Page 26 of Burning Escape

“I don’t either, but if we’re going out there in the backcountry, we have to prepare for the worst-case scenario, which means we have fifty miles to hike to get back to base camp if we can’t find the homestead or run into a problem there. If we can set a decent pace, I think we can do that in two days. But we’ll need sustenance.”

Right. But Tori had helped in the kitchen last night and seen their stocked shelves. “Most of the food is in glass jars or containers. But I think I saw some canned goods in the kitchen area. Mara said they ship in some things they can’t grow.”

“Find whatever you can carry easily, and hopefully we won’t even need it and can leave it with the Brinks to give back to them.”

“Sure. What are you going to do?” Tori asked him, averting her eyes when he shrugged off the flannel, leaving the tight base-layer shirt showing off his well-sculpted torso.

Okay, fine. She peeked.

Sheesh. She was bad as Gabby!

“I’ll see if I can find something we can use as a tent and get some other supplies that might come in handy. Hurry back though. Mara will be coming to make sure you’re okay.”

Better leave now and let her face cool off. Tori snuck around the back of the cabins to a side entrance of the dining hall. Someone inside sang “Amazing Grace,” the soprano voice lingering in the air.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come:

’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Wishful thinking there. Grace had never done such a thing for her. She and Orion would make it home on their own, thank you.

Tori waited until the music faded away and a door closed, then she slipped into the dark pantry area. Without any lights from the windows, she pulled a few cans from the shelves and brought them to the hallway. Beans. Those would do. She stored two cans in the cargo pockets of the trail pants she wore under her dress. She grabbed one more just in case and a small package of homemade jerky, then checked the area outside the back door. All clear. She stepped into the tree line and rounded the corner, slipping behind the next-door cabin.

“What are you doing?”

Tori gasped. Her empty hand flew to her chest, and she spotted who was lurking. “Oh my goodness, Jeremiah. You scared me.”

He came out from behind a tree, a scowl on his face as he studied her. “You’re wearing pants.”

“So what? I realize the women here don’t, but it’s common in many places.”

“Why are you wearing them under your dress?” He stepped closer.

Instead of answering, Tori lifted her chin and moved toward the cabin where she and Orion were staying. “My husband is waiting for me. I better go.”

Jeremiah was quick. He stepped up and grabbed her arm. “I asked you a question.” He looked at the can in her hand. “Are you stealing from us?”

“I needed?—”

“I think you might need a lesson in hospitality.” He dragged her a few steps farther into the trees. Away from the cabin.

Tori dug her feet in. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” She yanked but couldn’t free her arm. His viselike grip squeezed tighter. He tugged her closer to himself, grabbed both arms, and pinned her against a tree.

“What are you doing! I’m married!”

“Then your husband should keep a better eye on you.” He slapped a dirty hand over her mouth as she tried to scream. He moved in close to her face, his breath like rotten meat.

Footsteps sounded. “Tori?” Orion called.

She couldn’t see him, but if she made enough noise, maybe he’d come close enough to see Jeremiah. She thrashed, but Jeremiah pressed himself closer, squeezing her jaw closed. Rough bark dug into her back as he pressed her against the thick tree trunk.

But Tori wasnotgoing to be a victim again. She lifted her good foot and slammed it down onto Jeremiah’s foot. When he backed away enough, she kneed him in the groin and shoved with all her strength. He bowled over and growled.

Tori spun and ran as fast as she could with her limp. “Ry!” Within seconds, she broke out of the tree line and straight into Orion’s arms.

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