CHAPTER 10

 

When Stacey woke up, she felt a blanket covering her. Pushing it back, she sat up and saw a little daylight filtering through the trees beyond the boulders. The fire burned low and Cord, now fully dressed, stretched out on the ground asleep beside it. Moving quietly to avoid waking Ricky and Don, she left camp to stretch her legs and check her snares.

After a breakfast of grilled rabbit and the last of the coffee, they broke camp and searched for a spot to cross the fast flowing river. Stacey showed them the slower moving section she found the night before. The water pooled and moved sluggishly before pounding through more rocks farther down. It was probably deeper, but much slower and easier to cross.

“I think you’re right. This is our best bet,” Cord told her.

“Man, those rapids would knock me off my feet. I vote here,” Don agreed.

“I’m in, so to speak,” teased Ricky.

“I’ll go first to check the depth,” Cord told them.

Stacey folded her arms and asked, “Why you? I’m the guide.”

“I’m taller.” The boys laughed at Cord’s reply. “Parker, humor me.”

“Okay.” She gestured with her hand to the water. “Be my guest.”

Cord moved carefully into the water and felt along until he took several knee-deep steps.

“I think this is as deep as it gets.” He glanced back toward her as he took another step.

“You have to watch out for—holes,” Stacey finished weakly as Cord’s body sank into the river.

By the time he managed to get to his feet, he stood in waist deep water and he was thoroughly soaked. “You were saying?” he wiped the water from his face.

“If you move to the upstream side of the hole there should be a sand bar. We need to know if it goes all the way around that hole so we can walk on it.”

“Yeah, Cord. Seeing that you’re a little wet already,” Don called out.

Slapping the water with both hands, Cord sent spray showering toward them.

Stacey and both boys yelled and jumped to get out of the water’s reach. Cord managed to locate the sandbar and helped direct them from the middle of the river.

Stacey carefully led the boys, keeping them on the sandbar until they reached Cord. As they passed him, he followed along behind toward the opposite bank.

Once on firm ground, Cord turned to Stacey. “Next time I insist on going first, hit me.”

“Glad to,” she agreed.

Ricky and Don sat down to dump water out of their shoes.

“Man, Cord, you should have seen the look on your face,” Don hooted.

“You better watch it, squirt. You’re still close enough for him to throw you in,” Ricky pointed out.

“Ah, Cord’s too good a sport for that. He knows I’m just kidding—don’t you Cord?” Don peered around carefully at the large man behind him and the other three laughed. “Cut it out, Ricky,” Don ordered as he elbowed his brother.

“Come on guys. We’ve got to go.” Stacey waited while they pulled their shoes back on then led the way up the hill from the river.

Hiking in the direction where they saw the logging road, a very damp Cord once again brought up the rear. They pushed ahead steadily and before noon they reached the logging area. The ground was soggy and too wet for the equipment to work. No one was there. The four of them began following the muddy ruts of the logging road. It circled around the crest of the hill and wound down the other side.

They stopped for a mid-day break and the boys finished the rest of the food. Then they set out hiking again.

* * * * *

Late in the afternoon they reached the lower slope of the mountain. Stacey saw smoke curling above a small clump of trees in the distance. As they drew closer, the logging trail became a wider, better kept road. She made out the shapes of several cabins and tents forming the logging camp. Pointing them out to the boys, she said a quick prayer of thanks to the powers above.

Ricky and Don could hardly contain their excitement and Cord seemed equally relieved to see signs of civilization. The boys had been out in the wilderness for a total of eight days and he and Stacey for six. Long enough to deal with limited supplies, wear the same clothes, and sleep on the ground.

Large orange bulldozers, odd looking forklifts, and several pickup trucks came into sight as they neared the odd array of buildings. The smoke puffed from a metal flue pipe on top of the most substantial cabin.

A man in overalls, a plaid shirt, and untied work boots came out of a tent and headed for the cabin door.

“Hey, Mister,” Stacey called when he didn’t notice them.

The man’s head jerked around and he stared for a minute before starting toward them. He had a thick, dark beard, massive arms and shoulders, but kind blue eyes. “Well now, looks like you’re a little lost, ma’am,” he dipped his head respectfully to Stacey and looked them all over.

“Not exactly, but we do need to contact the Idaho Search and Rescue Center. Do you have a phone or a radio?” Stacey asked.

“Yes’m, we got a radio. In that shed over there. I don’t know how to work it, but I can get you someone who does,” he offered.

“Thank you. We would really appreciate it. I’m Stacey Parker, this is Cord McConnell.”

“And this is Ricky and Don,” Cord finished as he stuck his hand out to the large man in a friendly manner.

“I’m Jeb Wylie. Pleased to meet you,” the man’s huge hand pumped Cord’s several times. “Come on in the cook shack. You look like you been on the trail awhile. You hungry? Cook’s got plenty of grub left over.”

The lumberjacks provided them with food, a rustic shower, and loaned them clean clothes once the rescue center was notified they were safe. Pick-up by chopper was arranged on a non-emergency basis for the next day.

Cord talked with Jeb about the men who might be following them. Later that night as they were sorting out the sleeping quarters, Cord told Stacey, “No sign of the criminals, so far. Jeb said they would be glad to hold them and contact the authorities if they show up. But don’t get too chatty with these men, Stacey,” Cord ordered.

“I wasn’t going to,” Stacey snapped. “You don’t have to take that tone with me.”

“What tone?” He looked at her oddly.

“That tone that I don’t like. The one that probably has most people jumping to do what you tell them,” she explained.

“But not you. It doesn’t seem to bother you,” Cord smiled.

“Oh, it bothers me. It bothers the devil out of me,” Stacey admitted crossly.

“Wonder why?” he asked softly then reached to tug on a curl that fell free of the towel still wrapped around her shower dampened hair.

Stacey put up her hand in an effort to catch the towel as it came loose altogether.

Cord smelled the freshly washed scent when the strawberry blond mass tumbled around her shoulders. Using the strand he held, he pulled her closer to him then bent to softly kiss her lips.

“Goodnight, Stacey Parker. I better go back to the boys before they send out a search party. If you need me, yell.” He winked at her and left.

Stacey turned out the lantern. Putting her pack near the head of the cot, she kicked off her boots and slid under the sheet and two blankets. Sitting up she toweled her hair briskly before she took out her pick and tried to get out the worst tangles. Finally satisfied there was nothing else she could do, Stacey curled up in the covers. Knowing others were nearby was such a relief she relaxed and practically slipped into a coma.

Someone shook her, hard. “Go away. I’m sleeping,” she mumbled and swatted at the offender with one hand.

“Come on, Stacey. Wake up,” Cord insisted. “Some guy named Morris wants you on the radio. I was beginning to think you were dead,” he told her.

“Morris?” She asked and blinked sleepily as she tried to sit up.

“Yes. He’s standing by to talk to you on the radio,” Cord pulled the blankets loose from around her so she could swing her feet off the cot.

She stuffed her feet in her boots and rubbed her face. After pulling on the borrowed flannel shirt, she followed Cord out of the tent. It wasn’t quite daylight, yet.

They jogged to the radio shack where Joe, in a pair of striped pajamas, was talking to Morris while they waited for Stacey.

“Okay, she’s here. I’m turning it over to Miss Parker,” Joe reported. He got up to let her sit down.

“Morris, I’m on. Is something wrong?”

“Hello, my friend. I’m really glad to hear your voice. Just wanted to confirm a pick-up with an ETA of 7:30 a.m. You’ve been put on priority one. Can you be ready?” Morris asked.

“Roger, we’ll be ready, but how did that happen?”

“Intervention from high places. It won’t be our chopper. A private party arranged it as soon as word of your location reached him. I also have another message. Certain friends of your group made contact with a hunting party near Lolo Pass yesterday. They secured a vehicle and their whereabouts are currently unknown. Did you get that, Parker?”

“Roger. Message received and understood. Anything else?”

“Just be careful and good job,” Morris told her.

Stacey slid out of the chair to let Joe take over. Outside, she turned to Cord. “Did you hear all of it?”

“I heard. I’ll have to keep a close eye on the boys. No telling where those guys are headed now,” he said as he walked her back toward her tent.

As light began to show on the horizon, she noticed for the first time what Cord was wearing. A large, bright green tee shirt said, ‘Loggers do it in the woods,’ across the front and thermal underwear bottoms that once had been white, but were splotched with pink made up his outfit. Stacey couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.

“Love your outfit,” she snickered. “I can imagine what the boys had to say.”

“We didn’t exactly have a lot of choice, you know. You should see what the boys have on,” he smiled slightly. “Ricky’s shirt is neon pink and says something about beaver tails and Don’s is bright yellow with some kind of pine beetles or bugs on it. You evidently slept well.” He was glad she seemed in a better mood.

“I did. How about you?”

“Too good. We should probably get dressed, find some breakfast, and be ready to get out of here. The Senator is anxious to see the boys, so I’m sure the chopper will be right on time.”

“Senator?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah. Ricky and Don are Senator Whitmire’s grandsons. We thought it would be safer for them if that was kept quiet.”

“So, he’s the one pulling the strings.”

“And footing the bill. We’ll soon be out of here and the boys will be with their parents.”

Stacey wanted to know, “What then? Will you protect them?”

“I assume the FBI or a security agency will do that. I don’t do much private protection anymore.”

“Would you like to come to the lodge for a few days? As my guest, of course.” She wasn’t ready for them to say goodbye. Gazing up into his strong, scarred face, she wanted to beg him to say yes.

Cord shook his head and a fleeting sadness touched his eyes. “I can’t, Stacey. There will be another job waiting for me.” He started to turn away, then decided to tell her all of it. Reaching out, he put a hand on each of her upper arms and spoke softly, “Parker, you are a beautiful, desirable woman. But I’m not ready for a woman like you in my life. At this point, I’m only interested in short-term relationships, and I know you want more.” Drawing her close, he kissed her longingly. “However, if you change your mind...” he raised his eyebrows.

“I won’t,” she whispered back, “but it might be fun to let you try to persuade me.”

“I could definitely persuade you, Parker. Then I’d feel guilty for taking advantage of you,” he replied, staring into her deep blue eyes.

“You are so full of yourself.” Irritated, she pushed away and went into her tent.

Cord followed and pulled her to him. Lowering his head, he seduced her with his mouth. Her response was quick and powerful. As he deepened the kiss, Stacey moaned and slid her arms around his neck. He stroked her back then moved his hand around to gently fondle her breast through her shirt. His tongue stroked hers. She trembled and pressed closer, wanting more. Cord’s hand stopped and he raised his lips from hers.

“Stacey, we have to stop,” he whispered against her neck when she wouldn’t let go. He could hear the sounds of the camp coming to life and he couldn’t take much more anyway. When she still didn’t pull back, he tangled his hand in her curls and tugged her head back to look at her face. Her moist parted lips and half-closed passionate eyes were almost his downfall. “Now tell me that I couldn’t persuade you,” he taunted.

She jerked away as if he had slapped her. “Get out. Go do your job, McConnell,” she ordered then turned her back to him.

“I’ll meet you in the cook shack with the boys after we’re dressed. I really wish it could be different, Stacey,” he finished softly.

She didn’t hear him leave, but sensed he was gone. Biting her lip to keep from crying, Stacey began to dress and pack up.

Cord woke the boys and explained the change in plans. They dressed quickly and hurried to the cook shack.

“Hear tell your ride will be here early this morning,” Jeb said joining them.

“I guess they decided the boys have been away from home long enough,” Cord answered between bites. He couldn’t help watching the door for Parker. If she didn’t come in soon, he would go find her. “We can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done. What should we do with the clothes loaned to us?”

“Just leave them on the bench outside the showers. Everybody will claim what’s his,” the large lumberjack told him and took a drink of coffee.

The door opened and a few more men straggled in followed by Stacey. She glanced around before heading straight for the coffee urn at the end of the counter.

“Oops, there goes Stacey to feed her habit,” Don laughed.

“She doesn’t look like she’s in too good a mood, squirt. Maybe you better lay off her this morning,” Ricky told his brother. “Is she okay, Cord?”

“I think so. Maybe she’s got a hangover from too much sleep last night,” he suggested.

In a whisper, Don confided, “Maybe its female trouble. That’s what dad always says when mom’s grumpy.”

“I don’t think I’d bring that up either. You’re awful young to die this morning,” Jeb whispered back then hid his smile in his cup as Stacey walked over to join them.

She sat down near Ricky. “Are you guys about ready to go?”

“Yeah, but it would be neat to watch these guys work. How did you like that shower? Neat huh? And the food is terrific. You should have some,” Don shoved a fork full of hash-browns into his mouth.

“Coffee’s about all I can manage thanks. The shower was great. How do you keep the water warm, Jeb?”

He launched into an explanation of solar panels, batteries, and copper coils the boys found fascinating, but soon lost her. Stacey sipped her coffee and tried not to watch Cord. Under the circumstances, she knew this was for the best. But it would take a while for her to put him behind her. He did show her she was right not to let Derek get closer. The kisses she and Derek shared never came close to what Cord made her feel. At least Cord didn’t string her along with false hope as she unwittingly did Derek. She could appreciate his honesty, even though it hurt right now.

Stacey thought about it and decided to ask Jeb if the offer of a ride to Lowell was still open. That way the Senator’s chopper could take Cord and the boys wherever they needed to be and she wouldn’t be even farther from home. Deciding not to mention it to Cord until the last minute, she finished her coffee.

“Well guys, we need to get the rest of our stuff together if you’re through eating. I just hope you don’t get airsick,” Stacey told them. They consumed an enormous amount of food.

Don and Ricky looked at each other and grinned. Ricky took Stacey’s cup in spite of her protest and brought her a refill of coffee. She must look like the walking wounded for them to wait on her.

As they left the dining area together a bit later, Don reminded her, “Don’t forget to write down your e-mail address for me and the regular one, too. You know, in case the computer crashes or something.” Don ran off to catch up with Ricky and Jeb, who were a short distance ahead.

“So, you’re exchanging addresses with the boys?” Cord asked as they walked.

Stacey turned toward him with her hands on her hips. “Are you going to stop me from doing that, too?”

“Hey,” Cord raised a hand, defensively. “It’s not my business. I think it might be a good idea, though, as long as their parents don’t object,” he answered carefully.

They walked along quietly for a few minutes then Stacey stopped again.

Cord backed up a couple of paces to look at her.

She took a deep breath and stared at the ground. “I—well—should thank you for not misleading me. It hurts, but at least you were honest. I think I understand, but I’m going to miss you. I didn’t want to be angry when we leave.” Stacey reached out to touch his arm before hurrying off to the tent to pick up her pack.

A few minutes later, she quietly asked Jeb for a ride into Lowell. He agreed and promised not to mention it until she did. After writing down the addresses for Don, she slipped them to him as the lumberjacks gathered to say goodbye. The sounds of a chopper coming in broke the morning stillness.

Don told her, “I can’t wait to see mom and dad and tell them all that happened. Thanks, Stacey.”

Ricky and Cord shook hands with all the men while being clapped on the back. Cord and the boys gradually moved toward the open door of the red and white helicopter and the pilot helped them aboard.

Cord suddenly missed Stacey and turned back. “Come on, Parker, we’ve got to go.”

She met him halfway and yelled above the engine noise, “I’m not going. I’m getting a ride to Lowell. It’s closer to home and I don’t think you need a tracker for this trip.” She smiled and gestured to the waiting bird.

“If you’re sure.” Cord didn’t want to leave her like this, but maybe it was for the best. “I’ve got to go. Take care of yourself.” He turned to board the chopper.

Ricky and Don were already strapped in and she waved to them. As soon as he was on Cord gave her a salute and the chopper lifted off.