Chapter 7 Clearwater Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path…

They moved rapidly over the high country, crossing a lot of territory by keeping to the ridges as much as possible. Without the arduous climbing they'd become accustomed to, they were able to manage nearly a full day of hiking. The rain that had held off through the night burst forth in drenching showers, soaking their clothes and making the ground slippery with mud. Whenever possible they kept within close range of the sheltering trees, both for cover from the rain and from the chance of being seen by other hikers.

Wiping a sleeve across his forehead to push away his wet hair, Daniel glanced at Mara apologetically, pursing his lips. "Take a break?" He nodded toward a large boulder surrounded by hemlock trees.

"Good idea," she huffed, trudging wearily toward the spot and gently lowering herself to sit on the rock.

He felt her eyes follow his every move as he stopped to unclip the canteen from his belt and drank nearly half the contents. When he offered it to her she shook her head, uncapping her own to take a few small swallows. "I'm fine, thanks."

"How are the blisters?" he asked, noting how she blushed slightly before shifting her attention to her feet. Lifting her right foot she pulled off her shoe, poured out the water that had collected inside and examined that foot.

"Not as bad as they were yesterday," she judged, pulling her sock back on, then her shoe. "Antibiotic ointment is keeping them in check."

"Good," he sighed, sitting down next to her and watching her repeat the process with her other foot.

"I'm amazed I could keep up with you," she stated, glancing at him, "though you probably slowed down your normal pace on account of me."

Deciding not to comment, he gazed across the meadow. "I wish we had a topographical map to calculate the distance we've covered."

"Well my feet have sure kept track," she stated, taking another drink.

"Hopefully we'll eventually find a road to follow down—that should make the going easier."

"I hope so," she sighed, stretching her legs out to examine her mud-spattered pants. "God—I feel so muddy and gross."

He chuckled, turning his head to meet her gaze. "That makes two of us."

She reached out to touch his wrist. "Your arms look like they're almost healed."

"Yeah," he sighed, rolling his sleeves higher and turning them over for inspection. "Thanks to you."

"Except for the scars…"

He averted his attention to the threatening skies. "I've got so many others it doesn't matter anymore," he sighed.

She didn't reply, for which he was grateful. They watched a new spurt of showers slice across the meadow with sudden ferocity.

"When will it ever stop raining?" she murmured.

He studied the thick clouds wreathing the peaks above. "Storms get caught in the mountains…at least the rain keeps the mosquitos away."

"Well I'm thankful for that," she breathed, pulling her shirt away from where it clung to her chest.

At that moment he turned his head, then glanced away when he saw what she was doing. Unfortunately the sight of her figure beneath the thin wet fabric stayed with him. He cleared his throat. "Maybe we'll find some clothes lying around a camp site or swimming area."

"Steal?" she croaked, eyeing him closely after he looked back at her. "You wouldn't steal."

"Wanna bet?" he shot back, lifting his own shirt away from his chest. "I am that desperate."

"You, desperate? That's hard to picture…anyway, grab a women's 7 in boots if you spot some."

"Will do," he sighed, lifting his hand to his temple to ease his headache.

"What I wouldn't give for a hot shower right now," she stated, wringing out the long tail of her hair.

"And a hot meal," he added, getting to his feet. "Better get going—we need to keep moving."

"Let's go," she agreed, taking his hand just to get to her feet. "Thank you, sir."

"No problem."

They started off again, heading back to the crest trail. "Any idea where this leads?" she wondered.

"No telling," he replied, squinting off into the distance. "We're bound to come to a trailhead sooner or later—although without a map the trails will just be names."

Descending through the woods, they fell back into single file as the trail narrowed through a washout. Streams and pools dotted the landscape, with peaks swathed by clouds and mixed forests all around. Here they were less susceptible to being spotted, now that they kept off the open ridge.

"What I wouldn't give for a warm bed and a cup of hot chocolate," she announced.

"I'll take a cup of strong coffee instead," he agreed, glancing back at her. "How about we find a place that serves breakfast all day?"

"Then it's pancakes for me," she answered, licking her lips. "I can almost taste the memory. What's your favorite?"

"Eggs and toast—but coffee more than anything."

"Having caffeine withdrawal?" she guessed. "You look like you're in pain."

"I am—the typical withdrawal headache. I always try to quit but can't seem to stay off it."

"I'm not much of a coffee drinker...hot chocolate is another story."

"Coffee was my one luxury," he told her. "Before I was hauled in I'd just finished an extended hike to go fix some equipment up around Glacier Peak. I made sure I had two cups of campfire brewed coffee a day just to keep going."

"I can't even remember the last cup of true coffee I had," she thought. "Holscomb gave us watered down chickory blend institutional stuff, which you wouldn't want anyway."

"Then we'll have to make a coffeehouse stop a priority," he said, gazing into the distance and slowing his pace. "Wait a minute—is that what I think it is?"

She stopped at his side, shielding her eyes from the rain as she looked in the same direction. "It's a fire tower, or what used to be a fire tower?"

"That means there's gotta be a road leading to it," he said, quickening his pace.

"Wait," she gasped, pointing in the opposite direction. "I see something red down over there, like a tent or tarp—see it?"

He narrowed his gaze, staring down at the incredible sight. "You're right, unless it's a mirage."

"No, I don't think so," she said, her expression lit with joy as she started to jog down toward it. "Let's go!"

"Hold on!" he shot back, leading off back into the woods. "Better stay out of sight until we check it out. Til then we don't know what to expect."

She threw him a surprised look. "I expect to grovel and beg for a ride into the nearest town!"

"Then how are we going to explain our clothes and lack of gear—or the fact that we have no i.d.'s?"

She glanced down at her sodden, muddy appearance. "But what else can we do? We can't hike forever."

"First we go deeper into the woods toward it. If it's a campground we'll spy it out. With the rain being so heavy, people may have gone into town for the day. That'll give us the chance we need."

"Sounds like a plan," she nodded, heading into deeper cover as they continued the descent.

They hiked down another quarter hour until they saw a clearing with half a dozen tents arranged around a small pond. Peering from behind an expansive pine tree, they saw bicycles and kayaks scattered around the site. The tables were covered with plastic tablecloths to keep them dry. There was no sign of any vehicle or anyone left behind.

"Looks safe," he said quietly, moving toward the edge of the clearing where he stopped and turned to her. "I'll go check it out—wait til I signal, ok?"

Mara waited nervously, keeping watch as she huddled beneath the onslaught of yet another downpour. Squinting through the sheets of rain pelting the campsite, she saw Daniel edge toward the tent. Thunder rolled ominously down from above and he paused, glancing furtively around. Then, bending low, he ran the remainder of the way and squatted behind it. With a backward glance he waited for her nod of approval, then stretched higher to peer through the tiny window at the back of the tent. After a moment he signaled that he was going inside.

Shivering with fear, she prayed for forgiveness for what they were planning. Watching him circle to the front of the tent, she held her breath as he unzipped the screened panel and slipped inside. Exhaling in relief, she scanned the area, seeing no sign of life. Then to her surprise the rain ended as abruptly as it had begun—suddenly all was still. On high alert, she stared up the access road but saw nothing. After what seemed like an hour his head poked out and he met her gaze across the distance that separated them. Nodding at her beckoning wave, he stepped out clutching a large black plastic bag in one hand as he zipped the flap up. Then he hurried back to her side.

"Thank God," she gasped, squeezing his arm as he bent close. His breath panted against her temple as he fumbled in the bag and pulled out a dark green poncho.

"We hit the jackpot!" he croaked, handing it to her. She pulled it over her head, immediately feeling warmer. "I found one too, and a few other things..."

She watched as he pulled on a navy jacket and raised the hood over his sodden hair. He looked up, frowning at her anxious expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Let's just get out of here," she urged, rising from her haunches to head back toward the woods. It felt wrong, stealing from an innocent family out on their vacation. And she felt they were being watched.

"Alright but I got some clothes, snacks and even a small flashlight," he stated, flinging the bag over his shoulder as he passed her.

A weird caricature of Santa Claus she decided, laughing despite her fears. Partly guilty but partly thrilled, she reasoned that through no fault of their own they'd been forced to hide and steal.

"Rain's finally let up," he panted as they climbed up the trail in the brightening light. To her amazement, he was seemingly unaffected by the risks they'd taken.

Pressing deeper into the woods, she longed for rest and wondered where they might spend the night. It was too wet to make a lean-to and there probably weren't any caves nearby. Considering all this, she was distracted by sudden beams of light streaming through the trees, lighting down to the forest floor and illuminating their surroundings with an otherworldly glow. The dark woods shone like burnished bronze. It was beautiful, and she slowed her steps to take it all in.

Do not fear…I am with you.

"Mara," Daniel called, interrupting the voice in her head. She glanced up to where he stood a good 20 meters up the trail. "Look up ahead," he cried, pointing to what looked like a fork in the trail.

She hurried to catch up, and together they approached a signpost. Staring up at it, they exchanged glances of disbelief.

"Clearwater National Forest?" he marveled, his voice hoarse. "We came all that way?"

"Hot springs?" she croaked as he met her gaze and laughed, shaking his head.

"Who knew?" he said thickly, a smile lighting his mud-speckled face.

She gripped his arm with a hopeful expression. "Can we, Daniel?"

"I don't see why not," he sighed, pulling up the muddy edge of his shirt. "We'll need to clean up so we don't scare anyone."

Suddenly they heard the distant whine of an engine, as if something labored to get up the mountain.

"Music to my ears," he murmured, glancing down at her. "Civilization is nigh."

"Only 2 km to a hot bath?" she shook her head, "let's go!"

They started along the trail, descending a good 100 meters as it wound through the woods. Daniel followed close behind her, his voice quiet as they stayed on alert for signs of anyone else.

"We can wash our clothes, soak our muscles till it gets dark, then head toward the road," he outlined. "But we'll have to keep close to the woods so as not to be seen."

"No hitchhiking?"

He expelled a frustrated breath. "Not at night—it's too risky."

Disappointed, she told herself to be patient and trust him, as well as the one who had told her not to fear. It was a subtle hint of a voice, one she barely remembered hearing long ago. "What will we do first, once we get to the town?"

"Find an ATM," he said, holding her gaze as she glanced back at him. "I'll try to get some cash from my university account—hopefully it's still open."

"Won't that be traced?"

"It might, but it's worth the risk—I use that account for field work, which I would be doing right about now if I hadn't been grabbed."

"Someday I want to hear all about that," she told him.

"If it's been closed then we'll need to barter."

"With what?"

When he didn't answer she turned to face him, walking slowly backward. "Daniel?"

He pursed his lips, holding her gaze. "I took a pocket knife from the tent—a good one."

She considered this a moment, then shook her head. "I never thought I'd end up a thief."

His expression hardened. "We have to survive, Mara," he said grimly. "Sometimes it's necessary."

"Yeah, I'm just not ok with it."

"Neither am I."

They fell silent, continuing along the relatively easy trail and lost in their own thoughts. She worried about reappearing in society, even though she longed for the simple comforts of warm food and a warm place to sleep. Still, the threat remained that Holscomb had indeed reported them as escapees, in which case they might be spotted by authorities and hauled back in. Shuddering at that thought, she murmured a quick prayer that they could get away. Though she tried to set her fears aside, they would still have to be very careful not to arouse suspicion in any way.

Rounding a bend in the trail she saw a clearing open up just below them, gasping in surprise at the sight of several pools shining like mirrors beneath the clearing skies. The sun was setting, gilding their surfaces with a burnished glow. Against the surrounding darkness of the woods she could see white wisps of steam rising from their surfaces and her mood lifted considerably.

"Thank heavens!" she cried, speeding up to a jog.

"Take the last one," he called from behind as they approached the first one.

Who would be out on a night like this after all that rain? she reasoned, nevertheless heading toward the next and larger pool. Besides that, no one is even up here—at least not that she could tell.

Making a circuit halfway around the whole area she came to the last pool, dropping her bag and canteen by the rocks. Sitting down to pull off her shoes and socks, she glanced up as Daniel came to her side and stood surveying the area.

"Come on—relax," she breathed, studying his stern profile. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he studied their surroundings with a vigilant stance.

"We're good, for now," he stated, obviously judging it area safe.

She got up, threw him a saucy "I told you so" and headed toward the water. Dipping her toes in, she found it warmer than expected and breathed out a lusty sigh. Not seeming to notice, he sat down and started working on his boots, a distraction she took advantage of. Ducking behind the larger rocks, she pulled off her pants and shirt. Holding them in one hand she stepped into the water wearing only her underwear. Testing her footing, she waded in, praying he wasn't watching.

Lowering herself into the water, she sighed with pleasure at the wonderful warmth and invigorating feeling, going further in until it was shoulder deep. Scooping up sand and silt from the bottom, she rubbed her soiled clothes together to wash them. Watching Daniel approach the far edge, she couldn't help watching as he pulled off his shirt. Oblivious to her stare, he bent down and washed it in the same manner, then spread it out on the rocks. Before he looked up she rinsed her clothes and turned to do the same thing. But when she turned back he reached up to unfasten his pants.

Quickly turning her back, she scooped up more sand and scrubbed the skin beneath her bra and panties as he continued to splash and scrub what must be his pants. She kept seeing that muscular in her mind, now very much healed—and it affected her more than she wanted to admit.

Hearing a loud splash she swished the sand from inside her clothes, looking over her shoulder to watch him stroke through the water, cutting a graceful line around the perimeter. Unable to take her eyes off him, she tilted her head and started working on her hair. When he dove beneath the surface she rinsed her hair, smoothing it back off her forehead when suddenly he shot up out of the water right next to her.

Gasping in surprise, she covered her mouth with one hand, glancing around to be sure no one was about. Up close and bare-chested, he dwarfed her in size. His unexpected smile made her heart skip a beat, and she looked away when she felt a blush creeping up her neck despite telling herself to stop overreacting.

"Nice, huh?" he croaked, his voice hoarse as he wiped drops of water from his eyes and glanced around. Steam puffed off his shoulders and upper arms, evaporating above their heads in the darkening twilight.

What's with you, Mara? This is Daniel, not some drunken brute…

"It's wonderful," she sighed, unable to help the quick appreciative glance she threw him before he glanced away.

Ducking his head beneath the water, he scrubbed his scalp and rinsed as she had, then backed up toward the edge of the pool as she followed. He leaned back, resting his arms along the rocky ledge. Leaning her head back, she half faced him as the water gently bubbled between and against them. Bobbing gently with the rhythm of the tiny current, they looked up at the dark blue-violet sky.

"Feels good, soaking all the sore muscles we've earned," he said with a sigh, closing his eyes.

She moved closer to study his profile. "You ever do this before?"

"Never," he admitted, turning to meet her gaze. "How about you?"

She shook her head, hugging herself beneath the surface. His eyes shifted to the place where the water touched her chest, then he gazed up at the sky once again.

Crickets chirped in the woods and an occasional bird flew overhead to settle for the night. Ghostly fingers of steam reached toward the sky, disappearing above their heads. She felt suddenly completely alone with him, still a little unsettled despite the fact that they were comfortable enough with each other by now. So far she'd trusted him and he'd been worthy of her trust. But she worried about the feelings growing inside her that were completely out of proportion to her knowledge of him. She remembered how it felt to sleep cuddled up against his side, and the strength of his arm beneath her head. It had been so long since she'd been touched in a protective and unthreatening way that she now craved more. People often felt this way, she knew, simply because they'd faced a dangerous situation together. The closeness she felt with him had been born of the need to escape and survive, nothing more.

"Feeling better?" he asked, his voice husky in the stillness of the night.

Shaken from her thoughts, she glanced over to find him watching her. How long had she been lost in thought, unaware of his eyes upon her? Even now his gaze was like a physical touch, tentative, waiting. But for what?

"Yes, it's so warm and soothing...and it feels wonderful to be clean again." He closed his eyes, making her nearly sigh in relief.

"I could soak in here for hours," he breathed. "Though it's not really a luxury we can afford."

Despite his words neither of them moved. Once again they heard the drone of an engine climbing the mountain, though it sounded farther away.

"You're right," she sighed, pulling away from the wall. "We'd better go."

"I didn't mean right now," he interrupted, stopping her. She turned to look questioningly at him. "It's probably around 8—too early to head down to the road."

She glanced toward the rocks. "So what do we do—check what's in that bag of yours?"

"We could," he breathed, instead choosing to push off the wall and start another lap around the pool.

She rested back again, watching him swim expertly through the water with a crawl stroke, something she'd never been able to master. She could barely tread water, let alone swim like that.

When he came back toward her he was out of breath and moved closer. "It feels good to work the upper body for a change."

She nodded, risking another glance at those powerful upper arms. "You swim well, Daniel," she told him, picking a leaf off the surface of the water. "…I don't think I ever thanked you enough for getting us out of that waterfall."

He studied her expression and nodded once, his eyes dark in the twilight. "You know, I could teach you…"

She nodded. "Someday…once we're settled."

"How about now?"

She stared at him a moment. "Now? I thought you wanted to get going."

He shrugged. "We have some time…just the basics."

She glanced around. "Ok, if you think it's safe."

"I do," he said quietly, a waiting expression on his face.

"You're serious!" she marveled, laughing at the changing moods he tended to have.

He held out his hand. "I promise to I go easy on you, and I have taught swimming in the past."

She shrugged, placing her hand in his. "Sure, why not? What do I do?"

He tugged her into the deeper water, facing her all the time. "Hold onto my shoulders…the first thing you need to do is learn how to float."

"I'm not the best student, I have to warn you," she admitted, placing her hands on his shoulders. Beneath the water she felt his hands rest at her waist, making her heart quicken.

"Just stretch back into the water, as if you were going to lie down," he lectured. "Relax, I've got you."

She tried, leaning back and lifting her legs when she felt his arm slide beneath her knees. Tightening her grip on his shoulder, she stiffened but he moved closer and shifted one arm beneath her shoulders. She curled her arm around his waist, the other hand gripping his forearm. Slowly guiding her into the deeper water, he smiled down at her.

"Now extend your left arm out in a slow stroke," he ordered gently as she forced herself to let go of his arm.

"That's it, but try to relax," he coaxed, supporting her as she floated just beneath the surface. Turning with her in a wide circle, he swirled her through the water.

She rested her head back, half floating through the water. "I feel like we're waltzing."

"Good analogy," he said gently, watching her closely. "Now I'm gonna take my arm away—"

"No!" she pleaded, righting herself and touching the bottom. She looked up with a gasp. "I'm sorry—I don't know why I did that."

He nodded. "That's just fear…let's try again."

Curling her arm around his shoulder, she lay back and tried not to think of their closeness. Concentrate on the lesson, not him!

"You're a natural, you know," he stated, guiding her around the pool once again. "If you stay relaxed and keep your head back you'll float—spread your arms and legs more."

She obeyed, eyeing the starry skies above. A deep peace rose up inside her, and when he took his arm away she tried not to panic. Floating on the surface, she smiled in triumph. "You did it—I'm floating!"

"No you did it. Keep it up—slow scissor kick and wide strokes," he said her, watching her position. "That's it…good."

Finally he stepped closer, clasping her waist with both hands. "Now turn on your side—keep stroking."

Feeling herself start to sink she lay back and tried to relax. He lifted her higher in the water. "Lower your chin a little…left arm stroke down, right arm stroke horizontally. Now kick your legs like a frog."

It was challenging, coordinating the different kick and strokes but he advised and demonstrated himself until she began to get it. Excited, she watched him closely as he swam facing her to demonstrate. After many turns around the pool he declared her competent and took off, shooting ahead as she swam along the perimeter. There he turned to face her, applauding when she reached him and took a breather.

"Excellent," he breathed, hands on his hips. "You've got it now. Practice and you'll get stronger."

Finally they pulled themselves from the water and headed back toward the rocks. Grabbing up her clothes and shoes, she carried them to the place where he'd left the plastic bag. Following close behind, she tried not to stare at his back where scars crisscrossed in lines over his shoulders and mid back, visible even in the poor light of the moon.

He stopped to bend over the bag, rummaging through its contents. "We have dry clothes!" he announced, holding up a pair of black leggings and a huge grey sweatshirt.

Hugging herself in the considerably cooler air, she reached out to grab them, pulling the sweatshirt over her wet underwear. It was probably a men's large, for it fell halfway to her knees. "Perfect!" she chuckled, watching him step into a pair of navy sweatpants. Picking up the leggings, she sat down to pull them on beneath the huge sweatshirt, watching him maneuver the long sleeved black shirt over his wet hair.

"What else you have in that bag, Santa?" she joked, watching him dig through it again. A pair of dark socks came sailing toward her, which she caught and pulled on. He sat down and did the same, and they were ready to go in a few minutes. Stuffing their wet clothes into her waterproof bag, she laced it over her shoulders as he hoisted the bag over his left shoulder.

"All set?" he breathed, watching until she nodded before setting back out along the trail back.

"Thanks for the lessons," she told him. "But I'll need more just to keep up with you."

He glanced back over one shoulder. "It's not for competition," he stated grimly, his mood somber again. "It's for survival."

She considered this a moment, then quickened her pace to draw closer to him. "I won't be strong enough to survive, will I?" she worried.

He frowned, pursing his lips. "Not if I have anything to do with it...let's stay quiet til we get into town."