Page 2 of Should I Fall
“Dash?”
“He’s the one who mans the lookout tower during the fire season. He’s a former smokejumper. He’ll be your guide once the helicopter drops you off.”
I return the other flyers to their former homes, already decided that this is the one I want. I couldn’t get much more mountain fresh air than from a place literally posted in the middle of the mountains, far away from any signs of civilization.
“Are there any tours tomorrow?”
“As a matter of fact, there are,” Winnie says, returning to her station behind the front check-in counter. “And I happen to know there’s one spot left open. It’s yours if you want it.”
I glance at the staircase leading the second floor, where an entire bridal party is staying. I feel a twinge of guilt, both for leaving my sister behind and also for not asking any of the other women if they want to join me. But selfishly, I don’t want anyone to come with me. I want some time to sort out what I’m going to do with my life now that I’ve quit my job without a backup plan. The last thing I need is that information getting back to my sister.
I stare at the scenic photo on the front of the brochure. Maybe I should move into the mountains and become a forest witch.
The thought makes me laugh a little. Sadly, it’s not enough to erase the dread twisting my stomach in knots.
“I’ll take the spot,” I tell Winnie.
“Oh good! I was hoping you would. I think you’ll find this experience is just what you need.”
I snap my attention to Winne, certain I’ve misheard her. Or maybe she’s just a touch intuitive and can sense my energy is all kinds of wonky.
“Now, make sure you’re downstairs by eight-thirty tomorrow morning to catch your ride to the airstrip.”
“Airstrip?”
“Unless you wanted to hike it?”
“Just out of curiosity, how long is that hike?”
“Nine point six miles.”
“I’ll be taking that helicopter ride,” I say, letting out a laugh that loosens the knots in my stomach. I love nature, but I have my limits. I’m too out of shape for a hike like that, and there’s no crystal in my stash that could help. I’d be an easy-to-catch snack for any number of wild predators. “Probably wouldn’t do me any good if I got eaten by a bear before I made it out there.”
“Probably not,” she agrees.
“Eight-thirty?” I confirm.
“Yes,” she says, nodding as I start to walk away. “And Stormi?”
I’m halfway to the staircase, but I stop to turn around. “Yeah?”
“Don’t mind Dash. He’s rough around the edges, but his heart’s in the right place.”
Odd, but okay. I give Winne a salute of acknowledgement and head upstairs, daring to feel a shred of excitement. Maybe, just maybe, my shitty week—and shitty life—will turn around tomorrow. At the very least, I can spend the day pretending I have it all together.
Chapter Two
Dash
With folded arms, I stand a few dozen yards from the landing pad and wait for the helicopter to land. Blaze, my faithful shepherd mix pup, sits at my heel, looking up at me. I scratch him behind the ears.
This is our fifth season together at the fire lookout tower. We’re both a little melancholy that our stay is almost up. Winter will be here soon, and there’ll be no need for anyone to man the tower until spring. Though I’m looking forward to being back at my remote cabin, this is the place I feel most at home. Here, in the middle of the mountains, far away from civilization.
Here, I can hide away from the world.
Blaze starts to whine as the helicopter touches down. Even at almost nine years old, he’s as eager as a puppy. He loves visitors.
“I’m sure there’s something in that chopper for you,” I tell him.
