Page 102 of Enthrall Shadows
“Of all my friends,” he said. “You’re the most eccentric.”
“Me?”
He probably meant my profession.
I glanced at him. “I could say the same about you.”
“Are we more alike than we realized?” he joked.
I smiled and we fell quiet for a minute.
“This must seem easy to you,” I finally said, referring to his military background.
“The secret is to stay alert. Not let your guard down.”
I scanned the towering trees on either side, feeling uneasy for the first time since setting off.
I wasn’t sure if I should ask the next question that had been on my mind, but I couldn’t hold back. “Do you think you’ll be able to forgive her?”
He hesitated for a moment. “Maybe, when I get answers.”
“This could be cathartic.”
“Let’s pick up the pace.”
Now and again, we paused to take a drink, admiring the scenery along the way and the awe-inspiring variety of birds. The oppressive heat was bearing down on us as midday neared. Dry bracken crackled beneath our boots and the sounds of tropical birdsong accompanied us.
Occasionally we felt unnerved by rustling leaves or sudden movements in the brush as small animals scurried about.
We were also wary of coming across a mountain lion or panther. The plan was to make ourselves appear as big as possible if we saw one.
I really hoped we didn’t.
After several hours of following the uneven foliage-covered pathway, we came across a wooden hut.
I tried to hide my relief when Henry told me we could rest here. If he’d been alone, he’d probably have kept going.
But I desperately needed to pee.
After setting my kit on the front porch, I went inside, instantly hit by a musty, damp smell. I threw my sunglasses on the central wooden table, which was surrounded by rickety wooden chairs. The hut was basic and bare-boned. In the corner, I saw two wooden bunk beds with lumpy mattresses.
Other hikers had left some cans of food and a few bottles of water. Or maybe they’d been left by the park staff.
To my relief, there was an outhouse behind the hut. I used it quickly and held my breath for as long as humanly possible, sucking in air through my mouth as though it would help me deal with the pungent scent of ammonia. This might be the last time I’d get to use a toilet—even one as bad as this.
I washed my hands with a rainwater container. Roughing it was a new kind of experience. To be honest, the only person I’d do this for was Henry.
Returning to the main hut, I found him peering over the map he’d spread over the table.
“How’s our progress?” I asked.
“Making great time.”
I wondered if he was just saying that.
On the left side of the table sat a wooden box. Instinctively, Henry lifted the lid and peeked inside. His face went pale and he flipped the lid over, exposing what lay within.
I joined him. “What is it?”
