Page 40 of Capture the Moment

Outside, the storm intensified, lightning flashing across the sky. Wade cursed under his breath, feeling the pressure mounting. He could feel himself tighten up, and he rocked his head from side to side, shook his hands out. Something about how this hunt was unfolding made him jittery. His nerves felt all twisted up, like he was fearful. He had never before been fearful.

If only he had Whisper. Everything would be alright if he could just get his trusty bow back in his possession.

Then he reminded himself who he was—Wade Schmidt, master hunter. He wasn’t one to let anything get in the way of a hunt, especially this hunt. Not even his missing bow.

Eleven

In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments—there are consequences.

—Robert G. Ingersoll, philosopher

Coop was lucky enough to get the last trip across Jenny Lake on the shuttle boat. An eerie stillness hung over the lake. There was a long line of people who wanted a return trip, and he was pretty sure the boat wasn’t coming back for him, at least not until the storm passed. He bolted up the narrow trail that led to Hidden Falls. No other hikers crossed his path, no birdsong filled the air. Every living creature seemed to realize a storm was heading in ... except for Kate.

Minutes felt like hours before he thought he spotted a dot of bright yellow up ahead and he quickened his pace. There she was! Blissfully unaware, standing near a cluster of rocks, framed by towering trees and a raging waterfall. He cringed. The worst place someone could be in a thunderstorm. He knew the dangers that awaited ignorant hikers—trees, rocks, and water would become conduits for deadly lightning strikes.

“Kate!” Coop’s voice was nearly drowned out by the waterfalls.“Kate!” She finally heard him as he reached her side. “We need to get out of here. Now.”

“What’s wrong?”

A burst of lightning lit the sky. Coop pointed to the ominous clouds. “That. That is on its way.” As if on cue, a thunderclap roared.

Without a word, she packed up her camera, zipped up the bag, and folded her tripod. “Let’s go.”

He grabbed her bag and took her hand to start back down the trail to the boat dock, where at least they’d have some cover with the awning.

They were drenched by the time they reached the dock. Amazingly, a towel had been left on a bench by someone. He grabbed it and handed it to Kate.

Kate dried off her face. “How did you know where I was?”

“Who else? The Grand Teton Crier.”

“Maisie.”

He nodded. “You put yourself in real danger up here.”

She looked away, as if embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”

“Why did you head up there if you knew a storm was heading in?”

“There were just a few clouds overhead when I set out. I honestly thought I had enough time to get the pictures and get back down. More than enough.” She wiped off her camera bag. “I didn’t mean to cause you concern. I was planning to head down soon.”

“Kate, you can’t be so...”

“So what?” She looked up, waiting for him to finish his thought.

“You really need to be more careful. These mountains don’t forgive mistakes.”

“I promise I’ll pay better attention to my weather app.”

“Not just that. You were hiking alone up there.”

“Not at first. Lots of hikers were heading down the hill.”

“Exactly. Heading down. Not up. You have to be more aware of your surroundings, Kate. The bears are starting to show up and they’re hungry. They’re aggressive. Especially the males. You shouldn’t hike alone. No one should. Even rangers rely on teamwork.”

“Noted.” She had a sheepish look on her face. “I really am sorry. I feel so ... dazzled by this park. Just when I think I couldn’t get a better photograph, I turn a corner and there’s an even more breathtaking view.”

“I get that.” He let out a sigh. “Do you know that bears are drawn to the color yellow?”

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