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They turned the last corner and stopped in surprise. Every single person who worked for the company was present; the men who had been trapped were clean, dressed in new clothes, and were enjoying a large selection of food that smelled like heaven. It took a few moments for them to resume their walk towards the tents and just before they reached them Paige grinned up at Joel and called out, “Leave anything for us?”
“Paige!” her father shouted standing up and seeing them. “Joel…my god…how?”
He and several others raced over to them, and she was glad she hadn’t left yet.
“Okay Paige how did you manage this one?” Jesse asked raising an eyebrow.
“What can I say I know the mine,” she shrugged.
“And the mountain,” Joel added, “which is damned lucky for me. If Paige hadn’t remembered the climbing shaft that led to the mountain path I’d still be down there.”
“Wait a minute,” Sam said joining them with Kendra. “You went up the side of the mountain in the dark, alone? Good lord Paige, are you insane?”
“Really why does everyone ask me that?” she joked. “Yes, I went up the side of the mountain and climbed the cliff to the cavern, walked the path through it and climbed down the inside of the place in order to get this joker out. I did it alone because it was a hell of a lot faster than if I’d waited for anyone else and I had butts to kick…speaking of which what happened to the wonderful Gus?”
“He’s been transported to the county jail until the DA can decide on the charges, he confessed after a bit of prodding and Davidson is also being brought in,” Travis answered. “How’d you know it was sabotage Paige?”
“It’s what I do…which leads me to my next line which is I’ve got to go.”
“Where?” Craig asked. “Unless you’re taking on cases solo, we haven’t heard of any disasters.”
“Just because you haven’t heard of them doesn’t mean they haven’t happened, but I just need to get home. I’ve got to get back to work and I’m pretty sure my dog’s torn up the place by now,” she said with a laugh.
“Youhave a dog?” Sam stated skeptically. “You couldn’t keep a goldfish alive for two days and you have a dog?”
“I do and I’ve also got a job that hasn’t gone away. It’s going to take you all ages to get the place put back together so I’ll leave you all to it. I’ve got a helicopter waiting,” she admitted stepping away from the group. “I’m so glad you’re all okay…I love you all, but I’ll see you.”
She turned and went inside to get her bag and camera knowing she couldn’t keep it together much longer.
“You’re just going to let her leave?” Joel asked as no one moved.
“Not a chance buddy,” Sam grinned.
“She can look for her stuff, but she won’t find it here,” Cord added. “I know my girl Joel and I knew the moment she got you back here she’d be gone in a flash so we took her things and I’m not telling her where they are until she’s stayed for a proper visit.”
“You think that’s going to work?” he inquired.
“Paige loves her camera there’s no way she’s going to leave without it,” Moose stated.
“A camera?” Joel laughed. “You think she’s going to stay for a camera?”
“You’d be surprised what she’d do for that camera,” Rabbit said.
“I think you’re underestimating what she’ll do to get home,” Hillary said shaking her head at them.
“Look Paige hasn’t been home for a visit in years, and we’re not going to sit around and let her vanish now,” Cord stated. “I’m not letting my daughter disappear out of my life again and only have her come back because of me having a heart attack or a cave-in at the mine.”
“I still think you’re all crazy if you think this will keep her here,” Hillary replied taking a step back when she saw Paige come out the building.
“Where is it?” she demanded looking at the cluster.
“Where’s what Paige?” Sam asked.
“Not that you really need me to explain but where’s my bag and my camera?” she said glaring at them.
“They’re not here,” her father answered. “And you’re not getting them back until you’ve stayed for a visit.”
“Youstolemy things? I swear you people are nuts. I come here because you needed me to get you out of the mine and this is how you repay me? By stealing my stuff and making ultimatums? Guess what Dad…it’s not going to work. The bag…whatever. My camera on the other hand had better be sent up to me immediately or next time I’ll leave you to find your own way out and trust me a little climb up the mountain might sound easy but ask Joel what it’s really like.”
