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“Look,” he says, pointing to my right. I turn that way and try to spot whatever he’s pointing at. “Do you see that?”
I squint and search a few more moments. “See what?”
Lorenzo sighs. “You would not last a day outside of Vegas, Kitty. That orange strip on the tree.”
I roam my gaze and find what he’s talking about. It’s dark and it isn’t like the thing glows.
“Those are markers I’ve put up. We’re going to follow them to the Colorado river that’s not far ahead.Then, I’ll show you something I think you might like. Okay?”
“What is it?”
“You’ll see. Just… be quiet. All right?”
I consider it for a moment and then nod. “Fine.”
Lorenzo turns and starts walking, and I follow, biting my lip to keep my mouth shut. I bet he’s been out here a lot. Surely he knows what to do if something comes after us. He had a fucking lion in his bedroom for God sakes. What am I so worried about?
Something crashes a few yards behind us, and I jump toward Lorenzo, grabbing his arm. I look behind me, and Lorenzo chuckles.
“It’s fine, Kitty.”
“What was that?”
“Something fell from a tree.”
“No shit.”
Lorenzo shrugs me off him and picks up his pace, with me practically jogging behind him. My backside feels so exposed. Any second I think something might bite me or jump onto my leg. “Sorry for cursing,” I mutter.
Lorenzo doesn’t respond, but his pace eases some and I’m able to keep up.
By the time I hear water rushing, I’m out of breath and soaked in sweat. I push forward and we reach a break in the trees that reveals a river.
I pick a twig from my hair as we finally slow, and when Lorenzo stops, I collapse on the ground. I lean back, my arms propping me up, and take deep breaths. Lorenzo pulls the canteen sling over his head and fills it up with river water before taking long pulls of it. He refills it and brings it to me. I just stare at it.
“What, is it good enough for the bunnies but not for you?”
I glare at him but take the canteen. I bring it to my lips hesitantly, but once the water hits my tongue, I gulp it down.
Lorenzo refills it when I’m done and then sits beside me.
“We can’t rest for long,” he says. There’s no hint of the exhaustion I feel in his tone. He isn’t even out of breath. “The sun will be rising soon.”
“So?”
“So, beavers are mainly nocturnal. They’re already hard at work, so if you want to see them, we need to get there quickly.”
“Beavers?” I sit up straight. “Really?”
Lorenzo nods.
“I’ve only seen them in a zoo.”
“You know, I guessed as much.”
I ignore the sarcasm and stand. “Kay, well let’s go.” Excitement etches itself into my voice, though I try to keep it out.
Lorenzo smirks and stands, leading the way down the river. I spot more orange strips tied to trees along the way, and I’m grateful he pointed them out. If he gets eaten by a bear, I’ll be able to find my way back.
