Page 30 of SEAL the Deal
“48 hours!”
“Yes, they’re hamstrung by policy. Look, we can’t do a lot tonight. Tomorrow I can organize a helicopter to give the river a once over. That’s if they don’t turn up before then.”
“You sure there’s nothing we can do?”
Jenny placed a hand on her shoulder. “The terrain in there is too rough for vehicles. We’d have to hike in and we can’t do that when it’s dark.”
Ali considered her options. “Can we go at first light?”
“Hike in?”
“Yes, surely there’s a spot where we can start looking.”
Jenny walked across to a map pinned to the wall. “We could hike in to Granite Hut and then down to the five-mile rapids. If they’ve gotten in trouble, that’s where they’ll be.”
“Then that’s where we need to go. I’ll bring Axe, he can find Mike anywhere.”
“OK, if they don’t turn up by dawn we’ll hike in and locate them.” She ran a critical eye over Ali’s summer dress and flats. “You got any outdoor gear?”
“Yes, I came prepared to hike.”
“Good, I’ve got everything else we’ll need. I’ll drop you back at the resort. Ben will call if he gets anything.”
Ali scribbled her number on a slip of paper. “Thank you so much Jenny, you too Ben.”
“It’s all part of the job. I’m sure we’ll find the boys safe and sound tomorrow.”
* * *
Rick pulled his wetsuit back on and sat with his back against a tree, shivering. “Surely they would have made it out by now.”
TJ was sitting a few feet away trying to light a fire using the battery from his cell phone and a chewing gum wrapper. “They’ll have only just reached the road. It might take some time for them to organize a recovery team. I think we’re going to be spending the night here.”
“What! TJ, I’m starving.” He watched as the Chief fiddled with the phone. A glow emitted from his hands and a second later he had a flame. It quickly took to a small ball of dried moss, gaining intensity. TJ fed it branches as it increased in size. Happy it was established he grabbed an energy bar from his pack and tossed it to Rick.
“Thanks, brother.” He snapped off half and made to toss it back.
TJ waved him off as he fed logs into the fire. “I’ve got a few more.”
“OK, so what do we do now?” he asked between mouthfuls.
The Chief inspected a piece of wood carefully and tossed it into the darkness. “Well, you need to find some dry wood, so we don’t freeze to death.”
He finished the bar and climbed to his feet. “That I can do.”
“Don’t go too far, it’s easy to get lost out here.”
“Yes Gandalf, I won’t wander too far into Mirkwood.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Lord of the Rings.”
“The movie?”
“No, the books.” Rick shook his head. “Never mind. OK, I’ll head uphill. At least then I know down is the way back.”
“Good plan. You’re full of surprises tonight.”
