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At least I wouldn’t have to walk up the steep incline. And if the man had been hiking recently, I’d been transformed into Cinderella.
“Perfect. What do I owe you for the map?”
“Just a picture will do.”
I narrowed my eyes then opened them wide in horror when he pulled out some contraption. Oh, shit. It was an old Polaroid camera. I hadn’t seen one of those in years. I doubted they made the cartridges for it any longer. Before I could object, he snapped a shot. The dude wasn’t just creepy. He’d shifted into the stalker category. Ordinarily, I would have ripped it from his hand then punched him in the nose, but I sensed he meant no harm. It was just some crazy trinket to add to a collection.
Still, that gave me the shivers. I didn’t want anyone owning a photograph of me. If it got into the wrong hands, I’d be hunted down like a dog.
The outcome wouldn’t be pretty.
“Thank you.”
“Sure thing but be careful. There’s a storm brewing.”
I glanced out the window and smirked. The sun was waning but high in the sky. “I’ll be careful.” I was at the door, my hand on the glass when I took a chance, tugging the single photograph I had with me into my hand. “By any chance, do you know this woman?”
He was spending far too much time leering at me until I gave him a harsh glare, shoving the photograph in his face. After scrunching his brow, he shook his head. “Kinda looks familiar but my memory ain’t too good. Sorry.”
“Thanks anyway.”
Grousing, I headed to my truck, yanking off my jacket and shoving the picture into my back pocket before climbing inside. At least it wasn’t freezing cold. I’d yet to purchase a heavy jacket. Someone in this town had to know who she was. If my mother was still alive, I was determined to find her. I had little to go on besides the memories I’d held dear as a young girl, and the clues that had festered inside since then.
As I started along the trail, I was struck by just how beautiful everything was. The forest was pristine, untouched by man. I could see why people flocked to God’s country. Maybe it was a place I could find my center. Maybe I could eventually feel at peace. I fingered the locket I always wore, wondering if there was a possibility that she was still alive. Somehow, I’d find out.
Fifteen minutes later, the trail started to narrow. There’d been several turnoffs, small parking areas designed with picnicking in mind. I wanted to find an area where most tourists didn’t go.
So I continued on.
Another twenty or so minutes and the trees were thick, their canopy darkening the sky. Snow covered the ground, but it wasn’t too deep, the truck easily maneuvering the few inches, the tires crunching on the frozen substance. Finally, I noticed a small clearing and decided this was the spot. As I eased the truck through the clump of trees, I was offered an incredible surprise. There was a picturesque view of the snowcapped mountains, the limited sun providing a halo that was majestic.
I found a spot to park, still taking in the view behind the wheel for a few seconds before climbing out. As I grabbed my camera, I noticed the temperature difference, cursing myself that I hadn’t worn thick layers. I wouldn’t be up here long, but maybe I could grab a few perfect shots.
I’d always taken photographs, capturing moments of happiness during celebrations as well as the heartache of existing. Grabbing the perfect shot of life and love had provided a respite from my studies, a hobby that had allowed me to experience love and adventures vicariously. I’d been able to pretend I had a wonderful family during the worst times of my life. Even after three months, I still found it impossible to believe my father had tossed everything that had belonged to me into the trash, including the items I’d left from my childhood inside his home.
It was as if I hadn’t existed, sold to a monster. At least I’d gotten away before being forced into marriage.
But the ugliness of my experience, the terror of escape, and the consequences if found were never far from my mind. I’d thought of going to the police, but I was one woman against what felt like an army. Even with what I’d managed to photograph, I’d doubted it would be enough. However, if I found out what happened to my mother, maybe, just maybe someone in law enforcement would listen to me.
Stop thinking about it. Just stop.
Taking a few pictures might provide some peace, if only for a little while. I couldn’t stand to sit inside a cheap motel room by myself any longer or combing the town in search of clues I wasn’t certain existed.
The camera had been a gift to myself, a treat I’d hidden away from the bastard who’d purchased me. If Giovanni had any clue what I’d captured during my stay with him, he’d put a bullet in my brain.
I’d endured three months, earning the man’s trust in order to escape. At some point, I’d need to talk to an attorney, but I needed distance more than getting my hands on my trust fund.
Truth would set me free.
Maybe.
With what little money I’d managed to squirrel away, including stealing some from Giovanni, I’d purchased a truck while on the run, although I was beginning to wonder how long the rust bucket would last in Montana’s harsher conditions.
One step at a time, baby. This is your new life.
I’d yet to work out all the details of maintaining my new life, but no one was going to stop me from achieving my goals. I shoved the keys into my pocket, taking a deep breath and forging forward. There was nothing like fresh mountain air, the crispness yet to find its way to my bones. I took several photographs, venturing across the rocky terrain, careful where I stepped.
The ugliness continued festering in the back of my mind. I’d been so blindsided that when two of his security guards had appeared from the shadows, driving me to my new home, I hadn’t resisted. What I’d yet to figure out was why the deal had been made in the first place.
