part 2
Bobby and Elly managed to find a trail, a truck had been parked. More drag marks, then
shoe prints, not boot prints.
"Your friend, he's not wearing hiking boots." Elly pointed out the prints to Hobbes.
"Yeah, good which way did they go?"
"North, I'll radio back to Luke where we are headed." Elly explained and headed back to the jeep.
Bobby stayed put, " I hope you're using your head Partner."
Elly turned on the radio and made the call. She was just grabbing her day pack from the
back of the jeep before rejoining Hobbes. She also took her rifle, it was heavy and she hoped
she wouldn't need it, but it was always better to have it and not use it, than to not have it an wish
she did.
"Ready, you feel warm enough?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, let's go." Bobby nodded.
He followed her up the trail, but they soon turned off into the trees again. There was nothing to
follow that he could see, but he was giving her his trust, that she knew what she was doing.
Elly wasn't following a trail, per say, she was heading in the last known direction Earl had taken.
She knew of several cabins north of their location she expected to find him near one of them.
"Is it alright if we talk as we walk?" Bobby moved up a little so he didn't have to shout.
"Sure, want to tell me about your partner?" Elly asked.
"Fawkes? Oh yeah I guess, Darien Fawkes he's kind of new to this Federal Agent stuff.
But he's a good man, just reckless sometimes."
"Is that why he's the one we are looking for, he was being reckless this morning?"
"No, we approached the cabin, but he started shooting before we so much as identified our
selves. I was hit with one of those dart things, then the next thing I know, Fawkes is gone
our van is gone. You didn't see any sign of that back there did you?"
"Only tire tracks leading back down the road. They probably stashed it where it will be hard to
find .From his shoe prints, I'd saw he's tall, but not heavy."
"Yeah, kind of thin he runs like a gazelle but he can't fight worth crap." Bobby added.
Elly smiled at that statement. "I'll lead us to them, after that it's your show."
"Thanks, I appreciate your help." Bobby said it, and ment it.
"You said he's new to this Federal Agent stuff, then you haven't been partners long?"
"No about eight months, but I'm teaching him."
"You've been an Agent awhile then?"
"Yeah, you could say that, about fifteen years. You always wanted to be a guide, or are you
just helping out?"
"Yeah, well it's kind of the family business. Luke called for my dad to come and help you.
But he was out on a trip already, I'm trained as a EMT, I was just home for a visit."
Elly explained.
"Yeah, you don't live here any more then?" Bobby sounded a little surprised.
"I live in Ridgecrest, but I trained in LA, did two years there. That's like
ten most places you learn a lot in a short amount of time."
"I'll bet, you don't miss it then?"
"What living in the city, no I just knew if I wanted to learn I had to go there.
If you're going to do something for a living, you should be the best you can at it."
Elly told him her personal phyisophy.
"Take a breather, we are headed up range, it's going to get steeper soon."
Bobby was about to protest he was fine, but then decided not to. He'd already
jog trotted three, four miles, he could use a breather.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Eberts why don't you let me drive for awhile." Claire was bored with being navigator.
Eberts had already marked off the route they were to take to reach King's Canyon
National Park, she really didn't have much to do.
"I'll stop for gas soon and we can switch then." Eberts was driving an agency car, and
he was only driving the speed limit. He wasn't about to get a speeding ticket.
"I wish the Official wouldn't send them out so far from home. He knows Darien has
limits to his abilities." Claire said kind of just as a statement.
"We were the only agency that was willing to look into the matter. A kidnapping case
is usually FBI, but the boss owed a favor to the SAC in LA so he sent Fawkes and Hobbes."
Eberts explained.
"Oh, that explains a lot, I was wondering why he didn't send me along if he expected them to
take several days."
"It was supposed to be a simple missing person case, then a note was sent asking for money.
The local police thought it was a joke, the man being blackmailed only makes sixty thousand a
year as a environmental researcher."
" He's not exactly the type kidnappers usually target."
"No, but he is a Government employee so the Bureau was called in, just in case it was a real
kidnapping. But they contacted us, and here we are." Eberts sighed.
"I just hope Darien doesn't go into quicksilver madness again so soon after the last time.
It puts a terrible strain on his system." Claire added.
"Agent Fawkes may be unconventional in his methods but he isn't foolish. He'll monitor his
toxic level more closely now that he's experienced the madness." Eberts tried to reassure her.
"I hope you're right." Claire sighed. "We've been on the road for four hours already, how
long did you say this was going to take?"
"I estimated eight hours at least." He broke the news to her.
Claire reached to tune in the radio, to pass the time. But as it was an agency car the radio
was only AM and there where no stations in range.
"So Albert, tell me what do you like to do with your share time?" Claire asked, she'd worked
with him for almost a year and didn't know much about his private life.
"I read, write soft ware programs. I just finished a course in Chinese Cooking at the community
center."
"Cooking, I never knew you liked cooking. I'm not a very good cook myself. I mean I do make
a few things well but not a lot of different things." She confessed.
" I find it relaxing after a long day, and you get to eat the results." He tried to make a joke.
"You'll have to give me a few pointers. I've always liked Chinese."
"Yes, I've noticed the lab refrigerator is often stocked with small white boxes." He smiled.
"Okay I really like Chinese and they deliver, I'm usually to busy to go out for anything."
"I'd be glad to bring you lunch from the deli when I go for the Official's lunch. You don't have
to always order Chinese." He offered.
"You go and bring back the Official's lunch every day?" Claire asked, she knew Eberts catered
to her boss, she never thought he was quiet so sub serviant.
"Yes, most days, sometimes he goes to lunch." Eberts looked embarrassed.
"That would be very nice of you, but I wouldn't expect all the time, just every so often."
Claire patted his arm.
Eberts nodded.
"Books you like to read? I use to read all the time, still do but now it's mostly medical
journals and research papers. Tell me about a good book you've read?" Claire changed
the topic.
"Oh, I like murder mysteries, and science fiction. Although now a days, science fiction is
more like science fact considering who we work with."
"You can say that again. But tell me about a good book."
"Well there was this one by John Douglas that was fascinating..."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It was getting dark and Darien was really getting worried. He hoped Bobby was on his
back trail coming to the rescue.
" We're going to have to set up for the night soon. I'll put you in place in the morning and
leave you with some food and water."
"Hey, man you're not going to just leave me out here are you?"
"That's the plan, we need enough time to pick up the ransom money and make our
get away." Earl motioned for Darien to keep walking, it was up hill and was slow going
even for him.
"But I could wander around in these woods for weeks lost." Darien pointed out.
"I'll give you a hint about which way to go, if you stick to it you'll reach civilization
in five or six days." Earl promised him.
"Five or six days, what about frost bite? Bears?" Darien was worried, he didn't really think
Earl was planning on leaving him in the woods alone.
" This time of year the only thing you have to fear from bears is if you get in between a
mother and her cubs, and it's not anywhere near cold enough for frost bite."
Earl sounded surprised Darien didn't already know this things.
"Oh, okay what else do I need to know?"
"'I'll leave you a canteen, you can refill it from any of the streams in this area. But do it from
the moving water. "
"Yeah." Darien nodded. It seemed Earl really didn't want to kill him and leave his body
out in the woods. He just wanted him out of the way.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"It's getting dark, we need to set up camp for the night." Elly said when they reached a small
flat area. She stopped and pulled out her radio.
"Luke you there?"
"Luke come in over?" she tried again. Bobby frowned, their only link to help and he was
probably asleep.
"Luke this is Elly Red Horse you listening?" She tried one more time. " I'll give him another
try when we make camp. He might just be taking a bathroom break or something."
Elly suggested.
"Or something," Bobby guffed. He hadn't thought much of the old Ranger.
"Let go, it's about another couple of miles to a cabin we might be able to use."
Elly turned to the left slightly and head off again. Bobby followed her, pulling his
hat down as it kept creeping up leaving his ears out in the chill air.
They reached a cabin, just as the sun was setting over the trees. It was a red sunset so good
weather for the following day.
"That's nice, I hope Fawkes is alive to see it." Bobby said.
"Earl is a tough character, but he's not a killer, so long as he'd not backed into a corner."
"If you would grab some wood from the box there, I'll set up our evening meal." Elly advised.
"Sure, "Bobby lifted the lid of the box on the porch and found a selection of cut logs to choose from.
Elly opened the door and sneezed as soon as she stepped inside.
"Bless you, no one has been here recently." Bobby said from behind her, his arms full of cut wood.
"No, just put the logs on the bricks there, I'll start a fire in a few minutes."
"I think I can manage to start a fire in a fireplace, if you will allow me." Bobby smiled at her.
"Sure knock your socks off." Elly laughed, she turned towards the small wooden table and looked
for a broom she knew was stashed in the 'kitchen' area. She swept off the table with the broom,
then cleaned up the floor and emptied the dirt out to the side of the cabin. Then she unpacked
the food she'd carried in her pack all day. They had instant beef stew, just add water.
Several small cans of fruit, some dry fruit, nuts for eating on the trail. Energy bars for breakfast
the next day or lunch or both. And since her mom had just finished cutting it, a neatly wrapped
package of fresh bread four slices. She had some instant coffee for in the morning but she
wouldn't waist it now. They would have to have water for dinner, or tea, she did have a few
tea bags.
She unpacked two plates, two mugs and spoons, forks, she had only one knife. Besides her
hunting knife strapped to her side.
Bobby was busy laying a fire, he'd visited his aunt and uncle often enough to have picked up
how you made a fire in a fireplace. He had a nice blaze going before he stood up and
turned to see what Elly was up to.
"Hey, that looks nice."
"I just need to boil some water an we can eat." Elly had a small billy pot with a handle so you
could hang it over the campfire. She did that , and stepped back.
"Nice fire, "
"Thanks, I'm good at a few things." Bobby accepted her praise with a shrug.
"I'd guess you're good at more than just a few." Elly commented and moved back to the
table to put her pack out of the way.
Bobby blinked and wondered if she'd meant that they way it had sounded.
Elly had, the more time she spent with Agent Hobbes the more she wished this was for
a pleasure camping trip and not to rescue his friend. Bobby looked like the type of man
she would enjoy getting to know better. He was removing his jacket, and hat. He looked
kind of rugged wearing her brother's sweater. She liked his build, wide shoulders,
strong hands, she guessed from the amount of wood he'd carried in, there was strength
hiding under that sweater. Was it getting hot in the cabin already?
" How did you whip up this nice spread from just your backpack ?" Bobby asked moving
to stand beside the small table.
"Practice, and my mom sent along the bread she baked it this morning." Elly nodded
towards the thick cuts of homemade bread.
"My mouth is watering already."
Elly thought so is mine, but it's not because of the bread. She snuck a peek at Bobby's
backside when he moved to hand is jacket and hat on the hooks on the wall by the door.
Very nice, she swallowed a smile, so he wouldn't know she'd been checking him out.
The water was almost boiling so Elly removed it from the fire and added the stew package.
It made enough for two people. She had to stir it up good then let it sit for a few minutes.
Bobby was sitting at the table when she returned. He'd been doing a little checking out
of his own while her back was to him. But he was just looking, he wasn't about to flirt
with her under the circumstances. He liked her long hair, her figure was nice too, just the
right size in his opinion.
"This will be ready in a couple of minute go ahead and have some bread." Elly told him.
"I forgot to ask before do you want tea or water to drink?"
"Water is good, I drink a lot of water." He picked up one of the slices of bread and took a
bite, it just about melted in his mouth. "Oh, man tell your mom she's the best, this bread
is great. Oh man, I haven't had bread this good since I left New York."
"I'll tell her, she loves to feed people. You're from New York then?"
"Yeah, long time ago, been working for the Government ever since I was out of the service."
"Oh, let me guess you were a Marine right?" Elly had recognized a certain carriage she'd seen
before.
"Yeah, what gave me away?" Bobby laughed.
"Oh I don't know maybe because you never complained during our hike up here today. "
"Yeah that would only get you another five miles." Bobby chuckled.
"So Agent Hobbes," She started
"Call me Bobby, please."
"Bobby, you have a pack of kids and a wife at home?"
"Me? No, no wife, no kids." Bobby shook his head. Maybe she was interested.
"I guess you have your reasons."
" I was married, but it didn't work out." Bobby answered.
"I'm sorry. I've no room to talk, my last serious relationship ended badly. I'm pushing
thirty and still single. That's a bad sign where I come from." She dished him out a
plate full of stew. They ate in silence for a few minutes. But Bobby could never keep
quiet for long.
"What happened with your last fella, if you don't mind me asking?"
" He didn't like me being on call with my job, he wanted me to just stay home and
watch TV with him. But in a small town EMT is a twenty four hour a day job on the
days I work. It's not a nine to five kind of thing."
" I know the feeling, when your job comes between you and your significant other.
I'm kind of on call all of the time too."
"Yeah, and you risk your life everyday." Elly nodded. She hadn't considered that,
she wasn't sure she would like caring that much about a man that she could lose
at any moment.
"This stew is even good, what did you do? Add some secret spices to it?"
Bobby was trying to lighten the mood a little.
"Yeah, old family secret. It's called season salt and a little garlic." She laughed.
Bobby laughed to, and they switched topics to something less personal.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Earl had also set up camp he had a fire going, but it was outside. Darien was tied hand and foot
now and sitting on the cold ground. Earl was heating up water for coffee, he liked hot coffee to
go with his jerky and trail mix.
" Could you maybe untie me so I could eat here?" Darien asked, as nicely as he could.
"You don't need your hands free to eat jerky, this ain't the Ritz."
"That's for sure." Darien agreed. He tried to take a bite out of his jerky, but it was tough.
It wasn't called jerky for nothing.
"Here's some water, or do you want coffee?" Earl asked.
" Water is good, thanks."
Darien sat close to the fire, trying to soak up as much heat as he could, he had a feeling he
was going to be very cold soon.
Earl finished his meal, "If you have to pee, go do it now. I don't want to wake up and see
you missing. I might just shoot first and ask questions later."
"No, I took care of that before."
"Then settle in."
"Do you maybe have a blanket or something I could use?" Darien hoped he didn't have to
make do with only his jacket to sleep in.
"Oh, yeah, I guess you will need something." Earl dug in his pack for a small space blanket.
It would do.
"Thanks." Darien eyed the small package, it didn't look like much. He was sure it wouldn't
cover all of him at the same time unless he slept curled into a ball. He finished he jerky and
shook out the blanket. It was shiny silver on one side, he grinned, and plain gray on the other.
He moved to rest against a large log, and covered his shoulders, drawing up his knees.
He'd slept in worse positions. The blanket was small but it was keeping him warm.
Darien managed to fall to sleep, but he woke up every hour or so, his back was stiff from
the curled up position. But when ever he straighten out his legs they got cold.
Earl was snoring on his side of the fire. He'd added wood once during the night and gone
right back to sleep.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elly had a small sleeping bag attached to the bottom of her pack. But since they were,
tracking a potential killer, she thought it best if they took turns standing guard.
"Bobby, I was thinking, we need to keep watch tonight. I'll take the first watch, I'm sure
you're tired after your day."
"I was thinking the same thing. You sure you want to take the first watch, I can..."
Bobby offered.
"No, I'm fine, I'll wake you at midnight." She nodded. She picked her rifle up from where
it was leaning against the wall near the door. "I'm going to look around outside."
"Okay, goodnight." Bobby nodded. She'd handed him the sleeping bag and nodded
towards the rough made bed frame on the other side of the room. Bobby un rolled the
bag and removed his boots, he took of the sweater. Then paused. Should he go down
to his shorts and tee shirt, or keep on the jeans? He took of his chambray shirt, and
set it on top of the sweater. He decided, may as well be comfortable. He pulled of his
jeans, and slipped into the sleeping bag.
Elly killed almost half an hour outside, she didn't want to be there when Bobby was getting
ready for bed. She was already attracted to him, she didn't need any more ideas.
She was sure knowing he was undressing on the other side of the cabin would give her
all kinds of ideas.
Bobby was sleeping when she returned, she was quiet and took a seat near the window
so she would be in a position to keep a look out. The fire was still burning well, so she
didn't have to stoke it yet. Elly felt foolish, being attracted to Bobby after knowing him
only a few hours. She usually took much longer to decide she wanted someone.
She usually had to like them, get to know them first.
She didn't usually act on just a physical attraction. Not that she hadn't a few times, but that
had been when she was younger. She looked for substance now, character, a connection.
Elly spent four hours on watch, then she was about to go and wake Bobby, when she
heard him moving around. She glanced over towards the bed, just in time to see him
stand up to pull on his jeans. Oh baby! She was wide wake now, her heart was racing.
He hadn't even been naked, but he was build really nice, everywhere. Damn, she was
never going to get to sleep now.
Bobby heard a sharp breath coming from Elly, just when he was pulling on his jeans.
He must have surprised her, maybe he should have kept his clothes on. It was to late now.
He pulled on the shirt and sweater, carrying his boots with him.
"My turn there Elly. You get some sleep." Bobby took the rifle from her as she stood.
She locked eyes with him for a second, then lowered her head. Now was not the time
or the place for her to act on her feelings.
"Thanks." Was all she managed to say. She went to the bed and pulled off her boots and
outer flannel shirt. Then she crawled into the bed, that was still warm from his body.
Oh, God it ever smelled like him. A little bit aftershave, and a whole lot male. Elly sighed.
She rolled with her back towards him. She didn't think she would sleep at all. She was
much to turned on. But she did drift off.
Bobby stoked the fire, and returned to the seat near the window. He was worried about his
partner, but they couldn't do much until the sun came up. He tried to think back, remember
something from the file about Dawson that might help Elly find him and Darien.
He was supposed to wake her again in four hours, but he usually only slept four hours
a night so he waited till near dawn before he woke her.
"Elly, wake up. Time to get moving." Bobby touched her shoulder.
"Bobby? Um, did I over sleep? I'm sorry." She turned to look up at him.
God he was a nice site to wake up to, she liked the stubble on him it looked good.
Bobby smiled at her, she looked nice, even rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"No you didn't over sleep it's morning. I didn't need any more sleep."
"I'll put some water on for coffee." He moved towards the fireplace to let her
get herself together.
Elly blinked, and moved to sit up, she wiggled out of the sleeping bag and stretched.
Then she stuffed it back into the sac, and put on her boots. She needed to visit the
outhouse, she needed to brush her teeth.
"I'll be back in a few minutes? Have you looked around outside yet this morning?"
"Yeah, a little while ago." Bobby nodded.
The water was ready when she returned, he handed her a hot mug of instant coffee.
"Thanks, you're handy in the kitchen too." She said then wished she hadn't.
"I can cook, you should taste my Calzone, they are to die for." Bobby joked.
Elly just smiled and sipped her coffee, she had a few things to add put was trying
very hard to behave.
Bobby looked out the window, " Do you think we will catch up with them today?"
"Yeah, we should."
"What did you mean before, I'm handy in the kitchen too? As in also, what was the
first thing?" Bobby was puzzled.
Elly paled for the moment, she couldn't tell him what she'd meant. She'd meant he was
really attractive, and he could be useful in the kitchen as well. That was a plus.
"Ah, you made a good fire yesterday, and now your making coffee..."
"Oh, right." Bobby nodded. He'd already forgotten that.
Whew, Elly thought, it was bad enough she was attracted to him, she didn't need
him knowing she was. At least not just yet.
"Here have an energy bar, the don't taste to bad." She handed him one of the bars
from her pack.
"Thanks," Bobby chewed in silence. He was deep in thought when she went to put
out the fire and grabbed her pack to leave.
"I'm ready, are you?"
"Yeah, sure." Bobby grabbed his hat and pulled on his jacket. "Let's hit the trail."
He checked his side arm to make sure it was secure in the holster.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Claire and Eberts had reached the Park just as it was closing for the night. But the local
police was expecting them. One of the radio operators offered to take Claire home with
her for the night. Eberts however was only offered a cot at the station.
He'd slept fitfully, but he was up and drinking coffee by the time Claire arrived back at
the station.
"Eberts, any news?" Claire asked, she looked a bit frazzled.
"No, I'm afraid not. But they have offered to take us up to the ranger station that is
closest to the area Darien went missing in. Are you alright?" Eberts was concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine, Miss Hendricks has several children and they just love when company
comes to visit." Claire rolled her eyes. She prayed they found Darien soon. She hated
to think she would have to spend another night at the Hendricks house.
"Would you like some coffee?" Eberts asked, he was ever mindful of other peoples needs.
"Yes, please. just show me where." Claire followed him to the back break room and the
coffee urn.
"Ah, that's good, it's awful but it's caffeine. Thank you Eberts, you are a life saver."
Claire loved her morning coffee, and her hostess didn't believe in stimulants, no caffeine
no sugar, no alcohol.
Eberts was dressed for the woods, Claire just now noticed he wasn't wearing his usual suit.
He looked nice, kind of more human more like one of the guys.
" Officer Wilkins, this is Dr. Keeply she needs to be as close as we can get her to Agent
Fawkes's last know location. He has a serious medical condition that requires he have
medication at regular intervals." Eberts introduced Claire to the man in charge of their
case.
"Hello Dr. I'll be ready to move out in a few minutes, have to wait for the Chief to clear
my proposed course of action." The tall blonde officer nodded to her and removed his hat.
"Nice to meet you, we will be ready when you are." Claire smiled at him .
end part two
Bobby and Elly managed to find a trail, a truck had been parked. More drag marks, then
shoe prints, not boot prints.
"Your friend, he's not wearing hiking boots." Elly pointed out the prints to Hobbes.
"Yeah, good which way did they go?"
"North, I'll radio back to Luke where we are headed." Elly explained and headed back to the jeep.
Bobby stayed put, " I hope you're using your head Partner."
Elly turned on the radio and made the call. She was just grabbing her day pack from the
back of the jeep before rejoining Hobbes. She also took her rifle, it was heavy and she hoped
she wouldn't need it, but it was always better to have it and not use it, than to not have it an wish
she did.
"Ready, you feel warm enough?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, let's go." Bobby nodded.
He followed her up the trail, but they soon turned off into the trees again. There was nothing to
follow that he could see, but he was giving her his trust, that she knew what she was doing.
Elly wasn't following a trail, per say, she was heading in the last known direction Earl had taken.
She knew of several cabins north of their location she expected to find him near one of them.
"Is it alright if we talk as we walk?" Bobby moved up a little so he didn't have to shout.
"Sure, want to tell me about your partner?" Elly asked.
"Fawkes? Oh yeah I guess, Darien Fawkes he's kind of new to this Federal Agent stuff.
But he's a good man, just reckless sometimes."
"Is that why he's the one we are looking for, he was being reckless this morning?"
"No, we approached the cabin, but he started shooting before we so much as identified our
selves. I was hit with one of those dart things, then the next thing I know, Fawkes is gone
our van is gone. You didn't see any sign of that back there did you?"
"Only tire tracks leading back down the road. They probably stashed it where it will be hard to
find .From his shoe prints, I'd saw he's tall, but not heavy."
"Yeah, kind of thin he runs like a gazelle but he can't fight worth crap." Bobby added.
Elly smiled at that statement. "I'll lead us to them, after that it's your show."
"Thanks, I appreciate your help." Bobby said it, and ment it.
"You said he's new to this Federal Agent stuff, then you haven't been partners long?"
"No about eight months, but I'm teaching him."
"You've been an Agent awhile then?"
"Yeah, you could say that, about fifteen years. You always wanted to be a guide, or are you
just helping out?"
"Yeah, well it's kind of the family business. Luke called for my dad to come and help you.
But he was out on a trip already, I'm trained as a EMT, I was just home for a visit."
Elly explained.
"Yeah, you don't live here any more then?" Bobby sounded a little surprised.
"I live in Ridgecrest, but I trained in LA, did two years there. That's like
ten most places you learn a lot in a short amount of time."
"I'll bet, you don't miss it then?"
"What living in the city, no I just knew if I wanted to learn I had to go there.
If you're going to do something for a living, you should be the best you can at it."
Elly told him her personal phyisophy.
"Take a breather, we are headed up range, it's going to get steeper soon."
Bobby was about to protest he was fine, but then decided not to. He'd already
jog trotted three, four miles, he could use a breather.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Eberts why don't you let me drive for awhile." Claire was bored with being navigator.
Eberts had already marked off the route they were to take to reach King's Canyon
National Park, she really didn't have much to do.
"I'll stop for gas soon and we can switch then." Eberts was driving an agency car, and
he was only driving the speed limit. He wasn't about to get a speeding ticket.
"I wish the Official wouldn't send them out so far from home. He knows Darien has
limits to his abilities." Claire said kind of just as a statement.
"We were the only agency that was willing to look into the matter. A kidnapping case
is usually FBI, but the boss owed a favor to the SAC in LA so he sent Fawkes and Hobbes."
Eberts explained.
"Oh, that explains a lot, I was wondering why he didn't send me along if he expected them to
take several days."
"It was supposed to be a simple missing person case, then a note was sent asking for money.
The local police thought it was a joke, the man being blackmailed only makes sixty thousand a
year as a environmental researcher."
" He's not exactly the type kidnappers usually target."
"No, but he is a Government employee so the Bureau was called in, just in case it was a real
kidnapping. But they contacted us, and here we are." Eberts sighed.
"I just hope Darien doesn't go into quicksilver madness again so soon after the last time.
It puts a terrible strain on his system." Claire added.
"Agent Fawkes may be unconventional in his methods but he isn't foolish. He'll monitor his
toxic level more closely now that he's experienced the madness." Eberts tried to reassure her.
"I hope you're right." Claire sighed. "We've been on the road for four hours already, how
long did you say this was going to take?"
"I estimated eight hours at least." He broke the news to her.
Claire reached to tune in the radio, to pass the time. But as it was an agency car the radio
was only AM and there where no stations in range.
"So Albert, tell me what do you like to do with your share time?" Claire asked, she'd worked
with him for almost a year and didn't know much about his private life.
"I read, write soft ware programs. I just finished a course in Chinese Cooking at the community
center."
"Cooking, I never knew you liked cooking. I'm not a very good cook myself. I mean I do make
a few things well but not a lot of different things." She confessed.
" I find it relaxing after a long day, and you get to eat the results." He tried to make a joke.
"You'll have to give me a few pointers. I've always liked Chinese."
"Yes, I've noticed the lab refrigerator is often stocked with small white boxes." He smiled.
"Okay I really like Chinese and they deliver, I'm usually to busy to go out for anything."
"I'd be glad to bring you lunch from the deli when I go for the Official's lunch. You don't have
to always order Chinese." He offered.
"You go and bring back the Official's lunch every day?" Claire asked, she knew Eberts catered
to her boss, she never thought he was quiet so sub serviant.
"Yes, most days, sometimes he goes to lunch." Eberts looked embarrassed.
"That would be very nice of you, but I wouldn't expect all the time, just every so often."
Claire patted his arm.
Eberts nodded.
"Books you like to read? I use to read all the time, still do but now it's mostly medical
journals and research papers. Tell me about a good book you've read?" Claire changed
the topic.
"Oh, I like murder mysteries, and science fiction. Although now a days, science fiction is
more like science fact considering who we work with."
"You can say that again. But tell me about a good book."
"Well there was this one by John Douglas that was fascinating..."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It was getting dark and Darien was really getting worried. He hoped Bobby was on his
back trail coming to the rescue.
" We're going to have to set up for the night soon. I'll put you in place in the morning and
leave you with some food and water."
"Hey, man you're not going to just leave me out here are you?"
"That's the plan, we need enough time to pick up the ransom money and make our
get away." Earl motioned for Darien to keep walking, it was up hill and was slow going
even for him.
"But I could wander around in these woods for weeks lost." Darien pointed out.
"I'll give you a hint about which way to go, if you stick to it you'll reach civilization
in five or six days." Earl promised him.
"Five or six days, what about frost bite? Bears?" Darien was worried, he didn't really think
Earl was planning on leaving him in the woods alone.
" This time of year the only thing you have to fear from bears is if you get in between a
mother and her cubs, and it's not anywhere near cold enough for frost bite."
Earl sounded surprised Darien didn't already know this things.
"Oh, okay what else do I need to know?"
"'I'll leave you a canteen, you can refill it from any of the streams in this area. But do it from
the moving water. "
"Yeah." Darien nodded. It seemed Earl really didn't want to kill him and leave his body
out in the woods. He just wanted him out of the way.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"It's getting dark, we need to set up camp for the night." Elly said when they reached a small
flat area. She stopped and pulled out her radio.
"Luke you there?"
"Luke come in over?" she tried again. Bobby frowned, their only link to help and he was
probably asleep.
"Luke this is Elly Red Horse you listening?" She tried one more time. " I'll give him another
try when we make camp. He might just be taking a bathroom break or something."
Elly suggested.
"Or something," Bobby guffed. He hadn't thought much of the old Ranger.
"Let go, it's about another couple of miles to a cabin we might be able to use."
Elly turned to the left slightly and head off again. Bobby followed her, pulling his
hat down as it kept creeping up leaving his ears out in the chill air.
They reached a cabin, just as the sun was setting over the trees. It was a red sunset so good
weather for the following day.
"That's nice, I hope Fawkes is alive to see it." Bobby said.
"Earl is a tough character, but he's not a killer, so long as he'd not backed into a corner."
"If you would grab some wood from the box there, I'll set up our evening meal." Elly advised.
"Sure, "Bobby lifted the lid of the box on the porch and found a selection of cut logs to choose from.
Elly opened the door and sneezed as soon as she stepped inside.
"Bless you, no one has been here recently." Bobby said from behind her, his arms full of cut wood.
"No, just put the logs on the bricks there, I'll start a fire in a few minutes."
"I think I can manage to start a fire in a fireplace, if you will allow me." Bobby smiled at her.
"Sure knock your socks off." Elly laughed, she turned towards the small wooden table and looked
for a broom she knew was stashed in the 'kitchen' area. She swept off the table with the broom,
then cleaned up the floor and emptied the dirt out to the side of the cabin. Then she unpacked
the food she'd carried in her pack all day. They had instant beef stew, just add water.
Several small cans of fruit, some dry fruit, nuts for eating on the trail. Energy bars for breakfast
the next day or lunch or both. And since her mom had just finished cutting it, a neatly wrapped
package of fresh bread four slices. She had some instant coffee for in the morning but she
wouldn't waist it now. They would have to have water for dinner, or tea, she did have a few
tea bags.
She unpacked two plates, two mugs and spoons, forks, she had only one knife. Besides her
hunting knife strapped to her side.
Bobby was busy laying a fire, he'd visited his aunt and uncle often enough to have picked up
how you made a fire in a fireplace. He had a nice blaze going before he stood up and
turned to see what Elly was up to.
"Hey, that looks nice."
"I just need to boil some water an we can eat." Elly had a small billy pot with a handle so you
could hang it over the campfire. She did that , and stepped back.
"Nice fire, "
"Thanks, I'm good at a few things." Bobby accepted her praise with a shrug.
"I'd guess you're good at more than just a few." Elly commented and moved back to the
table to put her pack out of the way.
Bobby blinked and wondered if she'd meant that they way it had sounded.
Elly had, the more time she spent with Agent Hobbes the more she wished this was for
a pleasure camping trip and not to rescue his friend. Bobby looked like the type of man
she would enjoy getting to know better. He was removing his jacket, and hat. He looked
kind of rugged wearing her brother's sweater. She liked his build, wide shoulders,
strong hands, she guessed from the amount of wood he'd carried in, there was strength
hiding under that sweater. Was it getting hot in the cabin already?
" How did you whip up this nice spread from just your backpack ?" Bobby asked moving
to stand beside the small table.
"Practice, and my mom sent along the bread she baked it this morning." Elly nodded
towards the thick cuts of homemade bread.
"My mouth is watering already."
Elly thought so is mine, but it's not because of the bread. She snuck a peek at Bobby's
backside when he moved to hand is jacket and hat on the hooks on the wall by the door.
Very nice, she swallowed a smile, so he wouldn't know she'd been checking him out.
The water was almost boiling so Elly removed it from the fire and added the stew package.
It made enough for two people. She had to stir it up good then let it sit for a few minutes.
Bobby was sitting at the table when she returned. He'd been doing a little checking out
of his own while her back was to him. But he was just looking, he wasn't about to flirt
with her under the circumstances. He liked her long hair, her figure was nice too, just the
right size in his opinion.
"This will be ready in a couple of minute go ahead and have some bread." Elly told him.
"I forgot to ask before do you want tea or water to drink?"
"Water is good, I drink a lot of water." He picked up one of the slices of bread and took a
bite, it just about melted in his mouth. "Oh, man tell your mom she's the best, this bread
is great. Oh man, I haven't had bread this good since I left New York."
"I'll tell her, she loves to feed people. You're from New York then?"
"Yeah, long time ago, been working for the Government ever since I was out of the service."
"Oh, let me guess you were a Marine right?" Elly had recognized a certain carriage she'd seen
before.
"Yeah, what gave me away?" Bobby laughed.
"Oh I don't know maybe because you never complained during our hike up here today. "
"Yeah that would only get you another five miles." Bobby chuckled.
"So Agent Hobbes," She started
"Call me Bobby, please."
"Bobby, you have a pack of kids and a wife at home?"
"Me? No, no wife, no kids." Bobby shook his head. Maybe she was interested.
"I guess you have your reasons."
" I was married, but it didn't work out." Bobby answered.
"I'm sorry. I've no room to talk, my last serious relationship ended badly. I'm pushing
thirty and still single. That's a bad sign where I come from." She dished him out a
plate full of stew. They ate in silence for a few minutes. But Bobby could never keep
quiet for long.
"What happened with your last fella, if you don't mind me asking?"
" He didn't like me being on call with my job, he wanted me to just stay home and
watch TV with him. But in a small town EMT is a twenty four hour a day job on the
days I work. It's not a nine to five kind of thing."
" I know the feeling, when your job comes between you and your significant other.
I'm kind of on call all of the time too."
"Yeah, and you risk your life everyday." Elly nodded. She hadn't considered that,
she wasn't sure she would like caring that much about a man that she could lose
at any moment.
"This stew is even good, what did you do? Add some secret spices to it?"
Bobby was trying to lighten the mood a little.
"Yeah, old family secret. It's called season salt and a little garlic." She laughed.
Bobby laughed to, and they switched topics to something less personal.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Earl had also set up camp he had a fire going, but it was outside. Darien was tied hand and foot
now and sitting on the cold ground. Earl was heating up water for coffee, he liked hot coffee to
go with his jerky and trail mix.
" Could you maybe untie me so I could eat here?" Darien asked, as nicely as he could.
"You don't need your hands free to eat jerky, this ain't the Ritz."
"That's for sure." Darien agreed. He tried to take a bite out of his jerky, but it was tough.
It wasn't called jerky for nothing.
"Here's some water, or do you want coffee?" Earl asked.
" Water is good, thanks."
Darien sat close to the fire, trying to soak up as much heat as he could, he had a feeling he
was going to be very cold soon.
Earl finished his meal, "If you have to pee, go do it now. I don't want to wake up and see
you missing. I might just shoot first and ask questions later."
"No, I took care of that before."
"Then settle in."
"Do you maybe have a blanket or something I could use?" Darien hoped he didn't have to
make do with only his jacket to sleep in.
"Oh, yeah, I guess you will need something." Earl dug in his pack for a small space blanket.
It would do.
"Thanks." Darien eyed the small package, it didn't look like much. He was sure it wouldn't
cover all of him at the same time unless he slept curled into a ball. He finished he jerky and
shook out the blanket. It was shiny silver on one side, he grinned, and plain gray on the other.
He moved to rest against a large log, and covered his shoulders, drawing up his knees.
He'd slept in worse positions. The blanket was small but it was keeping him warm.
Darien managed to fall to sleep, but he woke up every hour or so, his back was stiff from
the curled up position. But when ever he straighten out his legs they got cold.
Earl was snoring on his side of the fire. He'd added wood once during the night and gone
right back to sleep.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elly had a small sleeping bag attached to the bottom of her pack. But since they were,
tracking a potential killer, she thought it best if they took turns standing guard.
"Bobby, I was thinking, we need to keep watch tonight. I'll take the first watch, I'm sure
you're tired after your day."
"I was thinking the same thing. You sure you want to take the first watch, I can..."
Bobby offered.
"No, I'm fine, I'll wake you at midnight." She nodded. She picked her rifle up from where
it was leaning against the wall near the door. "I'm going to look around outside."
"Okay, goodnight." Bobby nodded. She'd handed him the sleeping bag and nodded
towards the rough made bed frame on the other side of the room. Bobby un rolled the
bag and removed his boots, he took of the sweater. Then paused. Should he go down
to his shorts and tee shirt, or keep on the jeans? He took of his chambray shirt, and
set it on top of the sweater. He decided, may as well be comfortable. He pulled of his
jeans, and slipped into the sleeping bag.
Elly killed almost half an hour outside, she didn't want to be there when Bobby was getting
ready for bed. She was already attracted to him, she didn't need any more ideas.
She was sure knowing he was undressing on the other side of the cabin would give her
all kinds of ideas.
Bobby was sleeping when she returned, she was quiet and took a seat near the window
so she would be in a position to keep a look out. The fire was still burning well, so she
didn't have to stoke it yet. Elly felt foolish, being attracted to Bobby after knowing him
only a few hours. She usually took much longer to decide she wanted someone.
She usually had to like them, get to know them first.
She didn't usually act on just a physical attraction. Not that she hadn't a few times, but that
had been when she was younger. She looked for substance now, character, a connection.
Elly spent four hours on watch, then she was about to go and wake Bobby, when she
heard him moving around. She glanced over towards the bed, just in time to see him
stand up to pull on his jeans. Oh baby! She was wide wake now, her heart was racing.
He hadn't even been naked, but he was build really nice, everywhere. Damn, she was
never going to get to sleep now.
Bobby heard a sharp breath coming from Elly, just when he was pulling on his jeans.
He must have surprised her, maybe he should have kept his clothes on. It was to late now.
He pulled on the shirt and sweater, carrying his boots with him.
"My turn there Elly. You get some sleep." Bobby took the rifle from her as she stood.
She locked eyes with him for a second, then lowered her head. Now was not the time
or the place for her to act on her feelings.
"Thanks." Was all she managed to say. She went to the bed and pulled off her boots and
outer flannel shirt. Then she crawled into the bed, that was still warm from his body.
Oh, God it ever smelled like him. A little bit aftershave, and a whole lot male. Elly sighed.
She rolled with her back towards him. She didn't think she would sleep at all. She was
much to turned on. But she did drift off.
Bobby stoked the fire, and returned to the seat near the window. He was worried about his
partner, but they couldn't do much until the sun came up. He tried to think back, remember
something from the file about Dawson that might help Elly find him and Darien.
He was supposed to wake her again in four hours, but he usually only slept four hours
a night so he waited till near dawn before he woke her.
"Elly, wake up. Time to get moving." Bobby touched her shoulder.
"Bobby? Um, did I over sleep? I'm sorry." She turned to look up at him.
God he was a nice site to wake up to, she liked the stubble on him it looked good.
Bobby smiled at her, she looked nice, even rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"No you didn't over sleep it's morning. I didn't need any more sleep."
"I'll put some water on for coffee." He moved towards the fireplace to let her
get herself together.
Elly blinked, and moved to sit up, she wiggled out of the sleeping bag and stretched.
Then she stuffed it back into the sac, and put on her boots. She needed to visit the
outhouse, she needed to brush her teeth.
"I'll be back in a few minutes? Have you looked around outside yet this morning?"
"Yeah, a little while ago." Bobby nodded.
The water was ready when she returned, he handed her a hot mug of instant coffee.
"Thanks, you're handy in the kitchen too." She said then wished she hadn't.
"I can cook, you should taste my Calzone, they are to die for." Bobby joked.
Elly just smiled and sipped her coffee, she had a few things to add put was trying
very hard to behave.
Bobby looked out the window, " Do you think we will catch up with them today?"
"Yeah, we should."
"What did you mean before, I'm handy in the kitchen too? As in also, what was the
first thing?" Bobby was puzzled.
Elly paled for the moment, she couldn't tell him what she'd meant. She'd meant he was
really attractive, and he could be useful in the kitchen as well. That was a plus.
"Ah, you made a good fire yesterday, and now your making coffee..."
"Oh, right." Bobby nodded. He'd already forgotten that.
Whew, Elly thought, it was bad enough she was attracted to him, she didn't need
him knowing she was. At least not just yet.
"Here have an energy bar, the don't taste to bad." She handed him one of the bars
from her pack.
"Thanks," Bobby chewed in silence. He was deep in thought when she went to put
out the fire and grabbed her pack to leave.
"I'm ready, are you?"
"Yeah, sure." Bobby grabbed his hat and pulled on his jacket. "Let's hit the trail."
He checked his side arm to make sure it was secure in the holster.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Claire and Eberts had reached the Park just as it was closing for the night. But the local
police was expecting them. One of the radio operators offered to take Claire home with
her for the night. Eberts however was only offered a cot at the station.
He'd slept fitfully, but he was up and drinking coffee by the time Claire arrived back at
the station.
"Eberts, any news?" Claire asked, she looked a bit frazzled.
"No, I'm afraid not. But they have offered to take us up to the ranger station that is
closest to the area Darien went missing in. Are you alright?" Eberts was concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine, Miss Hendricks has several children and they just love when company
comes to visit." Claire rolled her eyes. She prayed they found Darien soon. She hated
to think she would have to spend another night at the Hendricks house.
"Would you like some coffee?" Eberts asked, he was ever mindful of other peoples needs.
"Yes, please. just show me where." Claire followed him to the back break room and the
coffee urn.
"Ah, that's good, it's awful but it's caffeine. Thank you Eberts, you are a life saver."
Claire loved her morning coffee, and her hostess didn't believe in stimulants, no caffeine
no sugar, no alcohol.
Eberts was dressed for the woods, Claire just now noticed he wasn't wearing his usual suit.
He looked nice, kind of more human more like one of the guys.
" Officer Wilkins, this is Dr. Keeply she needs to be as close as we can get her to Agent
Fawkes's last know location. He has a serious medical condition that requires he have
medication at regular intervals." Eberts introduced Claire to the man in charge of their
case.
"Hello Dr. I'll be ready to move out in a few minutes, have to wait for the Chief to clear
my proposed course of action." The tall blonde officer nodded to her and removed his hat.
"Nice to meet you, we will be ready when you are." Claire smiled at him .
end part two