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“Did you always watch the sunset where you were before moving here?” I ask, hoping she’ll give a little more of herself to me.
She shakes her head but doesn’t elaborate. She just watches the changing fiery colors until they finally extinguish into dusk.
I pick up after the dogs, and we all head inside. I wash up and we rejoin everyone in the living room.
“I’m up for hiking tomorrow. Anyone wanna join me?” I take a swig of beer from my bottle.
Even before I asked the question, I knew my brothers would be on board for a hike. The mountains are in our blood. It’s why all four of us volunteer with Maple Ridge Search and Rescue. It’s why we’re creating the inclusive outdoor rec program for vets of all abilities.
Noah has the weekend shift at work, so he can’t make it.
“I’m going to Portland tomorrow for a few days,” Avery says. “It’s my grandfather’s ninety-fifth birthday on Sunday.”
Emily shakes her head. “You can count me out. You guys always pick the toughest trails.” She’s never been the most eager hiker of the group.
“We’ll pick an easier route this time,” I promise her.
“Your easier or my easier?”
“Definitely yours. So, I’ll count you as coming.” My attention shifts to the other three women. Zara and Simone are in.
“I’ve never hiked before.” Jessica leans down and strokes Butterscotch.
“You’ll love it,” Simone assures her. “It’s great for just getting away, leaving your problems behind for a few hours, and being surrounded by nature. It’s so peaceful.”
“The dogs will be joining us,” I point out in case that’s an additional selling feature.
“I don’t have hiking boots?” Jessica counters
Zara grabs the remaining cheesy nacho from the plate. “Do you have sneakers? That’s what I wear when I hike. But I never go on the more challenging hikes with the guys.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind me joining you?” Jessica asks me. “I’ve always wanted to hike, but I’ve never had the chance to try it.”
I don’t say anything and wait for Zara, Simone, and Emily to convince her to come with us.
“You have to come.” Emily smiles, the curve of her mouth generous. “It will be fun.”
“We definitely want you to join us,” Zara adds, equally enthusiastic about the idea. “Em’s right. It will be fun.”
“Okay,” Jess says on a laugh. “I’ll go hiking with you guys.”
And maybe by the time we’ve finished the hike, she and I will have gotten to know each other a little more. And I will have earned a little more of her trust.
Because Jessica is an enigma I want to solve—a woman I want to get to know better.
18
ANGELIQUE
April 1943
France
I’m sittingon the train to Nancy, the train still in the Paris station, when two German soldiers enter the car. My near relief that no one followed me after my meeting with Allaire stumbles and falls, sending my heartbeat into a mad scramble.
“Carte d’identités,” one of them barks in French, the language turned ugly with his harsh German accent.
They proceed down the aisle, checking everyone’s papers. A dangerous silence fills the space, choking us with its oppression. No one dares move or else risk the soldiers’ ire.
