Before reaching Boulder, the RV broke down. Days passed as their feet carried them into some woods.
The trek through the woods ended when Rath stopped. Stopping, they only detected silence. Snapping of a twig broke this silence.
"Stay here," said Rath walking towards the snapping.
"But..." came from Kate.
"Stay here," he ordered disappearing into the foliage.
Kate, not wanting to stay with Steve, followed him, plus she heard a gunshot.
Two men with rifles, actually the wearing an orange hat had double barrel shot gun and the orange vest wearer carried a deer rifle.
"It's been six days since she disappeared, Mike," said the orange hat wearer.
"We keep looking, Tom," said Mike, "until she's found or Stu calls the search off."
Something moved and Mike took a shot.
"What do you think that was?" whispered Tom.
Behind a tree with her crossbow pointing Tom and Mike, Kate watched them standing with their rifles aimed.
"Came out," shouted Mike, "If you're a friend."
With his hands up, Rath stepped from behind.
"Actually I'm not your friend," he remarked, "but I'm not here to be trouble."
"Not yet," thought Kate.
"Put your hands down," said Mike lowering his rifle, "You're not a prisoner."
"Good to know that," remarked Rath lowering his arms, "since my arms were getting tired."
"Where are you headed?"
"Boulder."
"Alone?"
"No, there are three others."
"Let's go get them."
They were heading towards the hidden Kate. Kate removed herself from the hiding spot and walked towards them. Within a few steps of each other and before Kate could greet them, back of Rath's right hand struck her right cheek. Before her fingers could touch her cheek, Rath grabbed her arms, pulled her towards him, and their lips touched.
Letting go, Rath walked past her. Touching her sore cheek, she stared at his back.
"Are you alright?" asked Mike.
"No," she answered, "surprised."
They quickened their pace to catch up with Rath. He along with Steve and Jane entered their sight.
"Understand you're from Boulder?" asked Jane.
Tipping his hat, "Yes, we are," answered Tom.
"How along will it take us to get there?" questioned Jane.
"Least a day of walking," answered Mike.
"That's why we drove," remarked Tom.
"Lets go then," said Rath walking.
"Wait," said Tom, "That way," pointing.
"Then lead away," commented Rath.
They followed Mike. Tom followed them.
"Can we see Mother Abigail?" asked Jane.
"You mean one hundred years old and still can make her own corn bread," remarked Tom.
"Yes, her."
"Impossible since she's been missing least a week," commented Tom, "Why do you think we've been out here for?"
Before an answer could be given, a jeep came in view. They piled in and had a somber ride into town. They didn't even tell Rath to stop humming.