Page 46 of Finding Limits

“How long for the results?” I ask through a yawn, it’s been a long few days. Church really took it out of me yesterday and today I was brave enough to go with Savannah to the ranch to see Maisie and Leia again. It was fun, but like Mitch warned, very hectic.

“Any day now. I’m surprised they haven’t come already. I must get on to the company.” He tucks my head into his chest and rests his chin on top of my head. “Now, get some sleep. You must be tired.” I don’t answer him, just close my eyes and take in the comfort in having him with me.

Five Weeks Later

I’m riding the pastures on my way to work, whistling to myself, and feeling on top of the damn world. I left Everleigh on the doorstep waving me off and looking hot-as-hell in one of my shirts. I know Savannah is on her way over and no doubt the two of them will be discussing what happened out on the porch last night. Who needs a book now?

I change my direction when something in the distance catches my eye. Trotting over toward the old RV that’s parked up near one of the storage buildings that are on Grid 7, I frown curiously when I see a woman hanging out washing on a makeshift line, and a guy talking intensely on a cell phone.

“You folks lost?” I call out as I approach them.

The woman smiles at me nervously, before picking a baby up from the floor while the man I’m assuming is her husband does me the courtesy of ending his call.

“Could say that, we ran into a spot of bother last night.”

“Well, this is private land, Carson land ain’t for tourists,” I remind them, wondering how they got so far from the road.

“Apologies. We didn’t mean to trespass. Engine started sounding hinkey as we were driving toward town, I was just trying to find somewhere safe to spend the night for my family.” He turns to his wife and strokes the baby's head affectionately.

“Can’t blame a man for that, there's a garage in town. I know the owner’s son, well. I’m sure I could have him come out here and take a look so you can be on your way.” This guy must have caught me in a good mood because I’m being helpful. “And I’m sure, if I speak to the boss he’ll understand the circumstances, he’s got young un’s of his own. Though there’s a guest house in town if you’d be more comfortable there.”

“We got everything we need right here,” He places his arm around his wife and the picture-perfectness of it all makes me feel real sad that Everleigh will never have that with me. I know how much she’d like a family.

“Okay, then. Welcome to Copper Ridge, keep your wits about ya, it’s bear season.” I drop my head to them, before moving on and heading toward the ranch.

The diner isn’t busy, but I seem to hear every noise around me while I wait for Mitch to come back from the bathroom. I feel my heartbeat regulate when he returns and passes me a menu.

“The food here's great, Dolores makes a good meatloaf.” He leans forward on the table, while I study the menu trying to choose something from the long list of options. If I’d told the girl down in the bunker who lived on stale bread that one day she’d be spoilt for choice on what she ate, she would have laughed at me.

Hunter comes rushing in through the doors looking full of energy and when he slides into the booth beside Mitch, he slams a pile of posters on the table in front of him.

“I just sweet-talked the library chick into printing me off a bunch of these.” He sits back looking pleased with himself. “Dolores, can I get a?—”

“Black coffee with a shot of hazelnut,” she finishes for him before getting to work.

“And what, exactly, is this?” I pick one of his leaflets up and study it.

“That is a picture of my mom when she lived here. I just cut Mitch out. I’m figuring, in a town as small as this one, someone must have known where she went when her family left. She must have confided in a friend.” He sounds hopeful, and as I study the picture harder I realize that I’m looking at someone I know.

“This girl, how old would she be now?” I check, shaking my head and feeling my pulse start to throb in my temples.

“Her sister said she was seventeen the last time she saw her. I’m twenty-five so… early forties.” Hunter shrugs as he makes a guess.

“Oh, my god.” I feel myself go light-headed.

“Evy, what’s wrong?” Mitch looks worried and I have to swallow down the sick feeling that’s rising to my throat.

“I know this girl… Woman.” I shake my head.

“You know Naomi?” Mitch stares at me as if I’ve gone mad.

“That’s not her name. The people in the village called her Kayla, and she was married to an elder.”

“Hold on.” Mitch takes both my trembling hands in his. “Are you tellin’ me, that the woman in this picture was in your village?”

“Yes.” I suddenly feel as if the diner walls are closing in on me. I thought I was free of that place, but it turns out it keeps on finding me.

“My mom was part of the cult?” Hunter shakes his head in disbelief.

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