Page 45 of Property of Woods

Life really loves to kick me when I’m down.

To remind me of my place in this world.

The nurse leaves me alone for a few minutes but quickly returns to do my IV and ask more questions.

I told them I went hiking and ended up lost.Ratting out Faye would only draw more attention to me, and the last thing I need is anyone knowing I’m here.

“The sheriff is here.He’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Yeah.Sure.”The last thing I want to do is answer more questions.

A dark-haired man dressed in full uniform stands at the door of the room I’m in of the emergency room of this urgent care clinic.Devil’s Creek is so small they don’t have a proper hospital.

I can tell right away they he’s related to Low and Woods.He’s got those same dark eyes and that facial expression that says I’d burn the world down.

“Hello, Jessika.I’m Sherriff Woods, but everyone calls me Fletcher.Do you remember what the name of the trail was that you set out on?”

“Everything is so fuzzy.I’m not sure.”

“Were you hiking alone?”

“I was with my friend Gabbie.”

“What’s her last name?”

“I’m not sure.”They say if you’re going to lie, to stick as close to the truth as possible.

“Was she with you when you got lost?”

“No.We had a misunderstanding, and I told her to leave.”

“You told your ride to leave you out in the woods?”

“I know it was irresponsible.I figured she’d wait in her car and give me a minute to cool off, but then I got lost and now I’m here.”

“She’s not reported you missing.”

“Maybe she’s still waiting for me, or maybe she grew tired of waiting and figured I’d call her or someone else to pick me up.”

“Fair enough.Do you have her number?”

“I don’t.”

“How do you know this friend?”

“I don’t know her well.I’m friends with your sister.Willow.You can call her and I’m sure she can get Gabbie’s number for you.”

“My sister.Huh.You live in California.Long way to be from home with people you don’t know the phone number of.”He pulls out his cell phone and I hope it’s to call Willow.

Fletcher hangs around until Willow shows up and shoos him away, but I have an inkling this won’t be the last time I see him or that he has questions for me.

“Shit, babes.What happened to you?You look like you got into a fight with a tree and the tree won.”

“Something like that.”

If the tree is a pissed of wife named Faye.

Chapter Fourteen

---