When I stepped out into the sunlight from Cole Collins' office, I had only two things on my mind: getting to Keystone State Park and murdering Tex. I ran all the way back to the truck and flew out of the A&P parking lot. I drove for ten minutes in a blind rage. My shoulders and chest were tight, and I rubbed my jaw trying to massage away the pain as I tried to stop grinding my teeth.
By then it was 5:15 pm, and I kept calculating what time I should arrive. I estimated I'd be to the park by 5:45 pm and ringing Tex's neck by 6 o'clock. The speedometer inched upwards, and I reminded myself that getting a ticket would not improve this situation. The radio played and fresh air flooded the car from the open window. Large ranches stretched across the landscape and I watched a few tumbleweeds rolling.
By the time I began to see signs for Keystone State Park, I was surprisingly calm, or maybe numb, but I had no idea what I would say or do when I found my brother. I parked the truck near the campsite office and walked inside.
"Good evening," said an older woman. "Do you have a reservation with us?"
"No, ma'am. But my brother does, or maybe his girlfriend does, and I need to find him. Can you help me please?"
"Sure, I will try. What is his name or hers?"
"His is Texas McCormick and hers is Katherine McCreevy."
"Oh, the newlyweds!" she gushed. "Yes, they're at campsite 11. Around the lake. They needed some privacy," she smiled and winked at me.
After my initial shock subsided, I snapped, "They're both 17. They are not married."
"Oh, my goodness. ...I am so sorry for the confusion." After a moment, she added, "Here is a map. Take this path to get to their campsite."
"Thank you," I said, hurrying out the door.
I followed the map down a pretty wooded path. Birds sang and twittered around me. Insects zoomed around, buzzing around the blossoms. It really was a beautiful setting. April would love it.
Oh shit, I thought. April and I had a date. She'd be at the house now, wondering what was going on. I knew she'd forgive me as soon as I explained what happened. But I made a promise to call her as soon as possible.
The lake loomed large as I walked out of the woods. Light dappled the surface of the water and small rowboats with fisherman drifted in the gentle current. I made my way around the lake. As I reentered the forest, still following the path, I saw a small sign with the number 11 tacked to a tree.
Once I entered the campsite, I could see a simple tent pitched, a fire pit with logs in it but no fire, and a couple folding chairs set-up there. I couldn't see Tex or Katherine, so I walked toward the water, wondering if they were fishing.
There they sat, on the narrow beach, watching the water and talking. Tex's arm was draped over Katherine's shoulder. Her head rested on his shoulder. Her long dark hair and his golden hair glittered in the sun. If I had come across this scene at any other time, I would have wanted to photograph it.
However, ferocious rage took hold of me seconds later. I stomped towards them, although the soft ground made my approach quiet. When I stepped into their view, the change in them both was instantaneous. Katherine paled and Tex flushed, his ears and cheeks suddenly a deep red. I began pacing before them, which only intensified their reactions.
"How dare you!' I shouted. "Lied! Bold-face lies!" My mind seemed to be unable to string a coherent sentence together. "Of all the nonsense you have pulled—! Unbelievable! God dammit, Texas!"
I continued pacing, but closed my eyes and tried to collect my thoughts. When I looked over at them, Tex was trembling slightly and Katherine appeared to be close to tears.
"Kat," Tex said, softly. "It's gonna be ok—"
"No, it's not!" I yelled.
My brother started again, ignoring my outburst. "I mean, you don't need to be afraid—"
"YES, SHE DOES!" I countered. "You BOTH DAMN-WELL better be afraid!"
Tex turned back to me and slowly stood. Quietly, he said, "Mason. I know you're mad and worried. But Katherine has no reason to be afraid of you. I know I have to face my punishment. But I am trying to tell Katherine that you are not a threat to her."
His quiet tone helped me to settle.
"Yes, Katherine, you don't need to worry about me punishing you. That is your parents' job, obviously. I am very angry with both of you, but only Tex is in immediate danger."
Tex, who had been making eye contact with me, nodded and dropped his gaze to the ground. Then he bent down, hugged his now crying girlfriend, and whispered, "I need to take a walk with Mason. We'll be back in a bit. It'll be okay."