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“She likes you.”
“Well she has a funny way of showing it.”
“She likes to be in control of everything. She couldn’t control her feelings around you. It scared her.”
“And you know this because...?”
“I’m her sister... I know her. She can be a pain in the butt, but she’s worth it. I hope you’ll give her a chance.”
“Maybe.”
“Okay. Here we are. Let me go in first and wake her up. I know my sister, and she’s going to want to brush her hair and her teeth before she sees you.” Charlie unlocked the door and slipped inside, excited to wake her sister with the news of her early morning visitor. Discovering an empty bed, she hurried to the bathroom. But instead of Emily, she found a note.
*****
Emily arrived at the trailhead at ten thirty, her travels devouring more time than anticipated, but she felt optimistic she was still ahead of the hiking club. Either way, she knew time was of the essence. She pulled out her printed directions and started hiking. The first mile and a half were relatively flat, with the worst encumbrance being the rocky crud she encountered on the footpath. But as promised, when she took a right turn up to Indian Head’s summit, the path became steeper. Her back protested the weight of her pack with a steady ache. Carrying a lot of water significantly increased the load, but all her research emphasized the necessity. Nothing to do but plunge ahead.
A few miles in, she encountered her first chute. Astounded, Emily checked her directions again. Surely people didn’t actually climb these things? It was nothing but a steep rocky slide. To her dismay, two guys whipped past her, attacking the chute with relish.
“This isn’t part of the Devil’s Path, is it?” she called out.
“Sure is.” One guy stopped, turning back to chuckle at her question. “Awesome views at the top, though. It’s worth it.”
Emily was thinking she didn’t care at all what the view was like. These hiker people were crazy.
“Are you hiking alone?” the other guy asked. “You can hang with us if you want.”
“I’m supposed to meet some friends at the Devil’s Tombstone.”
“That’s a long way to hike by yourself.”
“I’m pretty slow. I might not be able to keep up with you.”
“We’re in no hurry.” The guy with close-cropped hair and a goatee gave her an encouraging smile. “I’m Brad.”
“I’m Josh.” The blond guy winked at her. “Don’t worry, we’ll be glad to slow down and take breaks on this hike. If you’re along, we can use you as an excuse.”
“I’m grateful,” she said.
“Well, come along, Grateful.” Josh laughed.
“Emily. I’m Emily.” She let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps everything would work out after all.
*****
“I can’t believe it!” Spencer repeated the words for probably the tenth time. Emily had gone on the stupid hike with the intention of talking to him, and he wouldn’t even be there. And she shouldn’t have gone when she’d just gotten out of the hospital. He had a panicky feeling in his chest.
“Read the note to me again,” Anne said.
He held it up with shaky hands. “I’m going on the overnight hike so I can talk to Spencer. I left early so I can take my time and meet him at the camping area. I knew he might not go if I showed up at the beginning. I did my research and packed everything I need, so I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back Sunday with the group. Sorry to leave you, Charlie, but you know this is the only way. He said he’d give me a second chance if I did something dangerous for him. I thought about it, and this is my best shot. Love you, Emily”
“Can you call someone, Spencer? One of your friends on the hike? So they’ll be looking out for her?” asked Anne.
“No, Mom. They usually can’t get a cell phone signal out there. They won’t even have their phones on.” Charlie paced the floor behind the couch.
“I have to go find her,” said Spencer. “I’m already packed. I can go now and run most of the way until I catch up with her. I’ll bring her back safe tomorrow.”
“No,” Gherring argued. “We’ll need to know you found her. I can tell you right now Anne won’t be satisfied until we know she’s safe. We can’t wait until tomorrow afternoon.” Then he walked over to a utility closet. “But I may have a solution. I’ve got a sat phone.”
