Adjusting his pack, Anton headed up the trail. He'd memorized the map, including topography, photos and landmarks. Though he'd never been here before, he was confident that he'd be able to find his way. Setting an easy pace, he went five miles before taking a break. A log across a rapid stream beckoned him. Since it looked well used, he followed the call, and sat down to drink his water. He thought over his situation, hoping that it would eventually be safe to return to his house, but probably not for some time. He'd miss the place. It was the closest he'd ever had to a home.
After a few more miles, Anton settled in a campground, putting up his tent during a lull in the rain. It was near dark, so he ate a meal of MREs and crawled into his tent. Snuggling into his sleeping bag, he finally relaxed, and fell asleep to the sound of the rain pattering on his tent.
He woke to the same sound, only the thunder was louder and the rain heavier. Pulling a poncho over his clothing, he slogged toward the restroom in his heavy boots. There was a shower, but he hadn't brought his things with him, so that could wait. A breakfast of cold instant coffee and beef jerky wasn't very appealing, but it filled him up.
On his trip to and from the bathroom, he'd spotted one other tent. This was a two man, but that meant nothing. He'd often solo camped in a larger tent. The one advantage to the rain was that it would keep all but the most determined away. An hour or so later, someone smacked the top of his tent and called out. The voice was gruff, booming, deep. Cautiously, Anton unzipped the flap about halfway.
"Hey, neighbor!" The man was as big as his voice. "Don't suppose you've got coffee, Wouldn't you know, the one thing I forgot to pack?"
"Instant."
"That'll do." He made to come in, but Anton zipped the tent shut.
"One second," he said loudly. "Got a cup?"
"Yep! With me. The little woman drinks tea."
"It'll be cold," Anton cautioned.
"Wife's got a gizmo." He wriggled his fingers. "It's magic to me. Some battery thing. At least it's not heavy."
"Handy tool."
"I'll have her tell ya where to get one."
"Yeah, thanks."
"Bob Thompson," the big man said, holding out his hand. "Wife's Louella."
"Don. Nice to meet you."
"Been up here long?"
"Last night."
"Us too. Wouldn't ya know. First weekend off and we get this! Should have checked the weather!" Bob laughed, tapping his forehead.
"Yeah, me too."
"You look kinda familiar." Bob squinted at him.
"Got that kind of face." He had the same feeling about Bob, but didn't say so.
"Naw. Naw. It'll come to me." Thanking Anton for the coffee, he finally left.
An uncomfortable shiver ran up Anton's spine. It bothered him that he'd seen the man before. Since he hadn't been many places lately, that meant at the store, or at the party. Decision made, he waited for a lull in the weather and broke camp. Working quickly and quietly, he was nearly done when a perky, blonde head peeped out of the other tent.
"You're leaving? I was gonna invite you to dinner! I'm a hell of a camp cook!"
She made Anton think of Deep Woods Barbie. Her figure was impossibly top heavy, with narrow hips and small feet. Her bleach blond hair was in two tight braids and she was decked out in the latest Land's End gear, except for her ridiculously high heeled boots.
"Thanks, but no. I think I'll head in. I don't like camping in the rain."
"Huh, what's a little rain? I don't feel like it's a good trip, unless we get doused."
"I guess to each his own." He shrugged.
"Or hers!" She giggled, wiggling a scolding finger at him.
"Yeah."
"Bobby can help!"
"I'm good. thanks. Won't be long."
"Well, if you're sure."
She batted her eyelashes, in what Anton was sure she thought, was an alluring and seductive way. Instead, it gave him a shiver of disgust up his spine.
"Yes. Thanks." He finished packing and headed back down the trail. A mile or so away, he cut through underbrush to take the trail further up, past the camp. The area he intended to go was rough and primitive. It was used for hardcore campers and hunters. There was no proper bathroom, just a pump and latrine.
He hoped it would be deserted, or at least the folks weren't chatty. He was a man who liked his privacy. It had been his experience that the people who liked primitive camping, were usually men who preferred solitude. That was fine with him. Putting Bob and Louella from his mind, he strolled along. Admiring the scenery, he didn't push himself. He didn't feel the need to rush. For all intents and purposes, he was on vacation. It hardly mattered that he was lying low after a robbery.
©2021 Dellani Oakes
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