”
“You’re welcome. Are there more junior rangers like you around?”
“Yes. We’re situated throughout the Park to help educate people, but after the Labor Day weekend we’ll have to go back to school.”
“It sounds like a very commendable program. Are you planning to become a National Park Ranger after college?”
“Yes.”
“I once knew a woman who I understand became a park ranger here.”
“I’m friends with all the rangers. What’s her name?”
The blood pounded in his ears. “Sydney Taylor.”
The girl blinked. “Ranger Taylor has been the head of the teenage junior ranger program all summer! She’s the best.”
Jarod’s adrenaline surged. “Are we speaking of the same person? She used to be a schoolteacher at Cannonball High in North Dakota.”
“Yes! She said she taught English there for a year before she came here.”
“I knew her quite well. What a coincidence that you’ve been working with her,” he murmured. “Do you have any idea where she is right now?”
The girl nodded. “California. Her best friend, Ranger King, just got married. Sydney will be back on Monday.”
Frustrated that she wasn’t here, he was forced to suppress his fierce disappointment. He needed to come face-to-face with the one woman in the world who’d become necessary to his existence.
“I’d like to leave a note for her. Do you know where she lives?”
“Sure. It’s across the parking area, cabin five.”
“Thank you, Cindy.” He shook her hand. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you.”
He walked off before she had the presence of mind to ask his name. Within a few minutes he found his car and drove over to the cluster of cabins in the distance.
So much for the element of surprise.
After penning a message, Jarod left the folded paper inside the front door screen where she would see it when she returned from California.
Once inside the car, he started the motor and took off, pressing on the accelerator as he headed back to Gardiner. By tomorrow night he expected her to call him on his cell phone.
Yet he couldn’t silence the niggling voice inside his head asking questions he refused to contemplate.
What if she doesn’t respond?
What if she doesn’t want anything to do with you?
