Книга - Wilderness Reunion

Wilderness Reunion
Elizabeth Goddard


MOVING TARGETSAfter stumbling on a drug operation, Alice Wilde races through the woods as bullets whiz past, using her skills as a wilderness guide to elude her pursuers. But she doesn’t stay safe for long once one of the armed men recognizes her…and starts stalking her. When the sheriff asks her to guide his men and photojournalist Griffin Slater—her ex-boyfriend—to the crime scene, though, she can’t refuse. Alice knows Griffin’s just there for a story, but after the two of them are separated from the rest of the group, he’s the only person who can save her. And with someone willing to do anything to hunt them down, Alice must put aside their past if she wants to survive.Wilderness, Inc.: Surviving the wilderness of Oregon takes training…and trust.







MOVING TARGETS

After stumbling on a drug operation, Alice Wilde races through the woods as bullets whiz past, using her skills as a wilderness guide to elude her pursuers. But she doesn’t stay safe for long once one of the armed men recognizes her...and starts stalking her. When the sheriff asks her to guide his men and photojournalist Griffin Slater—her ex-boyfriend—to the crime scene, though, she can’t refuse. Alice knows Griffin’s just there for a story, but after the two of them are separated from the rest of the group, he’s the only person who can save her. And with someone willing to do anything to hunt them down, Alice must put aside their past if she wants to survive.


Griffin looked through the lens of his camera, zoomed in. His gut soured at what he saw.

“Looks like thousands of plants.”

He could make out over forty rows with maybe a hundred plants each. Millions of dollars’ worth of marijuana. But dread settled in his gut at the massive number of guards. He could sense that something was about to go south.

“Can I look through it? See what you’re seeing?”

Alice had already seen some of it when she’d stumbled on it, but obviously not the vastness. “Sure, but you’re not going to like it.”

He handed over his superzoom camera. “Did they have that many guards when you were there?”

“I mean, men chased me. Weapons fired off—I couldn’t tell how many, just that there were a lot—but now it looks like...it looks like...”

“A war zone.” Packed with armed guards ready to kill.

Their little reconnaissance mission was a mistake. They shouldn’t be here. Shouldn’t have brought Alice. Then a man’s shadow fell over him and Alice. Griffin didn’t miss the silhouette of the assault rifle.


Dear Reader (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c),

Thank you so much for reading Wilderness Reunion, the final book in the Wilderness, Inc. series. I hope you could relate to Alice and Griffin on some level. Part of the reason for this story is I wanted to raise awareness of the devastation that’s being inflicted on public lands in our beautiful country. Not only are illegal marijuana farms catastrophic to the land, the wildlife and water, but they’re dangerous to people, especially nature enthusiasts as you see in this story.

In Alice’s case, her world was turned upside down. She’d been minding her own business when she stumbled into some bad news—she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Have you ever been affected by others’ mistakes or “bad business”? I know I have, and though those mistakes are not anything remotely similar to the illegal marijuana farm in this story, people’s bad choices have disrupted my life at times, and even changed it in big ways. There’s nothing I can do about other people’s actions, but for myself, I must realize how all my choices in life affect others.

Regarding our decisions, we can’t know what will happen down the road, but we can always prayerfully consider our choices, and trust the One to lead and direct our path. Like Psalm 5:8 says, “Lead me, Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies—make Your way straight before me.”

My prayer for you today is that no matter the trouble you stumble into in life, that you allow the One to direct and guide you out of it, to protect you and lead you.

I love to hear from my readers. You can connect with me on my website, ElizabethGoddard.com (http://www.ElizabethGoddard.com), where you’ll find links to my social media pages and you can also sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Bookbub!

Many blessings!

Elizabeth Goddard


ELIZABETH GODDARD is the award-winning author of more than thirty novels and novellas. A 2011 Carol Award winner, she’s a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and a 2016 Carol Award finalist. Elizabeth graduated with a computer science degree and worked in high-level software sales before retiring to write full-time.


Wilderness Reunion

Elizabeth Goddard






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

—Matthew 10:26–27


To Daddy. I pray for His strength, peace, love and joy as you embark on your new adventure.


Acknowledgments (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c)

Every day I wake up and thank God that He blessed me with such an amazing job—the dream job of making up stories. With God everything is possible. A journey taken alone wouldn’t be nearly as fulfilling, so God has added many deep-thinking writer friends, brothers and sisters in the faith, to my life. You know who you are. I couldn’t walk this writing road without you.


Contents

Cover (#u14f3065e-949c-5383-96d1-175d8e72cb89)

Back Cover Text (#u4f645fd7-a375-5b3c-a99c-f43c5d7bd880)

Introduction (#u2a3b0c74-a021-54f1-963e-8fbb740733f2)

Dear Reader (#u4677bc35-96fb-5ad7-881b-a02cafb9258e)

About the Author (#uce4c2a53-848a-5f8d-a90e-d70832cc6f69)

Title Page (#ue0e1666c-0fa8-529d-968c-2ed3eec4d0a5)

Bible Verse (#u625e4d4c-0cde-5b81-a5bd-ee1953df7300)

Dedication (#u2424d5ad-4615-59c2-9294-63c7654342d9)

Acknowledgments (#u520757ad-9324-501f-8637-08c729e56e1a)

ONE (#u62a65ec6-b4c2-521e-828a-ed417f4b5edf)

TWO (#u2abe93f0-1f11-5150-b937-e190cde4fa72)

THREE (#u0fd27565-6723-5385-bffb-ded129b38435)

FOUR (#ua9004bb0-722c-57aa-80bc-905e0c9b2cc1)

FIVE (#u2095a479-54ff-5b75-81da-a7aa8b665182)

SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

FIFTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

SIXTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

SEVENTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

EIGHTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

NINETEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


ONE (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c)

Danger could lurk behind the beauty. She should know that better than anyone.

Slathered in insect repellent, Alice Wilde and her client had already hiked for three days into the Oregon mountains filled with bald eagles, waterfalls and huge, winding trees—oaks, pines and junipers—while they did their best to avoid poison oak.

This was called “roughing it” by any standard.

Marie had hired Alice to lead her on a hike in the wilderness—it had been on her bucket list, she’d said. Marie had wanted this off-trail adventure far from the overcrowded Rogue River forty-mile trail and the buzzing drones in the canyon.

Tens of thousands of designated wilderness acreage still remained to explore, not counting about a million acres of Siskiyou National Forest. They weren’t going to run out of places to explore anytime soon, which was something Alice loved about the area.

What she didn’t love? The heat, the sweat and the bugs she’d experienced during this brutal hike. She should be in a raft guiding other enthusiasts who’d come to the region to meet the white-water rapid challenge. Except Alice had never wanted to get in that river again after what had happened eight months ago. Someone had trusted her to guide him down the Rogue River through the hazardous rapids.

Rapids that had turned deadly. The man had died on her watch.

As if her thoughts had conjured the image of flowing water, she crossed a small creek—one that eventually emptied into the Rogue River miles away. Alice followed the brook upstream. Marie continued behind her, enjoying the quiet forest as they hiked. Her feet aching, Alice would need to look for a place to set up camp for the night.

She came across a PVC pipe and froze.

Someone diverted water from this brook. Totally illegal. And a bad sign.

Glancing back at Marie who viewed the unnatural sight with curiosity, Alice warned her in a soft whisper, “Stay here.”

“But the—”

Alice held a finger to her lips as she lowered her heavy pack to the ground. Pressed her palms down, signaling Marie to stay low. The woman crouched, frowning, with not a little anxiety in her eyes. Alice removed her weapon from its holster. As quietly as possible, she followed the black PVC pipe from the brook through the woods. When the pipe detoured away from the creek, she hunkered behind the thick trunk of a pine and peered through the bushy shrub growing at its base.

About a hundred yards away, through the dense forest, she could just make out an area where trees had been cut down.

Garbage—plastic bags and propane bottles—was strewn about.

And she could see the plants.

Rows and rows of plants.

Her pulse roared in her ears.

Marijuana.

Oh no!

She’d stumbled on an illegal growing operation. How big, she couldn’t know. Regardless, she had to escape before anyone spotted her.

Maybe it hadn’t been wise to follow the pipe, but neither would it have been wise to continue hiking without investigating. She didn’t want to lead Marie into danger that could get one or both of them killed.

Now she’d need to get the global position on her cell to mark the exact location to report to the authorities. Gripping her handgun and her cell, Alice crept backward then pivoted on her heels and ran straight into a man holding an automatic gun.

Her heart clambered behind her rib cage.

His face scrunched up. “Do I know you?”

In his fifties, silver weaved through his black hair and Van Dyke beard. Menacing dark eyes flashed at her. She’d seen him before, but where or when, she couldn’t remember. Panic incapacitated every thought. No time to respond. No time to think. All she could do was act.

She whipped her weapon up and aimed at his face. He didn’t seem worried in the least. She fingered the trigger and stepped sideways, giving herself a wide berth around him as she backed away from both him and the operation.

“Put your weapon down,” she said.

“I don’t think so.”

If Alice shot him, or even fired off her weapon as a warning, she would bring the rest of the illegal operation down on her and Marie.

His eyes narrowed. “I do know you.”

She couldn’t say the same.

Alice turned and dived into the foliage, her cell slipping from her sweaty fingers, and ran. Trees and bushes scratched her face, tore her clothes, and fear that any second she’d receive a bullet to her back accosted her. A smattering of shots ricocheted off the woods behind her. The shouts of many men bounced off the trees. She didn’t dare go back and retrieve her cell phone. It wasn’t worth her life.

Without slowing, she caught Marie by the arm and yanked her forward. Through her gasps, she said, “We have to run and keep running, Marie. Forget the bears and rattlesnakes. There’s something more deadly in these woods.”

* * *

Griffin Slater downshifted to slow his motorcycle—a silver-and-blue Suzuki Hayabusa—or Busa as he called it, and the fastest motorcycle in the world. Slowing the vehicle didn’t come naturally to him, but this hazardous, curvy mountain road was unmanageable at the speed he was going.

Dusk fell quickly in the woods and Griffin turned on his headlights. Two miles left before he arrived in Gideon, Oregon, in the Wild Rogue Wilderness. Weeks ago he’d contacted the sheriffs in various counties along the West Coast and informed them of his journalistic project regarding illegal marijuana grown on public land, so when his sheriff uncle called him to report a new lead, Griffin dropped everything to get there. As valuable as this could be for his story, he didn’t like to think this kind of activity had sprung up in the wilderness area in his uncle’s county.

The area surrounding Alice Wilde.

The fact that she’d been the one to stumble on the operation had plagued him. She could have been killed.

He’d driven in tonight because he’d wanted to get to Gideon ahead of his uncle who was coming from Gold Beach in the morning. Moisture bloomed on his hands at the thought of facing Alice for the first time since he’d walked away two years ago.

* * *

Rubbing her arms, Alice stared out the front window of her home.

You’re fortunate to be alive...

Sheriff Kruse’s words echoed through her. Once she and Marie had made it to a lodge where they could use the emergency radio, she’d immediately called the sheriff’s department. Alice had left her pack with the SAT phone behind on her frantic run from deadly bullets. Stupid, stupid. Then someone had driven her and Marie back to Gideon and Marie left to fly home to Missouri, where she would be safe from all this mess Alice had stumbled into.

As a trained wilderness guide, she knew the signs, knew what to look for and avoid, and yet she’d walked right into it, endangering herself and Marie. Her brothers, Cooper and Gray, would be more than furious when they found out. She didn’t even want to think about Dad’s reaction. She could almost be glad they were all out of town, but at the same time, she was terrified to be on her own.

The man in the woods claimed he knew her. Did he also know where she lived? Did her pack contain any identifying information? Then again, it probably wouldn’t be so hard to find out who she was or where she lived if he didn’t already know.

The sheriff wouldn’t arrive until the morning. Unfortunately, he had a large county and not enough deputies to go around. Alice had a long night ahead of her. She doubted she would do more than hold her weapon, stare at the ceiling and out the windows until dawn. Might as well get out of the house while there was a little light left in the day.

Grabbing a light jacket, she left the house and headed to Ricky’s Rogue Bar-B-Q. The place had practically burned down in the winter, but they’d built it back and put in a new and bigger kitchen. You could hardly tell anything had happened. At least she didn’t have to spend the first part of her evening alone.

Hiking the short distance to Gideon proper took her through the woods and brought back the trauma of the last few days of running, hiking, barely sleeping as they made their way out of the wilderness to civilization.

A shiver ran through her, and she picked up her pace.

On the street, she took comfort in the still-busy small town, the familiar faces, and headed to the restaurant.

And...sensed someone following her. Or was she being paranoid?

A chilly evening breeze swept past and Alice tugged the jacket tighter.

Footsteps.

She heard footsteps behind her. She again increased her pace.

The footfalls increased as well, keeping in rhythm with her.

Then she slowed, almost stopping. The person behind her did the same.

Heart hammering, Alice wanted to look over her shoulder to see who followed her, but she knew if she saw him—the man she’d seen in the wilderness—fear would paralyze her.

I do know you...

Who was he? His face had been familiar somehow, but living in a tourist town and running a tourist business, she couldn’t remember the name behind every face. She should turn and confront whoever followed her now. She palmed the weapon at her side, but residual fear from her narrow escape in the woods squashed her courage.

A few yards from her up the street, a figure dressed in leather stood next to a big blue motorcycle and tugged off his helmet, revealing a thick head of mussed hair. He turned and walked across the street toward her, filling her with a rush of relief. She didn’t know who he was, but maybe his sturdy presence would scare her stalker away.

Bolstered, she risked a glance over her shoulder and spotted someone ten yards back watching her, his face hidden by his hoodie. Goose bumps crawled over her, and she’d learned long ago never to ignore that sensation.

She turned her attention back to hurrying across the street toward the stranger.

Though...wait. Something about his cadence seemed familiar.

No. It couldn’t be.

But...it was.

Griffin Slater?

Her mind had to be playing tricks on her. She took in the broad shoulders, the trim, athletic physique. It was definitely him.

She rushed forward, putting more distance between her and the person behind her. As she hurried toward Griffin, emotions accosted her.

Anger and resentment along with a million questions.

She could still hear the footfalls, growing closer even as she practically jogged into the street toward Griffin. She hoped to leave her shadow behind. There was safety in numbers, after all.

She stopped just short of throwing herself into Griffin’s arms to find protection and comfort there. Breathing hard, she swiped a hand over her brow and stared at him. He took her in, too, and his appreciative gaze sent heat through her.

His slate-gray eyes always seemed to capture everything, just like his camera, only Griffin could see right through people, read them. Her heart pounded from her fear or from Griffin’s nearness, she wasn’t sure, but Alice hoped he couldn’t read her right now. She wouldn’t want him to know that he affected her one iota. That he’d caused an eruption of emotions, both good and bad.

“It’s really you. You’re not some figment of my imagination.” Had she really just said those words out loud? So much for hiding her emotions.

Her knees wanted to buckle. Was that from seeing Griffin or from yet another narrow escape from danger? She was such a coward not to face and challenge whoever had followed her, instead practically running into this man’s arms.

“Yes, it’s really me. Nice to see you again, Alice.” His gaze briefly flicked to the town behind her.

Had he spotted the man following her? She wanted to gauge his reaction but instead she blurted out, “So you just appear out of nowhere, after two years? Why are you here?” Alice wanted to kick herself, but she couldn’t help it. She wanted answers.

She risked a glance over her shoulder. The man slipped into the shadows between the buildings.


TWO (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c)

Griffin gazed into Alice’s dark blue eyes. “I’ll fill you in on the details, soon enough.”

The wildness in her gaze had always reminded him of the way the Rogue River churned and twisted. Her eyes could always stir him up inside, like the dangerous rapids. She’d secured her light brown hair in her usual ponytail, and a few sun-kissed strands had come loose and framed her face. The smattering of freckles across her pretty nose weren’t hidden beneath makeup. None of that for Alice. Another thing he’d always liked about her.

She hadn’t changed a bit since the last time he saw her, except there was something different in her eyes, and he wasn’t sure he liked what he saw.

This was the moment he’d dreaded and the reason he’d come to Gideon ahead of his uncle, but it was upon him much quicker than he would have liked. He’d had no time to catch his breath at the Gideon Lodge like he’d planned.

He hadn’t been sure how he would feel when he faced her again, and seeing her now could bowl him over, except for the turmoil written all over her face that brought his focus back.

“What happened, Alice? What’s wrong?”

She glanced over her shoulder again. So he’d read her right. There was more happening here than the anger he assumed was directed at him. Griffin fought the need to tug her to him, push her behind him, protect her. He didn’t think Alice wanted that from him. And he sure didn’t want the rush of unbidden feelings, but he should have expected the shock of seeing her that rolled through him.

Alice hesitated, then replied, “I think someone followed me.”

“The way you say that, sounds like you mean someone might have followed you to harm you. Is that what you mean, Alice?”

“Yes, I think so, but I can’t be sure. He disappeared between those buildings.”

Maybe she was overreacting, but he had a feeling she wasn’t. He hoped he was wrong about that. Hoped it had nothing to do with her stumbling on the illegal garden.

He started to take off in pursuit but she grabbed his arm. “No, wait. Don’t leave me. He’s long gone by now anyway.”

He hesitated, unsure what to do, but he didn’t want to leave her alone. Plus, they needed to talk. Alice didn’t know yet about his assignment, he assumed. And it sounded like there was much more about what had happened in the wilderness than Griffin knew, as well.

But before they could talk about that, he needed to address her on a more personal level. That was why he’d come. It would have seemed insensitive for him to just show up with his sheriff uncle tomorrow, especially considering how he’d left.

Three years ago, he’d come to the Wild Rogue Wilderness region to rest after a TBI—traumatic brain injury—had ended his military career and a job he lived for. After six months, he was well on his way to a full recovery and hoped to establish himself as a civilian photojournalist in conflicted regions of the world. Then...he’d met Alice. They’d grown too close, too fast.

He could still remember how she’d begged him to stay, but he’d been afraid of his growing feelings for her, so he’d taken the assignment in Kenya when an agency called looking for a freelancer. He’d assured her he would come back after the assignment and had told himself he meant it. But it had been all too easy to make excuses to never return. And now that he stood here with her, he had no clue how to bring it all up again. How to even broach the topic. Maybe Alice had moved on and had no interest in dredging it up, except her first words to him gave her away.

So you just appear out of nowhere, after two years? Why are you here?

Yeah, she wanted to talk about it.

Griffin scraped a hand down his face. He’d come to Gideon looking for her and now that he’d found her, he was tongue-tied and ashamed. He could face so many horrible things...but he couldn’t let himself love someone. Why was it so hard?

“Listen, I need to head to the lodge before it’s too late and make sure they have a room for me.” And yet he definitely wanted her to stick with him if someone was following her. “You want to walk with me? Then we can go somewhere and you can tell me what’s going on. Why someone followed you.”

She nodded. “Yeah, sure.” And looked over her shoulder again.

They headed off in the direction of the lodge. Dusk finally settled on the town. Griffin watched the shadows for Alice’s stalker, and at the same time he tried to come up with an opening about his departure before and the fact he hadn’t returned as he’d said.

Alice strolled next to him and palmed the gun tucked at her side. Wary. She was definitely wary about something.

Inside the lodge, she stepped back and waited for Griffin to check in. His call to find a room had been last-minute—risky during peak tourist season—but the woman had thought a guest planned to leave early and had said she would hold the room for Griffin.

When he announced his name, the woman paled. “I’m so sorry, sir. I thought we’d have a vacancy, but it didn’t materialize. I left you a message on your cell.”

Right, and he hadn’t checked his messages while on his motorcycle.

“It’s okay. Not your fault.” Worst case he could head back to Gold Beach and stay with Uncle Davis. But he was glad he’d come, if Alice needed him.

Griffin left the registration desk to stand next to Alice, unsure what to do now. He didn’t want to leave her alone if someone had followed her and she was in danger. Where were her brothers?

“You can stay in the apartment above Wilderness, Inc.” Her words took him by surprise.

“What about your brother Coop? Isn’t that where he lives? Don’t you think you should ask him if I can stay with him first?” Though Griffin didn’t relish the idea.

“He got married. He and his wife, Hadley, live in a beautiful new cabin across town. He’s out on a wilderness-training excursion, and she’s off at an art show. Gray and his wife are gone, too. Wilderness, Inc. is busy in the summer. But the apartment is vacant. We keep it for guests and situations like this.”

Right. Her words served to emphasize what he’d missed since his departure.

“Well, then, looks like I have no choice but to take you up on that offer.”

Disappointment surged in her eyes. He’d made it sound like staying there was a last resort. Well, it kind of was. But it was still an option he was glad to have if it meant that he could stay close and keep an eye on her as she dealt with a possible stalker. And given what he already knew about her situation, he wouldn’t leave her alone.

Still carrying his bag and gear, the day began to wear on him, and he knew it was far from over. She led him to the Wilderness, Inc. offices and inside the house-slash-business, up the stairs to the apartment.

He dropped his bags on the sofa and turned to face her. “Okay, so what’s going on? Why did someone follow you? Who is it, do you know?”

“You first.” Her expression said she was loaded for bear. “I asked you why you came back to Gideon, and you said you’d fill me in on the details soon enough. How about now?”

* * *

Griffin frowned and shrugged out of his leather jacket. Clearly, he wasn’t ready to offer his explanation. But after two years Alice needed answers. She needed closure.

It had taken all of the last half hour for her to regain her composure. To control her anxiety, both over the man following her and over her reunion with Griffin—the shock of seeing him in the flesh.

And now, she wasn’t sure how to tell him what she’d seen in the woods, or if she even should. She’d have to if she were to explain why someone followed her tonight.

But Griffin could give his explanation first.

Earlier, she’d just been glad to have his sturdy, protective form to walk next to in case the man she’d run into in the woods had actually followed her to Gideon, but she reminded herself she could not trust Griffin. He could disappear and leave her hanging.

Alice had always been strong and self-sufficient, but at the moment she felt weak and exposed. She wasn’t sure how to get on top of this apprehension that had followed her out of the wilderness and into Gideon.

But she needed to tell him about what was going on. What had happened. So he wouldn’t be taken by surprise if a bad guy showed up. It’s just...she’d needed answers from Griffin first.

“Well?” she asked.

He frowned.

Would he answer her question or not?

Pulling his professional-grade camera out, he fiddled with it—his attempt at procrastination while he measured his words. And while he took his time answering, she took him in. His shoulders and biceps stretched his polo shirt, and he’d cut his shaggy brown hair to a shorter, crisp cut. He looked good. Too good, in fact, and she was sorry because that made it impossible for her to ignore her attraction to him. She shouldn’t be thinking about his hair or his muscles or how good he looked.

Then his gaze snapped to hers, as if he’d known what she’d been thinking about him.

Alice couldn’t hold his intensity and averted her eyes.

“I’m working with my uncle, Sheriff Kruse,” he finally said. “Going into the wilderness. I’m a freelancer, documenting the increasing use of public lands to grow marijuana and covering the hazards both to the environment and to the public, especially hikers.” His gaze and emphasis intensified on that last word.

Alice sagged. Deep down, she’d been expecting a much different answer. Had she honestly thought Griffin had finally come back for her after two long years? Or that his uncle had notified him of what she’d been through and he’d come running to her rescue? She plopped onto the sofa next to his duffel bag and his expensive camera case. Of course. Of course, he would be here for the action. This had nothing to do with Alice.

Griffin was all about action.

But, wait... “You mean your uncle called you? But why did—”

“I contacted him weeks ago along with other West Coast county sheriffs to let them in on my assignment. Let them know to contact me if they learned of any activity. I want to be there when things go down. I knew I could count on Uncle Davis to let me know if there was activity, but honestly I hadn’t expected to hear from him. Nor did I want this to happen so close to him or...to you.”

Weeks ago.

He’d been on the West Coast for weeks and had made no effort to contact her. Alice let those words sink in but refused to let them hurt. She had obviously thought much more of what they’d had together before than Griffin. And the importance of this situation far outweighed her pathetic actions of the past.

“He called to tell you about the marijuana farm so you could go in with him and film the whole thing?” He’d obviously told Griffin that Alice had been the one to find it, too. “But that’s so dangerous. Those men don’t just have guns. They have automatic weapons. They know their location has been discovered and they’ll be expecting you. They’re going to try to kill you, if they haven’t already moved out.” Alice couldn’t help the dread edging her tone. She didn’t want to go through losing Griffin again, though she’d never had him to begin with.

He blew out a breath, clearly frustrated. “Remember, I was a navy combat photographer. That means I was trained to operate alongside combat units in all military branches. I’ve worked alongside Special Forces, Alice. Documented critical missions. And now? I take on similar assignments, which you already know.” He scraped a hand through his hair. “Why do I need to explain this to you? You know this. But the reason...”

Working up the courage, she finally looked at him. His intense gaze took her in, reading her like always.

“Go on,” she said.

“The reason I came here tonight ahead of Uncle Davis is that I wanted to talk to you first.”

“You want to interview me about what I saw in the woods?”

“Well, that, yes, but I need to explain...about what happened before.” He cleared his throat. “Two years ago.”

Alice squeezed her eyes shut. Pictured herself begging him not to leave. What kind of person lowers themselves to beg? She hated that memory. She’d hated herself for the longest time after that. Still, he’d told her that he would return. And when he hadn’t, she felt all the more pathetic. She’d been worried about him. It took Cooper finding out the real story from the sheriff—that Griffin was still traveling on assignment and was fine. Her brother had to break the news to her like that...she cringed inside at that memory, too. She would never let herself be that vulnerable again.

She got it. He’d only left her the reassurance of his quick return to shut her up.

At first she’d wanted an explanation from him. Now? She wanted to just drop it. “I’d prefer it if we just forget about that.”

“Sure. I think that’s best. But not before I apologize for behaving like I did. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Alice.” He frowned, hesitating as though he struggled with the words. “I’m...sorry.”

His words jolted her. The regret in his gaze stripped her bare. She hadn’t expected a heartfelt apology from him.

But he’d gone to Kenya.

And you never came back.

Alice definitely wouldn’t say those words out loud. Oh, why do you have to be such a great guy, I mean, to apologize, even? How many guys were willing to accept responsibility for their mistakes?

Regrettably not many, at least that Alice had met.

“So, are we good?” He flashed his irresistible grin.

And she wished he hadn’t. He was entirely too charming and her emotions betrayed her to respond to him like this. Still, she returned his smile and wanted to say it was so. They were good and she understood and had forgiven him. If only the pain from his departure didn’t still linger. If only he wasn’t sitting there again in the apartment, much too near for her. If only she could actually trust him.

“Alice?”

What kind of person would she be if she didn’t truly forgive him now? Maybe the words would bring her heart along. “Yes, all is forgiven.”

But not forgotten.


THREE (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c)

Hearing those words eased the weight on his heart, but they didn’t erase it. She’d forgiven, but she still hadn’t let it go. Obviously, he hadn’t, either. Maybe neither of them would. But he’d said what he’d come to say and that’s all he could do about his actions of the past.

Now might as well focus on the dangers of the present.

“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Why don’t you tell me who you think followed you?”

“I think it could have been someone related to the marijuana operation.”

This news wasn’t good. “Tell me what happened, then.”

He’d gotten his camera set up. Could use the video and record her story, which was his usual practice, but the way she looked at him now—Griffin hesitated. She’d hate it if the camera captured her looking this vulnerable and frightened. This wasn’t the right time. He shut off the camera. “It’s just you and me, Alice. No camera.”

There. That had been the right decision. She visibly relaxed.

“But what about your uncle? He won’t be mad that you questioned me before he got the details?” That soft smile again, her pretty lips a natural shade of pink.

“I guess if he wanted to be the first to hear your story, he should have gone out of his way to get here tonight like I did. But the reason I’m asking you now is because of your reaction when you rushed up to me tonight. You said someone followed you. I’m concerned for your safety, and that’s not something that can just wait until tomorrow. Just tell me what happened.”

Griffin tugged a handgun out and set it on the table, letting her know he’d come prepared. Then Alice spilled the details of her story and Griffin listened, never taking his eyes from her. As she relayed running through the woods with Marie, being chased by men with their weapons—AR-15 rifles converted to fully automatic assault rifles—he noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor as the terror took hold of her again.

He felt her terror as if it were his own, all the way to his marrow.

Griffin wasn’t sure when it happened, but he found himself sitting next to her on the sofa, holding her. Her soft warm form in his arms made him crazy, but more pressing was the terrifying realization that he could have lost her. Except she’d never been his to lose in the first place.

He hadn’t wanted the risk to his heart, and had no claim on her.

Still.

Alice could have been killed out there.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he willed the pain of that thought away. Wasn’t that the very reason he avoided getting too close to her? No one was immune to tragedy. If anyone knew that, he did.

He released her and bolted to his feet. “And you think the man knows who you are? Or was he bluffing? Trying to scare you?” That would be better. So much better.

“His face was familiar to me. Yes, I think he knows me.”

The news deflated his hopes. “Knows your name and where you live?” But Griffin admitted to himself unfortunately that information would be easy to come by in today’s world.

Alice rose and paced the small space. “Maybe.”

Griffin gripped her shoulders. Forced her to look at him. “I don’t want you going home. You sleep in this apartment tonight. I’ll sleep downstairs in the office on the sofa.” Right. He wouldn’t sleep a wink. He’d keep watch until his sheriff uncle arrived in the morning. “Okay?”

She nodded, her lips spreading into a half smile. He shouldn’t think about her lips. Or how perfect they were.

“Sure, okay. There’s no point in lying. I’m scared to sleep at home tonight. I have my own weapon, but if several men attacked at once, it wouldn’t be enough.” She shuddered. “The idea of home doesn’t feel safe at all anymore. Not to mention, how can I ever hike in those woods again? If I can’t hike and I can’t be a river guide, then what use am I to the family wilderness excursion business? I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

He should have said something then. Comforted her.

Instead he dropped his hands and moved to the kitchen in search of a drink. He opened the fridge and found it stocked with sodas and bottled water. He grabbed two waters and tossed her one. He’d needed the distraction so she wouldn’t see his face at the revelation that she couldn’t be a river guide anymore.

He’d read the news. Knew she’d guided a group down the river and lost someone. He’d known that must have upset her. But had it affected her so deeply that she hadn’t gone back into the river? That had to crush her. She lived for that white-water rapid rush. Had been one of the best guides. After all, only five years ago she’d won a bronze medal in the Olympic white-water slalom, or canoe slalom as it was called. She still had it in her.

He caught her gaze and held it as they each lifted their bottled waters to their lips.

Finished, he finally said what he should have said before. “You’ll hike again, Alice. And you’ll take the river again. Life happens. And death.” She couldn’t have any idea just how much death happened. But he knew—images of war played like a never-ending reel across his mind. The impact on him was profound. And that was why he couldn’t let himself get close to her.

He was a damaged man.

He grabbed his gun from the table. “Do you need to get some things from your house before you settle in here?”

Vehemently, she shook her head. “I can sleep in what I’m wearing. If he followed me to the house, I don’t want to lead him here.”

If they hadn’t already done just that. But Griffin didn’t want to bring up the possibility and scare her more than she already was. He wished her brothers were here to protect her, someone other than him. Could he be an effective protector when his heart distracted him completely whenever he was near Alice?

Regardless, and in lieu of her brothers or father, he would be here for Alice to protect her until tomorrow when the sheriff got here. She knew how to wield her weapon and on some level could protect herself, but the kind of men she’d run across in the woods were seriously dangerous.

“I just want to make it through this night,” she said. “Tell the sheriff what he needs to know so he can rid the woods of the vermin and be done with it.”

“Did you tell him everything? Including that the guy might have recognized you?”

She paled. “I didn’t have the chance. I thought I’d have a chance to tell him more, but he had an actionable emergency and I had to wait until the morning. But now you’re here.”

And what if Griffin hadn’t come? She had friends in town, but apparently she hadn’t shared what happened with anyone. “Do Cooper and Gray even know about this? Or your father?”

“I didn’t want to call Cooper or Gray. They’re both on excursions and hard to reach, as it is. Dad’s out of the country. There’s nothing they can do anyway.”

Except protect you, Alice. But it looked like Griffin was up for that job now. And wouldn’t Coop and Gray just be thrilled to hear about that?

Yeah, her brothers hadn’t much liked Griffin. He didn’t think it was personal. Just that nobody was good enough for their sister. On some level he got that. But was she supposed to spend her life alone, then?

No. She was just supposed to pick someone better than him. Since he wasn’t relationship material, why should he stick around and waste everyone’s time and let himself fall for her, let her fall for him, and break both their hearts? The call to Kenya that would propel him back into action couldn’t have come at a better time. Except maybe he’d broken both their hearts anyway.

Alice cleared her throat. “Imagine the reputation our business would get if Cooper cut his wilderness training short to rush back here.”

She pulled out the band securing her hair and set it free, shook it out, then wrapped the band around it again, captivating his attention. A simple habit, but did she have any idea what that did to him? Her dark blue eyes blinked up at him. “And now, you’re here. Thank you for showing up at just the right time.”

Yeah. I’m such a great guy. I left you high and dry and didn’t come back or call, and then I happened to walk back into your life just when you needed me. I’m such a hero.

He was a coward when it came to commitment. But when it came to keeping her safe... “Nobody is going to get to you tonight, Alice.” He chambered a round. “They have to go through me first.”

“I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

“I’ve survived two tours in the Middle East, I think I’ll be okay.” And countless other covert missions. Griffin wanted to grip her shoulders again, make her look at him and believe him, but then again, keeping his distance was the best for both of them. “It’s you I’m worried about. Now get some rest. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”

He left Alice in the apartment upstairs and lay on the sofa in Cooper’s office, listening. He had no intention of falling asleep, though he needed the rest to be prepared for his trek in the wilderness tomorrow with Uncle Davis and his deputies. But a woman’s well-being was more important than being at his best to get the story. Otherwise what was the point?

He tried to convince himself it didn’t matter that woman was Alice. And he would keep trying...

When he blinked his eyes open, he realized that he’d fallen asleep, after all. Still, he’d been trained to sleep lightly, and a subtle sound had disturbed him, waking him.

Pressing his hand over his firearm on the side table, he waited and listened.

Had Alice moved in the apartment above? Or had an intruder approached?

Grabbing the weapon, Griffin decided to head outside to check the perimeter. The only issue he had with Cooper’s old apartment was that privacy entrance in the back, which meant that someone could get to Alice without having to go past him. He grabbed a set of keys off the desk and let himself out the front door, locking it behind him.

While he wanted to wait and listen, that could be a luxury he couldn’t afford. He moved around the house, quietly, and kept to the shadows.

Searching for anything out of the ordinary.

Behind the house, he waited in the shadows.

A figure crept up the stairs to the apartment.

* * *

Alice heard a noise.

Even with Griffin bunking in the office below, she hadn’t been able to fall asleep. Her heart pounded at every sound, every creak of the house, hoot of an owl or cry of coyotes.

But this sound was different. The noise she’d heard sounded close by. Maybe it was just a raccoon that snooped around, but she had to check. She palmed the grip of her weapon and peeked out the curtain, ever so carefully.

Movement on the stairs drew her attention. That was no raccoon. Nor was it Griffin.

A man dressed in dark clothing crept up the steps. So much for their grand idea that she would be safe here, and that Griffin’s presence would somehow protect her. It appeared she was on her own.

A scream lodged in her throat.

Moisture slicked her hands.

Fear paralyzed her.

No. “No...” She couldn’t just stand there and wait for that malicious man to kill her.

Alice shook free of the chains of terror. She would be proactive and take him out first. After chambering a round, she flung the door open and rushed through the opening, pointing her weapon out and ready to fire.

Someone shouted.

The figure on the stairs turned away from her and fired his weapon in the opposite direction. Returning gunfire from beyond him sent the man leaping down the stairs and running into the woods.

Who else was out there?

“No, don’t let him get away!” she called to whoever had chased the intruder away with gunfire.

She had to stop this. Looking over her shoulder forever was no way to live!

Fueled by adrenaline and her need to end her terror, Alice bounded down the steps. Strong arms seized her, yanking her back from her pursuit. The shock of the sudden grip ricocheted through her.

Griffin pulled her hard against him.

“Alice!” He clutched her and turned her to face him, putting just enough distance between them to get in her face. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m going after him, that’s what. And you’re preventing me. Now let me go.”

“What? Are you crazy? You’re definitely not going after him.”

His features shadowed in the darkness, Alice couldn’t see the gray in his eyes, but she could feel his gaze piercing her all the same, and she could feel the strength in the arms that had stopped her mid-run. His warmth, his presence. She calmed her breathing, let her frustration and fear slip away, and leaned into him.

Pressed against his chest she could feel his heart beating wildly like hers. Even though it was too fast, it beat strong and steady—and after a moment, the rhythm slowed, calming her.

“He might not be alone—it’s too dangerous to go after him. Let’s get back inside in case he tries anything else.” Griffin spoke quietly, his tone not demanding, but persuasive nonetheless.

She let him tug her up the stairs into the apartment. Then watched him push the dresser out of the bedroom and shove it in front of the door to barricade it.

“Nobody’s getting through that,” she said.

Hands on his hips, he wiped his brow, then looked at her. “Well, that’s one door, anyway.”

She shook her head. “I can’t live like this.”

“You won’t have to for more than tonight. Tomorrow everything will be over. My uncle will hike into the woods to the marijuana garden and destroy it. Catch the bad guys and lock them away.”

“Tomorrow? It took Marie and me three days to hike there. There aren’t any roads—you can’t drive there.” She had no idea if the sheriff planned to use helicopters or what, but that would negate a surprise approach and allow the criminals to scurry away like roaches and hide.

“My point is that your life will be your own again after it’s over. I’m going to be here with you to keep you safe, and stand vigil until the sheriff comes in the morning. Just promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?”

He moved closer, his eyes peering down at her, studying, measuring. Could he read her? If he could, he knew more than she did about her own thoughts and emotions right now.

“Don’t ever pull that again.”

“You mean...”

“I mean running after a killer with a gun into the woods. Running after danger like that.”

She thought of the moment when he’d prevented her from following, and had pulled her against him into his arms. The sound of his pounding heart, scared for her and the situation. Griffin this close to her, in the flesh...

How was it that he was in this with her now? It seemed surreal. Made her dizzy.

No, no, no... She couldn’t let this man stir her like this. Even though she was grateful not to be facing this alone, it was just pure misfortune that Griffin was the one by her side—that this situation had landed him back into her life again.

“You asked if I was crazy. The truth is, I don’t know why I did it. It seems pretty stupid now that I think about it, but I was determined to stop him. I can’t let him torture me like this. I need to be proactive.”

“Well, whether or not you had a moment of insanity, you’re making me crazy now.” Griffin grabbed and held her gently at arm’s length. “Chasing after this guy just puts you in more danger. If you want to be proactive, do it by helping the sheriff catch him. You say he knew you. It would go a very long way if you can remember him. Put a name with a face.”

With or without his name, her life was in danger.


FOUR (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c)

Alice woke up and splashed water on her face, ran her fingers through her hair and secured it in her ponytail. Used one of the extra toothbrushes kept at the apartment for convenience, then hurried downstairs. Men’s disputing voices had drifted up through the walls into the apartment and woken her.

Rushing to meet the guys below, she bounded down the stairs to find them in the office where Griffin had stayed last night. She could see them through the window in the office door. Griffin stood next to his uncle, the sheriff, and across from the two deputies the sheriff had brought. They were caught up in an intense discussion, and she didn’t think they’d noticed her yet. Seeing Griffin there unsettled her all over again. It was strange. She hesitated before entering. Rubbed her eyes and tried to shove the exhaustion away, which was pointless.

She’d been a coward when he’d apologized—she should have asked him why he’d never come back. But she was afraid of his answer. Afraid to hear him actually say that she hadn’t meant anything to him before, even though it was obvious. Now she felt like even more of an idiot for begging him not to go off to Kenya for that exposé. And for all those months after when she held on to hope he would return, or that she would hear from him again.

She had truly better forget about what happened before and let go of every unwanted emotion surrounding Griffin Slater. Once she told the sheriff everything, then he and Griffin would be off to eradicate the illegal marijuana operation—the menace to society and the danger to innocent hikers—and Alice would be done with the whole ordeal as well as with Griffin. He’d be gone for good. Again.

Drawing in a breath, she turned the knob and entered the office. All eyes looked to her—the law enforcement presence intimidating. Griffin’s eyes turned dark as he held her gaze.

“Good morning, Alice. Just the person I came to see.” Sheriff Kruse gestured for her to come all the way in. Funny, considering the office was hers, not his. “I want to hear everything you can tell me. What you saw and where you saw it.”

With the sheriff and two deputies focused on her, her shoulders tensed.

“There’s no need to be nervous. This is Deputy Reed and Deputy Edwards.” Each of the men nodded. Deputy Reed was tall and skinny, like his name implied, and Edwards was average weight and height, and appeared to be in shape. Up to the task. Both men looked in their midthirties, same as Griffin. Alice had just turned thirty this year.

The sheriff pointed to a chair, and Alice took it and the steaming cup of coffee Griffin offered with a smile. She saw he’d added just enough creamer. His thoughtfulness along with his grin would normally have eased her anxiety. But she reminded herself she couldn’t let down her guard. Little acts of thoughtfulness were his default. She shouldn’t read too much into them and fool herself into thinking he cared more than he really did. On the contrary, she reinforced the wall she’d already built.

“Griffin filled us in on what happened last night with the man who approached the apartment. I’ll get a deputy to look into it. Do you think it’s related to what you saw?”

“Yes.” Both she and Griffin answered.

“It had to be the man she saw in the woods,” Griffin said.

“I want to hear it from Alice.” Sheriff Kruse’s gaze drilled into her. His eyes reminded her of Griffin’s.

She pushed those thoughts aside and focused. “Someone followed me as I walked into town last night. It happened just as Griffin got here.”

“I could tell something had spooked her,” Griffin said.

Sheriff Kruse sent Griffin a warning look to let Alice speak. Then his eyes shifted back to her.

“I decided not to stay in the house in case the man knew where I lived. But obviously he watched us come here and stay.”

The sheriff nodded, taking it all in.

“Okay, then. Let me hear the details of what happened in the woods on your hike.” Sheriff Kruse took a seat for himself and gestured for Griffin to sit, as well.

The deputies stood against the wall. Alice realized the gravity of the situation. That Sheriff Kruse had pulled two deputies from the county already strapped to focus on this. A knot lodged in her throat.

Sipping her coffee at intervals, Alice tried to remember and share every detail, while all the men listened intently. Griffin had heard the story from her last night, but he watched and listened like it was the first time.

When she finished she released a long exhale and looked at him.

Had she forgotten anything?

He gave a subtle, approving nod.

“I’m sorry to hear you believe the man recognized you, Alice.” The sheriff poured himself some more coffee. “That puts you in additional danger until we take care of things. And you can’t place him?”

“No, though I’m sure I’ve seen him before. He could have been in Gideon—a tourist, or someone who has come through Wilderness, Inc. But I can’t put a name to his face.”

“All things considered, I agree with your assessment the man you confronted last night could be the same man you faced in the wilderness, or at least someone involved with that operation, but we can’t be sure of that. I suppose we will learn soon enough. If I recall, you guys take pictures of the groups that go out. Of your clients. Have you thought of looking through those?”

She shook her head. “No, I didn’t. I guess I should have.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve been through a lot. When you get the chance, go through the photographs and see if you can find him.”

Alice nodded. She couldn’t argue with his thinking.

“What can you tell me about the marijuana garden?” he asked. “Would you say it was large or small?”

Frowning, she shook her head. “Compared to what?”

“How many rows of plants did you see?”

“I don’t know. I was looking on from a distance and through the underbrush. I can’t be sure, but I saw a couple of rows, at least.”

“Why does it matter?” Griffin asked.

“I need to know what kind of operation this is and the exact location before I call in the multicounty task force, which would mean pulling deputies and sheriffs from several counties and possibly LEO from other agencies as well, depending on the size. Do you understand why I need to know before I bring down a storm on this location?”

“But you know that they shot at me, Sheriff. There were several men firing automatic weapons, so that tells you something, doesn’t it? This isn’t a minor, one-man operation.”

He nodded, his expression grave. “I’m just grateful you made it out alive.”

“You and me both,” she said.

Griffin closed the small distance and placed both hands on her shoulders from behind, squeezing gently. Though she wanted to keep her guard up around him, through his touch she sensed his heartfelt relief that she hadn’t come to any harm, and she was hard-pressed to push him away. Was it really so wrong to soak in what comfort she could get? They both knew she wasn’t out of danger yet.

“There’s also the chance, given how much time has lapsed since you ran into this operation, they could have pulled out already,” Sheriff Kruse said.

“They could harvest before we even get there,” Deputy Reed said to clarify.

Griffin shook his head. “I don’t think so. They’re not going to leave what amounts to millions of dollars behind. Even a small garden can add up quickly. And getting that out of those woods will take them time. It won’t be any easier for them to leave than it will be for us to get there.”

“True. Which brings me to this.” Sheriff Kruse set his coffee mug on the desk. “We need to take the shortest and most expedient path, which isn’t going to be easy in the wilderness area.” He gestured to the detailed map of the region spread out on the desk. “Show me your path and the location of the operation.”

Alice pointed out the path she’d taken Marie on, which really wasn’t a path at all. No roads—not even forest service roads—carved through the government-designated Wild and Scenic area. That was the whole point of a wilderness region. Disappointment curdled in her stomach at the realization of how long it would take them to get there. What if Griffin was wrong, and these men did, in fact, harvest the majority of their crops and leave before the sheriff and his crew got there? She would forever be looking over her shoulder. She couldn’t trust that her life would no longer be at risk just because the operation had been shut down. They could want revenge, for all she knew. But bottom line, she had recognized that man, and would eventually remember who he was. She was a witness to his crime and he knew it.

At least...at least she wouldn’t have to face those woods again for the next few days. She’d done her part by calling the sheriff and pointing him in the right direction. She dreaded that her schedule included guiding out a group next week, even though that was on the opposite side of the river. If only she could cancel, but that wouldn’t be good for the Wilderness, Inc. reputation. And Alice needed to get back on the proverbial horse, at least with the hiking, or she’d lose her confidence. She had yet to get back on the river after the tragedy.

The sheriff moved to stand directly in front of Alice. Not good. Not good at all.

“Alice—” his serious tone drew her eyes to his piercing gaze “—I’m real sorry but I’m going to need you to guide us there.”

* * *

“What? No!” The protector in Griffin rose up. “She showed you where she thought she’d seen the garden. That’s all you need.” He didn’t want Alice going back into danger.

He recalled her words last night. But that’s so dangerous. Those men don’t just have guns. They have automatic weapons. They know their location has been discovered and they’ll be expecting you. They’re going to try to kill you... No. She couldn’t do this.

Alice shrugged off Griffin’s hands that he’d kept on her shoulders. “I don’t want to go back in there, Sheriff, if at all possible. I’m sorry if that disappoints you, but I can’t do it.”

Griffin hated seeing how this ordeal had tormented Alice. He knew she was strong and resilient and she’d eventually spring back. But it was far too soon to ask this of her.

“I understand you’ve been through a lot, but we need an experienced guide. That’s you. And you know where this garden is. You’re the one to take us there, Alice, I’m sorry. Please be assured that I have no intention of getting too close or putting you in harm’s way—any more than necessary.”

Oh, now, those last words reassured Griffin. Not. He fumed at his uncle, and tried to push it down. He’d have words with him later.

“Can’t you just swoop in with helicopters and take out the bad guys?” she asked.

“No, we can’t catch the bad guys with a helicopter, especially one we don’t have. Once I’ve identified the exact location and the details of the threat, then the task force might be able to requisition a helicopter. Regardless, I have to investigate in person first before I make that call. I don’t want to waste time finding another guide, especially when you know exactly where to take us. The whole reason these guys grow weed in the wilderness is because it’s hard to stumble upon. Hard to find. We could hike in the general direction and still miss it. Wouldn’t you agree?”

She nodded. “You’re right. You need a guide. Hiking in could be dangerous for you, and I’m the one who found the site.” She folded her arms. “I just wasn’t prepared to hear that from you, is all. I’ll wrap my head around it and be ready.”

Griffin released some of his pent-up anger. He didn’t want to put Alice through this if they didn’t have to. But there really was no other way. The news had upset Griffin as much as Alice. On the other hand, he understood his uncle’s reasoning. It made sense. Total sense. But that didn’t mean he had to like it.

“I’ll be there with two of my deputies, and Griffin, who has military experience and training. We’ll protect you.”

Her gaze flicked to him, antagonism apparent on her features. He hoped her resistance had nothing to do with his sudden appearance and the role he played in her past.

“When do you want to leave?” she asked.

“As soon as possible, but let’s think this through. Plan it out first.” He pressed his finger into the map. “You said it took you three days to hike to this point. The closest forest road to that point ends here. Will that get us there any faster than your route?”

“No, it would still take days to hike from that point through the mountains. And half a day to drive the road to even get to there. The designated wilderness region is just outside of fifty thousand acres.” Alice wasn’t telling Griffin’s uncle anything he didn’t already know on that point. “The fastest way I can get you there is to take the same route Marie and I took, though it won’t take quite as long since Marie and I took our time. Regardless we’ll have to gear up and backpack, travel according to the water sources to refill our supply.”

“That’s too long, Sheriff.” Deputy Edwards hiked his pants up by the belt. “There has to be a better way.” He stared at Alice as though expecting her to come up with another solution.

“There is.” Sheriff Kruse eyed his deputy, and then his eyes fell on Alice, his expression weighty. “The river cuts through here. If we take a raft down to this point, Bartlett Creek, and hike in from there, how much time would that save us?”

“Wait. You’re asking her to guide you down the river, too?” Griffin wished he could do much more than ask a question. He wanted to shield and protect her from this whole idea, but his words could do nothing to help her.

“Yes. The river twists and curves through the mountains, but I think it could save us some time. It should be quicker that way. And the faster we get there, the better.”

Griffin’s anger boiled, his indignation on Alice’s behalf skyrocketed. “No, Uncle Davis.” His uncle didn’t like him to address him personally when he was working in official capacity, but so be it. “It’s enough you’re making her go into the woods when she’s been traumatized. But the river...just no. If it takes us three days, it takes us three days.”

His uncle glowered at him, then flicked his gaze back to Alice. “How much time would this save us, Alice, if we stop off at this creek and hike in from this point?”

“It would save us almost two days, maybe a day and a half, depending on if we have to stop before we get to that point or if we run into issues on the river. But there’s a problem. You’ll need a special use permit to enter the wild section of the river.”

“I’ll clear it with the Bureau of Land Management. You’ve got the raft and everything we need here in Gideon to head out right now, don’t you?”

Deputy Edwards shook his head. “We don’t need her to guide us on a raft. We could just take a boat up the river. It would have to be a jet boat to get us over the rapids.”

“I happen to know for a fact the only person who has a jet boat in Gideon is Phil Howard, my cousin.” Deputy Reed scratched his nose. “And he took his boat over to Lake of the Woods for the week, which means we’d have to go all the way to Gold Beach for another one.”

Sheriff Kruse glared at his man. “That’s over a hundred miles up the river. It would take us all day. We’d have to start tomorrow. Using my plan, we could be where we need to be before dark tonight. Hike out before dawn and find that garden and head back. I don’t want to get stuck up there near the operation after dark. It’s the best way.”

Alice sucked in a few breaths like she might hyperventilate. “But the river... I haven’t been on the river in eight months... I...”

Griffin eyed his uncle. What was the man up to? He thought there might be three-parts truth, and one-part manipulation on his uncle’s part. Was he trying to get Alice back into the river for her own good? Or was Griffin reading too much into this?

“Do you mind if I speak with Alice alone?” Griffin asked.

His uncle hesitated, obviously afraid that Griffin was about to talk her out of it, but it was just the opposite actually.

“Go ahead, but make it quick.” His uncle held the door for the deputies. “We’ll be outside. I need to talk to my deputies, anyway.”

Once they were alone, Griffin wasn’t sure what he would say. But he had to somehow talk her down. If Uncle Davis insisted on using Alice, then the very least Griffin could do was instill confidence in her that she could handle this. It might make the difference between life and death. “Look, I don’t like this any more than you do.”

“I don’t think you understand. Just the thought of it gives me panic attacks. I wasn’t the one to drown, but I wake up with cold sweats at night even now from what happened.” Again Alice gulped for air.

He handed her a paper sack he found in a drawer. “Here, breathe into this.”

She took it eagerly. Inhaled and exhaled into the bag.

“You’re the best chance we have of getting there, Alice. You’re the best wilderness guide, the best river guide, regardless of what happened before.”

He tipped her chin up and looked in her eyes. His throat grew thick. Maybe he wasn’t the one to persuade her, but he couldn’t let his fear of getting close to her again get in the way. He needed to persuade her that she was still the best.

“You know how to get us there, where you’re going, where to take us. You’re the sheriff’s best chance of finding and stopping this illegal activity. The whole reason I put myself in harm’s way to get my stories is to shine a light in the dark places. To help right the wrongs in this world. To save people. To save animals and the land, the environment. If people like you and me don’t stand up for what’s right, don’t take a stand against people like these men growing marijuana, destroying ten acres for every one acre of pot they grow, then the problem can only get worse. Only get bigger.”

As he said the words, he watched the increasing anxiety in her face. A crushing sensation grew in his chest as a vise squeezed. Was he doing the right thing in convincing her?

God, please help me.

She averted her gaze and stepped away. “I need time to think it through.”

He was certain that self-doubt had to be the only thing standing in her way. The Alice he knew from before would be all over taking these guys down. If nothing else, Griffin had to encourage her.

“Everyone knows you’re the best white-water rapid guide there is. Everyone except you. What happened before was tragic, yes. Bad things happen to people all the time. I should know. I’ve spent my career taking pictures of those bad things.” His tone grew dark. Anger infused him at the atrocities. “We have a chance to stop this before someone else gets hurt. We can’t let this go on even one more day longer than necessary. And I promise...”

What was he doing, promising anything? He was the one afraid of commitment of any kind.

Her dark blues blinked up at him, hanging on his last words. “You promise what?” Her tone suggested she wouldn’t believe anything he said, and why should she?

He swallowed. “I promise I’ll protect you.” With my own life, if necessary. “You don’t have to worry. All you have to do is guide us.”

He hoped his words would mean something to her, would convince her. Something shifted behind her gaze. And he read the message easily enough. A message he deserved.

She didn’t trust him.


FIVE (#ud0a7ff43-fa53-5cbb-b1de-43fd46b79e5c)

They headed east traveling around the wilderness region to their entry point at Grave Creek. The road twisted and turned as they drove through the mountains on the north side of the Rogue River at what felt like a snail’s pace, inching around every bend in the sometimes one-lane road until they came to a four-wheel drive emergency road. This would get them to the lodge with a boat ramp—and then they’d start the Wild and Scenic portion of the river.

Riding in the sheriff’s department SUV with Sheriff Kruse, Alice sat in the backseat, letting Griffin sit shotgun with his uncle. The two deputies followed in another vehicle crammed with the rest of the equipment and their supplies—food and water, extra clothes, limited weapons and ammo due to weight restrictions—all packed in waterproof gear bags, and the inflatable raft she’d guide using the bigger oars, and then the smaller paddles the others would use to assist. Rafts weren’t as agile as regular boats but were safer in the rapids. A drift boat would capsize too easily.

Alice still couldn’t believe this was actually happening.

She’d agreed to do this. She’d known she would, eventually, but Griffin had been the one—oddly enough—to talk her down. To help her see that she remained one of the best guides on the Rogue River. Not that having the best mattered to the sheriff’s department when she was immediately on hand and was also the one who knew where to lead them, where to guide them to the illegal operation.

Still, as Sheriff Kruse turned the sharp corner on the gravel road that led them closer to the boat ramp on the river, Alice wished she’d called her brothers to tell them everything that had happened. They would have come back and been there to once again overprotect her. It surprised her, too, that the sheriff hadn’t called Cooper himself. Maybe he knew her brother would never have agreed to let her go.

But Alice didn’t need the protection. She was a grown woman, experienced in what mattered here, the best at what she did. Certified as a wilderness first responder, CPR and swift water rescue, and she knew this river like the back of her hand. Loved every twist and turn, every pool, stream and waterfall as well as the history to go with it. Though terrified, a small thrill ran through her—she was actually getting back on the Rogue River.

She hated to admit it, but Griffin’s encouragement had meant a lot. Maybe even made the difference. She could almost wish he hadn’t disappeared from her life to begin with.

But he had.

End of story. She wouldn’t let herself fall for him now that she understood he wasn’t the right kind of person for her—something her brothers had seen all along. On the drive, he and Sheriff Kruse carried on a long conversation about Griffin’s exploits and world travels in his journalistic efforts to expose the wrongs in the world—which left her to herself.

Fine with her. The closer they got the more the doubts crept back in, despite her earlier courageous thoughts. She stared out the window and fought the nausea roiling in the pit of her stomach. Tried to compose herself and get her act together. Their lives depended on her.

I can do this.

When the vehicle stopped at Grave Creek near the boat ramp, the sheriff got out. Behind them, the deputies also climbed from their vehicle. But Alice remained where she sat. Griffin, too. A slight tremble started in her legs and quickly worked its way up to her arms and finally her lower lip. Griffin turned around to face her and reached between the captain seats. He slipped his hand over hers and squeezed. She looked up at him.

“You’re going to do fine, Alice.” He shot her that cute, disarming grin of his. “Remember, we’re not inexperienced at this. We’ve all been down the river before. It’s fun and games for most people out there. Keep your focus on the prize—taking these men down.” He gave her one last squeeze, then stepped from the vehicle.

She liked that he always knew when to give her space. Even though she didn’t fully trust him, at least he knew her that well. But it was easy for him to say the encouraging words. Far different for her to live them out. The thought of their mission sucked all her bravado away and could paralyze her if she let it.

Alice released a long exhale. “Showtime.”

They inflated the raft, loaded the packs and gear, food and water, their small stash of weapons and ammo, and Alice secured the paddles and most important the oars she would use to guide them. They geared up with helmets and life jackets to be safe.

God, please don’t let me panic. Please don’t let me seize up. Please let me guide the sheriff and his men to the guy I saw and his marijuana. Let us get in and out safely.

The raft positioned and anchored in the water, Alice stood on the bank. Wide and wild, the Rogue River rushed past her, and she breathed in the familiar smells of nature—a clear and pristine rushing river, the boulders and fish and musty loam. Memories, both bad and good, swirled around her, tumbled over her like she’d been caught in the rapids. She couldn’t stay caught in the maelstrom of the past.

Everyone looked to her—she was their guide, after all. Heart pounding, she gave the signal and they climbed onto the raft. Alice sat in her position at the back and gripped the oars.

Her pulse jumped.

With so much riding on her, she didn’t have time to be scared. That was good.

Alice focused her attention, running down her mental checklist.

Breathe in. Breathe out. And just keep going.

She worked the oars, easing the raft away from the bank and into the current, working her way, egressing out to the center of the river. Nothing bad usually happened in the middle. It was the riverbanks with the sweepers, logs and rocks that were the issue.

The river took hold of the raft, and she had the distinct impression she no longer had control over her life. But that wasn’t true. That was only her fear getting in the way. The river might fool others, but Alice knew how to tame the beast. She always had, and she let the thrill of being on the river again—after eight excruciatingly long months—wash away thoughts of the tragedy. When she spotted Griffin studying her, gauging her, she heard his silent question loud and clear.

Are you okay?

Did he truly care or was he only concerned for his own skin? The question of his sincerity aside, she couldn’t help it—she beamed at him, and in return he smiled back, admiration in his expression. Real appreciation. It warmed her heart more than she would like. She shouldn’t care if he admired her. But it seemed he’d never lost confidence in her. Too bad she had lost confidence in him. Still, she couldn’t think about any of that.

The river could make them or break them, and they still had so far to go even once they made their point of entry into the wilderness where they would hike out. If they missed that entry point somehow and went too far down the river, they’d have to travel to the end of the Wild and Scenic portion because there was no way they could simply hike out—too many canyon walls to climb.

They had one shot.

That’s another reason why the sheriff had insisted on Alice as his guide, she was sure of it. Unfortunately, their route meant taking them through Blossom Bar and the Picket Fence where she’d lost a man, but she reminded herself just how many times she’d done that before the accident. She’d won a medal in the Olympics, for crying out loud. She’d just keep building up her confidence. It wouldn’t do for her to dump the sheriff, two deputies and Griffin in the river, or end up with someone drowning again while Alice guided them.

Everyone appeared energetic and focused on the river and obtaining their goals as they entered the Mule Creek Canyon and hit Class III rapids at the entrance. She shouted out instructions so the men could use the extra paddles and assist in maneuvering the currents created from the rock walls on either side, and avoid the boils, then another Class III rapid within the canyon.

Once they were through the rapid, she should have been exhilarated but her palms grew sweaty as her anxiety increased.

Blossom Bar was next. She’d lost someone there...

Griffin shot her a glance. Nodded and gave her a thumbs-up, then palmed his paddles. She refused to release her oar but gave him a subtle nod in return. What choice did she have? They had to face the rapids like everyone else. Like she had, so many times in the past.

As they approached Blossom Bar, the roar of her pulse grew louder than the roar of the rapids. It was a churning Class IV rapid, not even as challenging as the Class V they’d yet to face. Boulders lined up on one side and could snag them. Those were called the Picket Fence. That’s where the problems could arise. People had died there.

Seven in one year. One on her watch.

If she could make this, just make this, she might be free of her terror forever. The men held on to their paddles to assist her, but she wasn’t sure she wanted their help. Might be easier to go this alone in case someone misunderstood which direction they needed to go and put them in the boil. She couldn’t see Sheriff Kruse’s eyes behind his sunglasses, but she had the distinct impression he watched her like a hawk even as he focused on the furious water around them.

She didn’t have time to worry as the rapids caught them up, splashing and soaking them where they sat in the raft. Alice worked her oars and avoided the rocks, guiding them through.

“It’s all good, Alice.” Griffin dug his paddle in. “We’re doing this.”

“We’re going to the left of the big boulders first, then we’ll have to make a quick right. We want the line of rocks called Picket Fence to our left. Everybody got that?”

The men focused on the river as she guided the raft through the rapids around the large boulders.

“Now! Right, keep to the right. We’re approaching Picket Fence. Need to catch that eddy before the rocks.” She shouted over the roar of the rapids, hoping the men would follow through or not paddle at all. The hole on the other side of the line of rocks could suck them in and never let them go.

When the raft rushed past the boulders of the Picket Fence, they all whooped and hollered as if they were tourists on the river for fun, which couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Still, Alice felt a measure of pure elation, and she wanted to share it with Griffin. Why, why, had her thoughts gone to him first?

Holding his paddle, Griffin pumped both his arms in the air. “You did it, Alice. I knew you could!”

She didn’t respond, but couldn’t hide her response when hearing his words made her smile even bigger. She continued to work the oars, preparing for the next set of rapids, Devil’s Staircase. After that, their stop—their point of entry into the wilderness—would be up ahead where the canyon opened up. The last rapid was minor compared to the deadly stretch she had just guided them through.

Then gunfire echoed through the canyon, bouncing off the walls. Her heart rate spiked. Alice jerked her gaze up, fear crawling over her. That hadn’t been meant for her, had it? Or for them as a group?

But she had no time to worry about that and quickly refocused on the approaching rapids and falls. Except she was the only one. The men stared up the walls of the canyon and moved from their positions. Sheriff Kruse had dropped his paddles and held his weapon out and ready.

“Focus, people! Hang on!” she called.

Another shot rang out.

Oh, God, please help us! How could this be happening?

The raft tilted and swirled as it carried them, tumbling over the rapids even as Deputy Edwards grabbed his arm and fell out of the raft and into the water. At the same moment, the raft’s balance shifted on the rapids, the white water lifted it on one end, dumping everyone into the river with Deputy Edwards.





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