Page 50 of Saddles

Yep, I was very wrong.

“Just checking in. Did you have any luck tracking down her car?” He glances up when I step out, and holds out his hand, gesturing for the wet flannel.

When I give it to him, he hangs it on a high hook above the fireplace.

“No, no sign of them here. I think the winds are keeping them hunkered down like us.”

I can’t hear what the sheriff replies, but it makes Ford squeeze his eyes shut and turn away.

“Fuck off, Wade. You’re lucky that badge keeps me from beating your ass like I did when we were in high school.” His thumb digs into the furrow of his forehead.

Sounds like some of the boys never grew up.

“Everything is fine. No, it ain’t an emergency…I think?” Ford pins me with a questioning look.

All I can do is shrug and shake my head.

I’m not dying. Far from it. It’s almost like a vacation from real life.

“Okay, thanks. I’ll let her know.” He clicks off the sat phone and puts it in the charger.

“Looks like you’re stuck here until day after tomorrow. They don’t want to send out search and rescue unless it’s dire.” He runs his fingers through his hair, then stoops to pick up one of the jugs of water and fills the kettle. “Last I checked, you’re very much alive.”

I don’t think so.

Knowing I have to leave soon feels like a little piece of me may have died.

Chapter 15

Ford

It’s a little bit of a punch to the gut knowing exactly when she’s leaving.

Two days ago, I couldn’t wait for her to go.

I’m not sure what to say.

There was a moment, after I tackled her down in the snow, when I was able to forget everything.

Why did she look at me like that? As if she was fixated on my mouth?

I’m too fucking old and broken for the thoughts that went through my head.

Like how good she felt lying on top of me. And how I didn’t really want to move, but I knew that if I stayed there, I might do something I’d regret.

She doesn’t need me trying to take advantage of her during one of the hardest times in her life.

Makes me feel fucking filthy to even consider it.

“Do you think they left the cabin?” April pauses with her fork halfway to her mouth.

I swallow down the last bite of my own food before answering. “Dunno. Have you tried calling your dad’s place to see if anyone has shown up?” It does agitate me knowing those two assholes are still out there.

She drops her hand, letting the noodles slip back into the pouch. “I really am not sure if I want to call there again.” Her nose wrinkles and she leans against the wall. “I’m of the opinion that I should just jump in a plane and fly to Italy or something.”

“Ah, yea. I’ve had a few of those ‘screw it’ thoughts too.” Except mine are darker.

Her amber eyes fix on me. “Why haven’t you gotten away?”

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