Many thanks, once more, for the encouraging reviews. :)

Alaidh continues to be a Most Amazing Beta, despite some hurdles with her computer. I couldn't get this right without you, dear heart.

And finally, for sharing in the joy of the 'Dark Angel' universe, this is for you, guys. You know who you are… ;)

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"Worlds can be found by a child and an adult bending down and looking together under the grass stems or at the skittering crabs in a tidal pool."
- Mary Catherine Bateson

Chapter Six

5:21 PM
Olympic National Park, Lena Creek Campsite

Trip coordinator Caitlin Johnston of the Girl Scouts of America, Totem Council, Seattle, Washington, regarded the new additions to Lena Creek with curiosity as she stirred the pot of Sloppy Joes with her co-leader, Suzy Navarro. They had a group of nine Studio 2B girls with them, ranging from age twelve through seventeen, and it had been a very long and exciting day of hiking and watching for wildlife with Melanie, one of the park rangers.

Both women were tired. Caitlin and Suzy had met while volunteering at the local gym and each considered the other her sister. Caitlin was in her early forties, happily married with two children. Her son was staying with friends and would probably be playing basketball most of the time. Suzy was younger than Caitlin and her three daughters weren't old enough to be part of the Girl Scouts. They were staying with their grandparents.

Their husbands, Mark and Tony, respectively, were still at the shore of the river, swearing up and down that they'd catch some fish for dinner. Caitlin had nodded at this announcement, looked at Suzy, then, with Suzy's help, had started getting the Sloppy Joes ready. Fish tomorrow, maybe…

When the dusty grey-blue vehicle had pulled in, they had commented on the design, a rather boxy and improbable looking thing, but were amazed when a young woman emerged and started turning it into a camper.

"Clever," Caitlin had said.

"Neat," Suzy had added.

Now a wheelchair came into sight from the driver's side and a man transferred into it, looking determined. It was obvious he was searching for firewood. They exchanged glances and raised eyebrows. A few of the older girls, including Caitlin's seventeen-year-old daughter, Carrie, were getting the younger ones organized with washable plastic plates and metal utensils and handing out bottles of water. Carrie then joined her friend, Anna, who was stirring the other pot and checking on the garlic bread. It was wrapped in foil and sitting on the grate around the pots. Soleil, perpetual lollypop in place, came to stand beside them. They all noticed the wheelchair, too, and as the man moved closer to their location, the Sloppy Joes nearly burned.

"Wow," Anna whispered. The lollypop clacked against Soleil's teeth in agreement.

Even though the night was encroaching on their visibility, they had the help of the fires to see that the man in the chair was absolutely gorgeous. Carrie tried not to stare and hid behind her long, dark hair when he looked in their direction. His light brown hair was stylishly messy and he was clean-shaven. The firm set of his square jaw and the bright eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses completed the impact of the handsome man.

Caitlin and Suzy found themselves in a similar situation, being married but not dead, as they had said on many an occasion when a 'looker' was spotted. Fortunately, all the minders of the Sloppy Joes remembered the food in time and dinner was saved.

Caitlin straightened. "Girls! Come an' get it!" The man looked over at them and smiled slightly, a lop-sided grin, before returning to his search for dry wood. A grin that says 'Eat me!' Caitlin thought. She gave her head a shake at her own wickedness and sighed, resigned to being a girl in a woman's body. At least Mark liked her that way…

"Suzy," she said quietly so as not to be heard by their troop, who were lined up at both pots to have food ladled onto their plates, "you take over for a minute? I'm going to offer those new folks some dinner, otherwise they're likely to starve." Suzy nodded, knowing it was an appropriate thing for a Scout leader to do and wishing she'd thought of it first.

Caitlin ran her fingers quickly through her short brown hair, straightened her shirt and walked towards the man in a manner she hoped he'd take as friendly.

He did.

"Good evening," Caitlin began. Those eyes turned to her and she was granted a smile. Ah, to be younger… and single. "You're not likely to find anything to start a fire with right now, not in time to cook dinner, anyway." She gestured towards the troop, some of who were watching attentively and giggling behind their hands. "Why don't you and your friend join us? We've made plenty."

"Thanks, that's very kind of you but -"

"We'd love to," came a rich female voice. When did she get over here? Caitlin thought. She's very fast… "It's been a long drive and I'm starving." The young woman smiled winningly and Caitlin smiled back.

"Great." She held out her hand. "I'm Caitlin Johnston, that's Suzy Navarro, and this is our Girl Scout troop."

"Logan," the man said, wiping one muddy hand on his jeans and shaking hers firmly.

"Max," the young woman said, looking Caitlin in the eyes when their hands gripped. The look held a clear message: 'Mine.' As if he'd look at anyone else with you around, she thought, noting the natural beauty and perfect complexion. Caitlin returned the look with one of her own: 'Just admiring the view. Not dead yet.' A silent understanding was reached and Caitlin was able to reclaim her hand.

"We've probably got some extra plates -"

"That's okay. We brought our own." The man started wheeling back towards their SUV but became stuck due to a particularly muddy patch of ground. The young woman was quickly behind him, giving him the slightest of pushes to get him going again. She released her hold on the chair and followed him.

Caitlin returned to her troop, which was being shushed by Suzy. "We'll have guests for dinner," she announced. Several squeals went up. "Behave yourselves, girls."

Her husband, Mark, approached the campsite at this point, Tony close behind him. Mark Johnston's short salt-and-pepper hair frequently deceived the younger athletes at the gym, who foolishly thought, despite his wrestling career and muscular bulk, they could beat him at the bench press because he was over forty. His record still held. Tony Navarro was slender by contrast in a lean, wiry way, and younger by about fifteen years. Fortunately, they got along "like a house on fire", as Caitlin had put it, when their wives had first involved them with the Girl Scouts. At this moment, however, they both looked defeated. "We almost had one," Mark began.

"Ah, the fish story," Suzy said good-naturedly. The men smiled as they deposited their gear near one of the tents. "You're just in time."

"Someone could've let us know," Tony protested mildly.

"We figured Dad would smell it cooking," Carrie joked, and there was general laughter. Everyone was comfortable, happy, and content.

Mark gave his daughter a quick hug and glanced over at the new arrivals, arching an eyebrow at his wife. "I take it you've invited them over?"

"Absolutely," Caitlin said, pretending to be hurt. "As if I wouldn't extend our hospitality."

"Did they accept?"

"Yes." Suzy passed a bowl to each of the men. "They're just getting their plates."

Tony took in the figure of the young woman and smiled wolfishly. "Good." Suzy smacked his arm. After all, he mused, I'm not dead yet, either.

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Logan's hands were covered in dirt from using the wheels. He muttered to himself, his words disjointed, as he rummaged in one of the gym bags for a towel. Max had the disadvantage of understanding him, nonetheless.

"What did you want me to say?" she asked, keeping her voice pitched low so only he would hear her. Assembling their 'camper' had taken the edge off her anger and she figured right now she was calmer than Logan. "They're just being nice, and I am hungry, you know."

"Sure," he said tersely, finding the towel amongst his clothing and wiping his palms vigorously. "We've got time to mingle with Girl Scouts."

"We aren't gonna have time to play detective tonight," she added, ignoring his sarcasm. "Besides, it smells good." She grabbed two bottles of water from the first case and located plates and forks in the other gym bag. Food that didn't require being in the cooler was also there. When something clanged against the bottom of the vehicle, she took a closer look. He'd brought a frying pan and some of his cooking utensils. If that means gourmet over the campfire tomorrow, Max thought, I'd better not piss him off tonight.

"Yeah." He finished with the towel and tossed it into the back. Max caught it as it passed her. He raised an irritated eyebrow. "Keeping it as a souvenir? I'm not a rock star, you know."

"If you're planning to wheel yourself over there, you're gonna need this again."

Logan sighed and stared at his shoes. The double ties on his runners still held. He wished he could stand and start walking through the park, any direction would be fine, and put them to the test.

That wasn't going to happen.

Max took his expression to be barely restrained frustration. She couldn't blame him. Could she continue if a bullet had destroyed her ability to walk? It was a question she had considered on more than one occasion. He was a proud man, and it had taken a lot for him to ask for her help with this investigation, especially since he was deliberately putting her in danger. He knew what he was getting into, she thought. He's vulnerable out here and yet he came anyway.

Max mentally smacked herself on the forehead as the mud solution revealed itself. She quickly sorted through his clothing bag. "Here," she said, and handed him his gloves.

Logan stared at them for a moment. "Thanks," he said, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. It was as if he'd been trying to contain an explosion. Why didn't I think of the gloves?

Because you were too wrapped up in self-pity, his Inner Voice said.

Next time, I'm leaving you at home.

His Inner Voice smirked.

Logan took the gloves and pulled them on. "Ready?"

"Ready," she said, placing the towel in his lap before picking up the water, plates and forks. When he looked up at her in askance, she added, "In case you need to wipe your gloves while you're over there." He nodded, saying nothing.

They headed back towards the campfires.

Eager young faces turned to them.

"Hey," a small blonde said brightly.

"Hey," Max said in return. She guessed the girl was about twelve years old.

"I'm Janie." A girl beside her with short, dark hair gave her a not-so-subtle nudge. "And this is Katie."

"I'm Logan," he said, giving his voice some warmth despite his mood. They were just kids, enjoying the great outdoors, after all. "And this is Max."

"Hi, Max." An older girl stepped forward and offered her hand. "I'm Sydney." Max took the hand and shook it. Sydney's clothing was all black and she wore several interesting pieces of jewellery. The black eye makeup and faded black lipstick gave her a Goth quality; Max wondered idly if she had a tattoo. She decided to start a conversation. Maybe I'll have better luck with the girls than I have with Logan…

"I like your necklace," she said. Beside her, Logan was offering their plates to a girl with long brown hair, who was obviously quite smitten with him. Well I think it's obvious. I wonder if he can see it?

"Thanks." Sydney reached for the silver ankh, which she wore around her neck on a short chain. "It's Egyptian."

"The symbol of life," Max added. They shared a tentative smile of mutual appreciation. A tall woman wearing a blue tracksuit interrupted with dinner. Her brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail and there was a big smile on her face.

"Hello, Max. I'm Suzy." Max recognized the woman from the group introduction made by Caitlin earlier. She accepted her plate, now full of toasted bun with Sloppy Joe mixture and garlic bread.

"Hi. Thanks."

Suzy pointed to a small folding chair. "Have a seat."

Feeling a little awkward, Max sat in the chair. It squeaked but held. She suspected it was intended for a person even smaller than Janie.

Logan had moved closer to the fire and locked the brakes on his wheelchair. Not having a table to rest his plate on, he asked for Sloppy Joes without the bun and some garlic bread on the side. Carrie, the girl who was trying not to stare, heaped his plate in her enthusiasm to please. Max stifled a laugh as he contemplated the food, no doubt trying to figure out if he'd be able to eat it all.

General introductions were made. Logan knew he'd remember the adults, but wasn't sure he'd recollect the names of all the girls. Caitlin and Mark sat on folding chairs nearby while Suzy and Tony settled on plastic cushions, which were protected from the ground by a tarp.

"So," Mark began, taking a bite of his overflowing bun and chewing vigorously. "Where are you folks from?"

"Seattle," Logan said, removing his gloves and placing them on the towel in his lap. During the drive, he and Max had briefly discussed how much information to share should they meet anyone. They'd decided on the truth - to a point. At least, Logan thought, I thought we'd decided on that…

Yes, we left the kids with the sitter…

"Caitlin and I are from Seattle, but Suzy and Tony are from Tacoma. We just got here yesterday."

"Most of the girls are working on their Environmental Health Badge," Caitlin stated, obviously proud of her troop. "But we're also bird watching and learning about wildlife conservation and the migration pattern of the elk herds." There were smiles and nods all around. They had been looking forward to this trip since January.

"And camping skills," Suzy added. "Of course."

"Of course," Logan said, and ate a forkful of the ground beef meal. Hmm, not bad.

"Do you go camping often?" Tony asked, directing the question to include Max.

"Not as much as we'd like," Max said. She lifted her bun. "This is delicious. Thanks, again."

"No problem," Caitlin said.

There was a lull in the conversation as everyone focused on eating, save for the whispers of some of the girls. The fires crackled in the dark. They were the only light save for a lantern Suzy hung on a pole outside one of the tents. Logan could smell the kerosene from where he sat, and it triggered fond memories of camping as a kid. Another round of Sloppy Joes was offered. Most accepted, and Max, who had finished her first serving very quickly, was given two more buns despite her faint protests. The communal feeding continued. Mark silently added more wood to the fires when they started to flag.

Logan regarded the adults with caution. He figured it wouldn't be long before one of them started asking questions. It was only natural. It was something he'd do if he were in their position.

He wasn't disappointed.

Tony Navarro had never been a subtle man. His wife had admonished him on this point a number of times but he couldn't change his nature. It was just the way he was wired.

And it usually worked to his advantage at the station.

He leaned back in his chair, took a sip from his bottled water and assumed the air of someone who was just casually curious. "So, what do you do for a living?"

Logan wasn't fooled by the man's appearance. Here we go…"I'm a journalist," Logan said, and took a bite from his garlic bread so he didn't have to elaborate immediately.

"What do you write about?"

"Political commentary," Logan offered. He returned Tony's scrutiny without flinching.

"That must make things… interesting for you."

"Sometimes."

"Tony, leave him alone," Suzy said, rolling her eyes. "He's on holiday, for goodness sake. He doesn't want to talk about work."

"And what do you do?" Tony directed his intense gaze at Max, ignoring his wife's nudge.

"I'm a bike messenger," she responded politely. The man's frank appraisal of her did not go unnoticed. She was doing the same for him. He was lean and fit, almost Logan's height - if Logan were still able to stand - with the kind of face that could be charming one minute and unforgiving the next. Hope he brought enough gel to last the trip, she thought, noting his hair seemed to be locked into place. She smiled between bites. "And you're a cop," she added sweetly.

"Yes I am," he said, apparently unimpressed with her statement, but Max could read the slight narrowing of his eyes and tension in his gun arm. "Know some cops, do you?"

'Tony -"

"Well, I deal with the Sector Police in Seattle all the time," Max replied smoothly. "As a messenger, I have to go through the check points on a regular basis. Gets so you can spot one even out of uniform."

The Girl Scouts watched the exchange in mute astonishment as the conversation turned into a battle of wills. Furtive glances were given to the two leaders, who did their best to send reassuring signals in return.

"I see. Anything else you'd like to share?"

"Tony, I really think that Max -"

"You're packing and you aren't in your jurisdiction of Pierce County." At the corner of her eye she noted Mark watching silently, ready to intervene. She didn't want this to escalate, but somehow Tony had managed to get under her skin. Max sighed. "But then, you're with your wife and a group of kids, in the middle of nowhere, so I can't say I blame you."

Logan diligently finished the food on his plate, soaking the last of the sauce with his garlic bread.

"It was very kind of you to give us dinner," he said, as if none of the tension were present. "Tomorrow, I volunteer as cook for lunch, to return the favour."

Eyes Only to the rescue, Max thought.

"You cook?" Caitlin asked, grateful for a change in topic.

"Does he ever! I'd have disappeared by now if he didn't feed me those amazing meals."

"Really? That's wonderful. I wish Mark could cook." Mark made a point of standing then, on the pretence of helping ready the troop for a trip to the river. Logan guessed he'd heard this complaint before.

"You should try his Chicken Cacciatore. It's to die for."

"Oh, I'd love the recipe for that."

"And then there's the Pasta Tricolore…"

Logan smiled tightly at Max's praise. I feel like I'm trapped at one of my aunt's Tupperware parties. He shifted in is wheelchair. "It's a hobby."

"Well, that'd be fine," Suzy said, giving her husband a stern look. Tony shrugged and let it go.

Caitlin placed her utensils on her plate and stood, bending slightly to pick up the lantern. "Bring your stuff, girls. Let's do some dishes."

"I can take your plate, if you like." Logan looked up at Carrie's nervous face, flushed with embarrassment he didn't clearly understand, and wondered if he should let her or if it would be best not to impose. Am I that intimidating?

"That's okay, hun." Max took his plate and fork and smiled at the girl. "I'll go with you."

Logan looked from one to the other. "Um, thanks, Max."

"No problem, dear," she said, playing up their masquerade. Then to Logan's amazement, she leaned over and kissed him affectionately on the forehead. "Be right back," she whispered, and turned to follow most of the group down to the river.

He could still feel the warmth of her lips on his skin. It was all he could do not to touch it, to confirm it was real. He found himself alone with the two men.

"So," Mark said, gesturing with his head towards the Aztek. "Can we take a look at your beast?"

"Sure," he said and, bottle of water in his lap, he pulled on his gloves, unlocked his brakes and was able to make it to the SUV without any assistance, despite the mud. After Logan transferred to the driver's seat and turned on the headlights, Mark opened the hood to explore the design with a flashlight and Tony inquired about the unusual controls, which allowed Logan the ability to drive despite his injury.

Within fifteen minutes, they were bonding over everything from engine power to the best sources for fuel in Washington. Logan just smiled, feeling a bit nostalgic for his high school years and a flashy little red sports car he'd been given for his sixteenth birthday…

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