It’s clearly occupied from the cups and beer cans left discarded next to the few seats by the dimming fire. The campers must be asleep in the two tents set up either side of it.Could Chloe be hiding here?
I’m about to search for her when the tent to my right unzips. As the occupant crawls out, I duck behind a tree.
A blond-haired man wearing only a pair of shorts yawns as he staggers over to the other tent and kicks it. “Bodhi, wake up I need to piss!”
There’s a loud groan from inside. “Go by yourself or get Melissa to go with you!”
“She’s asleep.”
“So was I.”
“Come on, I’m gonna piss my pants, and I need you to make sure I don’t fall in the water. I can barely stand up straight.”
Another loud groan is followed by the zip of the tent opening, and the other man pokes his head out.
I don’t stay to hear any more. The water he mentioned must be the river that leads to the next town. What are the chances Chloe found it? She’s a smart girl. She’d know to follow it to safety rather than risk exposure to the elements in the woods.
I find a small track littered with fresh boot prints near the outskirts of the camp. This must be the route the campers have been using. I’ll have to be quick before they head this way.
After following it for a few minutes, I hear flowing water. Then, as soon as I break through the undergrowth, I see Chloe. She’s standing by the water, staring intensely across at the other side. There doesn’t seem to be anything over there. What’s grabbed her attention like that?
If I was a more level-headed person, I’d silently grab herand knock her out to kidnap her. But doing things the boring and easy way has never been my style.
From here, I can hear her talking to herself. No, not to herself. To her god. She’s begging for a sign.
Isn’t this just perfect timing?
Stepping into view, I paint a smile onto my face and spread my arms out wide. “Here I am, darlin’! Your God has returned!”
She spins on her heel, her breath catching in her throat when she sees me.
“You found me…how?”
Bringing my arms back down, I shrug and slowly meander toward her. “Let’s chalk it up to divine intervention. Seems the big man doesn’t want us two to part.”
She looks around. For an out? For help?
“What did I say about keeping your eyes on me?” She looks back at me. “That’s better. Now, I’ve not heard two very important words yet.”
I raise my brows and wait for her to reply. She takes a step back, her foot slips on the bank, and she almost falls into the water.
“I’m waiting.”
“I’m sorry, okay? Are you happy now?”
I chuckle and walk the last few steps to her.
“Wrong words, darlin’. I was looking for a thank you.”
“For what?”
“For saving you, of course! There are all sorts of bad men out in the woods tonight.”
Again, she looks across to the other side of the water. When she looks back at me, her eyes are dim.
“Is this where you kill me?” she asks numbly.
“Nope. We’ve still got a lot of fun to be had. Let’s get back to the car so we don’t miss the next big event.”
