Chapter Thirteen #2
“Yeah. I want that, too. Anyway, you’ll be up front with me. I’ll put her in the back. That way it will be hard for her to even talk to you.”
“I’ll be fine. I promise.”
Paperwork done, they rejoined the group by the Jeep. Dalton welcomed them, explained some safety rules, then invited them to climb in. “You first, Debra,” he said, and motioned for her to climb into the back seat of the open Jeep.
Roxanne settled into the front passenger seat and fastened her safety belt.
Dalton got behind the wheel and the tour began.
In addition to Roxanne and Debra, there were three couples, all of retirement age, visiting from Florida, Arizona and Manitoba.
They exclaimed over the scenery and piled out of the Jeep at the first stop, a pullout on the edge of town that afforded a view of the valley below and the first of what Dalton promised would be six waterfalls on the tour.
“Hi, Roxanne.” Debra sidled up as Roxanne was photographing the scenery. “Do you come on Dalton’s tours often?”
“This is my first,” Roxanne said. “What about you? Have you taken a Jeep tour before?”
“No. I saw the brochure and decided to treat myself.”
“Gather ’round, everyone, and I’ll tell you a little more about this area,” Dalton called.
Roxanne moved in beside him, allowing another couple to fill in the space between her and Debra.
As Dalton told them about the history of the area, she took in his words but also enjoyed the opportunity to watch him while his attention was elsewhere.
In sunglasses, T-shirt and shorts and a ball cap, he could have been mistaken for a college kid working a summer job.
Only she knew he was also a talented software developer and a dedicated search and rescue volunteer. Not to mention a very good kisser.
They moved on, with a stop at the ruins of an old mine, where Dalton delivered an entertaining lecture on the history of mining in the area, including several corny jokes that made them all giggle, if only because his delivery was so humorous.
They passed many other vehicles on the four-wheel-drive roads, from other Jeep tours to individuals riding ATVs and motorbikes, and even hikers making their way up the mountain.
The higher they climbed, the more spectacular the views—of golden aspen against achingly blue sky and the mingled gold, orange and red hues of the rocks, like candy tumbled down the mountainside.
After two more waterfalls, they broke for lunch.
Dalton passed out boxes that contained sandwiches, chips, apples and cookies.
“This all looks homemade,” one of the men commented.
“My mom makes it all,” Dalton said.
Everyone spread out to eat. Roxanne joined him on a large boulder with a view of the waterfall. She half expected Debra to join them, but the other woman was chatting with one of the couples. “You really enjoy this, don’t you?” she asked Dalton, keeping her voice low.
“I didn’t at first,” he said. “I don’t have Carter’s easy way with people. But when I started learning more about the history and geography of the area and sharing it with people, it got easier. Fun, even.”
“Do you ever have trouble with your clients?” she asked.
“Oh, every once in a while you get someone who likes to complain, but most people are really nice, and interesting to talk to.”
A shadow fell across them and they looked up to see Debra standing before them. “Sorry to bother you,” she said. “But I’m wondering if there’s a restroom somewhere nearby.”
“Good question.” Dalton stood and brushed crumbs from his shorts.
He put two fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly.
When he had everyone’s attention, he said.
“If you need to use the facilities, the ladies’ room is on that side of the road.
” He pointed across the road to the left.
“The men’s room is on this side. You have your choice of any bush you like.
Watch where you walk and don’t stray too far.
If you have to do more than pee, I have some handy little bags for you.
We’re required to pack out all human waste. ”
Groans and nervous laughter greeted this announcement. Debra turned to Roxanne. “Want to come with me? We can be lookouts for each other.”
“Sure.” Roxanne stood. “That’s a good idea.”
They had to wait for a trio of Jeeps to pass before they could cross the road.
Debra headed down a narrow trail between a thick growth of shrubs.
After they had walked a hundred yards or so, she looked back over her shoulder.
“I guess this is far enough,” she said. “Watch to make sure no one else comes over here and I’ll do the same for you. ”
Roxanne turned her back as Debra moved into the bushes.
She could see a couple of hikers—a man and a woman, she guessed from their relative sizes—some distance away, but there was no one else near them.
She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the sun on her skin and breathed in deeply the crisp air that smelled of dust and greenery.
Debra bounced up behind her. “Okay. Your turn.”
Roxanne relieved herself quickly, then caught up with Debra, who had moved farther down the trail. “Look at those flowers over there,” Debra said, and pointed to a thick stand of fireweed downslope from where they were standing. “I want to get a picture.” She started forward.
Roxanne hesitated. “We should probably go back,” she said.
“It’s not like they’re going to leave without us,” Debra called over her shoulder. “You go on. I’ll catch up.”
Roxanne turned and started back toward the road. She hadn’t gone far before a yelp, followed by a curse, made her turn around. “Debra?” she called.
Another string of curses, then a single, pitiful “Help!”
Roxanne began retracing her steps. She spotted the cluster of fireweed and headed toward it. But she couldn’t see Debra. “Where are you?” she called. “I can’t see you.”
A pain-filled groan came in answer. Heart pounding, Roxanne increased her steps, but the ground here was rocky and uneven, and she had to focus on where she was going.
She heard footsteps behind her. Someone else must have heard Debra cry out and come to help.
“Thank goodness—” Roxanne began, and turned to welcome the new arrival.
Something covered her head and tightened around her neck. Strong arms encircled her and pulled her down, into the thick brush and out of sight.