Chapter 14

"I agree," Steve told her. "I think we should head back now. I'm going to go into the office and get a search party started."

"As much as I would like to be a part of that, I really do need to get back to the office this morning, but if there is anything at all I can do to help please let me know."

Looking at her he said, "I know you were planning on taking Dammit home with you, but I think she might be of help in finding him, so if you'll let me keep her I could bring her by your place this evening."

"Of course, she knows and trusts you, that's fine."

When they got back to the house Mac gave him her address so he could return Dammit to her that evening and all of the phone numbers that she could be reached at if he needed to contact her at anytime.

AJ woke to the smell of something cooking, his stomach growled at the wonderful aroma. Lena smiled to see that he was awake and brought a chipped mug full of whatever it was she had made. Handing him a tarnished, but clean looking silver spoon, she helped him sit up and then indicated that he should eat.

Although the stew could have benefited from some seasoning and salt, it was tasty and filling. Halfway through the mug, he looked up to find she was watching him. He could sense that Lena was eager for his approval and willingly gave it. "This is wonderful!" he told her.

"One der full?" she questioned.

"Good….it's good," he said and seeing the smile that came across her face he knew she understood. Again he was struck by how childlike she was in so many ways. "Who are you really my little Nymph? I bet Bud could find out who you are Lena."

Smiling at the sound of her name on his lips, she pointed to herself nodding, "Lena," she said and then pointing to him she proudly announced, "AJ!"

The thought of Bud reminded him that he had responsibilities he needed to get back to, a job and a dog that needed to be fed. AJ didn't know how long he'd been in the woods, but surely someone was missing him by now, could even be looking for him. Looking around for his clothes and not seeing them, he asked Lena, "Where are my clothes?"

She had just reached out to take the empty mug from him and was looking at it when she said, "All gone."

"Yes, I ate it all. It was very good, but I need my clothes, I have to get home."

"Home!" she said and pointed to the cave.

"I know this is your home…well not your original one I'm sure, but nonetheless your home now. However this is not my home, and I need to get back to it, and to do that I need my clothes."

"All gone," she said again.

"No that was the stew that was gone, you gave me my clothes the last time I was awake, where did you put them?"

"All gone!" Lena insisted.

AJ was becoming a bit frustrated now at not being able to make her understand. He figured he would need to get up and search for them himself. The trick was going to be how to get up and keep the bearskin in place to preserve his dignity? Trying to get his legs under him despite the pain in the leg that had been clawed, he almost passed out before he could get them curled up under him in an attempt to stand.

Seeing what he was trying to do, Lena moved to his side, but instead of trying to help him stand, she placed her hands on his shoulders holding him down. "No!" she told him.

"I need to find my clothes," he groaned in pain and frustration; as he sank back straightening his legs once again.

"ALL GONE!"

"My clothes are gone?" he questioned her finally realizing that she might not be talking about the stew after all.

Nodding her head that he finally understood, she grinned and said once again, "All gone!" while making a motion as if she were throwing them out of the cave.

To be continued...