Tex hugged Katherine again, saying, "The trip was still worth a whupping."
But once my brother stood and faced me, I realized that I could actually hurt the boy. I felt ill and snarled, "Hell, yeah, you're getting a whupping! But we best go call Katherine's parents and explain where she really is. I need to call April too. There is a phone back at the main office."
Both teens looked at me uncertainly. "Get your asses in gear," I barked. "This is what we are doing now. Phone calls. Move."
Tex offered Katherine his hand and gently pulled her to her feet. Tears ran down her face.
We walked through the woods in silence. Occasionally, I would blast them with rhetorical questions like "What in God's name would possess you to do something so stupid?" or "Did you really think you'd get away with this crazy plan?"
Once we arrived at the office, the older lady said cheerfully, "Oh good, you found them!"
"Yes, ma'am. Oh, Tex, that reminds me…did you get married?" I said so sarcastically that his ears and face turned red again.
"No, Mason. …Sorry that I lied to you, ma'am."
"Yes, well…" her voice trailed off.
"Could we use your phone, ma'am?" I asked.
"Certainly. There is one in that sitting area for guests."
"Great. Thanks again."
We walked over to a couch and two chairs arranged like a living room. As we approached, Katherine made a strange gasping sound.
"I can't. I can't call," she said anxiously.
"You have to," I said firmly. Then I sighed, "Listen, they're going to be pissed. But, think of it this way: They'll be more pissed if I drag you home and announce what happened."
Katherine blanched. Her normally pale skin looked nearly translucent, particularly against her blackish hair and green eyes.
"You could start with, 'Mom, Dad, I am safe. I am sorry I lied to you. I know there will be consequences for my actions and I accept whatever you think is fair.' Got it?" I said.
"Yes," she whispered. "Thanks, Mason."
The she reached for the phone and dialed. I pulled Tex out of the area to give her some privacy.
"Mason…," my brother said softly.
"Yeah?"
"I am safe. I am sorry I lied to you. I know there will be a consequence for my actions and I accept whatever you think is fair."
He smiled at me in a way that he clearly hoped was charming. I glared more fiercely.
"Fine," I said, and reached for my belt buckle.
"Just kidding! Just kidding, Mace! Don't whup me here," Tex implored.
"Then don't be a smartass, smartass."
"Alright. Geez."
Katherine walked back over, wiping tears off her checks. "Dad says I am to ride home with you and we will get the car tomorrow. He said to thank you, too, for him. So, thank you."
I nodded, but said nothing. Then I went back to the phone and called April. She picked up our house phone on the first ring. She listened, offered a few words of encouragement, and promised to have a delicious meal ready. God, I loved her.
The three of us walked back to the campsite in silence.
"Katherine," I said firmly. "Start breaking down the equipment and packing up. We'll be back shortly."
"But," Tex said, "I would like to help her. She shouldn't have to do it alone."
"Your choice," I replied. "But in 5 minutes time, this belt is coming off and I will be lighting your behind on fire. I don't care where we are. So you pick: here...in front of Katherine, the shower house near the office, or deeper in the woods."