Collision

Book One, Chapter Three

Kathleen tapped Sam on the forearm. “We’re here.”

            He opened his eyes as they drove up to the security gate to the park. Kathleen was glad he’d fallen asleep. It had given her time to be alone with her thoughts. How stupid had she been to help a fugitive? He could easily be lying to her. He could be on the run for murder or something.

            And yet, she had a feeling he was telling the truth. His story was too weird to be made up, especially on the spot.

            Besides, she’d done much crazier things than pick up an accident victim.

            She put down her window and greeted the security guard.

            “Hi, I’m Kathleen Freemont. I was told there’d be some papers waiting for me here?”

            “Yes, ma’am.” He stepped back into the guard shack and returned with a thick envelope with her name written on the front. “Here’s everything you’ll need. Have a good jump.”

            “Thank you.” She placed the envelope on the console and drove on. “Sam, would you mind opening the envelope and telling me my cabin number please?”

            “Sure.” He tore open the packet and removed a key. “Number eight.”

            She turned onto a road that a sign indicated led to the cabins. Slowing as she approached, she found number eight nestled among a thicket of pine trees.

She scrunched her face. “I don’t want to park here. Sap will get all over my car.” She looked over at Sam. “If you’re not up to walking, I can leave you here. I’ll be back as soon as I find a suitable parking spot.”

“I can walk.”

Kathleen discovered a playground not far from the cabin with a small, paved parking lot. She pulled into the lot and found a space between two minivans.

Sam said something from the seat next to her, but she didn’t focus on his words. She was staring at a little girl giggling while her mother pushed her on the swing. “I’m sorry?”

“I said this isn’t too bad—the walk back to the cabin, I mean.” He jabbed a thumb toward the row of cabins.

“Oh. Yeah…right.” She gave him a tight smile and clicked the button to open the trunk. “We should head over then.”

She got out of the car, retrieved a duffle from the trunk, made sure Sam had his backpack, and locked the car. “Ready?”

He nodded.

She cast another glance over her shoulder at the mother and child before firmly turning her head. “So, what else is in the envelope?”

“I don’t know. Not my envelope.” He handed it to her.

She opened it and looked inside. There were coupons for the café, another key to the cabin, a brochure about the park…the usual welcome packet.

“I’m sorry I’m ruining your vacation,” Sam said.

“This isn’t a vacation. Just an overnight trip. And it isn’t ruined. I’ll still make my jump time.”

“Do you do things like this often?”

“You mean, taking overnight trips or helping fugitives?” Her grin softened her tone.

“I mean things like jumping off bridges.”

“This is my first bungee jump.”

“But not your first—I don’t know—adventure.”

“First adventure with a fugitive.”

He huffed.

“All right, all right,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been tandem sky diving, took a one-day race car driving class, and tried tightrope walking. I wasn’t very good at that. I was grateful for the net that broke my fall, but I still landed funny and sprained my wrist.”

“Are you an adrenaline junkie?” he asked.

“Maybe. Or maybe I lead such a boring life, I need a dose of excitement now and then.”

“Dammit, girl! Get your nose out of a book once in a while and do something! Instead of sitting around like a slug, go clean up the kitchen!”

The slap jerked her head so forcefully that it sprained her neck.

She was five.

She shuddered.

“You’re not cold, are you?” Sam asked.

“Just a momentary bout of nerves.”

“I’ll come watch you jump, if that’ll help.”

“No, thanks,” she said, with a shake of her head. “You need to get to the medical facility as soon as possible. Hopefully, its location will be on the map inside the brochure.”

They reached Cabin 8, and Kathleen unlocked the door. She dropped her duffel onto the floor and Sam placed his backpack beside it.

Kathleen surveyed the room. The living room contained a red and blue plaid sofa with a matching chair located to the left. A maple coffee table sat in the middle of the grouping and contained an assortment of fanned outdoorsy magazines. Just beyond the tiny living room was a kitchenette with an island that served double duty as a breakfast nook. A small dining table finished filling up the room. A hallway to the right had to lead to the bedroom and bathroom. She’d check those out later.

For now, she took a seat on the sofa and opened the brochure containing the park map. She pushed the magazines aside and smoothed the map onto the coffee table as Sam settled in beside her.

“Here it is.” She pointed to the red cross on the map. “It appears to be just beyond the public restrooms.” She turned to him, took in the dark circles beneath his eyes, his pallor. “I can walk over there and see if they have a wheelchair.”

He shook his head. “Not necessary. I must look worse than I feel. I can make it all right.”

Kathleen halfway doubted that but didn’t want to be pushy. “Well, if you’re sure…I need to get to the bridge.”

“Go ahead. And good luck with the jump.”

“Thanks. I’ll leave one of the keys to the cabin here on the table. You can use it to get back in after you get patched up.”

“I appreciate that. And, don’t forget, I get your car if the bungee cord breaks.”

She smiled. “You got it.”

As Kathleen left the cabin, it struck her that she was leaving a stranger with her belongings. She had her purse, of course, so it wasn’t like he could steal her wallet and her car keys and run off. Her tablet was in the duffel, but she didn’t think that made all that much difference. She headed toward the bridge, deciding to put aside her misgivings and to continue to trust her initial instincts about him.

When Sam arrived at the medical station, he saw it was also the ranger station, visitors’ center, and vending machine hub. An elderly volunteer manned the reception desk and pleasantly inquired how she might help him.

“Could you direct me to the medical services area?”

“Of course, dear. Take the hallway right behind me. It’s the first door you come to on the right.”

He thanked her and headed down the hall.

Sam poked his head into the room marked Infirmary, and saw a rotund, red-faced man smiling as he read a Readers’ Digest. “Excuse me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Come on in.” The man put the magazine aside. “Love that ‘Humor in Uniform’ column. Was an army man myself.” He rose from behind the desk and ushered Sam into the room.

“Navy,” said Sam.

“Well, nice to meet you, Navy.” The man chuckled at his joke. “What can I do for you?”

“I took a spill from my bike and…my…um…girlfriend…insisted I come over here and get checked out.”

“Ah, it’s good to have someone worrying about you, ain’t it?” He nodded toward a cot. “Get undressed, and I’ll be back in a jiffy.” He closed the door when he left the room.

Sam moved as fast as the scrapes and soreness allowed and was all set by the time the man returned. 

“Now, let’s have a look at you.” He put on a pair of latex gloves.

“Were you a medic in the army?” Sam asked.

“Yep. I’m retired now. Do this on a volunteer basis. Gets me out of the house during the summer and early fall.” He winced. “It’s good you were wearing protective gear, but that’s still some ugly-looking road rash on your right arm. Bet it hurts like the dickens.”

“Not too awfully bad. And, yeah, the Kevlar jeans probably saved my butt—literally.”

“Yep. We’ll put this antibiotic cream and petroleum jelly on your arm and cover it with gauze. I’ll give you a little tube of each and a change of dressing to take with you. You’ll probably have to go over to the drug store and get some more to last you until this clears up.” He felt of Sam’s side. “Any tenderness here?”

“No.”

“Take some deep breaths for me.”

Sam did as instructed.

“Any pain with that?”

“No, sir.”

The medic nodded. “Good. Means you don’t have any broken ribs. Now let’s see to that place on your noggin.” He grinned. “Looks like your woman has already been working on that.”

Sam decided it was easier to give the man a simple “yeah” than to go into specifics.

After removing the bandage, cleansing the wound, and applying the antibiotic cream, the medic replaced the dressing. “The bruising on your torso and limbs will be tender for a few days. I recommend applying ice as needed. Other than that, you’re good to go. We don’t do prescriptions around here, of course, so if you feel like you need something stronger than ibuprofen, you might want to go to the clinic. Also, see your regular doctor if you get to feeling worse. Well, you know the drill.” He walked over to the door. “I’ll give you time to get dressed, and I’ll be back.”

“Thank you.” Sam held up the pants before slipping them on. The denim was torn in several places, but the lining had held up well.

The medic returned to find Sam fully dressed and holding his wallet.

“What’s the charge?” Sam asked.

“None.” The older man smiled. “Part of the park’s amenities—privately funded—a tax write-off would be my guess.”

“I really appreciate it.” Sam shook the medic’s hand and opened the door. Voices reached him from down the hall. A quick glance in the direction of the reception desk revealed a police officer looking out the window. Sam guessed he was waiting while his partner talked with the volunteer.

He ducked his head back into the room. “Do you have a bathroom I could use?”

“We’re supposed to direct folks back outside to the public johns, but you being a Navy man and all…” He jerked his head to the right. “On down the hall and around the corner.”

“Thanks.” Sam hurried toward the restroom. His only hope was that there was a window in there big enough for him to fit through.

Kathleen strode to the path near the foot of the bridge where the bungee jumpers stood in line. She took her place behind a chatty young blonde woman. Kathleen wasn’t in the mood to talk, but her reluctance didn’t hinder the blonde from prattling on.

“Have you ever done this before? I haven’t. I’m so nervous. Are you nervous? It’s kind of exciting though, right? Hey, we’ll have something to brag about when we get home, won’t we? Even if we scream our heads off all the way down, we can tell whatever story paints us in the best light. Am I right?”

“Absolutely,” Kathleen murmured, hoping the line would move quickly. She stepped away from the woman to get a better look at the person currently jumping.

“I’m afraid I’ll chicken out,” the woman said. “Are you?”

“No.”

“You must be brave.”

Kathleen merely smiled. Brave. That’s me, all right. She watched the young man on the platform execute a graceful swallow dive.

Kathleen Esmerelda, you stupid, spineless, simpering idiot! If your daddy had wanted to hit you with that glass, he would have! Now, stop your crying, wipe your nose, and clean up this mess.

“Wow! That was great, wasn’t it?” The blonde giggled. “I hope I look that cool.”

Kathleen nodded.

Probably because Kathleen wasn’t indulging her in likeminded conversation—if one could call it that—the blonde turned to the couple in front of her. “Did you guys see that? Wasn’t it incredible?”

At last, it was Kathleen’s turn. The blonde had, as it so happened, chickened out of the jump.

“Please place your purse, jewelry, phone, and anything you have in your pockets into this basket,” said a muscular man with a goatee and dreadlocks. “I’ll need the rest of your payment, and then please move over to the scales.”

Once she’d paid, weighed, and signed a waiver, the man wrote her weight on the back of her hand in red ink to let the bungee instructors know how long to make the rope. She made her way down the platform to get harnessed up.

After securing her harness, the jump master, a muscular man with a goatee and dreadlocks, wrapped her shins and ankles in a thick blue towel. Then he locked an additional harness around her ankles and attached that to the bungee cord.

“You’re about ready to go,” said the jump master. “How would you like to jump?”

“It’s my first time. What do you suggest?”

“The swallow dive. Spread your arms like you’re going to fly, keep your eyes on the horizon—don’t look down, there’ll be plenty of time for that once you’ve jumped—and leap out away from the platform. Do you want to be immersed in the water?”

“No, thanks.”

He grinned. “All right. Let’s get to it.” He helped her stand and get her toes to the edge of the platform. “You’re gonna do great.”

“My heart’s about to thump through my chest wall.”

“That’s normal. It’s the adrenaline kicking in.” He attached yet another rope to her body harness.

She felt secure but realized any number of things could go wrong. Oh, well…

“Ready for the countdown?” asked the jump master.

She nodded, keeping her eyes firmly focused on the mountains across the river from her.

 “Five…”

“Four…”

The scene drifted into her mind, and she closed her eyes, willing it away.

What the hell are you doing with a gun?

“Three…”

If you pull the trigger, you better hope I die instantly…

“Two…”

Because if I don’t, I’m gonna beat you to death!

“One…”

You sorry, ungrateful girl! You—

“Bungee!”

Kathleen dove off the platform. At first, it felt as if she were flying. Then falling…the river getting closer and closer. Her stomach took a little plunge, like riding on a roller coaster. She gasped but didn’t scream. She spread her arms even wider, embracing the air.

After a few seconds, the bungee cord tightened and slowed her descent. She laughed. The blood rushed to her head as she was jerked back up into the air. And then she was falling again…closer and closer to the water. There was another tug on the bungee cord, and then she was hanging upside down about a hundred feet over the river.

She bounced a few more times, still laughing, and noticed a yellow raft heading to her rescue.

One of the two crewmen held a pole up to her. “Grab on!”

Kathleen took hold of the pole and the crewmen pulled her in and unhooked her from the bungee cord. They helped her out of her harnesses.

“Are you all right?” one asked.

She couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m fantastic.”

It had hurt like hell, but Sam had managed to squeeze through the bathroom window. Now he was on the ground assessing the situation and deciding what to do next. He had to make it to the cabin and get his pack, but he had to avoid the police to get there.

He wasn’t sure the officers were searching for him. Kathleen hadn’t had the radio on during the drive. Maybe there was a manhunt for someone else. But he doubted it.

Kathleen. Did she turn me in? Was her helpful attitude all an act?

Sam crouched beside a Dumpster to hide from two officers who were walking back in the direction of the cabins. He could hear snatches of their conversation.

“—supposed to have done anyway? I’ve never known the chief to dispatch nearly everybody on the clock to look for someone who may or may not be even be in the area.”

“Far as I could tell, the guy stole some documents from the government.” The officer chuckled. “Hope it was my mortgage and that he shredded the thing.”

“Yeah…”

So it is me they’re looking for. Had Kathleen called the cops as soon as she’d left him? Or had Amun-Ra found him some other way?

He stepped quietly from behind the Dumpster, checked to make sure no policemen were around, and hurried into the woods. The dense foliage would make it easier for him to evade the officers while he worked his way around to the back of the cabins. Hopefully, by then, they’d have left to search another area, and he could grab his pack and disappear.

Hathor ground her teeth as she held her cell phone away from her ear. Amun-Ra was in a rage.

“Atum is at a national park about fifty-two miles from where he crashed,” he yelled.

“But how—”

“Never mind that. Just get there. It’s Evergreen National Park. How close to there are you now?”

“Um…pretty close. We should arrive at the park in a few minutes.” She didn’t mention that she and Montu had stopped for lunch after giving up on finding Atum today. Not that she could see what the big deal was. Khonsu could replicate the research. And after what had happened to Sekhmet and the other two victims, she was inclined to agree with Atum that the project might need some serious tweaks.

Sekhmet had been such a sweet girl…still in college, with a ready smile and gentle nature. And she loved the animals—even that snake. Who knew why it had gone rogue?

“Police are already on site. They’ll pick him up and then hold him until you guys arrive,” Amun-Ra was saying. “Tell them nothing. This is an internal matter, and we’ll deal with it ourselves.”

“Is that what you want us to tell them?”

He huffed. “What did I just say? Don’t tell them anything!”

“Of course. Yes, sir.”

Amun-Ra ended the call. Hathor put her phone back into her pocket and turned to Montu. “Atum’s in Evergreen National Park. We need to get there as quickly as possible.”