Page 85 of No Time Off

“See, it’s the perfect spot for kissing,” I murmured against her lips.

Petra tapped away on the phone, taking multiple shots. After a moment, she encouraged us to face her. “Come on, one more nice photo with the two of you facing me with the waterfall cascading in the background.”

We both faced the camera and smiled as she snapped a few more photos. Finally, she handed Lexi back her phone. “Here you go. I got some great honeymoon shots—I promise.”

Lexi grinned sheepishly as she took her phone back and pocketed it. The tension lifted—the levity sorely needed.

I finally convinced Lexi to let me carry her laptop bag, and one by one, we used the rope to climb the slick slope. To my surprise, Lexi moved more adeptly than I’d expected, even though I climbed close behind to stop any potential backward slide. We were at a distinct disadvantage compared to the others, who had shoes and boots better suited to hiking than we did. But we worked with what we had and trudged onward.

The trail only grew more treacherous. More steep inclines and thick tree roots made the trek extremely difficult. We had to ford a couple of brooks and streams, wetting our shoes even more. Without the provided ropes, I wasn’t sure how most people would be able to get up the slopes.

“I thought you said this was a trail,” Lexi complained to Rangi at one point, bent over and gasping for breath. “We’re supposed to be hiking, not rock climbing.”

“Well, I may have hyped the trail a bit,” Rangi explained, his cheeks tingeing pink. “It can be a tricky climb and a little more slippery and sharply uphill than one might envision when they first think of the wordhike.”

“Abit?” Lexi repeated in disbelief and shook her head. “But at least I understand why we couldn’t take the motorbikes, and probably why this trail is not regularly guarded by anyone.”

Manny, whose face was also red with exertion, patted her on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, Lexi. I did downplay the Track because we need you and I didn’t want to scare you off. But you’re doing an amazing job, and the good news is, we’re almost at the Needle. It’s the second highest point on the island. After that, everything is downhill. No worries.”

Lexi looked doubtful, and even I wasn’t so certain of those assurances, either, but I kept my mouth shut. Shortly thereafter, we reached the Needle. Somehow, I had envisioned a rest area with a bench or an observation lookout, but no. Nothing. The Needle was simply where the slope jutted to a sharp point to the right of the trail, and that was it. We took a few seconds to admire the spectacular view of the island, but we didn’t linger. We didn’t have the luxury of time.

Going down the back side of the Needle didn’t initially seem like it would be easier. We had to use the ropes to slide down the slope. After another half hour, my adrenaline had completely worn off. The hike was starting to feel like a strain even to me. I was hungry, hot, exhausted, and my shoes were muddy and uncomfortable. I imagined Lexi was feeling worse. But to her credit, she didn’t complain or let it slow her down. She stayed focused on the mission, as did I.

We pushed on, crossing a few streams that made it futile to even try and keep our feet dry. Lexi waded through the water without even trying to balance on rocks. Her shoes were already wet and, apparently, the least of her concerns.

As we got closer to the end of the trail, hand signals came back from the policeman in the lead. We were directed to get off the trail, scatter and hide. Someone was coming up the trail toward us.

The vegetation was heavy, so moving quietly was difficult. Fortunately, we didn’t have to go far to be fully hidden. I crouched down next to Lexi behind some bushes and kept my other hand near my gun. We tried to stay as still as possible, although the insects buzzing around her were proving to be a nuisance.

“Why don’t the bugs bother you?” Lexi hissed, slapping at a mosquito near her neck. She was sweating, moisture trickling down her temples. “There’s not one bug on your person or around your head.”

“They know better,” I said, shrugging.

We quieted as the sound of people talking got closer. From my vantage point, I could see a middle-aged couple walking along. The woman had a walking stick, and the man had a backpack and a set of binoculars hanging around his neck. We didn’t have to worry about making too much noise while hiding. They were easily drowning out any sounds we might have made.

Tourists.

“I thought you said we were going on a hike,” the woman said. “This isn’t a hike. This is mountaineering.”

Lexi wagged a finger at me and mouthed the wordmountaineering, clearly in agreement with the woman’s assessment of the trail.

“Yes, it’s a bit steep, Elizabeth,” the man agreed. “But not all bad. At the hotel, they said the views from the top are spectacular.”

“If we ever get up there, given the shape of our knees.”

“Oh, what’s a vacation without a little adventure?” he said, leaning over and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“I guess that’s true,” she responded, and they continued along the trail.

Once the couple passed, we got back on the Track going the opposite direction of them and toward the city.

“I told you this wasn’t a hike,” Lexi said, shaking a finger at me. “And my assessment was just supported by that random tourist.”

I slung an arm around her shoulders. “True, but what’s a honeymoon without a little adventure?” I kissed her on the cheek, and she swatted me.

“You’re lucky I’m not punching you right now,” she grouched, and I chuckled, taking her hand…just in case.

“You’re doing great,cara. We’re almost there.”

---