Page 75 of Mountain Refuge

“Absolutely.” The girl smiled and left to turn in their orders, promising to bring a hamburger patty for Betty.

While they waited, Tracy seemed to study every face at the adjoining tables and turned to stare at every vehicle that pulled up to the diner. She’d narrow her eyes, peer hard, then shake her head and mumble, “Not him.”

“Stop looking for The Boss or you’ll…conjure him up.” Taya frowned.

“I’m not a witch, Taya. I thought you wanted him to come so we could end this.”

“I do.”

“Well, then—” She took a big gulp of her soda. “Make up your mind.”

How did anyone survive teenagers? Yes, Taya wanted The Boss to show himself, but she didn’t want him to pose any danger to her niece. Unfortunately, she couldn’t have both. Tracy would be in danger when the man arrived, and Taya wasn’t sure she could keep her safe. Taya didn’t know what she’d do if she lost her again.

As if he could read her mind, Ryan reached across the table and put his hand over hers. “We’re all in this together. Whatever happens.”

She nodded and forced a smile. “I know.”

They finished eating and piled back into her Jeep. She stared out the window as they drove toward the lake.

“The hiking trail goes clear around the lake,” Ryan said. “On one end is the campground. At the other end is the dam which you can walk across. It’s a pretty hike.”

“I could definitely use the exercise.” She’d been idle for so long she felt as if she were getting out of shape. “Is there a gym in town?”

“No, but Langley has one.”

She glanced at Tracy who shook her head. “I’m not going to the gym.”

Well, she’d have to find another way to stay in shape because she wasn’t leaving the girl behind. Hiking would be a good start.

A short way past the campground, Ryan turned into a gravel parking lot. On one side of them shimmered the lake. On the other was the campground which resembled a beehive of men, campers, and portable buildings. The group must be planning on something grand.

A few rowboats and kayaks sat on the shore of the lake waiting for someone to take them onto the water. “Let’s go kayaking.” Taya shot Ryan a questioning look. “We can do that and hike. It’s been a long time since I’ve kayaked.”

“What about Betty?” Tracy crossed her arms.

“She can ride in front of me.”

“Sounds like fun.” Ryan grabbed a life jacket and tossed it to Tracy. “Put that on.” He pulled a backpack from the Jeep. “Water bottles and snacks.”

Taya took one and stuck it under a stretchy piece of cord. She could swim well, but if she did need the life-saving device, it would be within arm’s reach. “Come, Betty.”

She pushed the kayak into the water, splashed in after it, then sat and motioned for the dog. Betty didn’t need coaxing. She jumped on, making the kayak rock before she settled down in front of Taya.

Once the other two were backing from shore, Taya did the same. She glanced up as a man moved from a camper to the restroom.

Mason? No, it couldn’t be. She’d seen his body dragged away. Taya blinked a few times, and the man was gone. Yep, she was losing her mind. She gazed across the lake, thinking of the man she thought resembled Mason. Someday, when things settled down, she’d have to process her feelings over losing such a close friend.

~

They rowed close to the shoreline until they reached the opposite side. Ryan’s kayak bumped the shore. He climbed out and pulled the kayak onto the sand. “Want to see the view from the dam?”

“Yes.” Tracy copied him, then shed her life jacket.

It surprised him that she hadn’t argued about wearing the device since he and Taya only had theirs in the kayaks. “We can stop for some snacks.”

“I can definitely use some water.” Taya glanced toward the campground.

“Something wrong?”

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