Page 92 of Forbidden Moon
RJ flipped on his blinker for the park when Jonah pointed at something overhead.
“I think that’s a Red-Tailed Hawk!”
RJ craned his neck to see while trying to make the turn.
“You’re right, Jo. Did you know they have a wingspan of four to five feet? They’re easy to spot, too, because they like to hunt alongside highways and hang out on power lines.”
RJ entered the park and glanced in his rearview mirror. No one behind them. Good. The truck must have continued on, leaving one less thing to worry about. He pulled into the farthest space from the entrance and looked around. There were two other cars, and he saw a couple walking in Rapid River’s shallow water. They got out of the truck and examined the posted map, showing the park’s various features.
“What do you think, Jo. Do you want to check out the falls first or take one of the trails?”
Jonah looked closer at the map before answering.
“Let’s try the one-mile loop first and save the falls for last.”
Jonah chose the right-hand fork and they began walking hand in hand, unaware of being watched.
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ATALL REDHEAD PEEKEDthrough the foliage to confirm the target was on the move. Once they were out of sight, he returned to the pickup parked on the side of the road just shy of the park entrance and got in. His waiting companions were all ears.
“What do you think, John?”
“It’s them. It doesn’t look like the Black guy is packing this time, either. I’m going to park the truck, and then we’ll get into position and wait. Nobody moves until I say so. Russell is counting on us, and I don’t intend to disappoint him this time.”
Chapter 36
JONAH LIKED BUTTERFLIES, and until RJ began pointing them out, he knew almost nothing about them.
“This pretty blue one is a Red Spotted Purple Admiral. They don’t taste very good, so most predators leave them alone.”
“What about the bright yellow one with big eyes I saw a minute ago?”
“Pretty sure that was a Fiery Skipper. Tell me if you see another one, and I’ll get a better look.”
They walked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the beauty and variety of their surroundings. Seeing RJ in his element made their simple walk both educational and fun. Normally, Jonah perceived nature through a wolf’s eyes, focused on the comings and goings of prey rather than bugs and flowers. It surprised him how much he’d been missing all this time, and his intelligent mate got to show off his knowledge.
Except for a couple walking their dog early on, they hadn’t seen or heard anyone else on the trail. According to RJ, weekdays weren’t particularly busy for the parks unless campgrounds were nearby. Jonah didn’t mind, as it gave him the freedom to be affectionate in public without annoying, small-minded people who thought they should keep their love behind closed doors. Feeling playful, Jonah stepped in front of RJ, forcing him to stop.
“Sorry, Sir, you’ll have to pay the toll if you wish to continue. Kisses, please.”
RJ pulled him closer, a hand on each hip.
“Well, if Imust.”
