Page 7 of Shelter for the Mountain Man
She shrugs. “They aren’t too wilderness savvy. They may not bother to look.”
“They were headed up the mountain. Do you have an idea where they were headed?”
“There’s an abandoned gold mine about three miles northeast of here. The sheriff inspected it and there were signs of recent activity. Like someone is storing things there then moving them out. You said you thought you saw drugs. Could be they store them at the mine then move it in batches. That would make sense.
“I started hearing the ATV randomly last spring. But I come and go a lot during summer, getting more supplies, helping Mom in the shop, and they could have been here more than I thought. Now that winter is settling in, I stay put. With all my animals, I can’t get stuck in town. I thought I heard them about three weeks ago but couldn’t find them.”
“Do you think they left the mountain?”
“They were headed toward the mine.” She looks into her cup before meeting my gaze. “Like I said, they aren’t too savvy. They probably didn’t realize how the storm was trending and got snowed in at the mine. Good luck if they tried to make it down the mountain in the snow.”
“What if they show up here?”
“I’ll deal with them. I’ve lived here my whole life. Survived twenty-four winters and more wildlife than I care to mention. Nature has a way of working things out. I feel safer here than I do in town. If they show up, I know what to do. When we get reception, I’ll call the sheriff and let him know what happened and that we saw them.”
There is something damn sexy about her confidence and the fact she’s wearing conceal and carry cargo pants. I’m pretty sure there’s a knife in her seam pocket and a weapon at her back waist.
“How’s your head,” she changes the subject.
“I’m feeling it, but I’ve had worse. Still a little hungry.”
“Theres more biscuits. I’ll get you another plate with some cheese, too.”
I’m half way through the plate she fixed me before glancing up. “How about you? You always live here?”
She studies her mug. “I tried doing the town thing. Well, I went to high school in town. Mom home schooled me until I was fourteen. Then she said I needed more than she could give me.
“I didn’t fit in. I didn’t understand their immaturity, the way they talked. Saying one thing and meaning something else. Mom insisted I needed a diploma, so I stuck it out. I like learning stuff and going to town to see different things. But… I’m plain. I do things simple.” She nods at my plate. “Like the biscuits. Homemade taste so much better than those tube things. I like my animals and the sounds of the mountain. Life here is simple, honest. You don’t have to worry about people lying to you.”
Hurting you, is the part she leaves off. But I see it in her eyes.
CHAPTER 4
Fawn
I don’t talk about those years. I don’t think about those years. So why am I chattering like a chipmunk?
Pushing to my feet, I check my satellite phone again. Still nothing. Grabbing his plate, I cross to the sink. “I need to check and feed the animals. Do you want to go back to bed or stretch out on the couch?”
“Couch if I won’t be in the way.”
“That’s fine.”
“I’ll hit the bathroom first.”
Stoking the fire, I add an extra log. Once he’s settled, I get him a blanket and water to drink. “Want a book to read?”
“Sure.”
I read off some titles and he chooses one. “I might be a while. I know you’re used to having a weapon, but it’s not safe with a concussion. I’m leaving Brownie to guard you. Marble will be with me. If anyone comes to the yard, he’ll let me know and we’ll get back to you.”
He nods. Brownie has her head on the couch and he’s mindlessly scratching her ear. Book on his chest, his eyes are already drifting shut. He needs rest.
After restocking the feed and water for the sheep and goats, I secure them in the pens where they can access shelter if they need to, I collect the eggs from the chickens and put the basket on the porch. Marble makes a sweep of the yard while I secure a snow rope just in case. Right now, I can still see the house thru the falling snow, but Mom and I learned to be cautious over the years. Next, I make sure the two outside fire boxes at the ends of the porch are full.
Marble’s demeanor after making his rounds assures me there’s no imminent threats. If those fools did go to the mine, they might have made it out if they started their return right away. But if they thought they could wait it out they’re stuck. If they were foolish enough to try navigating the storm on that ATV, they’re probably dead. Time will tell.
I don’t have any experience with a concussion, but Spade seems to be okay. He’s not experiencing any of the dangerous symptoms the book lists. He said he’s had one before and he doesn’t act worried. Sleep and food are probably the best medicine. With these conditions, it’s all I can do anyway.
