

The Girl on the Cliff

By

Frank Perry

Hampton Falls, New Hampshire

Books.by.frank@gmail.com

Synopsis

A young couple shared first love one summer, before leaving for different colleges. They swore enduring love, but their romance ended abruptly with a single email; neither expected to see the other again. After almost twenty years and adult responsibilities, they both retained the memory, never forgetting that magical time in their lives. Their lives had taken different paths, living far away from childhood homes. Then, through a chance encounter at a resort, they arrive at the same place and time after half a lifetime apart. They've both changed, but still feel an attraction as they had in their youth. They want to know each other again, but it could be impossible now with different circumstances and responsibilities. The situation is complex and dynamic, changing frequently, with emotional upheavals. It could just be an impossible dream.

Copyright © 2018 by Frank Perry

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to: books.by.frank@gmail.com.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to the many people who saw me through this book; to all those who provided support, talked things over, read, critiqued, offered comments, and assisted in the editing, proofreading, and design. I would especially like to thank Beverly Heinle for patiently proofing, editing, and suggesting improvements that have been invaluable. Above all, I want to thank my wife, Janet, who supported me throughout this and edited the first drafts.

I also would like to thank Rick Cesario for laboring through the earliest draft, and making invaluable suggestions. Nancy Ramos made enriching comments. Special thanks to my son, Brendan Perry, who developed the cover art.

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A Work of Fiction

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, world organizations, government agencies, regulations, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author professes no medical training related to the subject matter.

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Other books by Frank:

Recall to Arms

The Cobra Identity

Reign of Terror

Letters From the Grave

Kingfish

Sibley's Secret

The Dolos Conspiracy

The Call

Damn, it was cold. Ethan Walker rubbed the inside of his new F150 windshield, clearing a small patch on the frosted glass. He drove fast. He knew the road, and time was important -- maybe life or death important. The winters at Lake Tahoe are brutal, and someone out there might be dead or dying. He pressed the gas pedal harder. It was cold as an ISIS heart, but a dry cold, devoid of humidity. The road wasn't icy. It didn't get warm enough at this altitude for snow to melt and re-freeze this time of the year. Plows pushed the snow high on the sides and wind from the glaciers on the mountain tops kept the surface clean.

There was only one road from South Tahoe up the west side of the lake, Emerald Bay Road, and he'd driven it a thousand times. The engine wasn't warm yet and frost blocked most of his vision. Familiar tree formations and granite outcroppings provided enough visual cues to help steer. He'd rushed out of the store immediately when the call came. He just shouted at Megan to take over as he ran out after grabbing his coat. She knew why he was going. His rescue gear was always ready in the truck's tool box.

Ethan owned the South Tahoe Outfitter's Trading Post and volunteered with the Sierra Mountain Rescue Team. As an expert climber, he'd come to the high mountain region sixteen years ago as a survival instructor, and he never left. After finishing college at Sacramento State U., he couldn't find work in the Bay Area or the Sacramento Delta, so he turned his hobby into a profession. He'd only gone to college to please his parents. In fact, he didn't really look hard for a job with his new BSBA degree. Instead, he'd packed everything in a gym bag and took off in his old Jeep for the mountains, eighty miles away. He never looked back.

It was rough going at first. He'd climbed most of the challenging mountain peaks in the Sierras, but hadn't yet attempted the monster faces at Yosemite. He was just a weekend climber back then. When he got to Tahoe, he talked his way into a job at a sporting goods store as a part-time climbing instructor, paying his own way through an instructor school. He'd slept in his car for a couple weeks before sharing a small trailer with another summer resident, a kid working at one of the casinos. He was lucky to be making enough money to handle it on his own when his roommate went back to school in the fall. He'd been hired full time as a "sales associate" for the winter, making minimum wage.

Over time, he'd put his business degree to work and started his own store, based primarily on mountaineering and skiing. They both were his passions and they were popular with weekenders coming to the lake. Now, when a skier or climber was in trouble, Ethan was usually the first person called for rescue.

All he knew today, traveling north up the lake, was that someone was hurt part way down a cliff. Emerald Bay was fifteen minutes away. As he neared the site, emergency lights flashed through the tall pines on the other side of the bay. He was less than a mile away if the road was straight, but it curved inland around the bay, adding another mile.

He stopped behind a line of trucks and cars blocking the road with EMTs, the sheriff, and fire personnel all waving for him to hurry. He climbed over the edge of his truck bed, pulling gear from the tool box behind the cab, then jogged up the road to where everyone was standing, looking over the edge.

"What's going on, Bill?" Sheriff Deputy Bill Nickerson was walking quickly to meet him. It was Nickerson, Ethan's best friend, who'd called him.

"Don't know, Ethan. Some folks stopped to take pictures here at the turnout and saw someone down the cliff in some rocks and brush. Come on, I'll show you."

Several responders were looking over the guard rail, down the steep embankment. It wasn't a sheer cliff, but it was too dangerous to hike down through ice and show without special equipment. It was mostly basalt rock, crumbling in places with pine outgrowths in crevices. Some of the trees were more than a hundred feet tall, towering above the lookout. There was brush between the trees that partially blocked the view of the bay below. Wind gusts blew snow and ice through the trees, stinging exposed skin. The wind-chill was near zero.

"Here, over here, you can see better." An EMT stood about twenty feet away, calling. Ethan ran there. Seconds counted in the extreme weather. From this spot, he couldn't see much, nobody could. About fifty feet down, a pair of pink sneakers protruded from some brush with ankles exposed. That was all that showed. It seemed familiar to him. He couldn't place it, but it felt familiar.

He set his bag on the hood of the Sheriff's car and pulled on his climbing harness, handing his hundred-foot rope to a fireman. He yelled over the howling wind. "Get some men to help hold this; it'll need to handle two of us if I can't get her into a litter. He lept over the rail, carrying a second climbing harness in case a litter wouldn't work. He rappelled fast. His thick gloves protected against rope burn and cold. He couldn't feel the rope sliding through his grip in the cold. He reached her in seconds. Her calves were milky white, which didn't make sense in this weather. They should have been blue or purple, unless she was dead long before falling. He feared the worst. She wasn't moving despite all the sirens and people yelling above the storm. In most rescues where the victims were alive, they tried to move when rescuers came – showing some sign of life. This girl was frozen solid.

"Throw down a line."

Someone above yelled. "We're sending the basket. Can you get her in it or do we need to send another climber down?"

"Just send a line, no basket."

Rescuers above were talking. "Ethan, you can't haul her up with just a rope. Even if she's dead, the rope isn't right."

He looked up and grinned. "It's a mannequin. Someone's playing a joke."

A few minutes later, Ethan was back at the top and others were pulling the female store display up. It was dressed in denim jeans and a flannel shirt with sneakers and light socks, nothing appropriate for the Alpine winter. He recognized it.

Across the bay, hidden in trees, a man watched through binoculars. He chuckled at all the vehicles clogging the road. It took more than twenty people to save one dummy. The climber was probably Walker. It had to be. It was too far to see faces, but the red 4x4 pickup was his. Who's minding the store, Walker? Walker would be pissed ... good, that's good. The man saw the responders starting to leave as quickly as the sheriff released them. It was freezing cold and near blizzard conditions. His plan had worked beautifully. He'd read about it in the Tahoe Tribune tomorrow. A television van had arrived. It would be breaking news in a few hours. He was happy, despite the weather, watching everyone acting like fools.

An hour later, Walker carried loosely-coiled ropes, harnesses, and helmets through the back door of the store, dumping it all in a heap in the office. Megan sensed that he wasn't in a mood for jokes. "Hey, I listened on the scanner. Guess it was a false alarm, huh?" Megan Coolidge was his only full-time employee and a close friend.

Ethan started laying out a rope along the floor toward the front entrance for coiling. "You could say that." He wasn't talkative.

"It was a dummy?"

"Yeah, it was ours." He'd only realized it when he saw the whole figure on the cliff. "Look up in the window. See anything missing?"

She usually came into the store around noon, always rushed for time. She hadn't noticed the missing mannequin from the front window. "Oh, we got robbed!"

"Yeah, someone took her and went to a lot of trouble placing her on a cliff above the bay. Let's look around to see if anything else is gone."

Megan called the Sheriff's office to report the break-in and theft while Ethan looked around.

She was frustrated. "The sheriff's office says that if the damage is less than two thousand and nobody got hurt, we can fill out a report online. They don't come out."

He shrugged, "Yeah, it figures. It doesn't look like anything else is gone. I can't figure how they got in. The security system was on at seven when I came in and none of the doors or windows look like they were damaged. Somebody knew our codes and had a key. You sure you didn't do it?"

She smiled at this. "Sure, I snuck in here in my sleep and threw our girl off a cliff. So, can I have my raise now or you gonna force me to hurt you?"

Megan was always playful, even when he was pissed. She and Ethan had a partnership that had spanned almost ten years. He was the owner, but she'd been with him from the beginning when the store opened. She was his only employee, except for weekends and nights during peak season, when local kids came in to help with ski rentals and equipment fitting. One, Sheryl, was an older single mother who also worked as a dealer at a casino during weekday evenings. None of these part-time staff knew the access codes or had keys to the front or back doors.

Megan had first come to Tahoe from Oakland, California, on an excursion after finishing high school, as a gift from her parents. She met Ethan as a climbing instructor about the time he was planning to open his own store. They liked each other and learned trust through several elementary climbs. She discovered that she didn't like climbing all that much, but impulsively, she decided to stay at Tahoe and work with him, at first living partially with money from her parents and minimal pay when he could afford it. She had only intended to stay a season or two, thinking she'd go on to college or get married. After ten years though, those thoughts had softened: they weren't gone completely, but she wasn't actively pursuing either dream. She was almost eleven years younger than Ethan and attracted to him. In his mind, he didn't want to spoil a good working relationship through romance. He preferred outdoor girls, and Megan had given up climbing after the first lessons, preferring indoor activities in the winter. The beaches were nice at the lake in summer. She stayed in Tahoe because she liked Ethan. She had no more ambitions, just accepting life as it happened day-to-day. That was her outward rationalization. Secretly, she'd had a crush on him from the first time they'd met. He hadn't given her any sign that he was interested in her romantically, so she just accepted it, hoping it would change someday.

Ethan in turn had developed a special relationship with Megan. It wasn't amorous. It was the kind of love a brother had for a younger sister. He would protect her and do anything for her, but it never progressed further than that. It had lasted ten years and he trusted Megan completely. The store now made decent money and she could afford a modest apartment and a ten-year-old Jeep Wrangler 4 x 4. Living at Tahoe year round required this kind of vehicle.

"She wasn't thrown off, Megan. Somebody took her down the cliff and staged the whole scene. Someone was a climber; the conditions were awful. He must have gone over the edge sometime late last night. You know what the weather was like. It was probably minus-twenty and the wind was bad, so the chill was arctic. Somebody really wanted this bad."

"Why do you think, Ethan? Why go to all that trouble just to play a joke? He could have dressed her in a bikini bottom and got lots of laughs. Why risk his life and cause all the rescue people to go up there?"

"I don't know." Something was familiar about it, but it wasn't clear to him.

Erin

She was running late. Dillan had missed the bus again and she needed to get him to the high school before eight or she'd be late herself. Her boss was a tyrant ... an older woman who had personality issues.

"Dillan, hurry up."

He ran out or his bedroom a moment later, "Okay, mom, why so crabby this morning?"

"I'm not crabby; I just need to get to work. If you hadn't flunked your driving test again, you could be late on your own time." If he could drive, she could leave her car for him and take a bus to work.

"It wasn't my fault. That inspector was a nervous jerk. He said I was speeding in a twenty-five zone. Hell, everyone speeds. It's impossible to drive a car below thirty. He didn't like me anyway. I can go again in three months, and this time I'll get someone else."

"Dillan, would it kill you just to pay attention and do what's expected? Is it that hard to obey the law? You can't expect an inspector to pass you when you speed. Now, you have to pay the fee again and start over."

In California, he could take the exam three times. It was important that he passed the next time. She couldn't drive Dillan and his younger sister, Kimberly, everywhere anymore. She had a job. She hadn't worked since graduation from UC Santa Cruz eighteen years earlier. Then, with a fresh English degree, she'd lived with her parents in Auburn briefly while considering her future. She didn't search hard in the area since her fiancé, Chris Chatsworth, had graduated two years earlier and had a sales job in Los Angeles. After months of driving back and forth to Southern California, she'd gotten pregnant with Dillan. Within weeks of discovering her condition, they were married in a civil ceremony in Inglewood.

Erin's parents had never liked Chris. Now, she knew they were right. He'd never been a serious husband. He liked having a beautiful young wife to show off, but that was it. He kept a separate social life and a high degree of freedom. At first, she thought she also liked it. But with the baby arriving soon after they were married, she was at home alone most of the time; Chris's job required that he travel frequently. Because of his schedule, she had to manage everything at home and wasn't able to pursue her career. He made good money and wanted her taking care of everything at the home: cooking, child care, bill paying, maintenance ... everything. Now, after their divorce, she lived alone with two children in San Fernando, in the heat and smog, with nobody to help and too little support from her ex. She had to move.

Chris had never been a good father. He went along with purchasing their small tract house in "The Valley," but it was just superficial. He was never home. There were excuses involving work and travel, but it was only partially true. She knew it from the time Dillan was still in diapers. She was too afraid to confront him about it. She'd never had a chance to pursue a career and she depended on his income. The house wasn't anything special, but Chris made the money. Now, with him gone, she had no income, a mortgage, bills, and an older Volvo wagon to maintain. Their divorce settlement included a subsistence allowance until she could find work along with child support, but it wasn't much, and wasn't always paid.

Dillan was sixteen and Kimberly was nine. Chris had always referred to his daughter as "their little mistake" and blamed Erin for stopping the pill. She'd started experiencing side effects, and her doctor had ordered her to stop. Chris never lost his voracious sex appetite when he was around her, but after Kimberly arrived, he was gone so much that it didn't matter. She wasn't getting pregnant again.

The final straw ending their marriage happened when Chris had been in a car accident on I-405 with a twenty-something co-worker. The girl was suing Chris for secretly giving her a sedative, mixed with alcohol, claiming she would never have left the party with him otherwise. After all, he was married. Whether her story was legitimate or not, it didn't matter to Erin, he had claimed to be on a sales trip up the coast in San Francisco, only gone a few nights. In fact, he had a cheap apartment across town in Huntington Beach and seldom traveled anywhere. It was his playhouse.

Erin had suspected his infidelities, but had tried to hide it from the kids. Now, she couldn't hide the lawsuit when it ended Chris's career and threatened her financial support. The house and her car had been titled jointly and could have been lost. But before the lawsuit went to court, Erin threatened him with dooming his chances, so he agreed to retitle all their important physical assets in her name (they had no savings or investments aside from his 401K) and give her an uncontested divorce. He remained co-signer on the mortgage since she had no earnings history. Everything was finalized in three months. He'd moved to his apartment, and she refused to communicate until everything was finalized. She'd never heard any outcome from the lawsuit against him and didn't care. Dillan knew some of it, but Kimberly was still confused and missed her daddy. He'd never really been around much, so Erin continued filling both parental roles.

She had needed a job quickly. She got almost no support from Chris and needed money to pay the bills. She had a degree, but no resume, so she'd taken a job as a legal assistant in an office with seven attorneys and five Administrative Assistants. She worked enthusiastically and impressed all the legal staff. She was intelligent and could do simple research, despite having no prior legal experience. She'd started at the lowest level and hoped to advance quickly. The other office women made it difficult. They gossiped and made things difficult for her. Even without support from her coworkers, she did more than others and didn't make mistakes.

The senior law partner knew what was going with the admin staff but ignored it. After all, Erin wasn't about to quit with two children to feed, and the others had been there for years, some as long as twenty years. She was recognized as superior, but she was new, and the lawyers weren't going to disrupt operations just because she was picked on. Nobody in authority cared. She needed the job, and there were no others available for a thirty-eight-year-old housewife with no work experience.

On one level, she didn't care. She was making just enough and gaining experience. With Chris gone, she started spending more time on herself. She'd never lost her appearance, but she'd gotten a little soft and a bit heavier since college. Now, she had a workout routine that showed results. She could jog most mornings before the kids were up. She could do three or five miles in under an hour, depending on the time and her mood. At night, she practiced Pilates and Zumba to DVDs that she'd purchased years before. Now, after several months on her own, she was back at her college weight and had more stamina than ever before. She felt terrific physically and avoided thinking about other aspects of her life. For now, it felt good being independent from Chris. She realized how she'd overlooked his philandering for their entire marriage, never thinking about herself. Now, with him gone, she needed a new plan for the future.

Upset

"Get the fuck out of the way!" The driver leaned out of the door of the box truck looking at the rear and threatening to drive into a Mexican worker near the loading dock at the casino. He'd just gotten his commercial class B license. Now, he was living in the Sierras, east of Tahoe, in the log house where he grew up. He had it to himself, his parents were both dead. They died together, a murder & suicide when he was sent to prison. It was filthy when he returned and the well was tainted. The place looked derelict. It had a "condemned" sticker on the door, put there by the county when the taxes went unpaid for years. He ignored it. He tore off the sticker and moved back in.

The cabin's electricity was shut off, so the well only operated by hand pump. The outhouse was the most uncomfortable aspect in winter. The cabin was okay. It was better than sleeping in his folk's old Buick, and he no longer worried about inmates attacking him at night. The local predators were now mostly bears and mountain lions. They didn't scare him; he'd grown up with them.

When a bakery had needed a driver, and there were no others available during winter months, he'd taken the job. Everyone else with the right license had jobs before the first snow, or they moved into the lower valleys: east to Reno, or west to Sacramento and the Bay Area. He didn't have anywhere else to live and needed work at Tahoe. The bakery served hotels, hospitals, and casino restaurants along the south shore, crossing both state lines, California and Nevada. He lived in the mountains near the Nevada side. He had the old sedan, but drove the bakery truck home some nights when the weather was bad. So far, he hadn't missed a day of work because of weather. If it got too bad to drive home at night, he could sleep in the cab outside the bakery. It was cold in the truck, but he could live through it. He needed the job. The side benefits included the baked goods he ate.

Most nights, alone in the log home, which was basically an unheated one-room cabin with a loft for sleeping, he lay in bed covered with every blanket in the place, drinking from a bottle of cheap whiskey under candle light. He'd grown up in this place. For some illogical reason, he felt it was a mark of distinction. He had some girlie magazines, but nothing more to stimulate him.

He would lie on the bed, recalling dreams of the imaginary girls he'd ravaged and the phantom friends he'd invented since he was a small boy. Most dreams were distorted over the years. He'd go crazy if his fictional friends didn't keep him company. Sometimes the ghosts came also. He was afraid to let the candle burn out, fearing that they would come in the dark for vengeance. Noises from the woods and mountains added to the eeriness. During his therapy sessions at Folsom, the doc had said he was schizophrenic and needed medication to function in society.

He was no danger to his friends, his illusionary friends. The only people that should be scared of him were strangers. He didn't like strangers, so he avoided them. Some of the bakery customers had complained to the owners about the "strange" man delivering, but so far he was still employed. If he did get fired, he would know who to blame. He could always take them to the middle of the lake to be with the others he'd heard about. They were all his friends now, visiting him on cold nights alone, isolated, in the woods. The lake was over nine hundred feet deep, fed by glacial runoff. Stories persisted about the preserved bodies still on the bottom from the gold rush and bootlegging eras. Icey water preserved them and prevented bacteria growth, so they didn't float. It was too deep to explore, so most stories were regarded as myths. His friends were real; they weren't myths!

But some of the women in the lake weren't friends. He knew women couldn't be trusted. He had learned that the hard way and feared they would come for him at night. He needed the candle light to protect him. Some of them, preserved deep in the lake, could be useful to him in some ways, but, mostly these women terrified him.

Most of his women had done things to him in his dreams, things that men couldn't. He remembered the feelings. It aroused him. Those women made him feel things more intensely even than men's magazines. The men at the bottom of the lake just needed to be quiet and rest. It was a girl who'd sent him to prison; it was because of her that he lived like this. He'd made a mistake. It was her fault that he was back. If she came at night, he would laugh at her. He'd get the last laugh. But she might not laugh. He needed to stay awake.

Coincidence

They didn't see the sheriff's car park in front of the store. Megan hadn't expected anyone to respond to her complaint when Bill Nickerson came through the door.

She saw him, saying, "Hey Deputy, so, you investigating our break-in?"

Megan and Nickerson had had a "sometimes" relationship that started when she first came to Tahoe. They had dated occasionally as friends, but never more than that. He was an imposing man, six-four and muscular, but, underneath his commanding appearance, he was shy. They'd see each other around town and waive but little more.

"Hi, Megan, yeah, I saw your report. We still have the mannequin, which I'll return. We weren't planning to check for finger prints or anything since anyone could have touched it in the store."

Ethan walked up. "You're probably right, Bill. You got it in the car?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to you first, Ethan. When I got Megan's report, it just seemed odd that it was your mannequin, and you were the rescuer."

Ethan nodded. "Yeah, it bugs me, too. I don't know exactly why, but something about this triggered a memory. I can't remember exactly what, but when I saw her, it, in the brush behind a bolder, halfway down a cliff, it was like I'd seen it before."

Megan looked askance, "That's weird."

The Deputy said, "What do you think, Ethan? Is someone sending you a message?"

"I guess they could be. I just don't get any connections with the Bay. It wouldn't be any rescue I did. I just don't remember anything there. It's just, when I saw that dummy, it triggered something, but I can't remember what."

Nickerson nodded. "Okay, I can bring the mannequin back or you can come to the station. If you recall anything, just let me know. I don't believe in coincidences."

Ethan responded. "Me neither. We also don't know how someone got into the store and stole it without breaking a lock or triggering the alarm."

Nickerson looked around. "You've got a couple cameras, what does the video show?"

Megan smiled. "Ah, it's an old VCR system. The recorder hasn't worked for years and the cameras might not even work if we used them. Mostly, they're just there to discourage shoplifters."

Ethan said, "Yeah, but nobody knows it doesn't work."

Nickerson added. "It doesn't always make any difference. Most video systems are junk: poor resolution and don't work in the dark. Besides, it doesn't take much to disguise. The casino systems work super well, but I've never seen a store system that was worth anything."

He smiled and said he'd be back in touch, then departed. For the rest of the morning, they had a few ski rentals, and some clothing sales, just an average weekday during ski season.

Later, Megan and Ethan were sitting at the table in the office, their only desk, eating lunch. She said between mouthfuls, "So, there's some weird shit going on. We got robbed and you ended up finding our girl stuck behind a rock on a cliff up at the Bay."

He nodded, "Yeah, really weird."

Stalker

"Dammit Erin, Can't we just meet and talk about it?"

"Chris, what's the point?"

"I don't know, but I gotta see you. I'm dying without you. I need to see you and my kids. Can't I just come over?"

"No! Look Chris, we're trying to move on. It isn't your house anymore, and it wouldn't be right."

"Okay then, how about I take you to lunch at Sal's?"

"Chris, I have a job. I can't go to Sal's. Besides, how are you going to pay for it?"

"I'm not completely broke, Erin, the lawsuit keeps getting delayed, and I've still got my apartment, and they might give me my job back."

So, what about the wrecked car, idiot?

She was getting weary just talking to him. She didn't want any more contact. It was hard enough starting over and dealing with all the questions from the kids and neighbors. She really wanted to avoid him. At least it was only her at the office without the kids listening. She could stretch lunch if necessary. Everyone else did, and she knew the senior partner wouldn't let her boss fire her anyway. She really didn't expect conditions in the office to change one way or the other ... it's only for the work experience.

"All right, Chris, you wore me down. There's a little Italian place down the street, called Romano's. Use your GPS and my address. I can be there at twelve."

"Okay, Erin, I'll see you there."

"And, Chris, you're paying."

His excitement radiated through the phone. She was depressed. Why did I agree? It seemed stupid. Everything was settled between them. She didn't want to rekindle a thing; she'd made that clear a thousand times. She knew that he didn't care about the kids.

At twelve o'clock, she walked down the street where he stood outside, waiting. He was smiling like he'd just won the lottery. "Hey, babe, wow ... let me look at you. What have you been doing to yourself? You look like you did in school!"

She showed a short perfunctory smile. "Single life agrees with me."

He opened the door for her. He hadn't bothered to make reservations. It wasn't a problem with several open tables, but it was true to character ... never plan too far ahead. He did hold the chair for her when they were seated. He was gawking at her. "It's been too long, Erin. We need to do this more often."

Once is too much, asshole.

"Look, Chris, We're not on a date. You insisted on this, so what's on your mind?"

"Why, Erin? Why do I need a reason to be out with my girl?"

"Get something straight right now, Chris. I'm NOT your girl. I'll never be your girl. I have my own life, and you're not part of it. If you want to see the kids, we can arrange it, but that's the only thing that's between us."

He quickly recovered from the rebuke. "Okay, I get it. But hey, we go back a ways. You can't just erase all the good times we had."

The waitress took their orders and delivered a glass of Chablis to him. Erin had ice water with lemon.

"You mean the times in bed? What other times did we spend together? I'm a little vague on 'all the good times,' Chris." She regretted it. She'd fallen into the dialogue he wanted.

"Oh, come on sweetheart. You know. For example, remember our weekend in San Francisco?"

"That was in college, Chris. Yes, I remember it. You kept sneaking out to call Lizzy or that other floozy you were dating when you thought I wasn't aware. But, look, I'm done with this. We're never going down that path again. I made one colossal mistake marrying you, and I don't want any relationship with you now."

He looked down at the table momentarily, then tried to reach across for her hand, which she withdrew. "I know. I know, Erin. I'm a screw-up. It was my entire fault, and I'm not going to ask for forgiveness, not now. I don't think I ever took our relationship seriously. It was easy when you were always around. Hell, I loved you from the first time I saw you in college. You remember that day?"

She didn't answer, so he continued. "You and me, we were always together. People all knew we were an item. Then we got married. There was never any doubt in my mind about spending the rest of my life with you. I guess I just took it all for granted. But since our divorce, I've come to realize that I could never love anyone but you.

"You can reject me, and I'll completely understand. I've been a complete shit-bird. But even if you never take me back, I will always love only you. There's not a woman on earth that could ever replace you."

You narcissistic bastard. You really think I care one fig about how you feel? How about my feelings?

"You're amazing Chris. Do you really think I care how you feel? I go to bed every night feeling liberated. I don't wonder when you're coming home or who you're with. I sleep peacefully."

At that point, their meals arrived before he could answer. She wanted the meeting over and ate quickly. He tried to start the dialogue going a few times, but she just nodded and kept eating. When finished, she tossed her napkin on her plate and left ... his lunch, his bill. She never looked back but imagined his jaw dragging on the table. She smiled to herself.

Quandary

Ethan wracked his brain. Something about the dummy on the cliff bothered him. Normally after a rescue, there was either cause for celebration or sadness. This was different. It wasn't even a real person, but something about the circumstance lingered in his mind. He tried to think about every rescue he'd been involved in, or even those of others that he knew about. He tried to think of times he'd been at the Bay. Years ago, when he instructed, he used the Bay's gentle rock inclines for beginners to learn rope technique. The face was only a few hundred feet tall and not completely vertical. It had numerous ledges to rest and stop for instruction. He hadn't instructed there since opening his store.

The mannequin from his "Outpost" was no coincidence. It couldn't be. Someone placed it for him to find. It had to be someone able to climb in terrible conditions in the dark, someone experienced. Then they had to be sure he would be the climber called for the rescue. There were eight or nine volunteers that could be called. How did this person know it would be him? Bill Nickerson might be the reason. He was the duty officer that night, and he'd known Ethan since they worked together years ago, before Bill got the sheriff's deputy job. Ethan hadn't asked, but it was probably Bill who requested him. In that case, it was logical. Ethan was located near the western edge of the casino strip along the south shore of the lake, where the highway came down from Echo Pass and at the junction intersected with Emerald Bay Road, which went forty miles up the western side of the massive lake. On the other hand, any dispatcher would know that Ethan was the nearest rescue climber to the location.

Too many things didn't add up. Maybe the tourist making the first call was involved in the prank. Sick people sometimes like to cause emergency responses, just to see it happen. But this wasn't that, or maybe it was that with some additional aspects that somehow coincided.

"I'm going home, Ethan." He waived good evening to Megan from the back of the store. It was dark early this time of year, and it was closing time. Other than people returning rental ski equipment, not much business happened on winter weeknights. Outside, Megan braced against the wind, wading through snow which drifted across the parking lot. It would be plowed away later when all the cars were gone, but now, she needed to clean it off the Jeep and shovel around the wheels. She ran the engine while she cleaned off the snow.

Ethan had been out of the store almost all day so he stayed late. He'd wait another half-hour in the store to allow slack time for people returning ski equipment. Most nights Megan closed because she liked sleeping in and starting around noon, but he took it this night.

The day had gone quickly with the rescue, the sheriff's report, and all the unformed memories, as well as the usual store workday. He mentally tried to recount every incident he'd encountered over the years similar to the mannequin wedged down the cliff. Nothing jumped out specifically, but he'd had numerous rescue situations. People would get stuck or disoriented and fall. He'd saved people and recovered some badly injured people, even a few dead bodies. There was something in his past that had triggered his memory this morning on the cliff above Emerald Bay. He knew it was something, but it didn't jump out. Maybe he was losing his memory at thirty-nine? No, that wasn't it. It had to be something that happened long ago.

In the parking lot, Megan finished scraping the windows and clearing the snow off her truck. She drove away slowly until reaching the highway, which was in better driving shape. She accelerated east, heading toward the populous state line area where most young renters lived. The glare of headlights refracting through ice-crusted windows and moisture in her eyes from tears that hadn't yet formed made it difficult. She didn't notice the headlights following far behind.

Winter Break

"I don't care, Dillan. Pack what you want or go naked. Kim, I'll help you in a minute. Kids, we need to get going, or I'll be driving until dark."

She'd had enough. It was bad enough that Chris kept calling her at work and then calling at home most nights. He was overly aggressive, scaring her. He'd been her lover at college and kept her entangled by marriage all the years since then, but now she was single and suddenly she was afraid of him. It wasn't anything specific, she knew him better than anyone else, but he'd changed. Since the accident and the divorce, he was someone she didn't know.

She closed her suitcases and finished Kimberly's, then walked through the house locking windows and doors. It was mid-morning and sunny in the LA basin, but driving would be terrible in the traffic caused by the Christmas break. People would be heading north for skiing. "Let's go kids; it'll take us ten hours driving to Grandma's. We've got to get there before midnight."

It didn't really matter to her parents when they arrived, but she wanted to have as much daylight to drive in as possible. She hated long drives and nighttime was the worst. Dillan could share part of it since he had a learner's permit, but his temperament worried her. He had the same laissez-faire attitude about cars as his father. Chris had a horrible driving record and Dillan might turn out not any better.

Auburn, California, was only half an hour north of Sacramento. Erin had grown up in the old gold-rush town in the Sierra foothills. She missed it. When she'd moved south to be with Chris, she'd grown homesick immediately. He had claimed to be from Laguna Beach and loved the Southern California lifestyle. She'd learned later that he'd lied and was really from somewhere up north, where they never visited. Erin never liked living in SoCal. She'd lived there seventeen years now and still hated it. She had friends, mostly from the kid's school events, but they were all superficial. Something about the LA area caused everyone to be hyper-competitive in a destructive way, always trying to outdo others.

Erin wasn't like that. She'd grown up in the quiet isolation of her little town along the American River -- the main recreation spot. She still had her girlfriends there ... most never left. They'd all married local boys and were sending their children to the same schools they all had attended. She'd been popular and involved in everything time would allow. She was an "A" student, active in drama, sports, and cheerleading. She'd been homecoming queen as a junior. Her "king" was Bobby Topolinski. She didn't particularly like Bobby, but he was elected. They never dated, and she didn't know if he was still in the area.

She was excited, thinking of seeing old friends again. She tried to come home at least once a year, but only for short visits when Chris came along. This time it would be longer, maybe forever if she found a job. It was liberating, thinking about being away from Chris and the witches of legaldom.

She'd thought about getting a restraining order against Chris, but it would ignite his volatile side and couldn't really protect her. He could be impulsive and legal restrictions wouldn't matter. On balance, it was better to be far away from him. He'd assume she went home to her mother, but Chris was afraid of her father, which would keep him away for a while. At least they'd have a peaceful vacation. She smiled, turning onto I-5 north.

Driving with the kids distracted or sleeping in the car, she reflected on the decisions she'd made to that point in life. She never had enough private time before to think much about it, but the drive north gave her time to reflect. The kids were occupied, and Chris was no longer dominating her attention.

The best time in her life was before leaving for college. It seemed cliché, but those years had really been special. Maybe it was the environment in Auburn or her parents or school, but it all blended together as one long happy time. It changed with one pivotal decision; to go away to college. UC Santa Cruz had looked like an idyllic spot along the coast, just north of Monterey ... a great place to be away from home. That was before she met her first real boyfriend early that summer. She never forgot him. She'd destroyed their relationship through her mistake while away at college. Later in life, she'd regret accepting entrance to UCSC, leaving him behind, and discarding her past for Chris. It had been an enormous mistake.

Ethan had been in her dreams all the years of her marriage. He'd been in her dreams at college, but constant companionship with Chris and her sorority sisters had clouded her feelings. It was only after she got pregnant with Dillan, married, and started her life with Chris, that she realized the dream with Ethan had never really gone away.

Like most kids away at college for the first time, she was mixing with strangers from different backgrounds. It was exciting. There was partying every weekend. She continued to do well in spite of the distractions. After her first year and that summer at home, so much had changed. The biggest change and most devastating had been spending it alone, missing Ethan. Now, all these years later, she couldn't forget the huge mistake she'd made. She'd met Chris at college and dumped the one person who had captured her soul.

She'd met Chris at a party the first week at UCSC. He was a junior. They were together all the time after that, doing everything together. He brought her to his fraternity and all their wild parties. She'd started smoking pot and drinking. She wasn't completely out of control, but she was enjoying new experiences away from her parent's view.

Somewhere in the middle of her first year, she sent an email to Ethan, breaking off their relationship. Now, all these years later, she wondered about him. He hadn't been like Chris; he didn't try to dominate her. He just made her feel special and appreciated. They had consummated that love without reservation over those three short months. She'd already made her decision to attend Santa Cruz when they'd met. He was a year ahead of her at Sacramento State, two hundred miles away from Santa Cruz. They'd spent that entire summer after she finished high school together, every day. He lived twenty miles away from Auburn and worked in a sandwich shop until mid-afternoon, but he'd always be with her later those days and both days on weekends. They went to the river, to movies, rode horses, and hiked in the Sierras. He loved the outdoors and she loved being with him. Whatever happened to him?

Writing the "Dear John" message from her dorm room had been horrible. She'd cried the whole time, taking hours to craft the language perfectly to protect his emotions, while destroying his dream, their dream. The day she had gone away to college, they'd talked about getting married someday and living in Northern California. He never formally proposed, but it was understood between them. He was awkward and they were both inexperienced. Now, on reflection, she realized how fate had intervened to destroy something perfect, at least the memories and dreams of Ethan were perfect. It seemed like she'd traded away true love for a superficial life.

Ethan never responded to her last message. She knew he was crushed and couldn't find any words. She'd crafted her break-up with such clarity and finality that there was nothing he could say. She never heard from him again. She'd been a fool and cried a thousand times since then, all through her marriage, just thinking about the stupid choices she'd made.

"Mom, I need to pee. Please, hurry!" Kimberly's pleading brought Erin out of her trance.

The Dinner

At the lake, Megan and Ethan worked together, placing the mannequin back into the window display. Most of the scrapes and chips from the rocks were covered by new clothes. She was outfitted in ski parka, sporting boots, poles and skis.

"Thanks, Megan, she looks good, right?"

She stepped outside momentarily without her heavy coat, rushing back. "She looks good, Ethan, all ready for you to save her again. But don't you think it's a little late in the season for ski clothes. All the online stores are starting to push for spring."

"Yeah, it's amazing. Winter just started, and stores in the cities are already shifting. I think we're different. People come up here now for skiing and that's what's on their minds."

"I know. It's been a good strategy for ten years. I'm just kidding."

"Good work. Say, how about we have dinner out tonight?" He'd invited her in the past, maybe a dozen times over ten years, always after some milestone with the store.

"Ah, sure. You mean together? What's the occasion? What are we celebrating?"

"I don't know, maybe we can celebrate rescuing her. Do we need a reason?"

"No, just asking."

They closed the store together after dark and drove separately. There were a few spots he could choose, and she wasn't particular. Over ten years together, their relationship was purely platonic. It wouldn't change tonight. She felt she might as well be another man as far as Ethan was concerned. He was just being nice.

They went to Johnny's Dockside Grill, popular with local people, away from the more crowded resorts. They both had trout and Ethan ordered a bottle of white wine.

"Megan, do you have plans?"

She looked quizzically, "What do you mean?"

"I don't know. You've been here almost ten years. Every day's pretty much the same. It's like that for me. I just wonder if we shouldn't be doing something else."

"Why? You've got a good gig here, Ethan, a stable business, good location, enough money to be happy. You've got it pretty good by local standards, so why change it?"

"Yeah, you're right, but what about you? I don't want to just think about you as a fixture in my store. Don't you have dreams? You're almost thirty. You look nice, yet I don't know if you have a personal life. After ten years, you'd think we'd know each other better."

She sipped thoughtfully. "Look Ethan, if you don't know me by now, you never will. I don't have a life outside the store. That's okay ... okay, let me be totally honest." The wine was having a mellowing effect. "I started with you because I was infatuated. I thought I loved you."

"Whoa! Are you serious?"

"Yeah, as serious as a heart attack, but look, you never paid any attention. I figured out pretty quickly that I wasn't part of your long-term plan. I guess that since then, I just like being around you and haven't had a good reason to leave yet."

"Wow, Megan, this is a lot of information. What am I supposed to think?"

She fondled her wine glass. "Ethan, I'm not really in a mood to talk about this. After ten years, let's skip the heavy discussions. I know there's not going to be anything between us, so let's just accept it. I might meet someone someday, and so might you, then we'll have something to share in our personal lives – maybe. Until then, let's keep it light ... so, when do we start putting out the spring clothing?"

He smiled. She was right. He didn't have any business getting personal. He'd ignored her for years, and this was an awkward time to change. If he'd been thinking of a new relationship between them, it would be different. He wasn't. He could start that dialogue if he wanted. She'd probably go along; but, he wasn't going there tonight. It shamed him to think he'd been avoiding her feelings from the first. It would have been easier to dismiss her gently back then and get on with his business. Now, she was his quasi-partner, and he didn't want her to leave. He just needed to keep their relationship balanced.

That night after dinner, alone in his cottage, he relaxed in his favorite recliner thinking about what she'd said. What was my long-term plan? He'd thought about it every night of his adult life, but Megan had amplified the question tonight. He needed a plan. He was almost forty with no wife or kids. Did he want that? It was getting a little late to start if that was his plan. Damn, have I been avoiding this too long?

He didn't want any more to drink. The wine had been relaxing and he just wanted to think more clearly now. Can there really be a plan or does life just happen? He knew it was a combination of both. He needed to have some goals, regardless of realities. Otherwise, he was going to wake up an old man one day, lonely as hell.

Then it happened. It always did whenever he tried to roll out his mental roadmap. He lapsed into thinking about the past. It was a trap because it still had the chasm he'd never escaped. It prevented him from turning away and starting a fresh course. After almost twenty years, he was still in love with Erin. And her last message still hurt.

They'd been together for three months one summer. He could still relive every day of it in his mind. So much happened, so much discovered that was new to both of them. They met on the American River beach, near the Forest Hill Bridge. It was his first summer weekend after classes ended at college. He and some buddies drove to Auburn from Eldorado Hills, where he lived with his parents. The river park was their favorite place to lounge at the beach and watch girls. He'd been there a few times before.

She was lying on a towel near some other girls. His group sat on rocks several yards away, jumping into the frigid water, trying to attract attention then drying in the sun. He couldn't take his eyes off of her while she ignored them. She was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen.

Ethan hadn't dated much in high school. He wasn't disliked; he was just shy and awkward. He didn't have trouble getting dates, but nothing ever came of it. He didn't understand girls and never had a steady girlfriend. Partly, he was immature, tall, and lanky. He fit in a certain invisible strata in the social hierarchy. One year away from high school, going to college, had changed that. He'd put on muscles and joined the mountaineering club. He developed a social life. He had friends and girls liked him, but he didn't have anyone special. He enjoyed the new attention, but didn't exploit it. This girl by the river in the green two-piece infatuated him.

He'd never been overt, but something compelled him to talk to her. It was a kind of magnetic attraction that he'd never experienced. He was away from familiar places; even if she rejected him, he could leave and never worry about seeing her again. On the other hand, if he didn't say something now, he might never see her again, either.

There is no rational explanation for why two people bond. It just happens sometimes. They were strangers one minute and connected the next. Sitting in his chair these years later, Ethan couldn't remember what he said to her when they met, but she had started talking back to him. They talked all summer after that. They talked every day even if they weren't physically together, which wasn't often. They did everything together and never found anything to disagree about. She was confident, but sensitive and kind to everyone. He was much the same, although she was more comfortable in crowds. Other boys couldn't take their eyes off of her, yet the girls all loved her too.

A few weeks before the summer ended and they were about to part when she would go away for school, they made love. They'd gone camping in Yosemite. Neither had pushed it, but both wanted it. It was then that they started talking about the future. They were in love. They even talked about how their children would look, where they would live and everything important to a young couple in love. She was only eighteen and he was one year older, neither ready to give up their education, and both willing to wait. He had planned to visit her at school and she would come home often. They had plans.

He never saw her again. They talked frequently on the phone at first. He would call and send texts and emails. After a few weeks, she wasn't always able to talk. On his climbing trips with friends or the school club, he was sometimes out of contact for one or two days. They still professed their love every time they connected.

Then her message arrived. He could still recite every word after all these years. It crushed him. He had had no signal that anything was wrong. She'd met someone else and they were together every day at school. Looking back, it was predictable. Someone with her charm and beauty would attract every boy on campus. He couldn't compete so far away. She'd stayed true to their dreams for months, but it finally ended. There could never be anyone like Erin again for him.

He tried dating other girls. He was still open to meeting someone, but nobody could replace her. Her memory was omnipresent, and nobody had equaled her. He sat there, alone, reflecting on Megan's comment, realizing that his life's plan still evolved around a past fantasy. He could never go back to that day on the beach.

Christmas

The kids were finally in bed, and she could relax. Her mother had prepared something to eat, and the kids went to bed after dinner. Erin wasn't as tired. She talked with her parents for more than an hour, well past midnight. Most of that time, they talked about Chris. Erin's parents had never liked him. They didn't like his playboy attitude and the way he always drew attention to himself. Erin was just an ornament to him. They assured her that she could stay with them for as long as she wished.

Over several days, Erin visited with her girlfriends from high school. Usually, Kimberly went with her and sometimes Dillan came along if there was someone his age. It was boring for both kids, but worse for Dillan. It was winter and he could see the snow-covered mountains to the east. There really wasn't much to do for a young guy stuck at home. It had been the same for Erin growing up: she knew how he felt.

Chris tried calling her. He called several times every day at first, which she ignored. By Christmas day, he'd stopped. She feared that he would drive north to confront her. She felt that everything surrounding her life was full of anxiety -- she was fearful of Chris. He'd never yet been dangerous, but so much had affected him lately that it worried her. He'd been teetering on the edge of depression for almost a year, and his recent obsession with her indicated that he'd changed: he'd slipped. She had to remain vigilant.

This Christmas morning was special at her parent's house, the Mullaney's. Mary and Buck hadn't had a Christmas with kids in the house for many years. Chris had preferred to have the "family Christmas" without grandparents. This was the first time since she married him that he hadn't interfered.

The parents were up early, preparing breakfast, and playing Christmas music at low volume. Kimberly was up early, full of excitement. Dillan wanted to sleep in. The grownups understood his lack of enthusiasm. Erin had been honest with them during the trip north. She didn't have much money saved to do what she wanted for them. She'd saved a little, but didn't know how long it would be before she'd get a job or even if Chris would continue his support. Kimberly was hurt the most. She was still young enough to feel the magic of Christmas. Dillan was more mercenary -- he just wanted new things. He didn't blame his mother, he understood that circumstances caused things to be tight. His mother had just started working at a low-level job, and his father was in some kind of legal trouble. He understood it. He didn't like it, but there was nothing to be done about it. Christmas morning this year was just another day off from school, an excuse to sleep in.

At Tahoe, Megan had taken some days off to visit with her parents in the Bay Area. Ethan was with his parents in Eldorado Hills for the day. He closed the store on Christmas day, but the rest of the holiday week would be busy. His parents only lived eighty miles away, and he visited several times each year. Occasionally, they would drive to Tahoe for the day. His father still worked for a large defense company in Sacramento, and his mother had retired from the state a few years earlier. They had a comfortable lifestyle and remained in good health. But there wasn't much to talk about when they were together. Their circumstances didn't change. The holidays brought them together over special meals and conversation, but the topics didn't last long.

Ethan's parents weren't happy with his choice to live alone at Tahoe. They felt that he was wasting his talents and education. They imagined that he had girlfriends, but no one special. After his breakup with Erin in college, he'd been emotionally crushed. After moving to Tahoe, he became so involved in planning his store that he didn't have time for women in his life. Now, after he had had his own successful business for a decade, his parents had given up on ever becoming grandparents. They talked about him when he wasn't there, but there wasn't anything they could do about it. He'd lost his heart to Erin. After Christmas dinner, Ethan left immediately, fearing snow delays driving over Echo Pass into the Tahoe Basin.

Christmas at the Mullaney's, twenty miles away, was equally subdued. The kids didn't complain about the lack of gifts. Erin's parents gave a few board games which they played throughout the day. All in all, Christmas was a slow day, ending in a wonderful ham dinner – her mother's specialty.

Erin didn't sleep well that night, thinking about how they'd always had special times together during the holidays as a family when she was a child. She wasn't regretting the decision to split with Chris, but this was the first Christmas without him and without special gifts. The kids were great, they understood, but it still bothered her. She had two wonderful children, so their marriage hadn't been a total mistake, but she didn't have the life she'd expected when they got married.

She'd been a fool. Chris hadn't suddenly become a cad. He'd always been insincere and self-centered. He was that way when they first met; marriage and family didn't change that. Why did I ever marry him! She'd always made good decisions, but something about the first year in college, away from home, had caused a lapse in her judgment. She'd thought about it often before the divorce and now it haunted her most nights. Reflecting on it, she couldn't believe how stupid she'd been.

She tried not to think about Ethan. She'd not only lost her judgement away from home, she'd destroyed her chance with him. She had been in love with Ethan; she probably always would be. After these long years, she wondered if her memory was purified by time. Maybe he wasn't perfect, but she couldn't recall anything flawed in their relationship. She'd thrown their future away when she got swept up in the tsunami of peer pressure far away. Now, resting at her parent's home, the same house she'd lived in when she met Ethan at the river down the hill, the memory was even more vivid. The realization of what she'd lost through bad choices, divorce, and her past, haunted her. What ever happened to Ethan? She'd done the only cruel thing in her life, leaving him. I hope he found a wonderful girl and has a fantastic family of his own! Although, she wasn't sure she really felt that way. She fell asleep sometime during the night.

"Mom, can we get some breakfast?" It was morning, and Kimberly opened the door a crack. She was hungry.

"Sure, baby, I'll be right out." She knew her mother would be up and preparing breakfast, she could smell it. They'd sent Kimberly to get Dillan moving. She was actually grateful that Kim had called. Erin hated lying in bed reminiscing about her circumstances. Awake and up, moving around the house, she could stop feeling sorry for herself.

Kim also woke Dillan, and he stumbled to the table when Erin arrived. He grumbled something that sounded remotely like "good morning."

Grandma made pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit cups. They ate well. Outside the weather was overcast and snow was possible above four thousand feet in the mountains. It would rain in Auburn. Erin's children had been raised in southern California and snow was a novelty, something they could visit on occasional ski trips up north. Erin dreaded spending another day indoors with the kids, bored out of their minds. "Hey, I want to take a drive into the mountains."

Kimberly was excited, but Dillan didn't show any enthusiasm ... "And do what?"

Erin replied, "I don't know, let's just go and play it by ear. We can go tobogganing or ice skating, or maybe even ski."

"Come on mom, we don't have any money."

"You know, Dillan, you're right. But it's Christmas and I still have a credit card. I plan to get a job here and if I have to pay it off over the next year, that's okay. I'd rather do that than think about doing nothing over our first Christmas in Auburn." Her parents had secretly agreed to help her financially if she got behind.

They all smiled and hurried to get ready. In another hour, they were heading east on US-50. Her old Volvo Cross-Country wagon had new tires and could handle a light snow covering on the highway. At the crest of the mountains, above seven-thousand feet, chains were sometimes required, but not yet when they passed over. For the kids, it was the first time seeing the massive lake surrounded by Alpine mountains.

Erin had driven in snow a few times before, but was very cautious near the summit. Fortunately, all the other drivers were also going slow. The steep rocky slopes along the road, plunging thousands of feet, were as dramatic as they were dangerous. It took more than an hour from home to reach the crest and start the descent into the Tahoe basin. The view was spectacular. All around them, mountain peaks rose above nine-thousand feet and were brilliantly white, covered with several feet of virgin snow over glacial ice. Numerous ski trails could be seen in the distance along the south shore of the lake, which was like a blue jewel lying on white satin in the distance.

At South Lake Tahoe, inside the store was chaos around noon. It was always this way during the Christmas break, especially when the snow was fresh and deep. It was ideal skiing weather. It was days like this that Ethan really missed the freedom to hit the slopes, although he got plenty of time during several weekdays per season with Megan managing in the afternoons. But the store demanded his time during peak periods while everyone else played. Three clerks were helping him, mostly with ski equipment rentals and selling clothing. Megan would be back in the morning, but the day after Christmas was always the busiest for Ethan. His clerks were local people, kids mostly, who knew the basic layout of the store and were all accomplished skiers. They'd grown up there. It was nearly lunch time and the pace would slow soon. The drivers coming from the cities had been arriving for hours. Things would be slower for most of the afternoon before the equipment returns began. There would even be time for lunch.

Coming down from the summit, Erin slowed and turned on impulse into the first strip mall along the south shore, toward Heavenly Valley. "Let's go into that store (pointing toward the Outpost) and get some stuff for the slopes."

Dillan had taken lessons twice before at June Mountain, so he could manage some of the intermediate slopes. Kim would need some lessons, and Erin would watch. She'd skied as a kid and had come to Tahoe when in college with friends, but that was long ago and it wouldn't be the same now. She would just watch from the lodge now and stay warm.

The kids were excited. They were going skiing! Erin thought about the debt she'd have, but this was worth it. This was the first Christmas without their father. The kids hadn't said anything, but it was hard on them, she could tell. Whatever the cost today, it was worth it if they enjoyed it. Inside the store, they hurried to the ski equipment side. A young assistant smiled at Dillan as they discussed equipment. He was now enjoying the trip even more; in fact, he momentarily forgot about the slopes and considered spending the day just sitting in the shop. Another assistant helped Kim find boots that fit. Erin stood watching next to a rack of parkas, smiling to herself. It was exactly as she had hoped. The kids were caught up in the experience. She knew from her own childhood that this would be a day they would remember.

Ethan hadn't seen them come in. People were coming and going rapidly. Across the store, he folded sweaters and organized a shirt rack. Scanning front to back, he had developed an ability to sense where he was needed during the rush periods. His team was all trained, but it was easy to get overwhelmed in some parts of the store with too many customers at one time. She didn't register initially, and he kept organizing things; but, there was something ... what? He scanned again and saw the back of her head above the racks. It triggered an emotion, long suppressed. His heart jumped. He remembered holding Erin from behind, wrapping his arms around her and resting his face against her sweet smelling, light brown hair. Something about the coloring of this woman and the shape of her head reminded him of his first love, the only girl he'd ever really loved.

He walked through the displays to get a better look, trying not to be obvious. He kept a distance and tried not to stare. Her long flowing hair made it difficult to see much from behind. He needed to see how this woman looked from the side. He brushed past some hanging displays, stopping to fumble with some coat sleeves, straightening them on the rack, but really looking at the woman. She looked so much like Erin, as he remembered her, that he couldn't stop looking. He saw kids: they were obviously hers. They were trying on equipment and smiling at her occasionally. They were a beautiful family. He turned away, still imagining the face of the woman twenty feet away that he hadn't quite seen clearly. Seeing her there in the flesh could forever alter his recollection of Erin.

He'd often thought about Erin as a mom, with a husband and a nice home, even a dog. Now, seeing this woman, he could add a new image to his memories. This woman looked exactly like he imagined Erin would look after twenty years. She didn't look much different than his dreams. That was the amazing part. This woman looked almost identical to his Erin, his dream girl. She was the same height, same build and coloring, as he remembered her. She was more mature looking with a different hair style and a slightly fuller face, but otherwise identical. As he moved toward the back of the store, it felt as if he was running, running from an email message he'd received almost twenty years ago.

Why was he running? This was his store. He was successful and had an enjoyable life. He'd been able to parlay his hobbies and passions into his life's work. He was satisfied – right? He didn't need to fear the heartbreak she'd caused half a lifetime ago. He'd grown beyond it. He stopped at a counter, preparing to turn around. He needed to know. Was she really Erin?

"Ethan, Ethan Walker?"

He stopped breathing and turned to face her, unable to speak.

"Ethan, is it really you?"

"Erin? My God, it's really you isn't it?"

She stood a few feet away. "Yeah, it's me. I can't believe this. Is this real or am I imagining it?"

"Ah, it's real. Gee, Erin ... ah, how have you been?"

She smiled and stepped closer. He felt like she would hug him, but both were too awkward to move. "I'm fine. What about you? I can't believe this, you and me in the same store at the same time. It's unbelievable?"

"Yeah, I'll say. You just up for the day?" He had a thousand questions, but this wasn't a good time to start rattling on.

"Yes, I stopped in with my kids, they're going skiing. We just came up for the day."

He wanted to know more, much more, but Kim called Erin for help, deciding what boots and ski colors to choose. Dillan wasn't asking, flirting with the sales girl.

Erin smiled and answered slowly, seeming to want to continue with Ethan. "I need to go. It's ... it's been nice seeing you again."

As she turned away slowly, almost reluctantly, he stammered. "Can we talk again?"

She turned around quickly. "Sure, are you around here?"

"Actually, this is my store. Are you planning to return the skis tonight?"

"Yeah, we're just up for the day; we're staying with my parents in Auburn."

He hesitated to presume too much, "Ah, is your husband with you?"

"No, we're divorced. I hope to find work around my folks. It's all recent."

"Look, I'm here all day today until we close. I really want to talk more when you get back tonight. Is that possible?"

"Mom, I need you! Hurry..."

"It's nice seeing you, Ethan, let's talk later." She rushed off to solve Kimberly's crisis.

That afternoon was a blur. Ethan tried to help people, but he was too distracted. He'd actually talked to the girl of his dreams, the girl who stole his heart, and then broke it. Had she really been here in his store today? Was she signaling him that she was available again? He couldn't put the pieces together.

The day on the slopes went by quickly. The kids were both exhausted and would be sore in the morning. Erin had sat in the coffee shop observing Kimberly's lessons while Dillan disappeared up the lifts, never to be seen again until nearly sundown. She couldn't think. Meeting Ethan was unreal. He was -- just there. She'd fantasized about him all her married life, figuring he was gone forever. But was he? He must be married. He's a big handsome guy with a great mind and fabulous personality. Girls would have flocked to him. It was her one consoling feeling after breaking with him. He could find another girl, one who would be true to him and not leave on a fling like she'd done.

He looked great, but he had every reason to hate her. He was polite in the store, but he wouldn't want a scene. She'd been terrible to him. They'd professed love, yet she'd cast him away. She hadn't been the woman he deserved. It got dark early and her kids were worn out, standing together in the staging area in front of the lodge, looking for her.

She signaled from the side door. "Come on kids, let's have some cocoa and get going."

Ethan's store wouldn't close for another hour, and she didn't want to rush them. It had been a special day and she'd be being paying for it for a year. As important as today had been for the children, it wasn't the thing she would remember most. She would never forget seeing Ethan one more time. It concluded her dream. He was alive and well. She hadn't destroyed him. She could now imagine him with his wife and children. He would be a great father, sharing his free time with them outdoors in this beautiful setting. She smiled to herself, knowing that part of her past was now closed. She was glad, and she was sad. It was a mix of fantasy and fact. Her fact was an unemployed divorcee with two children and a deadbeat ex-husband. She'd need to raise Dillan and Kim without him. Hell, he'd probably be in jail or, at least, broke from legal settlements. Her fantasy was being with Ethan again. They weren't really together, however. They had just talked briefly in the store, his store. Drinking hot drinks and gathering everything to return to the store, she tried to resolve fact from fantasy. She had to live in the real world.

She parked at the front, able to see inside the store. They unloaded the gear and Dillan carried Kim's things with his own. He was anxious to talk to the cute girl again and happy to be alone doing it. "Be sure to get a receipt." Kim and Erin stayed in the car.

Ethan had waited with anticipation all afternoon. When Erin didn't return, his emotions sank. He was reliving the "Dear John" message all over again. He noticed Dillan. He'd been obvious earlier flirting with the young clerk and now he was doing it again. Ethan didn't know what to do, so he walked to the front door and out onto the sidewalk without a coat, surrounded by snow berms. She was only feet away, sitting in her car, looking at him. He walked up and signaled to lower the window.

"Hi, I thought I'd see you again."

She smiled quickly then turned serious. "Ethan, it's great seeing you again. Maybe we'll come back."

"Erin, this isn't fair. You walk into my store after twenty years and expect me to just forget about it. I can't."

"Look, Ethan, this isn't easy for me either." It sounded like something she'd written to him long ago. "It isn't fair for me to be in your life now. We had our time a long time ago and you've got your own life now. I don't want to wreck it."

"Wreck it? What are you talking about? You think this store is more important to me than seeing you again?"

"What about family?"

"I still have my folks in Eldo, that's it." His breath was freezing as he spoke and he was shivering without a jacket. He felt none of it.

"I thought you'd be married and have kids by now."

"Nope, never happened."

"Why, you're a great guy, girls must be flocking around you!"

"Yeah, right. I guess I've spent so much time building my business and volunteering that I just haven't gotten out much."

She smiled and honked for Dillan to come. "If you have a pen, I'll give you my number -- call me."

Megan

The man sat freezing in his car in the dark, watching the store as the lights went out. She wasn't there. She wanted him, he could always tell. She had needed him, and he helped her. Now, she could really pay him back. She had paid him five hundred bucks, which was almost gone with the last bottle on the seat beside him, but that wasn't what she really wanted from him. He was sure of it. There was chemistry between them that he recognized. He took another long drink, which burned and warmed him all over. After the last cars in the lot had departed, so did he. He was patient. He'd learned to be patient and could wait for her. There was no hurry.

The next morning, Ethan was in the store earlier than usual, hours before it opened. He'd thought about Erin all night, unable to sleep. He didn't want to lose her again. She wasn't his to lose anymore, but it would change. It had to change. Whatever it took, no matter how long it took, he'd find a way back into her heart. They were both older and more mature, but they'd both shared experiences in their youth that wouldn't ever be forgotten.

Megan came in early also, breaking his chain of thought. "Hey, boss, how are things?"

"Hi, Megan, we're busy as hell, how was it with your folks over Christmas?"

"It was fun. Actually, I got together with some old friends that I hadn't seen since high school. It was fabulous. It was also a little weird. I had this kinda-boyfriend our senior year. He came along. He's changed. In high school, he was awkward and shy. We didn't go to parties much. He just wanted to park and ... you know. It got to be old. We didn't have much to talk about, just made out. He was always awkward and we never got serious about each other. At least, I never got serious about him.

"Anyway, we dated off and on, then I came up here and forgot about him."

"So, you met up with him over Christmas?"

"Yeah, along with some other kids. Most are married now, but not Howard ... the boy. He's grown into a real hunk and the girls all tell me he's got girls hanging off him. He's a completely different guy."

"So, what was so weird?"

"I don't know, maybe it's just how people change."

"You gonna see him again?"

"Yeah. He's coming up next weekend."

"That's great! I had a kind of deja vu experience too." He went on to explain the encounter with Erin. It expanded to a story about their past. They talked for almost an hour.

"You gonna see her again?" Megan sounded disappointed, but Ethan didn't get it.

"I hope so. She gave me her number."

It was another busy day in the store. Megan and Ethan didn't have time to sit and chat again. They took separate lunches. The store was open until ten o'clock, three hours later than normal awaiting equipment returns. It was a tiring day.

"I'm glad you're back, Megan. This is probably our busiest season ever. You want to get a bite?"

"It's okay, not tonight, Ethan. Thanks anyway, but I'm dead. I just wanna go home and sleep."

They were the last to leave the parking lot. Megan still wished Ethan would pay more attention to her. Hearing about his old girlfriend made her jealous. She'd had a crush on him since their first climbing lesson. She'd always been popular in high school. She'd come to Tahoe on a weekend trip with girlfriends after graduation, planning to attend community college in the fall.

On a dare, the girls decided to take a day course in basic mountain climbing at a store near their motel. That's when she met Ethan. She was infatuated. He seemed to be interested in her, too. He took them to a gentle rock slope for beginners and they got to know each other a bit. Rock climbing has some peril and two people can't avoid some intimacy. She learned that he was thinking of starting his own business and been saving money for years. Later that same day, sitting at a lunch counter, they talked more and he said he would start the business if she would help. It was a struggle at first when he couldn't pay her anything and she covered her living costs working other jobs. Her parents objected, but they couldn't convince her to go to college instead. Eventually, they helped with her expenses so that she could be more comfortable. It only took six months for Ethan to begin paying her minimum wage. Since the beginning, he'd been good about sharing profits with her as the business grew, and she now made a good income.

Working for Ethan had been frustrating and filled with contradictions at first. He was a friend, but nothing more. She had wanted more, but he focused on making the business successful without distraction. They had meals together sometimes and had run errands, but never dated. They'd gone to trade shows and buying trips together, but always stayed in separate hotel rooms. Now, she no longer had illusions that she'd ever be more to him than a good friend and colleague. She never questioned his sexuality, but he didn't date anyone now. He had begun dating a girl shortly after the business opened, but that ended when she just seemed to disappear.

At first, she'd prayed that he'd ask her out. She'd make him fall for her. It didn't happen, and after the first year, the notion faded. She still liked him, but accepted their relationship. She wished it would change, but he just seemed stuck in his singular world.

She was jealous of a woman she'd just heard about, some long-lost lover of his. At least, that's how she imagined it. When he'd described meeting Erin again after all those years, he was different. Megan could sense it. Why? She slammed the steering wheel, veering to the side momentarily on the black shiny road. She maintained control, but her rage increased. She'd spent ten years with him, figuring it was a permanent arrangement, one that would eventually grow closer. Too much time had passed. Had she been blind? How could some older woman from his past suddenly usurp her! It wasn't fair.

Assault

The apartment parking lot was full and she had to walk from the back row. Wind and sleet burned her face. At her door, she fumbled under the coach light for her keys when he approached.

"Hi ya, missy."

He attempted to stroke her hair when she wheeled in terror, batting his hand away. He was shorter than she, only about five-five. Megan was thin but strong and she reached for her pepper spray instead of her keys. "Get away from me!"

She yelled loud enough that neighbors could have heard if not for the winter wind howling.

He backed away with a startled look. "You want me, I could tell. I'm here now, baby, let's go inside and get warm together."

She pointed the can, but didn't spray. "You're crazy. I could never want a crazy man like you. Get out of here ... get!"

The pervert slinked away with a scowl on his face. He'd be back.

Megan was inside quickly, bolting the lock, then sliding to the floor, back against door. She shook and cried. She could protect herself one-on-one against him with her spray. She was younger, stronger, and had taken self-defense classes. He was just complete scum – and he stank. She hated that she had ever met him. He wasn't normal, she knew it. That's why she'd hired him. She didn't think he'd go this far. Why had he come back to her? As much as she loved Ethan, she hated this mole.

In the morning, she was still wary of the freak. He could be anywhere. She hurried to her Jeep when other people were in the parking lot. This time, she watched her mirrors to see if he followed. She didn't know if he had a day job. Ethan had opened the store early and there were already skiers in line for rentals. She hung her coat in the office and hurried to help. By lunch time, her nerves were settled from the night before, and she didn't mention anything to Ethan about her encounter. She wouldn't tell anyone.

Ethan had called Erin the night before. While Megan was being assaulted, he was talking to his old girlfriend. Her parents and the kids had gone to bed. Actually, Dillan was still up in the living room quietly playing a video game on the television when nobody else was around to complain. Erin had been ready for bed also, but stayed up late to see if he would call. She'd waited, hoping, and he finally did call after closing the store. She sat on her bed.

"Hey, I was hoping you were still awake."

"So, what if I wasn't ... didn't mind waking me, did you?"

"Yeah, guilty. It's one of those weeks when the hours fly by. I could probably stay open 24/7 this week. It's always crazy. Everyone's off on vacation and the ski conditions are terrific, never better."

"We had fun there. The kids had a wonderful time."

"How about you, didn't you have fun?"

"I had fun watching them have fun. But mostly, I enjoyed meeting you again."

It was exactly what he'd hope to hear tonight. "Me, too, I'd like to see you again."

"Well, I'm in Auburn, not too far away. I have a car and could come back up to Tahoe also if the weather's okay."

"I've got an idea. We're gonna be busy through the weekend, but then the vacationers leave. How about you bring your kids back up for some more Sierra skiing? We could all go. I know the best places in the area and a great place to get equipment for free."

"That would be fun, but I'm more of an observer these days."

He could remember her talking about when she got a new pair of skis one Christmas and was on the slopes all the time. "Well, that's okay. We can hang on the bunny slope and you can just stand around or play with your daughter. If your son wants some more advanced stuff, I'm a pretty good instructor."

"They might be in school if I can get them registered."

"Look, I could come there, too, and we could save the skiing for another time, a weekend."

She thought for a moment. "You know, I think I'd like to come up there by myself. You know, kinda like we did in high school." She also didn't want to get her parents involved. They'd known Ethan when they dated before. They had always liked him, but she didn't want them meddling too quickly. She was twice as old now, and things would be different with Ethan. Mostly, she had to think about the kids.

They agreed that she would drive up to Tahoe next Tuesday if the summit road was open. After that, he would take charge. It was his backyard now, and she would just enjoy re-experiencing some of their past together. Tahoe had been the place where they'd had so much fun. It worried her that she might be fantasizing about the past. They'd been kids, barely older than Dillan. She would revive those times in her mind over the next few days. She couldn't remember ever having a bad time or a serious disagreement with Ethan. There had to have been disagreements, but time and wistfulness had eroded those memories. All she could think about was the tall, strong, handsome young man who was always considerate and fun to be around. They'd shared their thoughts and hopes. He didn't have any specific plans for the future. He was going to be an engineer (before changing to business); she would be a teacher or a business woman. He wanted children and would have been a great father. Had he changed over the years?

He was in the store early again the next morning. He'd thought about Erin all night, barely able to sleep. The excitement had been overwhelming. She was coming back to Tahoe! Megan arrived at nine o'clock along with one of the part-timers. She noticed his smile immediately. She'd wanted to tell him about the man who assaulted her, but didn't want to hurt his good mood. Business had been outstanding for several days. "Wow, you seem happy. Are we gonna be shopping for spring soon? You could probably open a second store after this season."

It was a not-so-secret ambition of hers to operate a second store and become a full partner to Ethan. He had the general business sense, but she had a better fashion eye. They made a good team and the region could easily support another "Outpost" on the eastern side or north side of the lake.

"I got a date! Erin's coming to see me again on Tuesday. I'm going to take the day and have some fun."

So, it's 'Erin.' She hadn't remembered the girl's name. She hated her. "That's special, Ethan, you should have a great time."

He became more serious. "I hope so, Megan, I just hope it goes all right. I mean, I haven't spoken to her since she was a freshman. She's been married and has two kids. I don't know what all that means."

"Well, you've changed too, Ethan. I didn't know you then, obviously, but you were just a kid yourself. Now look at you. You're a business man, a successful business man. You live in Tahoe, not the kind of place for kids to grow up. I mean, it's great for outdoor fun and all, but there's not much else here for kids to do. You were from down in the valley and this was your weekend playground. You don't live in playgrounds. Did you ever think about leaving here?"

"Gee, Megan, don't overdo it. I'm doing this one day at a time. I don't have any plans. Like you say, it's complicated now. She and I have our own lives and living to make. She's got her kids, and, I guess, I agree that this isn't a good place to raise them. But, hey, it's getting way ahead to even be thinking about it. She's just coming here for a day visit. We might hate each other after that."

Not likely. Before she could answer, the phone rang.

Avalanche

Overnight the snowpack had worsened. It had been deepening for days, and the Sierra Avalanche Center had been advising skiers on the higher slopes to be cautious. The resorts had been taking active prevention measures every night. Explosive sounds resonated through the basin. Locals understood it, but it kept the tourists awake. They used explosives in different ways to dislodge the snow packs above the resorts, either placed manually or by helicopters, and some resorts used cannons.

Ethan was called for a rescue along with many others in the region. The Summit Valley Resort had recalled its ski patrol earlier when fearing losing someone after a minor slide covered a chair lift. People were trapped and 911 called. There was a growing snow and ice dome blanketing the entire mountain top, threatening a catastrophic avalanche. Summit management had closed the resort and evacuated everyone except emergency workers away from the mountain after the first slide. Everyone was worried about a serious avalanche while preparing to rescue people around the main lift.

Ethan had most of his gear in his truck's tool compartment, but grabbed a pair of special cross-country skis from the office. These skis had only one purpose, carrying heavier loads across loose snow fastened to climbing boots and able to race downhill in an emergency. They had metal edges, capable of rapid turns. He had his pack ready at all times with his airbag float in case he was caught in an avalanche. The float gave some chance of rising to the top of cascading snow. The pack also had his ice axe, load lifters, compression straps, and helmet. He didn't know what else to expect and would be briefed when he got to the mountain.

He was at the resort in less than ten minutes and could see the massive snow dome high above. It looked a quarter-mile across and a hundred feet thick, extending outward from the crest of the mountain over the slopes below. A truck from the US Forestry Service was there already and several ski-rescue people were preparing to climb the slopes by the lift. The Ranger was talking to someone, probably the lodge manager. They were animated, and it looked like blows could be exchanged.

A sheriff's deputy got involved, and it became a three-way discussion but with more civility than before. Ethan put on his boots and was adjusting his pack when the sheriff used his bullhorn. "Rescue and patrol skiers, thank you for coming, but it's now too dangerous for anyone on the mountain. You must all leave immediately. The mountain is closed until we can clear the snow from the peaks."

Most rescue volunteers were happy, knowing the danger the dome presented. But it didn't make sense to Ethan and some others, since people had been trapped under the first slide. Why had the rescue team been called if there was no "rescue" to be attempted? He went to the sheriff. People were obviously lost under the lifts. The lodge manager was with the Deputy and visibly angry. "What do you mean 'stand down'?" We've got a skier stranded up there!"

"What are you talking about, sir?" Ethan had heard his complaint.

The manager moved forward, pointing. "There, up there, just to the left of the first slide."

The Ranger brought his binoculars, handing them to Ethan. "There. Three quarters of the way up, take a look."

She wasn't hard to see. Without the glasses, she was just a red fly spec on the side of the mountain a thousand feet below the dome. Through the glasses, she could be seen waist-deep in debris from the earlier slide waving her arms frantically. She was screaming something they couldn't hear.

Ethan handed the glasses back. "Sheriff, use the horn. Tell that idiot to stop screaming, she'll bring the whole mountain down." The horn itself was dangerous, but her screaming was worse, and she had to stop.

The deputy did as requested while Ethan finished strapping his skis to the pack. The Ranger came up to him. "Where're you going, climber? Everyone's got to clear outta here, now! We don't need any more casualties." The deputy was eager to get out of the area himself.

Ethan ignored him, saying back as softly as possible. "Get everyone out of here then and stop talking to me."

A friend and fellow rescue climber, Harrold Dawes (Hawk), joined him. "Let's go, Walker."

They began jogging toward the base of the mountain, up the shallow beginner slopes. It was tough in the snow at this altitude, carrying heavy packs. They would be above seven-thousand feet when they reached her.

Ethan looked at his companion, "You got a death wish, Hawk?"

Dawes knew the dialogue would be sparse after this, the air was too thin. "Someone's got to keep an eye on you, Walker. You do all the hero stuff, and we minions miss all the fun."

"You've got a family. There's a difference. I don't want to explain to them if you die, and I live."

"Then let's both come back \-- alive."

It was the last time they spoke during the accent. Normally, when the resort was open, the ski lifts would have taken them up. But now, the lift was already buried. They had to keep to the left side of the drift on compacted show. The skier trapped above them was no longer in sight. The slope was full of berms and moguls blocking their view. Somewhere, buried beneath the snow pack, were mature pine trees and granite outcroppings that were just tall bumps in the snow now. Normally, these features made skiing fun. But now, they were obstacles to climb around. There was no straight route up the mountain.

Fortunately, the snow pack was deep, frozen and dry, so their boots remained clean. But after half an hour, fatigue set in. They were just putting one foot in front of the other. As the day wore on, the shadows on the hillside shifted and the sun's orientation changed, weakening the grip of the snowpack above.

Hawk spoke as they neared the correct altitude. "I don't like the look of that, Ethan." He was pointing at the massive snowdome extending out from the mountain over their heads a thousand feet higher up.

Ethan stopped and took a drink from his camel pack. Both drank and rested for only one minute. Ethan spoke, "I figure we're at the right height. I guess we just need to move that way." He pointed at the prior slide area, further under the dome. "She's gotta be over there."

She was. As the climbers moved around the next outcropping, they saw her, fifty feet away and slightly higher. The top-half of her body was above the snow drift. She saw them and flailed her arms, screaming. "I'm here!"

Hawk gestured and spoke softly, "Ma'am, you need to stay very calm and quiet." He pointed up. "Speak quietly and slowly. Too much noise could bury all of us."

She was terrified and sobbed silently. Ethan signaled Hawk as they pushed toward her to arrive at opposite sides. The climb became more difficult in the softer drift snow. Hawk went to the far side and Ethan moved close to her, whispering. "Can you move?"

"My skis are stuck and I can't feel my legs anymore."

He looked at Hawk, then back at her. "You've been packed in ice for a long time. Hawk, we gotta dig, get her boots loose."

Hawk nodded and both rescuers moved lower to pull the snow away, using their gloved hands. It wasn't difficult to move the snow, but they had to be careful to avoid starting a larger drift that could trigger the thing they both feared. If the dome released, they would all die under thousands of tons of snow. The avalanche would be the biggest to hit Tahoe in years, probably burying the main lodge building below.

In less than a minute, her boots were exposed, still strapped in their bindings. Ethan wanted to calm her. "What's your name, miss?"

She was almost too scared to talk, but said softly, "Nancy. I'm Nancy Harris, I was with my friends. They didn't want to come over this far from the lift. I skied alone over here. When the snow fell down, it happened so quick, I was trapped. I can't see the lift anymore. I don't know where my girlfriends are."

Ethan took off his gloves to release her bindings while Hawk moved beside her to support. He said, "Let's just get you down, and we'll probably find your friends drinking tea by a warm fire."

Ethan removed his backpack and Hawk asked, "What are you doing, Ethan?"

"Here, help her on with it." He pushed his pack to his partner after removing his skis.

He continued. "Nancy, listen to me. Your legs are frozen and you probably have some frostbite. There's no way you can walk out of here and it's too dangerous to bring in a helicopter. We're going to lay you on my skis. Hawk will pull you down with him. He's an expert, and we do this all the time."

Hawk looked at him as if to say..."Are you nuts? We never do this!" He was an expert skier, having grown up there and been on ski patrol even in Junior High, and raced downhill, but he'd never towed an injured skier lying on skis before.

"Ah, Ethan, you wanna tell me how you're getting down?"

"I'll explain later. Now, Nancy, if for some reason you should hear a loud noise and the cap lets go, pull this lanyard. Not now! ... Only if the avalanche happens. Hawk with tell you, not before. We're going to get you down fast, but I can't guarantee it'll be fast enough."

They leaned her forward and she grimaced with pain up her back, but she didn't yell out. It was probably a good sign that she could feel the pain. They were able to rotate her while Hawk moved lower to hold the skis in place. She was lying flat on her back, feet pointed downhill. Ethan reached into his pack to remove some tie straps and his ice axe. Removing the axe was mostly to make the pack less rigid and lighter. It took some minutes to strap the skis to her legs and under her back, while Hawk fastened his own skis. There was a rope connected to her ankle for him to control her as he skied down. It would be difficult maneuvering while towing Nancy on the sled, but if anyone could do it, Hawk was that person.

Hawk looked up at his partner. "See you on the bottom, Ethan. The first beer's on me. God Bless you." He started down.

Ethan no longer had his survival float. He hoped it might do some good for them if the dome let go. The floats didn't always work, but Nancy needed every advantage in her condition. It was eerily quiet. Snow swirled above from the vortex on top of the mountain, but it was deadly calm on the face where he stood. He now needed to save himself.

Hawk moved Nancy carefully, trying to keep his speed low and avoid bumping her too badly down the slope. It had been an expert slope. Now, it was a disaster zone with about half the surface covered by the first stage of the dome collapse. It took only about three minutes to reach the lower level where the slope moderated slightly to be the intermediate range. Then it happened. There was a huge cracking sound as the dome released its load, probably ten times the amount that had buried the lifts. Nancy's face showed her terror. She understood what the sound meant with the thunderous roar that followed.

Hawk didn't look at her. He turned straight down hill and streamlined. They were racing for their lives. "Don't pull the lanyard!"

It was hard for her to remain calm and do as he said, but she did it. She lay perfectly still, lying on skis travelling faster that she'd ever skied upright. Hawk wasn't maneuvering; he was racing downhill ahead of a freight train of snow, ice, boulders, and broken trees. It was only seconds before the first parts of the drift caught them a few hundred yards from the base. He looked back at the wall of debris catching them. He yelled above the torrent, "Now! Pull the lanyard!"

The roar was deafening as the big orange balloon lifted her higher onto the crest of the slush traveling over sixty miles per hour. She hadn't seen Hawk since he yelled to her.

News Report

Several news stations sent helicopters to cover the Tahoe avalanche. There hadn't been a major catastrophe there in years, and this was breaking news. It was a disaster. It wasn't hard for the pilot to find it with all the flashing blue and red strobes below. Helicopters were warned to keep the airspace clear for medical choppers. Aircraft filled the airspace. The snow dome had broken away cleanly, removing hundreds of feet from the mountain crest, smearing the entire mountainside, covering most of the trails, burying the lifts, shearing trees away, loosening boulders, and enveloping the lodge below. Only the roof was showing. There was no way to know how many people were swallowed up – hundreds.

The Sheriff's helo circled above the lodge roof. The pilot radioed to move everyone back to the highway. He also saw something else. "Sheriff, there's a big orange balloon on top of the drift, looks like a float."

The air was absolutely still and the debris-field seemed stable in the late afternoon sunshine. It was eerily quiet. The sheriff's copter landed a hundred yards away from the float. Two people raced there, pulling it away.

The skier, Nancy, was stunned and weak, but alive. They cut away the ski harnesses and lifted her off the snow. She yelled, "Wait ... wait! Where's Hawk?"

The rescuers knew him. One of them said, "Was Hawk with you?"

"Yes, he brought me down the hill. Oh, God, he's gotta be here. Please, find him?"

It didn't take long. Buried below her in the snow, his hand still held the guide rope. He'd died saving her.

That night, Erin watched the evening news at supper with her parents. When breaking news came on, the video showed the avalanche from the air and scores of people searching the mountainside, looking for victims and, hopefully, survivors. She watched with interest. She hadn't told her parents about Ethan yet. They had liked him but had never mentioned him after Erin's marriage. She knew how they would react it they knew she'd reconnected with him. She wanted to keep their relationship quiet for a time.

Then it happened. The report focused on the dramatic rescue of a trapped skier. Two rescuers had ignored warnings and gone up the mountain to save the woman. Then the massive avalanche happened. They saved her. She was in a local hospital suffering from exposure and frostbite. One rescuer perished and the other was missing and presumed lost. Then they named the rescuers and Erin nearly fainted. Ethan Walker was missing.

She put her hand to her mouth. "Oh, my God!"

Her parents were surprised, "What is it dear?" Her mother touched her shoulder.

"Ethan, it's Ethan." She pointed at the TV screen but couldn't say more.

Her father spoke. "You mean Ethan Walker, the boy you dated before college?"

She nodded. "I just saw him, he's at Tahoe. Oh, Ethan!..."

Survival

Megan was never happy when Ethan went on rescues. It always seemed to happen when the store was busiest, and then she had to cover for them both. Now, she worried that Ethan could be in trouble. She'd heard of the big avalanche echoing through the basin as it happened. People from a neighboring store came rushing in. They knew Ethan was a volunteer.

"Did you hear, Megan? There's been a slide at Summit Valley. Was Ethan there?"

She couldn't talk and ran out of the store, hastily locking the front door and raced to her Jeep. As she drove from the lot, helicopters were maneuvering in the distance. The traffic toward Echo Summit was nearly stopped as police diverted everyone into one lane. Emergency vehicles were stopped in a long line, clogging the route. She drove off the road into a snow bank and ran. Near the entrance, she saw Bill Nickerson, her Deputy Sheriff friend. "Bill, where's Ethan?"

He led her off the road. "Look, Megan, we don't know anything yet. We're just starting the search for people now."

"Search ... is Ethan part of the search?"

He put his hands on her shoulders. He hesitated. "He was up there, and we lost contact."

"What! Ethan was there? Was he there when the avalanche happened?" She was hysterical.

Nickerson knew she had a crush on Ethan. "That's what I heard, Megan."

"I gotta help, Bill. I need to go in there!"

"Calm down, Megan. We got enough searchers. You're dressed for the store and we don't need another casualty. Just leave it to us. We're doing everything we can to find them."

Later that night, Erin was stopped in traffic near the same spot. She saw all the people and equipment. Massive searchlights were illuminating the mountainside and helicopters circled above lighting some areas with spotlights. She felt sick. She listened to the radio, but there wasn't any word if survivors had been found. There was speculation that dozens of skiers were caught under the debris, but nobody knew how many.

She didn't have a plan. She'd hurriedly packed a bag and rushed up there. Now, she could only wait. She could have waited at her parents just as well, but she needed to be closer to Ethan. There wasn't anything she could do; she just needed to be there. She drove away from the site for a few minutes and found a small cabin rental nearby.

It would take days to search the whole debris field. People were probing with long poles for bodies and cadaver dogs were employed. They all hoped to find survivors, but there were none yet. Several bodies had been recovered along the lifts. Erin watched the old Sylvania TV in her cabin. The local news had continuous coverage. She tried calling Ethan's cell phone throughout the night, always listening for his voicemail message. It calmed her, hearing his recorded voice.

Megan had been standing out in the cold at the resort until past midnight, freezing until she could no longer feel her feet. It was difficult driving back to her apartment, where she also watched the news. Normally, the local channels went off the air at midnight, but they were staying on all night. She dozed, but stayed on the couch all night. By morning, the search area had widened, coming nearer to the spot where Nancy Harris had been trapped.

The searchers were just told to do a quick scan of this area since it had been cleared of skiers after the first slide, before the main avalanche. Nancy had been caught in the fringe, but the area was basically cleared after the lifts were hit. The search wasn't focused on finding Ethan, per se, and they didn't know which way he'd gone after Hawk skied away. Nancy didn't remember him saying anything specific to Hawk about his escape plan. That morning, the TV showed a picture of Ethan with the caption, "missing rescuer." They also aired a short segment talking to Nancy Harris in a hospital room about the heroic men who saved her. She became emotional talking about Hawk and how Ethan had given up his survival pack and skis. When she was told that Ethan was missing and Hawk was dead, she broke down.

A TV reporter stood at the bottom of the mountain, near the buried lodge, pointing to the area where Nancy had been rescued. She described how the area had been partially spared during the initial slide but was totally engulfed when the whole dome collapsed. Megan was shocked and disabled by grief, she needed to be there. She needed to find Ethan.

The road leading to the resort was congested with rescuers, medics, news vans, and citizens from all over the area wanting to help. Erin parked almost a mile away and raced on foot toward the lodge. There was a tent with tables and charts. As she looked in from the side, it appeared that the search team was working from a grid which had colored dots, which she assumed were bodies. There was a deputy nearby talking on a portable radio. She waited until he finished. "Excuse me, are you coordinating the search."

Bill Nickerson said, "I'm one of the people with sector responsibility. Look, miss, I'm kinda busy now. Can you wait for the press briefing at nine o'clock?" He really didn't want to talk to another reporter.

"I'm not with the press. I'm looking for a friend."

"Look, I'd like to help, but we're asking civilians to stay home and watch the news. We'll notify when something happens. You could help if you can identify some of the people we've recovered. It's not pleasant, but it's about all you could do other than to stay out of the way."

"I'm looking for Ethan Walker."

He reacted to Ethan's name. "You know Ethan?"

"He's my friend, an old friend."

Nickerson had known Ethan from the time they both came to Tahoe. He couldn't imagine Ethan keeping such a beautiful girl secret. "How old a friend?"

"Twenty years."

"Well, I really can't do anything for you, miss ... miss?

"Erin Mullaney."

"Miss Mullaney, Ethan is a friend of mine too. He has lots of friends on the search team. We're trying like hell to find him. We're finding skiers, but not Ethan. He was on a rescue here yesterday when all hell broke loose."

"I know. I watched the news and that's why I came. So, deputy...?"

"Oh, I'm Bill Nickerson. Ethan and me worked together when he first came here. He's my friend too. Call me Bill."

"Call me Erin. But, Bill, why aren't people looking up there?" She pointed at the area where the woman had been rescued.

"We don't have enough people to look everywhere and it's hard to pinpoint where he might have ended up."

"Bill, I listened to the girl in the hospital. Ethan was on foot. He couldn't ski and would have been moving away from the dome, that way (she pointed east). How long after the rescue did the avalanche occur?"

"I don't know, but based on how short a time she was coming down, it couldn't have been more than a few minutes. Our other friend, Ethan's and mine, Harrold Dawes, died, pulling the woman down the hill."

"I heard. I'm sorry. I didn't know they were friends. But think about it. Ethan wouldn't come straight down the hill on foot, he would have moved aside, that way, away from the area. You know him. He could move fast, even on foot, in a few minutes. I think he's somewhere over there." She pointed farther to the left than anyone had gone so far.

"Look, maybe I can get one or two people to look over there, but it's on the opposite side of where most of the victims are located, I just can't ask everyone to head that way."

"Bill, he might be alive. You gotta try to help him. He knows how to survive up there. Give him a chance."

At that point, Megan walked up and Nickerson introduced them. They'd probably seen each other at the store when Erin brought her children to ski, but it didn't register. Neither woman knew how to react to the other, except that Ethan was obviously special to them both.

Ethan was Nickerson's best friend, but as the Deputy in charge, he had to stay focused on the bigger picture. He nodded slowly and instructed two searchers to move to the eastern side of the debris field, starting at the eight-thousand foot marker. Erin and Megan stepped back to let the sheriff work.

On the mountain, buried, it was silent and black. Ethan was trapped, but alive. He didn't know how long he'd been unconscious – a long time. His face was packed in ice but there was a small crevice for air. He was regaining his senses, but his chest and legs were crushed under immense weight. He knew he was under several feet of debris. It couldn't be too deep. If it was, the weight would have killed him, but it wasn't shallow either.

He couldn't move. His entire body was encased. An incredible weight pinned him down. He could feel his hands and toes, so nerves were intact, but his right side burned. His arm could be broken and maybe some other injuries. Judging by the numbness in his face and hands, he'd been there for several minutes or even hours. As his mental faculties returned, survival experience and training took over. He knew he'd been buried by an avalanche. He had run straight across the mountain face to get out from under the dome, but it wasn't fast enough. The first sound was like a massive explosion, followed by snapping trees and crumbling granite rock face. He didn't look, running as hard as possible ahead of the thunderous cascade overtaking him. When the avalanche hit him, he tried to ride on the surface by falling back against the cresting surge. It worked for a few seconds but then dropped him over a ledge, falling at least fifty feet. He'd lost all sensation of space and speed as he fell into unconsciousness.

People would be searching but he wouldn't be found. He was too far away from the ski slopes. He was also deep, covered with hard debris, making probes ineffective.

He had only one hope. He needed to escape with only himself to help. He also needed to get out before losing too much more body heat. He'd be in shock soon. Ironically, the snow pack would keep him at a constant temperature, even as temperatures fell during the night. It would be too cold to survive if he was immobile in the open. His head was in a small void and his chest could rise and fall. Both arms were compacted in snow and couldn't move. Everything from his waist down was pinned.

He pushed up with all his might with searing pain in his right side, but nothing moved. He tried his arms and legs. He tried his fingers. His left hand was able to curl. The snow around his body was freezing solid, but it cracked under finger pressure. His right hand couldn't curl and he feared blood flow might be cut off. His fingers still wrapped around his ice axe. He slowed his breathing, trying to relax. There was no quick way out. He worked for several minutes pushing snow and ice with his fingertips, finally able to move his wrist a few degrees. He tensed his left arm trying to move it closer. When that failed, he continued scraping with his fingers. His gloves were insulated but soaked, making it hard to dig.

He continued trying to move legs and arms but needed to rest often. It was exhausting at this altitude, tensing his muscles against immovable weight. It was like being frozen inside a glacier. Gradually, there was enough open space for his left hand to move. He couldn't see anything, but the freedom of motion, even with just one hand, gave him hope. By compressing snow away with his left hand, he opened an area the size of a baseball. It was big enough to slide his forearm forward an inch. By repeating the process over several more hours, he finally reached his hand into the air pocket by his face.

Down the mountain, the area around the lodge was called base camp. Recovery teams knew it would take many days, so schedules for people and supplies began developing. Megan and Erin became acquainted. Their shared affection for Ethan was a kind of bond. If Ethan was lost, as most seemed to fear, then there wouldn't be a rivalry for his affection. Erin didn't feel the same threat as Megan. For her, she was just beginning to know him again. Megan's affection had grown over their years working together.

Hours stretched on. At the end of the first day, when the sun was falling, there was a discussion between groups about suspending until the morning. No people recovered yet had been alive. The night would be blustery and windy with heavy snowfall. It would be dangerously cold and slippery on the slopes. Finally, the operation was suspended until first light, but searchlights were left on in the vain hope that survivors might emerge. The mood at base camp wasn't hopeful.

Before long, almost everyone was gone when the two women decided to have dinner together at a small diner nearby that Megan recommended. It would give them time to reminisce about Ethan. Bill Nickerson had been there all day and was exhausted. He was the last to leave with the ladies, joining them for the only meal he'd had.

On the mountain, Ethan had no sensation of day or night, or how many hours had gone by. He'd passed out from exertion. Altitude was a factor and any physical effort was multiplied. His left hand could now touch his face, but he couldn't feel it. With this freedom of motion, he was able to scoop larger fingers of debris, compacting it in the small space. It wasn't all snow. Bits of granite and tree shards combined with it. Hours later, near midnight if he'd known the time, he could rotate his head. He was able to move his right arm up with great effort and pain, leaving the ice axe frozen in place. It was still black in his world and he could only visualize the space in his mind with eyes closed. He'd lost all sensation in his lower body and knew that with the exposure he had only hours to live. Movement helped: it helped blood flow, keeping oxygen flowing to his arm muscles, but it also burned calories that he wasn't replenishing. All the science of exposure and survival was playing in his mind. He hadn't had anything to eat or drink in hours and was entrapped in freezing cold. His thermal clothing did its job magnificently, but it wouldn't stop the decline in body temperature much longer. He passed out again.

Ethan dreamed that Erin was beside him in a single sleeping bag at Yosemite. They were both young. It was a cold night and they warmed each other. It was an amazing experience ... man and woman, tightly woven, sharing body heat. They were smiling and kissing and making love, over and over. It soothed him. Then he woke again into the blackness. He had another vision of falling down a steel well pipe, just wide enough to compress his body as he was suspended upside down with no escape and water rising from below. That was his reality. He tried pressing upward again and a small opening developed as snow slid away from his face. It was just a small crack but there was a sensation of fresh air, colder air than he'd been breathing, but more refreshing. No light entered.

Around midnight, Megan and Erin left the diner hoping to sleep some. They'd rapidly become acquainted, sharing a common emergency. They hugged each other when departing. Megan headed toward her apartment several miles away, and Erin toward the cabin near the mountain. But she drove past it without stopping. She couldn't think about sleeping in a bed. Ethan didn't have a bed. If he was still alive, he'd be freezing, scared and alone. She drove back to base camp where the huge lights illuminated the hillside rising almost a mile above. She stood alone beside an old carbon-arc searchlight built during WWII. It buzzed and gave off heat as she stomped around on the ground trying to keep her feet from freezing. Nobody was there. It was spooky, and she imagined bears and wolves circling around her in the darkness. Noise from the light and a generator disguised any other sounds that might come from the wilderness surrounding her. The lights were lighting the area for what? The only people on the mountain were dead. Bodies were being stored inside the lodge where the temperature inside had fallen below freezing.

What am I doing here? She stepped away from the light, walking back toward the command tent. It was dark, freezing, and snow was blowing hard. She was alone and terrified, but she couldn't leave. Ethan was there, somewhere up there. She wasn't leaving him again. She was also mad as hell, thinking about her past. She'd made a mistake, abandoning him. Now, it had come to this. She was being punished; she knew it. She stood shivering, but not feeling it. Every second that passed made her angrier. Anger was warming her. It was dark and frigid standing so far away from the searchlight. She was alone, keeping company with frozen corpses in a half-buried building a hundred feet away. But no matter how frightening, she couldn't leave, she had to be there.

It was almost dawn, less than an hour until sunrise. The snow had stopped, and Erin sat on a folding chair she had pulled outside of the tent to be near the warmth of the searchlight. The wind had died and the only sound was the carbon arc a few feet away. She dozed once or twice, but was otherwise alert throughout the night. Alert for what? She wouldn't try to answer the question. There was no rational reason to be there all night. She wasn't searching the mountain or helping with logistics. She was just sitting, helplessly.

She leaned her head back, then forward to flex neck muscles. What's that? Something up on the mountain had registered, but she couldn't see anything. She was suddenly alert, what had it been? She moved in front of the light, closer to the mountain, hoping to see something. She instinctively looked toward the eastern side where she had assumed Ethan would be. There was something there, but it was too small and too dark to make out. The area was home to black bears and mountain lions, so anything could be moving up there at night. She went forward another hundred feet to get under the light beam, focused half a mile up the mountain. There was something moving up there.

Ethan had struggled with renewed energy when the fissure opened near his head. He pushed using his left arm and legs with all his might. It sent lightning bolts of pain down his right side, but the fissure grew. After dozens of lunges, he was out of breath and his heart raced. But the hole had grown. He could see shards of light. At first, it looked like sunlight, but as the hole grew larger, he could also see the black sky. He pushed hard again and his body moved forward by inches. His shoulders pushed more snow and rock away along with his left hand, now fully extended ahead, clawing at the snow. He used his frozen feet, pushing through the pain as snow collapsed on his lower body from behind. He wasn't free yet and a small slide could happen from his own exertion. But he had hope! He said a silent prayer and kept pushing.

His head, then his upper body emerged, and he could pull with his good arm, oblivious to the pain down his right side. It was a rebirth! In an instant, he emerged from the tomb that had tried to hold him. He lay on his good side on top of the drift that had tried to kill him, savoring his escape. It was short lived. Through his exertion and his body heating the snow, he was soaked through every layer of insulation and the frigid night wind stung all over. The outside temperature was way below zero, colder than the ice that had surrounded him. He had escaped the clutches of an avalanche, only to now die of frostbite and exposure. He did a quick mental check of his condition. His lungs and heart were normal, but his right side from the waist up was on fire. His legs seemed intact but he couldn't feel anything. He couldn't stand to walk. He could crawl and roll, hopefully not triggering another slide.

Erin tried to see farther. The spotting scopes and binoculars had been taken away for the night. She cupped her freezing gloves around her eyes, focused on one part of the mountain. She thought she could see something moving on the mountain. It could be a large animal or a human. After spending the whole night in the arctic conditions, she wondered if she was hallucinating. Her pulse quickened, and she started running toward the slope.

Ethan couldn't stand. His feet and ankles felt welded in one position, frozen for so many hours. He crawled forward, unable to coordinate, falling and rolling on the slope. God, am I going to have to roll the whole way down? His eyes weren't working well yet. He'd been in darkness too long and the glare of the searchlight was blinding. He crawled, pulling with his arms, unable to use his legs. After several minutes and painful effort, he was able to stand on numb feet and force himself to step downward, unable to maintain balance. He fell each time. His equilibrium was off. He was fighting hypothermia and frostbite. It was almost half a mile to reach the light below, and he had no way to know that the search was abandoned for the night ... he needed help desperately. Each time he fell, his arm radiated intense pain.

Erin raced up the slope in sneakers, half expecting to confront a bear. Her feet had lost sensation somewhere during the night, and sent shockwaves through her ankles now. It didn't matter. Someone or something was coming down. She didn't care if it was an animal; she had to be there if it was Ethan. She was cold, alone, and scared, but struggling up the slope.

As she fought for footing up the hillside, the incline and debris increased. She stumbled and fell often. Then, she could see a man, looking like a frozen Eskimo completely covered with ice. She stopped momentarily to dial 911, but the dispatcher didn't believe her. The response team had left hours earlier and nobody was supposed to be at the mountain. She screamed at the jerk, "Call Sheriff Nickerson if you don't believe me! I don't care what you think, get an ambulance up here quickly, there's a man coming down from the mountain, and he's hurt!"

There was no way to recognize Ethan -- she just prayed. She stopped to yell. He heard something, a woman, but he couldn't answer. He didn't have the strength and his hearing, like all his other senses, wasn't functioning well. When they were fifty feet apart, he saw Erin. She looked like an angel, too lightly dressed for the Sierras in winter. Am I dead? She shouldn't be here running and screaming. He tried to say something, but fell to his knees, unable to rise. She didn't know it was him. He was too crusted with ice in mountain survival gear. She got to him, helping him to his feet. Ethan!

Erin could see his distress and inability to walk. Her first instinct was to throw her arms around him and declare undying love, but he was too injured. Instead, she tucked under his left arm and helped steady his tall frame. "I've got you."

He stumbled forward, trying to keep his weight off her, but she kept him upright. They made it halfway down on their own legs before lights from rescue trucks blazed in the distance. It was hard moving and slow, falling repeatedly, but Erin got him almost all the way down before the first fire & rescue truck arrived. A Sheriff and Forest Ranger also came. The scene was alive again with flashing lights filling the night. Ethan fell to his knees near the bottom as EMTs ran up with a back board. He looked at Erin, still unable to speak but knew she'd stayed there for him. She'd saved him. She rushed toward the paramedics urging them on.

Recovery

The monitor beeped quietly in the Intensive Care Unit, the ICU. When Megan arrived, Erin had her eyes closed, resting in a chair beside his bed wearing a robe over her hospital gown. Ethan was covered with extra blankets and his face was bandaged. The docs had worked on him for hours, treating frostbite on his face, feet, and hands. Megan froze. She needed to be brave. She walked to his side, careful not to disturb Erin. Bill Nickerson had told her how Erin had stayed on the mountain all night alone.

Megan didn't know whether to love Erin or hate her. Erin was there for Ethan when everyone else had given up. Megan knew what the winter nights were like there. She'd gone out in the wilderness a few times, mostly on dares, never alone and never for more than a few minutes. Somehow, Erin had stayed there all night when everyone else, including her, had gone home. She felt guilty and jealous of the girl who wouldn't give up. There was a bond between Erin and Ethan that she'd misjudged. How could someone break up twenty years ago, yet still have such intense love for him? She questioned her own feelings.

She looked around for another chair, but the ICU spaces were small and there really wasn't room for her. The nurse had advised her to stay only a minute. They could visit when he moved to a standard bed. If he moved to a standard bed. She started to walk away, looking for a coffee machine when Erin spoke. "Megan."

It was then that she noticed the bandages on Erin's feet. She'd managed to keep from freezing using the searchlight heat, but there was still a minor case of frostbite. Megan leaned over and said quietly, "You're my hero."

"He's the hero. He suffered a lot by getting that girl down. I don't think he even knows she survived."

"He wouldn't know about Hawk then?"

Ethan had been oscillating between sleep and consciousness. "What about Hawk?"

Megan moved closer to him. "You saved that girl on the mountain, Ethan ... but Hawk, he didn't make it."

The two women watched him close his eyes again, retreating into sleep. A small tear had formed and Megan used a tissue to wipe his eye. The drugs had taken hold of him again. Erin stood, using a single crutch, "Let's go find something to eat, I'm starving."

Megan smiled and walked beside Erin as she shuffled her feet in hospital slippers. "Does that hurt?"

"Both feet are blistered. It's not so bad when I'm sitting or lying down; I actually have a bed down the hall. Let's go there. I'm all alone in the room for now and I think we can order something."

They talked for the next hour about Erin's ordeal. Megan knew it was terrifying to be in the mountains alone at night. Even though she'd lived there for ten years, she was still scared of the night animals. And the thought of all those dead people nearby was freaky. "I'm not going to ask if you were scared, that's a no-brainer, but I just can't imagine staying up there all alone, all night."

"It's like – I don't know – kinda like I was too scared to leave. I kept thinking back on the mistakes I made."

"Like what?"

"Like breaking up with Ethan when I went to college. I guess I felt like I might have caused this. If I'd never broken up with him, he'd have a different kind of life, not risking himself so much."

"You don't know that. He likes his lifestyle; he likes being in charge and the center of attention. When someone needs help, Ethan's always there, and he's the best. He wants to be leading. I don't think he could be any different."

"Yeah, maybe, but I still thought about it all night up there. You know, it's like everything plays on your mind. Now, I just hope he's going to be all right."

"What did the doctor say?"

"I don't know everything. They were working on me at the same time, and I could only hear parts. I heard about therapy and rehabilitation -- things that don't sound like he's walking out soon."

"Oh, yeah, that reminds me. I gotta get back to the store. Can I bring you anything later?"

"No, my folks are coming up and bringing my laptop and Kindle. The staff here keeps me fed well. Thanks anyway."

Megan left feeling like the odd one out. Erin had been with Ethan all night and was now sharing his hospital. It wasn't exactly living together, but Megan wasn't any part of it. She could visit, but Erin would be there all the time. She'd sit in that chair beside him. She had total possession of his time, and it bothered Megan. She'd invested years with Ethan, supporting his business, covering for him when he was out. It was as much her store as his. But that wasn't the point. She'd been there for Ethan all those years. Where had Erin been?

Erin was released the following day, but decided to stay nearby in her cheap cabin for a few more. Her mom and dad were taking great care of her kids and had them enrolled in Auburn schools. Ethan was transferred to a regular room after a day when his condition was stable. He couldn't walk, but the frostbitten areas were healing and gangrene no longer seemed like a threat. He was on IV antibiotics still, but was able to stay awake long enough to see visitors for one hour each day. Erin was there often and had been allowed to stay with him after hours, treated like family. She didn't claim any special relationship, but the nursing staff had all heard the story of her ordeal and just assumed they were inseparable. Megan could visit during posted hours, but it was hard to get private time with his other friends coming and going. When Erin wasn't at the hospital or asleep in her cabin, she drove to Auburn to be with the kids. Weather in the mountains could be treacherous, especially at night, so she wasn't always able to return to Tahoe.

After a week, Ethan's physical therapy started, mostly to regain muscle tone and flexibility. The tissue damage was beginning to heal, and the therapist thought he'd be walking normally in less than a month. All in all, it was a remarkable recovery. He loved every minute with Erin. His friends had filled him in on the details of her ordeal. When she wasn't there with him in the hospital, he dreamed of her. She'd been a dream for all those years, and now she was real again. Circumstances added to the intensity of their reunion in a way neither could have imagined. It was like all those years had melted away.

He wasn't oblivious to Megan. He'd tried to keep professionally distant for years. He respected her and saw her as a business partner ... he had sensed that she wanted more from their relationship. It wasn't that she was unattractive, quite the opposite. Megan had a youthful charm and innocence. She was a good listener and compassionate. She was carefree and impish ... overall, just fun to be around. Ethan didn't really have a good reason for standing off, but he didn't want to mess up their business relationship.

Besides that, his best friend, Bill Nickerson, had a crush on Megan. If Bill were more outgoing and less of a strong-silent-type, he'd probably already have married Megan. He was just a coward around her. Megan talked to Ethan once after a date with Nickerson. She said she like him, but she couldn't understand his feelings toward her ... he 'd never expressed anything. Ethan tried to explain it to Bill, but it's not something men discuss well. Nickerson was a lot like Ethan, the two had been inseparable when they were younger, working together at an outfitter's store. Nickerson had grown up at Tahoe and loved the outdoors. He was already over six-foot-three in high school and a superior athlete. He would have been a star athlete and popular in a more urban area, but Tahoe was isolated without many opportunities for organized sports. He didn't experience the same socialization as kids from the cities. His social skills improved as an adult, but Megan remained a challenge to him.

She'd grown up in the San Francisco Bay area, surrounded by friends and popular in school. She was outgoing and social. It was a mystery to her parents and friends why she would ever stay at Lake Tahoe. It's a beautiful resort spot, but not a place for someone with her popularity to fit into. She'd stayed there against anyone's expectations. She'd been attracted to Ethan Walker from the beginning. He took her climbing, which involved physical closeness and mutual dependency, or you could die. It was a different kind of experience with a more mature man than she'd known before. She'd always been popular growing up, boys always in pursuit, but she'd never known anyone like Ethan.

Then there was Bill Nickerson. She liked him too, but he was harder to know. He was Ethan's best friend, but with a different personality. He wasn't as outgoing, and she never understood how he felt toward her. He had difficulty expressing it. Yet, they always had fun times together. They didn't leave Tahoe, but he knew how to make every date an adventure. They enjoyed these times together, but he had trouble with intimacy.

Megan's feelings toward Ethan were different, and he knew it. They'd worked together for ten years, yet never dated. Now, with Erin back, he had to be honest with Megan. A crisis had drawn them close again, but was it permanent? It would take time and healing to know for sure.

The ward nurse smiled, "Hey, Ethan, you have a visitor." He'd just finished his morning PT and visiting hours didn't start for a while. He had a surprise visitor. A nurse pushed Nancy Harris into his room in a wheelchair. He didn't recognize her at first, without all her winter clothing. She was younger than he'd remembered. The only time he'd seen her before was under stress. She'd been covered with ski clothing and he hadn't noticed her face. They could have passed in the hall and he wouldn't have recognized her. It took a second to register. She was wearing a robe and had the fresh complexion of a girl in her late teens with long brown hair, falling past her shoulders. "Hi, Ethan."

He felt immediate joy. "Hello, again! Wow, I was wondering about you. The last time I saw you, you weren't feeling so great."

"I made it. Thanks to you and Hawk. You saved my life. You both got me safe, seconds before that awful avalanche. I ... I feel terrible about Hawk. He ... he died saving me. And you! You gave up all your equipment for me. I still can't believe it."
"Nancy, I can tell you from Hawk and me, both; coming for you was worth it all. There's no way to describe how it feels to help someone who needs it. We get calls usually to get someone unstuck because they made a mistake or they got injured. It's gratifying, but not usually life threatening. You were different. That dome was a killer, and it feels good to have gotten you out. How are you doing?" He noted the bandages on her feet.

"I'm good. The skin on my feet was all black and blue, but it wasn't as bad as it could be. It'll be normal in a month or so. I can actually stand now and should be out of here tomorrow. My folks are coming up to get me."

They talked about his injuries and about the avalanche, but avoided talking about the friends they'd lost. Nancy's two girlfriend's bodies hadn't been recovered yet. Hawk was already at the undertaker.

She didn't want to rush away, but there wasn't anything more to share. She asked, "Will I ever see you again?"

"Do you plan to come back?"

"Not for a while. I couldn't after – you know – after Katie and Gloria died here, and Hawk was killed saving me. But someday, I'll come back ... can't stay away forever. It'll be therapeutic."

"Well, look. If you do come back, come see me at my store, Outfitter's Trading Post. I'm the first ski shop on Shore Drive after the summit."

She stood momentarily and kissed his cheek, a little tearful. "I'll never forget you or Hawk." She couldn't talk more, and the nurse smiled to him as she wheeled Nancy away.

He'd never had a visit from someone he'd rescued. Nancy was the first. He'd probably never see her again, but he'd always remember her. At some point in her life, she'd be married with kids and spend vacations around northern California, maybe even returning to Tahoe at some point. He hoped he would see her again, her and her family. He closed his eyes, doped up, but he was happy.

An hour later, he was awake, watching the news when a nurse walked in, "There's a news team asking to meet you. How do you feel?"

"I'm okay, but does it take a lot of people and time? I get tired if I talk too much."

"Well, there's actually a lot of stations out there, so the hospital administrator told them to pick one to interview you and share with all the rest. I think it'll just be one reporter and a cameraman."

"Okay, am I pretty enough?"

They'd washed his hair and he had a three-day beard, looking very masculine. The nurse brushed his dark brown hair back with her hand. "Yeah, you're great ... ready for your two minutes of fame."

The reporter was considerate. She'd been told by the attending physician to limit her questions and try to take no more than ten minutes. The head nurse would stay in the room to watch vitals.

"Mr. Walker, how are you feeling?"

"I'm alive and my body is healing, so life is good."

"It could have been a lot worse, as you know."

"Yeah, I've seen the news. When I was there, there was no way to know how serious things got. I was lucky."

"You were a hero, saving that young lady." She'd already interviewed Nancy.

"I wish it could be more people. My buddy was the real hero, Hawk was killed."

"Were you friends?"

"I've known him for fifteen or sixteen years. We were on a couple rescues before this. It's hard to describe how you feel about someone when you've put your life in his hands and vice versa."

"The doctor says you're in stable condition. Can you describe your injuries?"

"I have a sprained right arm and bruised shoulder and frostbite on my feet. I'll be okay."

They talked about mountain safety and the training he'd had. When the interview ended, the reporter told him to watch the evening news. She expected all the Tahoe channels to show it and maybe it would be on the national networks. He smiled. None of that mattered. It was all perishable. By the time he would go back to work, he'd be forgotten. It was fine with him. He would never forget.

Harassment

"He was here?" Erin shuttered after her mother said that Chris had shown up at their house unannounced while she was at Tahoe.

"Your father didn't say where you were and told him to leave. He didn't go away immediately until we threatened to call the police. He said he only wanted to see the children, and you stole them away from him."

"I didn't steal them away. He hasn't been paying his child support or even helping with the mortgage! It's his name on the mortgage, and house will be repossessed. He told the attorneys that he was broke after his accident, and the legal bills that were following would last long after Kim finished college."

"He told us he lost his job and was thinking of moving up north to be around his kids."

"It's all a lie Mom, Dad. He doesn't know if I'm staying up here or coming back. I never said a word to him about coming here. He doesn't know if I still have my job at the law firm or not. The bills are in his name, and there's no equity in the house." She was shaking.

"Just sit down, dear. Buck, would you make some tea, please?"

"Mom, he won't leave us alone. He doesn't think about anyone but himself. No matter what I say or do, he just keeps coming back. He doesn't give a damn about our kids. You know that we never took a single vacation except to come visit you twice. He never went to school activities. He never came to Dillan's soccer games. Now ... now he says he wants to see the kids. That's rich. He just can't stand the idea that I would divorce him, the great Chris Chatsworth, the man every girl dreamed about."

Her father returned after starting the tea water. "You need to calm down, Erin. I'm not letting him on our property."

"What about the kids, dad? They're not always here, and he scares me."

"We'll notify their schools that he doesn't have visitation rights or custody."

"God, how did I ever marry that maniac?"

"Don't worry, Honey, it'll all work out." Mom hated seeing her daughter angry. She'd just gone through a traumatic time at Tahoe. That only compounded her misery from a bad divorce.

Erin had been planning to drive back to Tahoe that night, after dinner. She needed to talk to her children. They needed to be careful, especially Kim. Dillan could take care of himself. She couldn't imagine Chris hurting either of them, but he'd been so stressed in the past year that he wasn't acting normally. She didn't know him anymore. Maybe she never did.

Kim was home at two-thirty and Dillan's bus arrived an hour later. When he arrived, she sat with both of them in the living room while her parents disappeared in the kitchen and back yard, preparing dinner on the bar-b-que. "Dillan, Kimberly, I need to talk to you about your father."

Kim jumped up, "Daddy! Is daddy coming to stay with us?"

"No, Kim. Like we've talked before, your father is did some bad things and got someone hurt and is in a lot of legal trouble

." How do you tell a nine-year-old daughter that her father is a philanderer? "He's not supposed to be around us, you or me, until some things are worked out in court."

Dillan frowned. "You mean about your divorce?"

"Yes, Dillan ... about the divorce." She glared at him, momentarily. "There're lots of things to get ironed out, and he's not supposed to be around us until it's all settled."

He objected. "It's not fair! He's our father as much as you're our mother. We have a right to see him. He said he loved us."

"When?"

"When I talk to him; okay? I can call him, or is that off limits too?"

She shook her head. "Dillan, it just makes things worse. Please just let this all get settled, then you should be able to talk to him if you want."

"What if it never gets, settled? Dad says you're being unreasonable. He just wants things to be like they were."

"It's not that simple. He did something, and he's also got big legal problems." She didn't want to get into a discussion about all of her ex's misdeeds. "We're going to lose the house because of him!"

This wasn't going as she'd expected. Dillan was talking to Chris and probably telling him everything she'd been doing. It would be damaging to talk about their divorce issues in front of Kim. Erin knew Dillan. She knew he would escalate the discussion if she continued. She didn't want Kim hearing all the gory details about other women and the lawsuit against him (only one so far). Dillan was devious and obviously knew more than he should. Chris was coaching him. Dillan was using Kim's vulnerability to punish his mother for something Chris had convinced him was her fault. The bastard was even more evil that she'd realized.

That evening at the hospital, Ethan missed Erin's company. She'd been there every night. His cell phone rang on the stainless table beside the bed. Erin.

"Hey, I miss you."

"I'm sorry, Ethan. Something came up. It's about my kids, and I couldn't get away in time. I'll come up tomorrow if things settle down."

He could hear stress in her voice. "I hope it's not serious."

"I don't think so ... I really don't know. It's about my ex and my kids. I'll try to explain tomorrow. It's too complicated to talk about now. I'm going to sit with my parents tonight and work some things out. I plan to come up around noon tomorrow, but I'll call if anything changes."

"Erin, I want to help any way I can."

"I know, Ethan. It's just something I've got to work out on my own."

When the call ended, Ethan was upset. He feared something happening to derail them. He had spent twenty years thinking about her and now couldn't bear the thought that he could lose her a second time.

He was agitated. Except for the pain to his right side and lower legs, he'd bolt out of bed and drive to Auburn. Whatever was going on, he needed to protect her. On a secondary level, he worried that her marriage had somehow rekindled. No ... she said it was something wrong with her ex, not something between him and her. He'd hated a man he'd never met for all these years. He still hated him, even though Erin was legally free of him. It had finally seemed like the man was gone, yet here he was again, disrupting their relationship ... again.

Erin wasn't married to the guy anymore. She should be free of him. Yet there was a problem with the kids. Could that force her back to him? It didn't make logical sense. None of it made sense. He'd have to wait until tomorrow, helpless in bed, to know the story -- and even that only if she came. He'd spent a horrible lonely night under snowpack dreaming about her to survive, and now faced another night of anguish. He was never a good patient and hated hospitals. Tonight would amplify it. If not for his own frailties and complete reliance on others now, he could help Erin. He knew it. But it wasn't happening tonight.

"Hi, Ethan." Megan had closed the store early and brought flowers for his bedside.

He pressed the button to sit up. "Hi, girl. Gosh, I've never gotten flowers before, they're nice."

She placed the small vase on the table beside his bed. "It's no big deal; I stole them from the nurse's station – not really." She smiled at her own joke.

She continued, "So, how are you feeling tonight?"

"Oh, you know, hobbling around, trying to get better faster than they'll let me."

"Hey, take advantage of the time off. I've got the store under control, and you can just lie in bed and forget about it."

"Sure. I never worry about it when you're there, Megan."

"So, what's bugging you tonight?"

"Oh, it's just my injuries."

"You're making great progress. The nurses told me the doctors don't expect to need any surgeries on your bones or skin."

"That's nice. I just wish there was some magic treatment that would get me out of here."

"It's gonna be a while, cowboy. Come on, what's bugging you?"

He was reluctant to say anything, but Megan was a friend, and he needed to vent. "It's Erin. She can't come up for a while. She's got trouble with her ex, and I can't help."

"Maybe she's got something important to do."

"Yeah, I guess."

Megan was feeling better, while he was feeling down. After ten years at Tahoe, always around the man she wanted to love her, something was going wrong between him and the interloper. She knew his moods, they were seldom severe, but tonight, he was glum. It gave her hope that Erin might disappear, eventually.

She said, "Hey, I was thinking about the Outdoor Retailer's show in Salt Lake." They had gone together to the show each winter to order spring and summer inventories. "I made reservations for me and you in two weeks, but are you going to be okay to go?"

"I don't know, Megan. They said it would be a month before I could walk without crutches. You better plan on going alone. You can handle it on your own."

Each year, to her, it had seemed like a holiday away for two lovers. That was her fantasy, although they'd always stayed in separate rooms and never been intimate. Except to sleep, they'd been together all the time at this show, every year. The thought of going alone, without Ethan, killed the joy of it.

Ethan continued. "Why don't you take your mother? I'll pay for it all. You'd have fun with her and she'd love it."

There was no avoiding it. She must go alone. Otherwise, the store wouldn't be ready for the seasonal crowds. "I'll ask her. But it won't be the same without you. I was hoping we'd maybe do some sightseeing this year – something different for a change. You know, make a kind of mini-vacation together."

It was time. He hated to hurt her, but it wasn't fair to keep her under some illusion of romance between them. "Megan, I think that would be a mistake."

"Why? We always have fun at the show and, well, maybe we could expand it a little."

"I don't want to mix business with pleasure."

"What's wrong with that? You pay for the plane there anyway, what are a few extra days? We could even share a hotel room to keep the cost down."

"Look, I don't want to hurt your feelings. We've been together a long time and nothing has happened. That's just a fact. I love you for you, but ... well; I just don't have romantic notions toward you." He hated every word as soon as he'd said them. He'd been completely truthful, but it hurt. He never wanted to hurt her, but after ten years, after his near-death experience, he couldn't let her infatuation continue any longer. His circumstances had changed when Erin came into the store that day. Maybe, in his mind, he'd been attracted to Megan, just below the surface. If Erin's dream hadn't interfered, maybe he'd feel about Megan as she felt about him. At that moment, he wasn't sure he really meant what he said to her.

"What's wrong with me?" She could hardly say the words, and it crushed him, hearing them.

"Megan, there's nothing wrong with you. It's me. You're a perfect woman. I just have had this block. It's existed for a long time."

"It's Erin, isn't it?"

"I suppose so. Look, I didn't plan this, you know that."

"So, what's her big problem?"

"I don't know." He was honest, but also didn't want to start speculating with Megan.

"She comes back into your life, and suddenly you're in love again. Is that what you're saying?"

"Not exactly. I don't think I ever understood it. Her memory was in my background, sure, but I guess I just wasn't ever going to be good for you. It's nothing to do with you, and I tried to make that clear from the beginning. Hell, I've never made a pass at you."

"You think I haven't noticed!"

"Well, yeah, maybe so. Why would you stay around a guy who's ignored you romantically for all these years? I mean, if you liked me, and I didn't reciprocate, why stick around? You're not exactly an old lady, and you must realize I'm not a good lifetime candidate."

She stood up on the verge of tears. "I don't know, Ethan. I've got to think. Goodbye."

She rushed out before he could say anything more. He'd confronted something that had been lingering for years, unsaid. Maybe it was the drugs. Megan had never been openly hurt by him before. She was hurt now. He was more depressed than ever. He looked at the flowers she'd brought. It hurt to think they would stay there to remind him. This was going to be a terrible night.

Later, Erin's phone rang...Chris. "What?"

"Hey, baby, how are you?"

"I've been better, Chris. Why are you calling?"

"I stopped by your folk's house today. They said you weren't around."

"That's right. I wasn't around!"

"Where were you?"

"That's none of your business, Chris. Now, why are you calling, and why are you in town?"

"Hey, baby, is that any way to talk to your children's father? I'm just trying to be a proper family man."

She was exhausted. "Look, Chris, you'll never be a family man. You never have been. So, why are you calling?"

"You up seeing your boyfriend in Tahoe?"

"That's none of your business." How did he know? – Dillan.

"I hear he's not exactly whole at the moment. What a pity. So, he got you injured, too. I understand you had to spend a night in the hospital 'cuz of him."

"Like I said, Chris, it's none of your business."

"I want you to come back home, Erin, with the kids. It'll be just like it was before. We can forget about the past. It's all over."

"Are you crazy or something ... you on drugs? The house is going back to the bank; there's no money, and you've got legal settlements ahead. And, you told my parents that you lost your job, so how would the bills get paid?"

"Oh, don't be so negative. We'll get by."

"Chris, you live in a make-believe world. Come back to earth. You destroyed this family." She purposely avoided calling it "our family."

"We had our problems, Erin. I promise to make it all up to you."

"Goodbye, Chris. Don't call me again." She ended the call.

She was shaking. He reminded her of someone she'd seen once on the news, on crack cocaine. The man was so high that he walked toward several police officers while pointing a gun. They knew he was high and told him to drop the gun and get down. They warned him, over and over, but the man kept walking, like a zombie, like he didn't hear a word. In the video, the man was shot repeatedly but still kept walking, anyway. His heart had stopped and his brain was dead, but he didn't fall down immediately. Chris was acting like that.

He was never a good listener, but this was getting beyond ridiculous. They were divorced, and she'd moved away, yet he still didn't accept the reality. He didn't care about the kids. It scared her, just like the crack head.

Something else bothered her. He knew about Ethan in the hospital. It worried her that Chris knew about him. Chris had never been violent and was not physically imposing compared to someone like Ethan, but he was acting crazy – who knew what he might do? She didn't want to alarm Ethan unnecessarily, but she wanted to hear his voice. She dialed his cell phone, not realizing how late it was. He didn't answer. She knew he was drugged and sleeping most of the time, but it still bothered her that he didn't pick up. What if Chris was actually at Tahoe when he called? Her phone rang. – Ethan.

He said, "Ah, hi. I was kinda dozing off and didn't hear my phone, didn't recognize it at first. Sorry, I missed you."

"Oh, it's okay. I'm sorry I woke you."

"Don't be sorry, I was thinking about you anyway." He wasn't going to tell her that Megan had rattled him earlier.

She didn't speak right away, so he continued. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes ... sort of. I just had a call from my ex. It kinda freaked me. I just needed to hear your voice."

"What's wrong, Erin? What did he say to upset you? I said I would help, and I mean it ... with all my heart."

"I know. I'm coming up there tomorrow. It'll be good just to be with you again."

"I want to see you, too." They talked a minute longer, and he felt energized. Whatever was going on with Erin, he was on the good side of it.

The next morning, her kids had breakfast and left on their school busses. She finished dressing and told her mom that she might not be home tonight if the weather turned bad in the Sierras. As she walked out, reaching in her purse for keys to the Volvo, she saw the flat tire. "Christ!"

She actually had two flat tires. She called AAA and they sent a flatbed to carry her and the car to a tire store. They'd been slashed with a knife and couldn't be repaired, so she bought two new tires she couldn't afford. From there, she went to the Auburn police department and filed a report, identifying her ex-husband as the probable culprit. They took his description and promised to look out for him around town. She knew it was a hollow promise. There wasn't much they could do.

It shook her up. She felt violated. Her car was attacked on private property, her parent's property. It could be vandals, but there'd never been any problems by her parent's house. It had to be Chris. She could never prove it, but she knew it anyway. Scarier, he'd used a knife. She'd never known Chris to even own a knife and never bold enough to do damage. It fit her perception of his personality shift. He was becoming dangerous. Throughout their marriage, and even before, she'd never seen him be aggressive. In school, he'd been popular with everyone, and his frat brothers would have protected him, if needed. She could never imagine him defending himself. As far as she knew, he'd never thrown a punch in his life. He just never seemed to have enemies and would walk away from any kind of confrontation. He hated disagreements of any kind. But, he also had the kind of personality that made everyone agreeable. It was magic. Chris always got his way. It was true from the time they'd met. He'd gotten his way with her, even to the point of making her abandon Ethan. Then, Dillan came along.

Chris didn't want the baby; it interfered with his lifestyle. Dillan meant responsibility that didn't fit nicely. He never felt devoted to Erin, she was just his to manipulate and play with, like a toy. Dillan was a new human that couldn't survive without constant care and attention. Erin had to remind Chris, often, that she had responsibilities for another person besides her husband, leaving him pouting. She could reflect on it now, the beginning of the end of their marriage started when Dillan was born. They started having disagreements from that time forward. She had ignored it. Dillan took precedence. Now, she realized it had meant Chris was no longer the center of her life, and he had rebelled against it. She didn't know exactly when he got the secret apartment. It could have been that long ago. It didn't matter. Over seventeen years, sixteen since Dillan was born, she'd fallen out of love with Chris and he hadn't even noticed. Chris never noticed anything that didn't "fit" in his universe.

She left the police station, heading straight for Rt-50, east, to Tahoe. The weather was cold, but the road was clear. Even the crest of the Sierras, leading down into the Tahoe Basin, was clear of snow and ice. The snow berms were higher than her car on the sides, but the road was passible. It was after lunch when she reached the hospital. She went immediately to Ethan's ward where the nurses recognized her, smiling. As she entered his room, a male attendant was helping him from his wheelchair into bed. He'd just finished a PT session.

He saw her and smiled. "Hi, you did come."

"I couldn't stay away." She kissed him on his now-unbandaged cheek. There were still large black spots on his face where blood had clotted when frozen, but he was looking better.

"I walked a little today. It's odd since I can't use the parallel bars with my right side, but there's a kind of contraption that fits around my waist to give support."

It made her happier, just seeing him. "Wow, I can see the progress. The swelling in your face is gone and your fingers are moving on your right hand."

"Yeah, the docs are surprised. They want me to use my shoulder more."

His lunch tray arrived later than usual because of his therapy. He beckoned her, "Here, come help me eat this. I can't handle it all."

"Great, I'm famished."

They ate quickly, both starving. She commented, "Nice flowers."

"Yeah, Megan brought them."

"She's sweet, Ethan. You know she's in love with you."

He exhaled. "I know, we had kind of a serious talk about that yesterday. Erin, I've been a jerk. She's been my right hand for ten years. I love her as a friend, but, I don't know, I just never thought of her as my girlfriend. I never kissed her or even dated her. We go out once in a while after work, but it's not romantic. At least I wasn't romantic. I had to tell her how I felt last night and it hurt her. It hurt me too."

Erin said, softly, "Is there some reason last night was the night to tell her the truth?"

"You know the answer."

She nodded.

He continued. "She tested me. She wanted to go away together and I said 'no'. That's how it all began. She left hurt."

"Wow, you must have really laid into her."

"I didn't mean to. I wanted to be gentle, but the message was the same."

For Ethan and Erin, they were talking like they had long ago, the summer they met at the river. Erin had waivered and broke the bond. Yet here they were, twenty years later in a hospital room, having survived a catastrophe. They didn't need to avow their lost love; they'd done it hundreds of times long ago. But now, after so many years, it wasn't possible simply to begin where they left it. They needed to know each other again. It would be premature to assume anything ... they both knew it. They both felt the tug from their youth, but life had intervened and they needed a fresh start; not from scratch, but they still needed to take it slow.

He added. "Erin, I know we aren't the same as before. But we once had something special, and I'd like to see if we can find it again." He paused, not knowing how she would respond.

"Well, that pretty well sums up my feelings, too."

They chuckled, causing mild pain in his injured side. "Ouch. I never thought it would feel so bad to feel this good."

Circumstance

Megan arrived moments later. She looked fresh, but her eyes were puffy.

Erin stood. "Hi, Megan."

She smiled. "Hi, Erin. Did Ethan tell you about our little chat last night?"

"He told me he hurt your feelings."

"Yeah, well, I had it coming." She looked over at Ethan, then at them both. "He never made any promises to me, and I was stupid. If I had a brain, I would've gone back home after that first summer and started a real life. Instead, I stayed here, content just to be near him. He's a great guy, and I don't have anyone but myself to blame. You guys had something special when I was still a little kid, and it just never registered with me. He's totally loyal, and that includes towards you, Erin. He never stopped loving you, and I was never going to replace you. I can't be mad about it. It's one of the qualities about Ethan that everyone admires: he's a completely loyal friend. I should be happy with that ... I am happy with that."

Megan moved to Ethan and kissed his cheek, then she hugged Erin. She looked back at Ethan, saying, "I'll stay on at the store until you're ready to come back. I talked to my mom and she's excited about going with me to Salt Lake, so we're all set."

Ethan knew how hard this was for Megan. "You don't need to quit, you know. I don't know if I could run the place without you."

She smiled. "We'll see. In the meantime, get well. I'll come by from time-to-time to visit."

She was gone.

Erin looked at him. "Wow that took some courage. She's really special, you know. I don't know anyone who'd stick out a job for ten years the way she did, never getting what she wanted. You gotta try to keep her." Ethan started to speak, but she held up her hand. "It doesn't matter what happens with us, we both know where we've been and, I hope, want to have a new beginning. But no matter what happens, you need that girl."

By the time Megan reached her car, she was in tears. Anyone seeing her in the hospital garage would assume something tragic had happened. She'd said what she wanted. She'd been stupid and naïve. But, in an obscure way, she felt relieved. She'd closed her mind to other men for years, thinking that Ethan would, somehow, come around. She'd been a fool to pursue him, passive pursuit, waiting for him to want her as his lover. Now, that dream was gone. She felt refreshed. Ethan was her boss and her friend, nothing more. He cared for her and would protect her like a sister, but not like a lover. She'd resisted any serious attraction to other men for years, and now she could release herself emotionally from Ethan. Others had been attracted to her, but she'd always avoided them after one or two dates, except for Bill Nickerson, he was always there for her. She'd been living a fiction. Now, that was over.

Inside Ethan's room, Erin explained her fear of Chris. Yes, she'd been to the police, but there wasn't anything they could do for now. She couldn't stay at Tahoe long. She was worried about her kids. She was afraid he'd gone psycho since she left him and wouldn't stay away. She would visit Ethan as much as possible, but she couldn't come up there every day.

Ethan was helpless, confined with injuries. "Erin, it's okay. I want to help, but it'll be a while before I can do much. Your kids are the most important, and we've got time."

They talked a few more minutes before she kissed him on the lips and left. It was magical to him, something he'd only dreamed about for years. She was real, and she'd kissed him. In reality, she'd done so much more: she'd saved his life. He needed to help her but was a prisoner of his injuries. His fear and the focus of his anger now had a name: Chris.

The drive back to Auburn, over Echo Summit, was gloomy and treacherous. Above seven-thousand feet in the High Sierras at night in the middle of winter is not a good time to be driving the curvy mountain road. Erin drove slowly, watching for ice. She'd been a Southern California girl for years, but she'd grown up near these mountains and knew the dangers. It required concentration with no distractions until she got over the pass and down to lower elevations where the air and ground were warmer. She was upset, thinking about Chris. She could never have envisioned him being a threat to her or to anyone for that matter. She wasn't afraid for herself, he couldn't scare her. It was the kids. She had to protect the kids.

Chris wasn't a physical threat to anyone, but he could influence his children. Oddly, through his neglect, they had wanted only to please him. Now, they probably blamed Erin for breaking the family. She had never shared his transgressions with them, so they only saw her reactions. Dillan, particularly, was easily influenced. As a boy, he always wanted to please his father, but it never happened. Chris never paid attention, no matter what Dillan did. It only made Dillan work harder at pleasing his dad. It maddened Erin to think about her beautiful boy, sad and depressed, because his father was constantly absent. In the meantime, Erin and her parents needed to be vigilant whenever Chris was around. She hoped it wasn't often. He couldn't afford to stay up north for long. He was probably sleeping in his car. She'd cancelled all of the credit cards he could access, and his own credit wouldn't last very long.

She shifted her thoughts to Ethan. He was completely different, nothing in common with Chris. He'd been in her heart longer than Chris. Even during her marriage, she'd often thought of him. Now, through fate or divine providence, she had him back. They would take it slow; he needed time to heal, but she wasn't going to lose him again. Nobody was ever going to separate them as far as she was concerned. She wouldn't let it happen, whatever it took. She was finally home.

Her father came out when she arrived, signaling for her to park inside the garage. He had a distressed look.

"What's wrong, Daddy?"

"Dillan didn't come home from school today."

"What! Where is he?"

"Erin, we called the school, and they said he was there for morning classes, but was absent after lunch. It's an open campus, and he could have left."

"Chris, it's got to be Chris!" Anger overwhelmed her. She didn't think he would hurt Dillan, but he was unpredictable -- and he had a knife! "I need to call the police."

"We did that, and we got a card from an officer. He came out here and took down the information we have, but you need to talk to them right away. We don't know what kind of car he's driving, or where he might go."

She ran into the house and called the officer. "I want an Amber Alert for my son!"

The officer explained the guidelines, saying they didn't apply in this case. Although Dillan was within the age guidelines, other criteria were not met. It frustrated her. There were so many hurdles. They couldn't confirm abduction nor determine the level of risk to the boy. There had to be proven risk of harm or death. Then they needed enough descriptive information to warrant an alert. Erin's plea missed on several counts. Nobody could be sure he'd been kidnapped; there was no evidence of that. Erin didn't know anything about the car Chris would be driving. His car had been totaled. Finally, there was no proof that harm would come to the boy. He may have left willingly; and at sixteen, almost seventeen, he wasn't as vulnerable as someone younger, like Kim.

They couldn't issue an Amber alert and a missing person report wouldn't be acted on for forty-eight hours. But because she was in Auburn and Dillan went to school there, the police would contact the LA County Sheriff and have them check for the boy at Chris's apartment. Erin assured them that she was the only legal guardian.

Erin sat with her parents after the call. She gripped her fists in her lap. "This makes me so mad, I could scream. He took my son just to hurt me. How could he? I never did anything to hurt him. He destroyed our marriage, our family, and now he's just trying to hurt me more!"

"Mommy, is Dillon hurt?" Kimberly had been listening from the corner of the hall.

Erin held out her arms and her daughter ran to her. "No, Baby, Dillon is fine. He's with your father. He's supposed to be here, but he's gone away for a while. We'll get him back."

"He's with Daddy? When can we be with Daddy?"

"I don't know, Kim. I need to talk to Dillan first." Kim, like Dillan, wanted her father's love.

"About what?"

"You know. We talked about this. Daddy and Mommy can't live together anymore. Mommy needs to get a job so we can have our own place to live."

"We have our home."

"Now, Kim, I told you that it isn't ours anymore."

"I want to go home, mommy."

Erin hugged her daughter, as tears fell. "I know, Honey. I know."

The trip to his apartment had taken eight hours, driving without stopping, except once for gas. At the station, Chris gave Dillan five dollars to run across to McDonalds for something they could share. Dillan wanted more money, but Chris was "a little short" at that moment.

They arrived late at night. The apartment was an old ground-floor unit in a stucco building from the 1950's in El Segundo, under the LAX flight path. Dillan had never known his father had been living a second life. He didn't know his father had a private playhouse.

"Gee, Dad, where did you find this place?"

"It's not bad, it's basic, but I can handle it." He'd actually had it for over twelve years, secreting his "girlfriends" there. He didn't know how much Erin had told the boy, or even how much Erin really knew. He'd spent most of his "travel" days away from home here, going nowhere. His job had never required extensive travel, but he'd convinced Erin otherwise. If not for that damned accident, he'd still be enjoying it.

"All right, Dillan, you get the couch there, I get the mattress in the bedroom." All of the furnishings had been scrounged from sidewalk giveaways and Goodwill Industries.

Dillan dropped his pack and sat on the couch, realizing he didn't really have any other clothes with him, only his school bag. He walked across the small room to the old refrigerator, looking inside. He was starving after nothing much since breakfast in Auburn. He yelled, "Hey, dad, we need to do some grocery shopping, there's nothing to eat."

"Ah, it's kinda late, son. We'll do that tomorrow. Get some sleep tonight."

"Dad, I'm starving."

"Well, we'll take care of it tomorrow. Now, get some sleep." They'd go to the house in the Valley in the morning and see what could be scrounged up. He'd been impulsive taking the boy. He realized it halfway to Southern California. Slashing Erin's tires was one thing, but taking Dillan back would really get the message across. She would be crushed. He'd called Dillan on his cell phone after watching him board the bus. The boy was excited about being with his father again and agreed to leave during the lunch break. Now, in the dingy little room with airplanes passing overhead, he wished he'd eaten lunch first. The single window rattled with each plane crossing overhead. He started thinking that he'd made a mistake.

"Aw, come on, Dad. I'm a growing boy, I gotta eat. Let's go out."

Chris snapped and stood in the doorway separating the two rooms. "Look, Dillan, in my house you follow my rules. I said go to sleep, and that's what you're gonna do. If you don't like it, there's the door." He pointed emphatically, realizing he'd made a bad mistake. Hurting Erin this way also meant taking care of a vagrant. The boy was useless. He didn't have any money and would just be a drain on his meager cash. Cashing out his 401K would only last so long. He couldn't afford to feed two mouths. He was in serious trouble, financially – he wanted the boy out.

Dillan was suddenly scared. Was his father actually telling him to leave? His parents, his mother really, had always taken care of everything. She'd get mad sometimes, but there was never a doubt about her love for him. It was devastating to realize his father didn't love him as she had. He'd always taken it for granted. But now this man, his father, didn't seem to give a damn for his son.

Chris slammed the bedroom door, leaving Dillan standing, bewildered. He wasn't certain how to react. He sat, and then lay, on the couch, realizing that everything had changed. He didn't have any other clothes, no toothbrush, no money, no food, and no love. It had never mattered before; he'd had his mother's affection without ever questioning it. He had had everything then. Now, he was alone on the couch in the dark in a strange place, with someone who wanted him gone. It scared him.

He was finally able to rest, but not able to sleep. Chris never checked to see if Dillan was still there. In the morning, Chris opened the door and walked to the counter in his undershorts to make coffee, the only staple in the kitchen. Dillan was curled on the couch and Chris never looked at him. Apparently, the kid stayed overnight. Now what?

Things just got worse during the day. They drove to the house and found some cereal to eat with water. There was no milk. Chris emptied the freezer in a trash basket and took that and everything canned to the car. Erin had disposed of the perishables before going to Auburn. Later that day, Chris bought some spaghetti noodles, butter, and milk ... nothing substantial. Dillan tried to object in the store and get some things he liked, but his father rebuked him and told him to keep his mouth shut. The situation wasn't improving.

In Auburn, Erin was sick from fear and not knowing about Dillan. The police reported that the LA Sheriff had gone to the address of record for Chris from the court papers she had, and nobody was home. The superintendent told them that he didn't think the tenant lived there much. She hadn't slept the night before and worried all day. Late that night, her phone rang. Dillan!

"Mom, can you come and get me? Please, I shouldn't have left. I'm at Dad's and he wants me to get out."

She guessed he was outside the apartment from the background noise and envisioned him in the cold and feeling abandoned. She cried for him, but also from relief that he was okay.

"Mom, my battery is almost dead so, please come."

"I will, Dillan. I will. Where will you be? It'll take me eight or nine hours."

"You know where dad's apartment is?"

"I've never been there, but I think it's the same address as on his papers. Look, turn off your phone until early morning. Save your battery in case I don't find you. If all else fails, find some way to call my cellphone."

"Okay, I will. I'm gonna sleep outside tonight, somewhere around the apartment building, so just look for me and I'll look for you."

She wiped a tear away. "I'm leaving now, so save your phone."

"Mom, bring me some clothes and a toothbrush ... and something to eat!"

Even with no sleep, Erin was energized. She knew where Dillan was. He was safe and she would have him back soon. She packed some things for him in a hurry and was rushing for the door when her father joined her. He would drive; she could sleep.

Dillan turned his phone off and looked around for someplace to rest. He couldn't get back into the apartment without waking his father to unlock the door. It didn't matter. The man was acting crazy, not like the father he knew, or thought he knew. Over these two days, he'd seen more of the man than ever at home. He wasn't the same person he'd known, or imagined. He was mean.

The apartment had a small weed-filled lawn area with some overgrown tropical plants at the front of the building, along a wide boulevard. There was traffic, but he could curl under some of the plantings and try to sleep. It would be a long night. At some point, probably after midnight, the traffic abated and he dozed off. His stomach ached from hunger, but his mother was coming to save him. He could rest knowing that.

"What the hell are you doing, boy!" The loud voice was amplified by a kick in his side.

Dillan recoiled as his father glared down at him.

"Get your ass up and get back in the apartment."

"No! Mom is coming, and I'm not staying here."

Chris bent down, inches from Dillan's face, "I'm not asking you, boy, I'm telling you. So, get up and move!"

"No, I'm not going!" At that instant, Dillan realized that his father never used his name. He never called him "son" or "Dillan." He was just "boy" to the man, like some inanimate object.

It was still dark outside, hours before dawn. Chris stood and pulled his folding hunting knife from his pocket. "I said get up, kid, or your mother won't have anyone to pick up."

Dillan jumped to his feet, looking at the three inch blade, then at his father. "Are you going to cut me? Are you threatening me, you son-of-a-bitch!"

Chris sneered, unsure of himself. "You do what I say!"

Dillan was infuriated and survival instinct had kicked in. The man didn't scare him anymore. He ignored the knife and drove both outreached fists into Chris's shoulders, pushing him back a step. "Go ahead, asshole. I can't believe I ever thought of you as my father. Go Ahead! Just try to cut me ... I'll rip you apart."

Dillan was shaking with emotions. Everything he'd ever thought about the man in front of him and everything he'd experienced until this moment collided.

Chris backed away. He glared as if to say something, but turned and ran instead. Dillan just stood there and cried. He no longer had a father.

Buck Mullaney, Erin's father, pulled up to the curb a couple of hours later. The address of the apartment building was painted in large bold letters, impossible to miss. They both got out and started walking toward it when they saw Dillan, sitting on the grass between shrubs, arms across his knees, and head resting. "Dillan."

He rose quickly and wrapped his arms around his mother. She was filled with emotion under his forceful embrace. "I want to go, mom."

They'd only arrived a minute earlier, and now they were headed back home. Erin sat in front, next to her father who was driving. It was going to be a very long day for them in the car, but nobody was complaining. Dillan lay across the rear seat of the SUV, sleeping soundly. She didn't say anything; it wasn't necessary. His embrace had said everything she needed to hear. Dillan finally understood about his father.

Fifty miles north of Los Angeles, Buck Mullaney pulled into a plaza off the interstate. He'd driven all night and fatigue was taking over. He was in great physical condition, but driving all night had worn him down. Now that Dillan was safe, he decided to stop for a while to rest. Both passengers were asleep and he was having difficulty staying awake.

After half an hour, he was refreshed and Erin was awake. They took a short walk to get some food to take with and stretch while Dillan rested. Buck spoke what they both knew, "It's not over you know, Erin."

She nodded. "I know. I'm thinking of reporting to the police in Auburn that Dillan was kidnapped."

"You think Dillan will cooperate?"

"I don't know, but I can't just let this go by and do nothing. If Chris tries something like this again, or goes after Kimberly next time, I can't complain later. Maybe some prison time would shake some sense into him."

"Yeah, you really have no choice. Even if Dillan won't trash his father, you're his mother and guardian, you really don't have a choice. There's got to be a police report, at least."

"I know. I just hate the idea of more entanglement. I don't ever want to see him again, not even in court. Dillan's just been through a traumatic experience. He feels like he lost a father. I'd hate to drag him into court to face the bastard."

"All right, just think about it. If you're going to report it, it needs to be done right away. Go ahead and rest some more, and we can talk again at home."

Throughout the ordeal, ever since Erin started divorce proceedings against her husband, Buck's hatred of Chris Chambers had been growing. But since he had showed up at their house and started harassing Erin and the kids, it was unbearable. If she had asked his advice, he would tell her to forget it. His wife would tell him he was crazy, but he had his own ideas for ending it. Buck wasn't evil or violent, but he could make an exception if it protected his daughter and grandkids. He was thinking of ways to take care of Chris by himself, without the police or courts – permanently.

After another half hour, he resumed driving. Erin was awake, but Dillan was still out cold in the back. "What do you think happened, Dad? Dillan was thrown out; he stayed outside all night."

"I don't know, Erin, only Dillan can explain it."

"I wonder if I need to get a restraining order?"

"I guess it depends on what Dillan says. I don't think those things prevent much. I hate to say it, but they're mostly used in court after something bad happens. It helps put someone away."

"I doubt Dillan will say much."

She rested, trying to think of something more pleasant. Ethan came to mind. He had always been especially kind. She remembered one time when they first knew each other, and he took her to San Francisco. They visited a chocolate factory and the Presidio Park. It was a special day. They rode cable cars and took the ferry over to Sausalito. She'd fallen in love with him that day.

Another time, she'd lied to her parents, and they went camping together at Yosemite in Ethan's tiny tent. The mountains were incredible, but she was afraid of the bears, which were everywhere in the park. The small tent was only wide enough for his sleeping bag and they'd spent the night in it, naked together. He made her feel safe. The huge brown bears had supposedly been extinct in California since the 1920's and he said the smaller black bears would run away from people. She always felt safe around him after that. He had a special kind of soothing confidence, which was probably why he was a mountain rescue volunteer. He could make anyone feel safe. Right now, heading back to Northern California with her son, safety was the feeling she needed most.

She'd been a fool to marry Chris. Actually, she'd been a fool to ever break up with Ethan. He was her first love and, after all these years, her only love. Her eyes were closed as Buck drove up the central valley. Resting, she could contrast the years she'd been with Chris and everything she remembered about Ethan. She'd been a fool.

Intimidation

Ethan was making rapid progress during his PT sessions at the hospital and wanted out. He could walk well enough with crutches to manage at home. He'd be convalescing a few more weeks before going back to the store, but he would heal faster on his own turf, out of the hospital. He hated hospitals.

It was the middle of the week, and Megan could leave the store managed by one of the temps for the morning to help Ethan get home. He struggled with crutches into her Jeep, but he was happy. He was recovering faster than expected and couldn't wait to get back to his normal routine.

"Hey, Megan, thanks for picking me up."

She smiled. "Maybe next time you'll think a little more about yourself when a rescue call comes in. The papers said that the Sheriff ordered everyone off the resort, and you and Hawk went up anyway."

"I couldn't let that girl be stranded up there. Hawk was my fault. I think he went up because of me."

"Yeah, well, it nearly killed you, too. You're important around here."

It didn't take long to reach his small cottage, and she carried his things inside, while Ethan managed his crutches with great difficulty. I hope I never get used to these things!

Megan was quick. "Well, that's about it. If you want to call me later, I'll go grocery shopping for some things to get you started."

He was sitting on his favorite recliner with his crutches beside on the floor. "You're a life saver, Megan. I'll be forever grateful. If I feel up to it later, I'll try to come by the store."

"Ethan, don't be foolish. We'll manage. Just get well." She didn't wait for an answer, leaving him alone.

He'd never spent much time at home. He was either at the store or involved in something outdoors. This was the first time he'd been seriously injured, and it felt odd, like there was nothing to do. His place was quiet and lonely. It was perfect for sleeping, but horrible for recuperation. He'd already read all the books and magazines, and he didn't want to watch any more television after the hospital. He was bored silly. He even tried walking around the large single room on crutches to somehow speed up recovery. He lay on the couch staring at the ceiling and became drowsy. There was still enough medication in him to force rest.

Sometime later, it was already dark, his phone rang – Erin

"Hey, I've been thinking about you. They let me go home today."

"Already? Ethan, you should have taken advantage of the time to recover and let the hospital staff take care of you. Now, rest and get well."

"I was going nuts, Erin. Besides, the doc says I'm like a miracle patient ... almost fully recovered."

"Yeah, right. So, seriously, what can I do for you?"

"You planning to come up here soon?"

"I'd like that, but it might be a few days. I have an issue with my son and my ex. We just got back from down south."

"Anything I can help with?"

"No, I think it'll all work out, finally. Dillan won't be going down there again any time soon."

He smiled to himself. It was soothing to hear her voice again. After one day alone at the hospital, he'd missed her. Funny ... only a couple weeks earlier, he didn't know anything about her. Now, he missed her every minute she wasn't around.

She continued. "So, how are you managing?"

Their relationship was still new. He'd waited almost twenty years to reconnect with her and didn't want any misunderstandings. "Mostly, I just need your company; at least I need to hear your voice. Megan's managing the store and bringing me some groceries. Other than that, I'm able to take care of myself."

Erin could imagine him alone at home, hobbling around, searching for something to eat in his man-cave. He hadn't planned to be a house captive before being injured. So now he'd be hungry and bored out of his mind. His hobbies all took place outside, climbing rocks or skiing. In the summer, he was fishing or diving in the lake; but right now, he was just watching the four walls creep closer.

Like him, she didn't want her personal problems to cause trouble between them. She also knew that Megan wanted Ethan for herself. "I really wish I could come up there tomorrow, Ethan. But, I need a few days here to see how things settle down."

He sensed something more serious than a simple ex-spousal disagreement. "Erin, what's going on? I'll help you any way I can."

"I know, Ethan ... I know. It's just; I don't know, it's hard to explain. Chris, my ex-husband, isn't acting rationally. I think it's probably over now, but I need to keep a close eye on my children right now. I don't think he'd hurt them, but he scared me with Dillan, and Kim is even more vulnerable. I gotta make sure they're safe." Kim could still be lured away, and she wouldn't be able to understand what had happened to Dillan ... why her daddy could be dangerous to them.

"Have you gone to the police?"

"Yeah, but they gave me all kinds of reasons why they couldn't do anything. It's like he'd need to kill someone to get them involved. I could get a restraining order at this point, but those things don't do any good with someone acting deranged."

"Erin, you gotta let me help you."

"Ethan, you can't do anything right now. Just be my friend, someone I can trust."

"I'll do whatever you want for you and your kids. I'll even camp out on your folk's front lawn if it would protect you."

"You're sweet, but right now I could outrun you carrying both my kids. You just need to get well and then we'll see. You said Megan was taking care of you?" Suddenly, she felt a threat to their relationship.

"She's getting me a few things and watching the store. I don't expect to be depending on her for long. You'll see ... I heal fast."

They talked for a few more minutes, both hating their separation. Ethan was fearful that Erin's situation would draw them apart again. Her children had to take priority, which he understood completely. From Erin's perspective, she couldn't get entangled with Ethan, even if she wanted it now, and she feared Megan would try harder to win him.

Slippery Slope

The next day, after Dillan had time to relax and reflect, Erin met with her children in Kim's room (Erin's old room) to explain the danger to them if their father tried to take them away. Dillan understood now, but Kim didn't get it. It was hard for her. Erin did her best to explain it in terms that a nine-year-old could understand, but it was impossible. Chris was her daddy, and that would not change. Erin explained the situation to the school and was careful to be with Kim as she got onto the bus in the morning. The administration promised to be vigilant on their end.

After that she went to the Auburn police who were sympathetic but couldn't offer any real help unless Chris committed a crime. Dillan had missed a few days of school, but he'd gone with his father willingly and wouldn't admit to being induced to leave. He didn't want to be labelled as a kidnap victim around his new schoolmates. The police recommended that Erin join one of the support groups for stalker victims. She resisted the notion initially but it helped. It was useful to put into context, the behavior shift she'd seen in Chris. It scared her. The more she learned, the more she realized how dangerous he was. It sickened her to feel she was a stalker victim, but everything the group said about stalkers applied to Chris. He had never been faithful, but he was never cruel or dangerous when they were married. Now, he fit the description of a stalker, exactly, a mentally ill person. Stalkers could be normal people but still deadly to their victims. And, unless there was an illegal act against the victim, the police could do nothing, often until it was too late.

For two weeks, Erin was always near Kimberly, except during school. Dillan could take care of himself one-on-one with his father, but Kim was at risk. Soon, Kim resented her mother's hovering and began complaining. Nothing bad had occurred, so Erin became a bit less overt over time. She knew Chris was sick and stalker obsessions didn't stop quickly, often never. She talked to Ethan several times, but fear for her children prevented her seeing him during his recovery.

At Tahoe, Megan visited Ethan every night after work. She brought mail from the store and reviewed purchase orders. She handled the banking and kept him up to speed day-by-day. She had her own obsession and was taking advantage of Erin's absence. Ethan couldn't object. She was taking wonderful care of the business and kept the refrigerator full. After the first week at home, she could take him to the store, where he spent most of the day sitting in the office. He tired easily, mostly due to the medications, but he got stronger every day. By the end of the second week, he was able to spend time on the floor, helping customers. He couldn't drive yet, but Megan took care of it.

During ski season, Megan's weekend was Monday and Tuesday. But she worked every day during Ethan's recovery. The store never closed except at night -- and business was doing well. On Friday night, after he'd been off crutches for a day, the store closed at five o'clock and she was driving him home when he suggested, "Let's stop at Squaw Creek tonight for dinner."

The resort had one of the most highly-rated restaurants in Tahoe Valley. Usually, people dined there only on special occasions. "Ethan, I don't think we're dressed right." She didn't know whether to be delighted or, maybe, a little apprehensive.

"This is winter and we're dressed fine. Everyone wears flannel this time of year."

She smiled, "Okay, but what's the big deal? That place is way expensive."

"Look, Megan, you've been unbelievable. I just ... I don't know ... I just want to do something special for you."

"You know what would be really special, Ethan?" It was rhetorical, "I'd like dinner alone with you tonight. Let's get some steaks and wine and even some flowers. You can grill at your place. I'd like that more than Squaw Creek."

He smiled. "I'd like that too."

During the ten years together, Ethan had been careful not to signal anything romantic between them. Every time they'd gone out to celebrate something or otherwise been together outside of work, he'd been cautious, reserved. His manner was different tonight. It was more personal. She'd gone above and beyond for him since his injuries.

They stopped at Overland Meat Market near his home and shopped together. Ethan insisted on the most expensive cut of steak and bought cabernet sauvignon wine. He knew she liked red wine, even though he preferred beer. She picked a bundle of flowers and vegetables to sauté. He paid: tonight was for her. He'd been injured before on rescue missions, but nothing had prevented him from work or caused him to spend time in hospitals -- nothing requiring her special attention. This was the first time she'd taken responsibility for everything, the business and his care. This time, she'd worked seven days per week and took care of him each evening. She was wonderful. She never complained and hadn't tried to interfere between he and Erin. This actually endeared her to him.

He had asked her to dinner without planning it in advance. The decision was spontaneous. Without understanding it, he found himself feeling more deeply for Megan on a personal level. There was no business reason tonight. It was something he'd never allowed himself to feel before. It wasn't anything she did, exactly; he felt a new affection for her that came from within. Maybe it had always been there, below the surface, hidden behind the mental curtain of a girlfriend he'd never forgotten. Erin hadn't been able to visit for a couple of weeks.

The temperature was below freezing with swirling wind and blowing snow when they reached his cottage. Megan carried the groceries while he walked carefully across the ice on still-tender feet. Once inside, she started sorting things on the counter when he said, "Sit. This is on me tonight. I want you to relax and let me take care of you my way."

She looked at him. "Look, Ethan, we can do this together. I like doing things with you." They had both turned, facing each other, closer than either realized.

It was a pivotal moment. It was the kind of moment in romance movies where the man put his arms around an attractive woman, embracing, then kissing. It was awkward for a second before he said. "No, you did everything for me and now I want to do this for you. You can keep me company, I'd like that, but you need to let me be the cook tonight."

He opened the wine and they clinked glasses. He said, "To you, sweet girl, how have I been so blessed with you for all these years?"

She giggled. "Careful, Ethan, someone might think you're a romantic."

He blushed. "I can be romantic. I can be lots of things." He wasn't used to drinking wine. He felt less inhibited.

She took a sip. "So can I, Ethan ... so, can I."

They sipped quietly, not speaking, both feeling a little awkward. He started to respond, but then his phone rang ... Erin.

His phone was on the counter, by his side. There was no way to be discrete. "Ah, high. How have you been?"

"I'm bushed. It's been tough keeping an eye on the kids, Kimberly mostly, all the time. I haven't been sleeping well since my tires got sliced. I get this feeling sometimes of someone peering through the windows. It's creepy.

"But hey, I wanted to hear about you. How are your feet, still getting better?"

Megan was standing a few feet away looking at her wine glass, trying not to eves drop. The little house wasn't big enough to have privacy unless he closed a door in the bathroom or stepped outside in the storm. He didn't want to be rude or to spoil the evening. "I'm good. Megan's here. We're having a little celebration about my recovery. She's helped me get well and kept the store in top shape."

"Oh, I didn't realize I was intruding. I'll go, and please say hi to Megan for me. She's been a doll."

"You don't...." She hung up before he could complete the sentence.

Megan sipped some more wine. "Sorry if I spoiled it for you."

He saluted with his glass, not wanting to think about the call. "You didn't spoil anything. I mean, she's going through a tough time with her ex-husband. You've got nothing to do with it."

They both knew he would need to call her back. It wouldn't be tonight. Ethan really did want Megan to know how much he appreciated her. The call from Erin had a mellowing effect on the evening, probably a good thing. The evening was pleasant, but subdued. Before Erin's call, Ethan was teetering toward crossing a line with Megan that he'd never crossed before. It didn't happen. Megan left at ten o'clock. They hugged and she kissed his cheek. She would no longer need to drive him around or do his shopping.

The next morning, he called Erin. "Hi, can we talk?"

"Sure, how was your date?"

"It wasn't a date. I just wanted to show my appreciation for everything she's done for me over the past couple weeks, nothing more. I cooked some steaks and she left early. That was it."

She relaxed. "I'm sorry, Ethan. I wish I'd been more help. It's just ... just that I'm scared. I'm sorry if this messes things between us, but I must protect my children. I'm afraid of what he might do. I think about you a lot. I do want to be with you, but I just can't right now." She paused. "Does that hurt us?"

"No, Erin. It doesn't change a thing."

"What about Megan? She's got a huge crush on you. What are you doing about that?"

"I ... don't know. I can't help how she feels. We've been together in the store for a long time. It's really her store in lots of ways. I love her as a friend and partner, but not as a lover."

She sighed, "You know, there isn't always a big difference between a partner and a lover. Most successful married couples see their spouse as a partner first."

"Yeah, I know, but I'm too old for her. Besides that, I fell in love twenty years ago, and there isn't room for someone else."

"Careful there, you fell in love with a younger unmarried girl with no kids. That formula changed. I don't think we should assume anything going forward." She didn't sound convincing, even to herself. What was she doing -- trying to push him away?

"I know better than to assume anything about us. One heartbreak is enough. Look, if you're telling me to brush off, I'll stop calling."

"I'm not! I just want to keep you from hurting someone else, Megan. You two have been together for ten years, and she obviously wants more from you. I don't want to be the source of someone else's pain. I've got my own problems to work out."

"When can I see you again?

Stalker

Erin woke the next morning after a troubled night. She was mad, bitter and mad. Her husband had hurt her when his secret life was discovered, and now, he'd found another way to make her life a horror. It wasn't fair. She and Dillan and Kim were pawns. Erin had always been faithful even when she'd stopped loving Chris. She'd always been loyal, raising two wonderful children. She'd thought about Ethan for almost twenty years, trapped in a pledge to someone else she intended to honor. Chris had broken that pledge, not her.

She went to the kitchen, smelling the coffee. "Morning, Mom."

Her mother hugged her, "Morning, Sweetheart. How'd you sleep?"

"I was okay. Listen ... how about watching the kids today. I want to run up to Tahoe."

"Well, how is Ethan doing?"

"He says he's better, Mom. I wanna check on him and, you know, spend a little time with him."

Her mother had always liked Ethan before she went to college and met Chris. Erin's parents both knew he was a phony the first time they met him when Erin was still a freshman at Santa Cruz. There wasn't anything they could do to change her infatuation with the upperclassman. It was a shame that he'd kept her in bondage all those years, especially after the kids came along. Now, Ethan was back in Erin's life, and they were hopeful again. From what Erin said, he was still the guy he'd been as a youth. When he was caught in the avalanche, they'd suffered, like her, expecting the worse. The local news stations covered the disaster for days while they waited for word about any survivors. When there were so many confirmed killed, they'd grieved openly. But he had survived! Through some kind of miracle, he'd defeated horrible odds. Erin might have another chance at happiness.

"Sure, Honey. I'll talk to dad and maybe we'll all go to Folsom Lake. You just go to Tahoe and enjoy your plans with Ethan."

"Thanks, Mom. Actually, there aren't any plans. I'm surprising him."

"What if he's not there?"

"Where could he go? He may be better, but he won't be climbing any mountains or skiing for a while. He won't sit around home either. He'll be at the store late tonight."

"Sounds like fun, take all the time you want; we'll be extra careful with the children. Between Dad and Dillan, nobody will get near Kimberly." Chris was now 'nobody' in her mother's mind.

Erin didn't eat breakfast. She was awake and energized. The past weeks had been hell, not knowing what Chris would do next, if anything. Nothing had happened and, maybe, hopefully, he was finally history. Maybe he'd walked in front of a train, and they hadn't heard. All kinds of happy thoughts went through Erin's mind. Bottom line, Chris hadn't been seen or heard from since Dillan escaped. She couldn't wait to surprise Ethan.

She packed enough for two days, which meant she had enough clothes for a week, and was out the door in under an hour. Buck saw her briefly as she rushed to her Volvo in the garage, noting how happy she looked. She'd spent extra time selecting clothes and doing her hair and makeup. He commented to his wife, "Gosh, you'd think she was going on a hot date!"

"She is, silly. She is..."

Her parents lived only five minutes from Rt. 50. She did it in four, merging onto the big highway, heading east. She moved to the farthest left lane and set the cruise control to seventy. She'd wanted to make this trip every day since Ethan was injured. Chris had prevented it. Even after their divorce and moving away, he continued to interfere with their lives. Reflecting, he'd ruined things for their entire married life, and he was still doing it! She increased the speed to seventy-five. She would slow down in the mountains with the snow and ice, but that was an hour away. The highway was wide and flat in the valley, with miles of visibility. The weekend traffic was heavy with skiers heading for the slopes and casinos at Tahoe. Traffic flowed at a uniform rate, and she didn't notice the man following several cars behind. Everyone was headed to the same general location.

After clearing the summit and before going to the store, she drove past to his house. His truck wasn't there, so she drove on to the store. Once there, she felt excited; he had no idea she'd come to be with him. She parked across the lot, staying in her car, hoping not to upset Megan.

Her text message read: "Hey, how about lunch?"

"What!...where are you?"

"Look out your front window."

Moments later he rushed through the front door wearing a heavy parka and fur hat, showing no indication of injured feet. He opened the passenger door and slid in. "What a surprise! Did you just get here?"

She grinned, signaling that she wanted a kiss. "Yep, I wanted to surprise you. I figured you would be confused after last night: I was. So, this morning I decided to surprise you."

They were animated and smiling, driving away. Megan was watching. Ethan had been hers alone for two weeks, and she had felt their bond strengthen. She thought it had. Erin's abrupt ending of the call last night encouraged her. Now, she was jealous. She'd never let herself feel it before now, but Ethan had been different last night, and she wanted it to continue. He had made her feel special, like he wanted her as his girl. She'd seen how he reacted to Erin when she magically appeared back in his life. She wanted that same feeling from him. She'd been closer to Ethan in the last two weeks than any time over ten years. Now, Erin was interfering again.

After lunch, Ethan called, telling Megan he wouldn't be back that afternoon. He felt bad since she'd helped him every day during his recovery, but he couldn't ignore Erin. They went to his place and made up for lost time.

Later that night, parked nearby, Chris was freezing in the old Nissan coupe he'd bought in Southern California. He was numb. He'd gotten used to SoCal and hated this weather. When the lights went out in the cottage, he waited a few more minutes, unable to feel his feet, waiting for her to emerge, but she didn't come out. He was furious, feeling the effects of hypothermia. He couldn't stay. He had no choice, but this wasn't over. He now had a new target for his hatred. He was never going to let this new guy take his family away, whoever he was.

Ethan and Erin cuddled in bed. She lay half on top of him. "This reminds me of our time in Yosemite, remember? You talked about the bears all day and that night, in your little tent, I was too scared to sleep."

"Yes, I remember. You felt the same then lying naked with me. I don't think it was fear of bears that kept us awake that night. There are none around here tonight, they're all hibernating."

She purred, "Maybe we'll still not sleep tonight."

He smiled in the darkness, caressing her silky skin. It was exactly as he'd remembered: that feeling of her perfect skin against his.

The next two days were like a time warp, reliving that first summer together, albeit in frigid alpine conditions. They toured through mountain resorts, visiting restaurants and vistas known to Ethan. They'd been in love here two decades before, so there was less mystery about their courtship. They knew where it was heading; it was just a matter of resolving some issues. Mostly, this involved Erin's children. Ethan wasn't thinking about Megan, or Chris Chatsworth. He just focused on Erin, on building a future together. Now, with Erin by his side, everything seemed possible.

She left on Monday morning, just ahead of the next weather front that would close Echo Pass for a week, sealing the basin inside. She was lightheaded, not from the altitude, but from reconnection with the man she really loved. Two hours later, at home in Auburn, the children were in school, and Erin was back in the world she'd left behind two days earlier. Her mother told her how they'd spent the weekend with Dillan and Kim, but mostly wanted to hear about Ethan and Tahoe.

Erin smiled. "It was magical, Mom. We went all over Tahoe, California, Nevada, North Shore, South Shore ... it was all fun. It was like the first time we went there, back when he was this young college guy, and I was leaving for college at the end of summer. He hasn't changed. He never married ... never wanted to. It's unbelievable, like he's the man of my dreams just waiting for me. It's fate or something."

"Whoa, girl. Erin, you need to be sure this time. Your impetuousness got you in trouble before, and you can't get stuck on a phantom. Ethan's been a memory for half your life. He's changed; you've changed. You have two children to care for. They come first. Where does Ethan fit with them?"

"We talked about it, Mom. I want them to meet him, but I also want him to meet them. You're right. It's not just me now; it's all of us, a package deal. I just feel like he would be good with them, good for them. I don't think Dillan will be a problem. He'd love doing some of the outdoor things, and he now knows why Chris and I could never be together again. He's old enough that Ethan doesn't need to be a father figure, just a companion and friend.

"Kim is another problem. We need to go slow with her ... I understand that. She's still her daddy's girl. She may never understand about Chris. So, I guess that she might see Ethan as a home wrecker. I don't know what to do about it, but it's like everything raising kids: sometimes you just have to do your best."

"I know, Sweetheart, just don't move too fast in this. Let Kim get to know Ethan. If she gets to liking him separate from you and him together, it might go easier on her."

"I know, Mom. I'm just not going to lose Ethan again."

"You won't."

Later that day, Erin began searching online for jobs in the area. She'd need something with enough flexibility to still protect her daughter, if necessary. She also started calling some of her friends from high school and before. Her best friend, Jenn Day, wanted to get together immediately, and they agreed to meet at Bootlegger's Cantina for a drink that evening, after their kids were home from school.

Jenn and Erin had been friends since first grade. They'd done everything together through high school. They'd been in each other's weddings. They didn't communicate much after Erin went away to college, and Jenn worked in retail until she got married at nineteen. She lived in Placerville, near Auburn with her husband who worked in the logging industry, as a driver. The two girls hadn't seen each other in more than ten years.

Jenn was waiting at a table in the bar when Erin arrived and waived. They embraced, both thrilled to see each other after so many years. It was a special time for Erin, helping her feel especially good to be back home in her home town. Jenn had visited Erin at Santa Cruz and gotten to know some of her college friends, including Chris. She'd been her Maid of Honor at Erin's wedding.

After covering all the intervening years and talking about their children, they reflected on their marriages. Jenn's was okay, not as romantic as she'd like, but she felt it was "at least holding together." Then they discussed Erin's divorce from Chris. She didn't go into the ugly details, only that there had been "conflicting agendas." Jenn seemed to understand without digging deeper. Then the bombshell fell.

Jenn said, "I guess you know that Chris has a job in town?"

"What!" Erin was horrified.

"Yeah, I was looking at houses with my husband. We're thinking of downsizing now that the my daughter, Susan is going off to college. Anyway, we met this realtor at an open house and he looked familiar. Anyway, I thought he was your Chris. We talked a little, and it really was him. I thought you knew. Don't you guys stay in communication?"

Erin wanted to leave. "It's not what you think, Jenn. Chris and I didn't have a good separation. He won't leave me alone. I came back from Southern California to get away from him. He followed me. I didn't think he'd actually move up here! Oh my God! He tried to kidnap my son to hurt me. Dillan won't go with him again, but he could go after Kim. I don't know what he'd do, but it would be to hurt me. He's crazy. Oh my God! I need to go."

Erin hurried to her car, now afraid again for her children.

Attack

It was tough going to the store on Monday. Ethan had left Megan alone there on Friday and didn't come in or call over the weekend. After all that she'd done for him while he healed, including running his store single-handedly, he'd stretched her loyalty again. He wanted to make it up to her, but it was unusually busy for a Monday, with high school kids on winter break from the lower valleys. Megan had always planned to work on her day off on break week, but she barely looked at him and only said "hello" when she came in at midday. They split the shifts during the winter season, only overlapped a few hours. He took days from six AM to four PM and she took the afternoon shift from noon to eight. The store was open at least twelve hours during ski season. Ethan had wanted to make up for his time away with Erin, but Megan avoided him.

That night, alone in his cottage, he was preparing for bed when his phone rang.

"Ethan, it's Bill Nickerson. You need to get to the hospital if you can! I can come get you if you need someone to drive."

"I can drive, Bill. what's going on?"

"It's Megan. She's bad."

"What! What happened?"

"I'll fill you in when you get here." Nickerson was at Ethan's store when he called as the ambulance pulled away. Other deputies started stripping yellow tape across the area, waiting for the CSI unit to arrive.

Ethan didn't know what to think, except to worry. Something had happened to Megan. He arrived at the hospital minutes after Nickerson and the ambulance, stepping carefully through the emergency door without crutches.

Nickerson was waiting inside. "What's going on, Bill? How bad is Megan hurt?"

"She was unconscious when they found her at the store -- she lost blood. It was hard to tell how much. She has a wicked cut to her head, Ethan."

"Why? How?"

"We don't know yet. It could be a robbery. Some neighbor heard the windows shatter, but Megan was already down by then. Some guy drove away in a hurry. People tried to help her until the EMTs arrived. I got there first and some other deputies came a few minutes later. By then, the EMTs already had her on a gurney. I didn't get much from them. They had to hurry. They took off for the hospital when I called you. Honestly, Ethan, I don't know any more than that."

Both men looked for someone to ask about her condition. Ethan was thinking out loud. "Why Megan? Maybe it was a robbery, but why hurt her?" They'd talked about it, and he'd always said to just give robbers whatever they wanted and not risk getting hurt. In ten years, they'd never been robbed.

Ethan was stressed. Megan had never hurt anyone. She was his best friend along with Nickerson. Nickerson also felt stressed. He'd dated Megan and hoped to get to a romantic stage in the future. The admitting nurse was gone when they got there, checking on Megan, the new case, but returned soon. Most of the emergencies were skiing related, mostly minor. Megan was far more serious. The Nurse explained that "the patient" had a head injury and was in surgery. She didn't know anything more about her condition. The hospital wasn't able to classify her condition until the surgeons finished –"if she ever came out."

Ethan's own pain from his injuries was masked by emotion as he stumbled to a waiting-room chair. Nickerson sat beside him, both men thinking about the girl who meant something special to each of them. It would be a long wait. The small hospital had called for a craniotomy specialist when the general surgeon requested help. In the meantime, the medical team focused on cleaning the wound to her skull, controlling bleeding, and replenishing blood. Her vital signs were weak and irregular. The team did what they could to keep her organs functioning. A call went out to another hospital for blood.

In the waiting room, there was nothing the two men could do. Nickerson talked on the radio to a deputy back at the scene. For now, they had arranged for the windows to be covered with plywood until the morning when, hopefully, Ethan could aid the investigators at the store during daylight hours. The walkway and parking area outside were covered in black ice and snow mounds, impossible to find evidence in the dark. It was best to seal the area and wait until daylight when Ethan could be there. But Ethan wasn't leaving the hospital. The store wasn't his concern. Nor was catching whoever had done this. He just wanted to be with Megan now. Both men were quiet, never saying a word. They were alone in the large room full of empty chairs. The waiting area had a cold secluded feeling, like the entrance to a funeral home. It wasn't comforting.

Earlier, Megan had been closing the store. She had locked the back office, mentally listing supplies to be ordered as she walked toward the entrance, after turning most of the lights off. It was dark, except for the front display lights, which would be shut off when exiting. As she was about to turn them off, she saw his reflection in the door glass, standing a few rows back in the dark. She'd walked right past him. He'd been standing by a darkened display like a statue, and she'd been distracted. She didn't recognize him from the dim reflection.

Everyone else was gone. The last customer had left several minutes before. Megan was always the last one out, but this time she wasn't alone!

She turned, "Oh! I didn't see you there. I'm closing. Is there something I can help you with?" She was scared but tried to remain calm.

He didn't say anything but moved around the display toward her. He carried a climbing axe. It was dark behind him, and the faint light from the windows gave him a ghostly appearance. He spoke in a deep monotone. "Too bad the boss isn't here."

Terror overtook her and she recognized him and tried to pull the glass door open, but he swung the axe he'd taken from a display. The sound, hitting her skull, was like a bat hitting a watermelon. She fell in a heap as he pulled the axe from her skull.

Enraged, he stepped over her and walked out calmly. There, he took two large ice chunks and threw them through the windows. He yelled something indecipherable as he climbed into the car, ranting to himself. A neighboring shop owner heard the windows shatter. When she ran out, the car was driving away and she didn't notice the license plate. She could see Megan crumpled inside on the floor. If there was anything fortunate about the attack, it was the woman's call to 911, immediately.

At the hospital, hours later, it was nearly sunrise when a tall older man in green scrubs came through the double doors removing bloody latex gloves as he walked. "Hello, are you with the patient?"

They nodded but neither spoke. "I'm Dr. Baker. We had to do a skull base surgical procedure. Her head was impacted by some kind of sharp object, with enough force to split open. It broke some blood vessels and damaged brain tissue. We had to remove the surrounding cranium and reconstruct with a metal plate. It's a miracle that she has survived this far."

Ethan asked, "Is she gonna be all right, doc?"

"It's too early to tell. There was damage to the parietal area. There's no way to know yet if she's going to regain consciousness.

Nickerson asked, "So, what's her condition, Doc, critical, stable ... what?"

"Look, those are labels. If you're asking me to guess at her chances, I can't do that yet. The surgery went okay, but we don't know how severe the neuro damage is. You also need to prepare yourselves if she can't live without machines. The next twenty-four hours will tell us more."

Both men were stunned. Ethan asked, "When can we see her?"

The surgeon was obviously exhausted. "She's recovering in ICU. Check in with the nurses there. I'm sorry." He turned and walked away, ready to collapse after more than eight hours in the OR.

Both men went to the ICU. It's wasn't visiting hours, but the Sheriff's uniform got them in. The head nurse explained that Ms. Coolidge would be in an induced coma for at least twenty-four hours. Frustrated, Ethan was only able to leave his contact information if anything changed, and the two men left together. Outside, he told Nickerson that he would call Megan's parents. Nickerson said he would call them also as protocol, but he would let Ethan call first.

At home, Ethan sat on the couch, tired from the long, sleepless, night. He now wouldn't sleep without knowing if Megan was alive. She was teetering somewhere between life and death. He fumbled with the 3x5 card she'd filled out ten years ago with her parent's contact information. He'd never expected to need it. Now, looking at it, he couldn't imagine what to say to them. After several hesitant moments, he dialed their home number, hoping it was still valid. He still had no idea what to say.

Megan's mother answered. Her father was at work. "Ah, Mrs. Coolidge, this is Ethan Walker up at Tahoe." He had met her parents a couple of times when they visited their daughter during summers and stopped by the store to see her at work.

Mrs. Coolidge was immediately alarmed. "Hello, Ethan. Is something wrong? Is Megan all right?"

"That's why I called, Ma'am. She's been hurt."

"Oh, my God! How bad is she?"

"It's very serious, Mrs. Coolidge. She was attacked last night. She was at the store, closing up. Someone ... someone hurt her badly. She's critical."

"Oh, Ethan, we'll come right away. Are you with her?"

"I was at the hospital all night while they ... while they operated on her. It's her head, they had to operate. She's in a medically-controlled coma for at least a day. I just got home to change and maybe sleep a little. I'll be back with her soon."

He gave her the information about the hospital, and she said they would be driving there as soon as she could reach her husband at work. It would take at least four hours if the Rt 50 highway was completely open. The Highway Patrol would require the drivers to use chains on their wheels when it was icy in the Sierras, so the trip could take longer. Sometimes, the pass into the Tahoe Basin was closed when snow fell too hard. Ethan hadn't listened to the weather forecast and had no idea if the road was even open.

The call ended, and he went to the kitchen for something to eat, something ready to eat. He settled on toast and orange juice. After that, he stripped off his outer clothes and went to bed, bone tired. He was so fatigued that sleep eluded him at first. His mind swirled with images of Megan spanning all the years they'd been together. Something affected his consciousness between sleep and being awake, prevented him from relaxing. He rolled over and over. His body would relax, but his mind wouldn't. None of it was coherent. The images didn't storyboard in any particular sequence, they just flashed randomly. It was midday and circadian rhythm worked against him. He saw her as the young girl, fresh from high school whom he taught to rope down rock faces. He saw her as his business partner, always keeping incoming supplies synchronized with seasonal changes. She was aware of trend changes when he wasn't. He remembered her perpetual smile and her laugh, and her frequent giggles. She made every day a joy. She was part of the reason he loved the store and a reason for its success. Why hadn't I ever understood it before now?

Sometime later, fatigue won, and his mind rested. It got dark early in mid-winter in the Sierras, and it was dark when he woke. He didn't look at the clock near his face on the nightstand, but knew it was around four o'clock in the afternoon. Megan's parents might be at the hospital by now. He lay, unmoving with closed eyes, still savoring the relaxed feeling, being surrounded by fresh bedding. Then it hit him. Megan had been taking care of him and the smell of fresh sheets was because of her.

He had always done his best thinking in bed before rising. There was an elevated alertness after sleep that allowed him to be most cognizant just before waking completely – before getting his body in motion. The images of a few hours earlier started making sense. There was order from chaos. More importantly, his feelings and emotions were now engaged. For the first time, he realized how he really felt about Megan. She wasn't just his friend and partner – he loved her. For all those years since Erin dumped him, he'd wallowed in self-pity unable to shake the specter of his first girlfriend. She'd disappeared from his life years ago, yet she never left. She'd left him suspended in a myth. She hadn't been involved with him for years when Megan came along. After ten years they'd had different experiences yet were together.

Now, on reflection, he remembered all the fun they'd had, he and Megan, all the silliness and joy she brought into every setting. She'd stayed with him for ten years, forsaking other chances to have a life and family, yet he'd ignored her. He was in love with a fiction, someone non-existent for all those years. Megan's love for him was so real, she allowed him to live in his own dream. She'd actually facilitated his aloofness. My God, she loved me that much! More importantly now, teetering near death, he realized he loved her, too. He couldn't face going back to the store without her. It was all about her. He shot out of bed and rushed to the shower. He needed to be with her.

Mother

Erin's mother sat next to her daughter alone in the family room, alone for the first time since Erin's return home. It was the first time in twenty years that the women sat privately together in serious conversation. They'd talked on the phone frequently and visited occasionally, but there was an intimacy about being together now that had not existed since ... since high school.

"Mom, I don't know what to do? I hate Chris. I don't know what he's thinking. He could be dangerous to the kids. All I want is to be free of him. I want him out of our lives. She was more stoic than she really felt.

Mary Mullaney put her arm around her daughter and brought Erin's head to her shoulder. "I don't know, Honey, but I'll tell you this, he better not try anything around here again. He's not welcome in this town. We know a lot of people and he better not come around here again." Her mother shared Erin's hatred for her ex, probably more viciously than Erin. He was a threat to her only daughter and to her grandchildren. She and Erin's father, Buck, wished Chris was dead, not just gone -- dead. He'd stolen twenty years from Erin. Buck would have liked to catch Chris in the driveway with his tire-slitting knife. At sixty years old, he was still pretty nimble for an ex-college nose-tackle. He'd been a soldier and wasn't afraid of the weasel. They'd never liked Chris, and now they'd celebrate if he was murdered in some dark alley. Erin wasn't so emphatic, but her parents would never forgive Chris, not one shred.

Mary continued. "You know, it's so nice that you met up with Ethan again. It's God's plan for you two to be together."

Erin wiped a tear with her sleeve. "Yeah, it does seem like some kind of divine sign. I mean, what are the odds that he and I would ever be together again."

Her mother smiled. "I think it was meant to be. You two should always have been together. The rest ... well, the rest was just a pause in your courtship, a long pause, but that's all it was."

"I know, Mom ... pretty philosophical. I like to think of it that way. But, I think there's another problem."

"What do you mean?"

Erin sat upright. "Ethan has another girl. She works with him. They've been together for ten years."

"You mean they live together?"

"No, not like that; I don't think he's wanted that. But, she loves him and is good for him."

Her mom reflected without speaking for a moment. "So, what does that mean for you and him?"

"I don't know, Mom. I just don't know."

Later that morning, Erin called Ethan, but he didn't answer. She'd neglected him for days while dealing with her own problems, but the discussion with her mother gotten her thinking about their relationship. She might have been assuming too much. She'd never really considered Megan in the middle, but she was definitely an element. Megan had been there constantly through his recuperation after the avalanche. She wasn't deliberately displacing Erin; she was there and she genuinely cared for Ethan.

When Erin was with him last weekend, he'd ignored Megan, just assuming she'd manage the store alone all weekend. It had to hurt her. Erin had seen them together. Megan was ten years younger, but they knew everything about each other. Megan was sensitive to his moods and knew everything about Ethan's likes and dislikes. He wasn't as observant, but it was like watching a married couple, the way they understood each other. Erin recognized how ignorant Ethan was about the relationship, he didn't see the depth of Megan's affection. Erin understood it though.

Strangely, she didn't resent Megan. Erin had been out of Ethan's life for twenty years, while Megan had devoted the last ten years to him. Ethan just assumed Megan liked her job or Tahoe, but Erin saw it differently. She respected Megan's devotion to Ethan.

Ethan was at the hospital when Erin called, but it went to voicemail. He suspected it was Erin, without looking, but he wasn't in a frame of mind to talk at that moment, meeting with Megan's parents. He wanted to talk to her, but the timing was bad.

The Coolidges had arrived at the hospital minutes before Ethan. They were waiting in the small lobby outside the ICU when he got there. Mrs. Coolidge gave him a long hug. Like Erin, Beth Coolidge had known about Megan's love for him, but she also knew he hadn't returned it. That part hurt. That part hurt especially because Megan's infatuation had blinded her to any real career or other mates. She had planned to attend college, majoring in science or medicine, but she had given it all up to work for Ethan. Her parents understood it; Ethan was a good person, someone they could all love. But for reasons her parents had discussed but never understood, Ethan hadn't felt attracted to their daughter.

The Coolidges were in their fifties. Beth Coolidge had been active in various volunteer organizations from the PTA to the Museum of Art in San Francisco. She had the same coloring and features. Someone seeing the two women together could mistake them for sisters. Jack Coolidge was an Electrical Engineer at NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field. He was the same height as his wife, about five-eight, thin but muscular. He had a buzz-cut gray haircut with a military bearing. She wore her wavy brown hair long and flowing, although it was gathered in a ponytail for the trip to the hospital. Together, the Coolidges had camped throughout Northern California, Oregon, and Washington over the years. Megan had spoken about their trips as a family when she was younger. They all loved the Pacific coastline. This time it was not a happy trip for the Coolidges. Megan ... she was their only child.

Jack Coolidge asked, "Ethan, the medical staff hasn't said anything yet, they want the doctor to talk to us. What happened?"

"Mr. Coolidge, Jack, I'll tell you what I know. I haven't talked to the Sheriff yet, but here's what I know. Last night, probably when Megan was closing the store, someone attached her and hit her head with something. There was damage. I'm sorry ... I wish I knew more. She was in surgery all night and now she's in there – pointing to the ICU – highly medicated. The doc says we'll know more today."

They nodded and sat down, not wanting to talk further at that moment. They were thinking about what he'd said. Moments later, a doctor came out of the unit. She explained that nothing had really changed. Megan was still "asleep," but her vital signs were "as expected."

"What does that mean?" Beth Coolidge asked what they were all thinking.

Doctor Bennett spoke soothingly, knowing how difficult this was for Megan's parents. "Her breathing is being controlled by a machine. Her blood pressure is also being augmented. Her pulse is above normal due to the trauma her body experienced. She's been through surgery in addition to the injury to her head."

Jack asked, "Ahem, ah, doctor, we don't know what happened to our daughter."

Bennett responded. "Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge, I wasn't on duty when your daughter came in. Her report indicates a relatively deep cranial wound and blood loss. The surgeons had to remove part of her skull and replace it with a metal plate. It's not an uncommon procedure and our neuro staff is quite good. However, there's no way to know yet how much nerve damage occurred."

Jack persisted. "Well, what are the limits? Could there be damage forever or will she recover?"

"I don't think anyone could venture a guess yet, sir. She's got to heal some before we can start diagnosis. She's going to be under life-support for a while until we can start weening her off."

Beth pleaded. "She can come off soon, right?"

All Bennett would say was, "We hope so."

They all, the Coolidges and Ethan, sat down, bewildered, grieving to themselves. Jack and Beth hugged and Ethan sat head down. The rest of the night went by quietly. One other post-op patient had been admitted to the ICU for a few hours, then moved somewhere else. Other than that, Megan was the only patient. The nurse had allowed the Coolidges and Ethan to "visit" briefly, one at a time, although Megan was unconscious. Ethan waited for more than an hour while her parents saw her. There wasn't much to see. Blankets covered to her neck and her head was wrapped in a bandage covering everything above her eyes and ears. She had two tubes in her closed mouth and machines beeped beside her bed. Ethan hadn't paid much attention to Megan's appearance over the years. Now, with only her face exposed, her skin looked silky smooth, white and blemish free without makeup. She had always had perfect skin, but he'd never really noticed. Now, on reflection, she was perfect in every way. He missed her even though she lay only feet away. She wasn't there. Come on, Megan, come back to us. We're here. We all love you ... I love you!

He didn't want to leave, but he didn't want to expose her to his germs either. It was nearing morning sunrise when he rejoined the Coolidges, waiting.

Beth said, "I remember her first trip to Tahoe. She talked about going mountain climbing on a dare from her girlfriend, Samantha."

She looked at Ethan. "You probably don't remember Samantha. We lost track of her after that summer. When Megan said she was moving up here, she left everyone behind. She really loves it here." She looked at Ethan, then continued. "She told us all about the 'climbing instructor' she met --you. She was excited that you were starting your own business. She talked about how smart you were about business and, as we know, she found a lot else to like about you."

Ethan nodded, then spoke softly. "I remember that summer like it just occurred. I think a lot about Megan. I feel like she helped me make the final decision to start out on my own. I worked at the sporting goods store for several years, saving money, but was not really sure when to go off from there. She was the deciding factor, especially when she said she'd like to help me. She even said I could pay her whatever I could afford. It wasn't much at first, but we made a good team and it grew quickly." He sensed their reaction to the term "team." Megan had given everything to his dream. He hadn't given anything to hers.

He couldn't continue saying, "Excuse me..." so he walked away, down the hall in the general direction of a rest room, but he kept going. His guilt was overpowering.

He returned minutes later, and Mr. Coolidge offered to get coffee and some "snacks." He left Ethan and Beth alone. She spoke softly. "You know, Ethan, she really loves you."

He nodded. "Yes, Beth. I sorta figured it out when we were together over the last weeks. She took care of me and I ... well, I almost said something to her about how I felt. I don't think I knew how I felt for a long time, but it became clearer outside the store. I wish I'd told her that I loved her. Maybe she read my actions, but I wish she'd heard me say it."

"Maybe she did, Ethan. Do you remember the time you saved her life?"

"Saved her life?"

"That's what she said. It was when you first met. I think she fell for you that day, both literally and figuratively. You don't remember, do you?"

"I remember meeting her. We spent the whole day together. We took some gear and went to a rock face up by Emerald Bay. It's a small ledge that's good for learning how to climb. I don't remember anything dangerous."
Beth said, "Well, I don't remember all the details, but she said she did something impetuous, something stupid, and fell down the cliff."

"Hum, I don't remember anything too dramatic. I think she was showing off to me and scurried down the cliff without doing all her safety checks. She hadn't secured the ropes and when she got toward the end of the rope, it just started paying out fast and she almost fell. The rope slipped through the top ring and she might have fallen a few feet to one of the outcroppings. This place has all sorts of ridges so nobody can fall far."

"Well, she admitted doing something stupid and you coming down the "cliff," she called it, and saving her."

"She wasn't really in any serious danger. The face incline gets shallower as you go down. The worst that can happen is some bruises from rolling on the rock. She learned a lesson that day that could have saved her life someday if she'd kept climbing. I learned that she's a daredevil." Something about that memory seemed more familiar and nagged at him, but he couldn't figure out why.

Beth smiled for the first time. "She's always been too adventurous for her own good. She was sometimes careless on our camping trips in the deep woods. The smart thing she got out of your lesson was her decision not to go mountain climbing again. She liked you, but not the climbing part."

Ethan smiled. "She is that; she can be impulsive, but she's always fun about it."

He didn't want to say more. Megan was lying fifty feet away, being kept alive by machines. Jack returned with coffee and bagels and they sat quietly again. No one wanted to think of Megan in the past tense.

Later, Ethan stepped away to use his phone. Erin had just departed from Kim's school when he returned her call.

His first words were, "I'm sorry. I've been at the hospital and couldn't talk."

She was alarmed. "Oh, my God, Ethan, what happened to you?"

"No, it wasn't me. Megan, she got attacked at the store. She's in intensive care."

She could sense the helplessness in his voice. "What happened?"

"We don't know. Somebody hit her hard on the head with something sharp. It fractured her skull. She was in surgery last night and now she's on life support."

His voice was breaking; she could hear it. He was choking, thinking about his friend, the girl Erin knew loved him.

She said softly, "Hey, you need to be with her. Is there anything I can do?"

"No ... No, I'm here with her parents. I can't think of anything right now.

Erin wanted to go to him. She thought about bringing him food or clothes, anything to help ease his pain. But, Megan's parents were there and it could be awkward. Who knew how her parents viewed Ethan? Erin might look like an intruder in their daughter's relationship. Megan might be teetering on the verge of death and Erin could be seen as trying to wedge Megan and Ethan apart while she was incapacitated. Erin's feelings for Ethan were apparent to anyone seeing them together. The last thing Erin needed now was to be an antagonist. Megan was fighting for her life and needed everyone's affection, including Ethan's.

"Look, you stay with them. Stay with her until she's well. Call me then, and we can see where we go from there."

It was a melancholy moment for both of them: neither knowing when, nor if, he would call again.

Rage

The air-horn blasted in his mind. It was stupid ... why had he hit her? He stomped around the small one-room cabin, still holding the climbing ax. It wasn't planned this way. He wanted to confront the man in the store, not the girl. She'd always been nice to him. Maybe not really nice, but she'd always been fair. She was pretty, and he would never hurt her. It was just a reaction. He hadn't thought about it. The ax just seemed to pull his arm up and strike her. It wasn't him, it was the ax. Damn, Damn, Damn. Why did I let this happen?

He'd driven home with the bloody instrument beside him. It was stupid; he knew it. If he was caught with the weapon beside him in the car, he could be sent away for a long, long time, for murder, maybe even to a maximum security prison.

He'd gone to the store to damage it. If the man was there, maybe he'd even hurt him. The girl had always been nice to him, but the man was in his way between them. If he was ever going to have the girl, the man had to be out of the way. He didn't want to kill anyone, just scare the man into leaving and never returning. The air-horn sounded in his head again, forcing him to the floor, covering both ears. It wouldn't stop. It was ringing between his ears.

He'd gone to confront the man, the owner, but he wasn't there and the store was closing. The girl was alone. He couldn't remember taking the climbing ax from the display, but it was in his hand. He took it before realizing the man wasn't there. He wasn't planning to leave just then, but the girl started turning off lights. He froze, wanting to hide. If he stood perfectly still, she wouldn't see him. People see motion, they don't see still people. He read about it on one of his action magazines. In the woods, stay perfectly still. It had to be the same in the store. It had to be. The store was full of stuff, just like in the woods or in the jungle. Then she turned and looked right at him, and he panicked when she tried to leave quickly. He didn't know what to do. The ax did it. It drew his arm up and then down onto her head. He couldn't help it; he couldn't stop it. It just happened. He hoped she was just stunned and would be okay. Maybe she even called the police. But she liked him: right? She wouldn't call the police. They had a secret between them that she didn't want anyone to know. Oh, why did she have to be so scared? She knew he loved her. He told her so, many times. He didn't mean to hurt her! Damn – that air horn. Stop it! Stop it!

He grabbed his head and danced around the tiny room. Nobody could hear or see him.

Bill Nickerson came to the hospital that evening, after finishing his patrol. Ethan introduced the Coolidges. "Bill was at the scene right after Megan was attached. They're friends."

Jack shook hands and Beth said, "So, you're the Deputy she talks about."

"Ah, yes, ma'am. I hope that's me."

"She said she's known you since she moved to Tahoe. You've dated, right?"

"Ah, well, ma'am, we dated a few times. She's a real special girl. Anyone who knows her knows that." He was off balance, coming to the hospital in uniform in a semi-official capacity, he didn't expect to be meeting Megan's parents this way. Unlike Ethan, he had always had a crush on Megan, and she knew it. Maybe she'd told her mother about him.

He asked. "How's she doing? When I left this morning, nothing had changed."

Jack answered while Ethan stood back. Under other circumstances, he would have enjoyed watching his friend get surrounded by the parents. But this wasn't normal. He knew how much Bill was hurting for Megan. Bill hadn't figured out what Ethan's feelings were, yet. Hell, Ethan had only figured it out since she was hurt. "No change, she's still in there."

Nickerson nodded. "If you don't mind, I'll stay here a while."

They all sat and chatted quietly, sharing memories of the girl they all loved. It was disquieting, like people at a wake talking about someone dead. No one enjoyed it, but silence would have been worse.

As the hours passed, near midnight, all of Megan's visitors were dozing in their chairs. Nickerson was the first to go home before returning to duty in a few hours. Ethan wouldn't leave, nor would her parents, not until they collapsed on the floor.

A couple hours later, there was motion and discussion at the nurse's station, waking Ethan. He looked into the ICU and three people, two nurses and a doctor were at Megan's bedside. The doctor was bent over, apparently examining something. The Coolidges continued to rest, but Ethan was fully awake. Moments later, the head nurse saw Ethan looking alarmed toward them and came to him. He asked, "What's going on in there ... something happening?"

The nurse said, "The doctor removed her breathing tube."

Ethan was alarmed. "What? Why?" He feared the answer.

"He wanted to see if she would breath on her own. She's doing it for the moment. We're watching now to be sure she's managing."

"That's a good sign, right?"

"Well, it seems so."

It pissed him off that medical people were always so non-committal. "She's breathing, right?"

"Yes, she is."

"Doesn't that seem like a good sign?"

"Well, of course it does, but we want to be sure she keeps it up. The doctor knows what to look for."

"When will we know, for sure, that she's off the ventilator?"

It turned out that the doctor was already through observing and was walking toward Ethan and the nurse.

Ethan asked, "How is she doing, doc?"

From behind them, "How ... what's going on?" Beth Coolidge was alert.

The doctor looked toward Megan's mother. "Well, we have some progress. She's breathing on her own. That's good. I've started decreasing her medications, so she should start showing some activity soon."

Beth was hopeful. "You mean she could be awake soon?"

"Not in the sense of normalcy. We hope to start assessing her cognitive abilities in a few hours. The nurses will be watching closely for any sign of relapse. But if it all goes well, we should be able to start assessing her neural functions."

"How long before we can talk to her?"

The doctor was sympathetic. "I can't answer that. It could be a few hours or a few days. We won't know until she wakes up."

At this point, Jack and Ethan were both awake and listening. The most positive aspect from the doctor was his expectation that she'd be talking – at all!

Ethan interjected. "Doctor, so you feel she will be able to talk?"

He smiled. "She had a bad brain injury, but it's an amazing organ. Just look at the damage that Congresswoman had from being shot, yet she's recovering well. She's looking better every time she's in the news. Ms. Coolidge appears to be recovering, but it's a long haul. I can't promise anything, but I'm hopeful."

"'Hopeful.' It's the best word we've heard in two days!"

He continued. "Look, Beth and Jack, you're welcome to stay at my place while we wait. I've got extra clean sheets and you can have the bed, I'll take the couch."

Jack answered. "Thanks, Ethan. It's generous of you, but there's a whole strip of hotels close by, and we'll get a room. You should go home and sleep. From what Megan says, you've been pretty banged up yourself, and I hate to say it, but you look like shit. Go home, son. Get some sleep. If we come back before you, I'll call and let you know if she's able to talk to us."

None of them could fight it longer. They were exhausted and fatigued. They needed sleep. The doctor's words had been the first encouragement since Megan got injured.

Confrontation

"Ethan, I hear what you're saying, but Chris could be the attacker. How many other maniacs do you know about ... huh? He kidnapped Dillan and threatened him with a knife. He must know about us. He wants to hurt you." He had called Erin before getting some sleep.

"Erin, you may be right, but why hurt Megan? She's not in this."

"She is, Ethan. What better way to hurt you than to hurt your store. You can't run it alone. If you tried, you'd kill yourself without help seven days a week. Minimum ... it would keep you from me."

He had a huge headache. "You could be right, Erin. I just can't think right now. It just seems too diabolical, too obtuse. If he wants me out of the way, why not just come after me?"

"Maybe that's what he had in mind and got Megan instead."

"I don't know, Erin. If there was any proof, I'd get the Sheriff involved right now." They didn't find anything at the scene. I still don't have video at the store, and there was no other evidence. There were no fingerprints \-- surprise! It's winter here, and everyone wears gloves. No weapon was found, and it looks like the bricks through the windows were the melting kind. There's nothing. Someone saw a car leaving fast, but no description or license number. Most people drive four-wheelers up here in the mountains, so the fact that it was a "car" could be a clue, but it's really nothing."

"Okay. I was thinking about coming up there. What do you think?"

"I'd like it, but let me call you in a few hours. I'm too tired now, and you don't need to be sitting around the hospital with Megan's folks and me. I'll call you back later."

They ended the call, and Ethan collapsed on the bed, shoes and all. In Auburn, Erin thought about confronting Chris. She could find him through the real estate listings. She wasn't afraid of him. He was crazy, but a coward. She wasn't scared of him. The only thing worrisome about him was what he might possibly do to the kids, Kim mostly. Ethan was another matter.

She worried about him now. What would Chris do to her new lover? She knew he was crazy, but he wasn't stupid. He'd hidden his secret life from her for almost two decades. He knew how to plan things and hide in secret. It was frustrating. She couldn't do anything. The cops wouldn't have any reason to suspect Chris of the crime in Tahoe; there was no evidence. She couldn't even tell her parents. Her father might decide to "wring his scrawny neck," which would only cause more grief in the family when he went to jail.

Maybe she was wrong. Maybe Chris didn't attack Megan. She thought it had to be him, but there was no proof. She needed to find out on her own. She needed to talk to Chris.

It wasn't hard to find him. She just checked Zillow listings in Placerville and his name popped up on one of the listings. Not much clientele yet, Chris! The harder part was actually dialing the number. She couldn't text; it was too hard to think about what to say. She'd make it up while listening to him. He answered, "Well, you finally coming to your senses?"

"Look, Chris, this isn't easy for me. I wanna meet and have a talk."

"Good, I'll drive over and pick you up. We can take a ride and talk all you want."

"No, we can meet in Old Town, Placerville, at the Merchant's Diner. I'll buy you a coffee."

"When?"

"I can be there in an hour."

"Fine, my calendar is open at the moment, so that would be fine."

She hung up. There was no reason to prolong the dialogue. So far, nothing bizarre has been said, and she didn't know how much more she could tolerate without screaming at him. This was important. If he was becoming homicidal, she needed to handle him carefully. She needed to keep anyone else from being hurt. The targets would be people dear to her, not some strangers. If Chris was dangerous, she needed to know it and then – do something about it. She didn't know what she would do, but she had to stop him one way or another.

In Old Town, she cruised down the half-mile strip of gold-rush-era buildings looking for a parking spot along the little street. It was now a popular shopping destination with quaint shops and specialty diners. She could have parked in the four-story town lot on Second Street, one block behind main street and Merchants, but she didn't want to be isolated in the dark caverns of the garage. Parking on the street in daytime was safer. She took a spot one block away as a car departed. Two minutes later, she opened the glass inlaid door into the historic building.

Merchant's had been an assay office and bank in the 1850s, a formidable single-story brick building in its time when this was the center of gold fever. The town decayed when gold ran out after a decade of placer mining, which washed away entire mountains along the streams and rivers. Over the next century, the forests returned to the deformed foothills, but the town buildings that once stood as the most prosperous in the state outside Sacramento and San Francisco, were derelict, abandoned. In the 1950s, townspeople began an urban renovation project that continues even now. It's the perfect location for boutique shopping and meals for vacationers and tourists driving to the High Sierras.

Noticing that Chris wasn't there, she asked for a booth with some privacy. The interior of the restaurant looked as it might have over 150 years earlier. The open ceiling was covered in bright white antique tin stampings, covered undoubtedly with dozens of paint layers. The exposed-brick walls held black and white photos dating from the mid nineteenth century. The tables and booths looked original to the period.

Erin sat on the wooden booth bench facing the door. She didn't want to be startled when he suddenly appeared. She knew he'd be late. He was always late. He'd been late for everything they'd ever done. He would always have some self-aggrandizing excuse for his delay. He entered ten minutes later and bypassed the hostess, seeing Erin.

She sat stiffly and maintained a neutral expression as he approached, ducking his attempt to kiss her cheek. He sat opposite her. "Sorry for being late, I had an important client call as I was leaving the office."

"It's okay, Chris, I didn't expect you to be punctual."

"Ouch, Erin, that hurts, why the negativity?"

She was tempted to confront him, but decided to let it mellow a bit. The waitress arrived then. She ordered green tea and he ordered a vanilla shake. "So, Chris, why did you move up here?"

"That's simple, Erin; to be with my kids ... and you."

"Leave me out of this! I never want to be anywhere near you again." She looked directly at him, emphasizing the point.

"Why all the hostility? I was never mean to you."

"Look, Chris, I'm not going to resurrect the past to spar with you. I moved up here specifically to be away from you. Why did you follow?"

He leaned forward. "I told you why."

"Look, you don't give a damn about the kids. You never did. You threatened Dillan and he never wants to be around you again. You're just lucky he didn't beat the shit out of you. You know he could! And my dad ... he'll rip you a new asshole if you ever come around again, so I don't get it. I'm not yours any more. I'm not some property you can reclaim. I made a colossal mistake marrying you; all my family warned me. I paid the price over our whole marriage. Let me alone!"

"It wasn't that bad, was it? We had some good times. I bought you a house, a nice car, and the kids were never mistreated." He tried to lean across and take her hand, which she promptly moved to her lap.

"Get out of my face. Like I said, I'm not here to revive old memories, old bad memories. I just want you to go back where you belong and leave us all alone."

He smirked. "Does that include your new boyfriend?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean: do you want me gone so you can fuck your new guy up at Tahoe? Is that plain enough?"

She felt oddly composed. It felt comforting, for a moment, to know that Chris understood he was replaced. "He's got nothing to do with you and me. You and me don't exist anymore. Our marriage is legally over, so you're nothing to me. Do you understand that – nothing! I can be with anyone I want, and you can't say anything about it.

"How did you know I was with him, you following me? Just admit it, and I'll get a restraining order faster than you can say 'commission' on your next bogus real estate scam. I already went to the police and I don't need much more for the court order. So, go ahead, tell me how you know about him." Her voice was loud enough that others nearby could hear.

Chris just smiled and said sarcastically, "Oh, I'm so scared of some court order. Do you really think that would solve anything?"

"There's nothing to Solve! It's over with us. It's been over for almost a year. Get that through your stupid head. I hate you. You're dog shit to me. You always will be. Just get out of my life!" She stood and put $20 on the table, "There, I'm sure you can't afford it."

She left, and he just sat there, ignoring the stares from other tables. He was smiling. He'd gotten to her. Good!

She stumbled on a sidewalk crack and half fell, hurrying to get back to her car. She hadn't accomplished anything. She never got the answer to her question. She suspected him of attacking Megan more than ever, but the discussion didn't get there. She couldn't stand the sight of him any longer, him and his smirks and mannerisms. She felt like she'd be sick and paused for a moment beside her car, thinking she'd puke. When nothing happened, she rushed out of town quickly. He didn't follow. He didn't need to. He knew where she lived and where she loved. She was so stupid to think he was through with her. Ever since his first year of high school after his summer of rapid growth, he'd gotten what he wanted from women. He'd never been refused. He'd won her over easily at Santa Cruz. Who did she think she was? She could never divorce him!

She was emotionally shaken at first, driving too fast over back country roads to Auburn. She calmed after several minutes. It just needed to be put into perspective. Chris was now fighting for something he was denied. She'd caused that. He couldn't have her. He never would again. She knew him; he would be raging inside, unable to comprehend how this could have happened to him. She sat easy behind the wheel, realizing she'd succeeded more that she thought. He didn't finish his little game. There would never be another match between them. The divorce was final, and she would never call him again. If she ever uttered his name in public, it would be when seeking a restraining order. It might not mean much to him, but she would frame it.

That night, after Kim was asleep, Ethan called. "Hey, can you talk? I needed a few hours in bed and wasn't able to think cogently."

She curled her legs under on the bed where she'd been reading. "I know, I understand. How are you feeling now?"

"Oh, much better. My sleep pattern hasn't been normal for weeks, but tonight I was exhausted and it felt good."

"So, tell me about Megan. How is she?"

He rubbed his forehead. "Some good news; she's breathing on her own. They think she might be awake enough to start talking soon. Her parents came up from the Bay Area."

"Ethan, I know she's special to you. I could tell when you were together."

He wasn't sure how to respond. "I guess I've always taken Megan for granted. She was always there. We have a real partnership in the store."

"It's more than that."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean, she loves you, and I think you love her, too."

He was deflating fast. "Erin, I've loved you since we were teenagers. That can't be erased."

She nodded, saying, "I know, I feel the same way. But she's been with you all these years, and it's not because she feels like a partner in the store. She loves you, Ethan."

"Look, Erin, I think I know what you mean, and yes, I do have feelings for her, too. But, you gotta realize that it's been ten years, and I haven't done anything purposely to make her want me. She stuck here on her own free will, whatever the reason is. It's not because I ever gave her any reason to expect things to change."

There wasn't any reason to debate it; things were in flux between them, maybe between all three. Megan might never recover, and Erin had a stalker to worry about. He might be a danger to them all. Too many variables existed at one time to really sort it all out. Ethan wasn't being completely honest. He was still holding on to a dream started almost twenty years earlier when they'd shared an intimate weekend. She'd reignited the passion by accident. She knew she was in the center of all the confusion. If she'd never taken the kids to Tahoe, Megan would still be at the store, and, eventually, Ethan would marry her, and they'd be happy forever. There was no doubt. Now, in plain truth, it was all fucked up. She could only blame herself.

Somehow, Ethan sensed her emotion. He'd never understood Megan, but he had an uncanny ability to know Erin's feelings.

He said. "Look, I need to be more honest with both of us. Yes, I have feelings for Megan. Until recently, I didn't want to admit it. Maybe it was something about seeing her every day at the store and not wanting to change it. She and I ... we're a team, a winning team. I should have opened my mind further to the whole truth, that I could love her. The difference is that I never did. We've never spent an intimate moment. I haven't made any advances toward her, so I can't feel too guilty for loving you."

She interrupted, "Ethan, I ..."

"I want to finish, Erin ... this might be the only chance I get to speak my thoughts, at least for now. I don't want to lose you. Haven't I proven that? I've loved you all my life. I made a commitment to you long ago. That's important to me. It's like a bond. You were my first love and you always will be, no matter what happens. I don't need to fall for you all over again. Call me ignorant, or romantic, or whatever you want, but I've loved you forever.

"I have feelings for Megan, sure. But I never committed. That's important because I'd have to stop loving you first. I didn't; I can't. Right now, Megan's hurt, she might never be herself again, I feel awful, and so does everyone. But, I'm not bending to emotion just because I feel sorry for her. I'd do anything for her to be well again, but I won't abandon my love for you.

"If you want to disappear again ... leave my life ... I'll deal with it, but I won't stop loving you. If you went away from me again, I would probably get married someday, maybe even to Megan if she wanted me, and we'd have a good life together, but I would never stop loving you.

"So, there. If this is confusing, it's because I'm confused, but one thing will never change, and that's my love for you and my wish that we could be married someday."

He paused and she took several moments to respond. "So, this seems like an awkward time to propose over the phone ... don't say anything! I shouldn't make a joke about it. Ethan, I could almost recite the same feelings. I ... when can we be together again?"

He smiled to himself. "I need to go to the hospital. I need to know how she's doing. It shouldn't be too long before we know what her prognosis is. Once I know, I'm coming to Auburn."

"I can come up there."

"No. The winter is tough driving up here, and you don't have the wheels for it. I'll come to you. The store is closed for a while anyway until I figure some things out, so this is a good time for a vacation, but only after I know Megan's okay and being cared for."

She Speaks

They finished the call, and Ethan hurried to the hospital. He was later that he'd wanted, but he had had to talk to Erin. When he arrived, Bill Nickerson was sitting alone in the waiting area. His duty shift was over, and he planned to spend another evening, hoping for Megan's recovery. He smiled when Ethan arrived.

Ethan asked, "How's she doing?"

Hope was apparent in Nickerson's face. "She's actually awake, Ethan. Her folks are with her. I told the nurse I wanted to talk to her as soon as they are done. Maybe she can tell us something about the attacker."

Ethan said, "I'd like to get my hands on the bastard, Bill."

"Don't think about it. Let the law deal with it. We'll get the guy." He wasn't so sure in reality. The only witness was in the ICU, and she might not have any recollection or be unable to speak. There was no other evidence.

A few minutes later, Jack and Beth Coolidge walked out of the ICU together. Nickerson and Ethan both stood. Ethan asked, "How is she?"

Beth smiled. "The doctor seemed surprised. We aren't. She's a real fighter. She's not talking, just slurring words, but she knew us and could squeeze our hands.'

Nickerson asked, "Can I talk to her? We need to know what happened to catch the guy."

Jack answered. "She can't really talk yet, but maybe tomorrow. Doc says don't push her, so please don't question her expecting an answer. She seems to comprehend what you're saying, but she can't answer yet."

Nickerson laid his uniform hat on the chair. "Sir, I'd just like to see her and wish her well. I don't need to ask anything right now. I'd just like to see her as a friend. I won't act like a cop. Is that all right?"

In Placerville, Chris was seething, still sitting in his car, his "office away from home." Erin should never have spoken to him that way. She was his wife, the mother of his children. Some stupid court decree didn't change that. She would come to her senses eventually. He'd get it all straightened out. The biggest obstacle now was the guy at Tahoe. Who was he? Was he some secret lover Erin had hidden away? Had she been cheating on Chris ... that bitch! She was a fool; she'd led him right to the man's place. Chris needed to figure out how to deal with him.

Chris wasn't a physical guy. He'd been a cheerleader in high school when it was macho to be an athlete. Cheerleading was athletic, but mostly he just jumped around, and the girls did all the acrobatic stuff. He'd been small but strong. At least he'd been strong in high school. That was over twenty years ago, and he'd been behind a desk ever since then. He'd never win a fight with the guy at Tahoe. The guy looked big and in good shape. It didn't matter anyway; Chris had never fought anyone and wasn't starting now. He'd have to get rid of the guy some other way.

At the hospital, Nickerson was with Megan, alone, for almost an hour. Ethan understood Nickerson's feelings better than the Coolidges who were sitting outside with him. Unlike Ethan, Nickerson had dated Megan and liked her. He was a good man, Ethan's best friend, someone who would do anything for Ethan, and vice versa, and Bill loved Megan. Ethan felt sadness for him as much as for her.

Inside the ICU, Nickerson stood beside Megan's bed and held her hand. She opened her eyes occasionally, and seemed relaxed with him just standing there. She was wandering through dreamland under medications. Nobody could really appreciate the horror she'd been through. It saddened Nickerson, thinking about her, experiencing something so horrific. He'd dealt with fear often. There was always danger when serving warrants and dealing with domestic fights, things he did almost daily. He'd seen people killed during moments of rage, for no reason the killer could understand afterward. Megan was barely alive, and he could only imagine how she might change if she ever recovered fully. It would be a blessing if she didn't remember the attack, then she could, maybe, be the joyful, carefree girl he knew. It would also mean he'd have no clue about the attacker, but standing there now, holding her hand, feeling her squeeze in recognition, he didn't care about catching a bad guy. He just wanted her back.

The Cabin

He couldn't sleep that night. The air horn in his head kept blasting. He had to get to work. It was already four-thirty in the morning, and he was expected at the bakery. It was important. His parole officer would check, and he needed the money. He stomped around barefoot inside the log cabin, trying to shake the cold temperature. He could see his breath and the wood stove had exhausted its fuel. He quickly put on his delivery uniform and boots before running to the bakery truck outside. He was late, and the owners would be pissed if he didn't get deliveries to the hotels and casinos on time. He didn't have an excuse for being late: he'd just tell them his alarm didn't go off. What else could he say?

He backed out of the snow-covered gravel drive onto the main road into town. The old Buick was parked out of site behind the cabin, just in case. He couldn't take any chances that someone could identify the car. It had to stay hidden for a while. It was cold, dark, and treacherous driving on the curvy mountain road, down toward the Lake, but he had to drive fast, hoping the roads were treated.

He listened to the radio news reports while driving, and there was nothing more about the attack. After a day, it wasn't breaking news and there was nothing new to report. At least that part made him feel good. What made him feel bad, and nearly drive off the road in disgust, was the injury to the girl. The news said it was "life threatening." He hoped it wasn't true. He knew the girl loved him. She never said it or looked at him nice, but he could tell, anyway. He would take her to his cabin and they'd live together forever, just like his parents had lived there.

The news was wrong. He was there, and the news was all wrong. He'd just hit her a little bit and she should be all right. He knew it. He'd seen guys stabbed and beaten in prison, and he hadn't hurt the girl -- the news called her Megan – nearly as bad. That night, when it wasn't so easy to identify his car, he would find out which hospital she was in and bring flowers. Girls love flowers, and he could always find nice ones in some of the hotels he delivered to. The kitchen staff was accustomed to his deliveries and wouldn't miss a few flowers. Besides, it was more important to make the girl happy than some hotel hallway decoration that nobody cared about. He'd see her tonight, once the air horn stopped blasting away, hurting his head.

Around noon of the second day, Megan was transferred to a semi-private hospital room. She was still medicated and monitored, still poked with IVs, but she was stable enough to leave the ICU. Now, her parents could be with her in the room. She still slept and couldn't speak, but her vital signs were good enough to move. It was another positive sign.

Nickerson was on duty, and Ethan sat with the Coolidges's in the room with Megan. While she slept, they read books and waited quietly. Ethan had some insurance papers to fill out, but otherwise just waited for something to change. That evening, when Nickerson was able to join them, Megan had some moments with her eyes opening for several seconds, and they talked to her. Her eyes said she understood at least part of it. The nurses checked her frequently, and a doctor saw her once before supper. She didn't get a meal delivered; she was being fed intravenously, but the deliveries to the other rooms were a signal for the visitors to alternate trips to the cafeteria to eat.

Nobody had actually seen Megan's head wound except the medical staff. That first evening in the hospital room, her bandages were changed. The nurses suggested that everyone could go to the waiting area during the process, but they hadn't insisted. Nobody left. The Coolidges, Ethan, and Nickerson were all there when two nurses, one on either side, gently supported Megan's head and unwrapped several feet of gauze and pads. Beth gasped when she realized that Megan's head was shaved.

"Oh, my God, all her beautiful brown hair, it's all gone." She didn't shout it, but everyone could hear.

The top of Megan's scalp was dark, the color of blood under the skin, giving a kind of opalescent appearance. She was asleep, so the expressions from those who loved her didn't cause alarm. The incision was crescent shaped, about two-inches in diameter, smaller than Ethan had imagined. It was likely that any scar would disappear when her hair grew back. It took less than a minute to apply the fresh bandage.

The nurse explained that Megan had had a rigorous day in her condition and would probably sleep soundly for at least twelve hours. She was suggesting that people leave for the night. Beth initially objected, wanting to stay in the room with her daughter; so did Ethan, but Jack suggested otherwise. Megan wasn't going to heal overnight, and they all needed sleep. It was almost eight o'clock when they all left with assurance from the nurses that she was monitored closely and any change in her vitals would be checked.

Ethan and Nickerson went to a local bar for a beer, one beer, and left before nine for home. They'd discussed Megan's wound and both agreed it was smaller than they'd expected. Of course, it was the damage underneath that was important, not the size of the hole in her skull. They had some discussion about how long it would take for her hair to grow back below her shoulder blades as she had worn it, but neither had any idea. Nickerson said, "Maybe she'll want it different. Woman change hair styles and maybe she'll want a different look." Both men agreed that anything, including bald, was good with them, they just wanted her back.

At the hospital, the waiting areas were darkened and all visitors had departed. The hall lights were dimmed and empty ... quiet. There weren't many patients admitted, and all were sleeping, including Megan. She was under a heavy antibiotic IV protocol, and rest helped her body rebuild. She was lying peacefully, warm and protected. Any memories of the attack hadn't surfaced yet. She didn't feel pain.

Late that night, the man parked behind the delivery dock at the rear of the hospital. He didn't know the layout of County, but he knew how the food service areas worked. He delivered bakery goods to another hospital every morning. He had driven the truck and still wore his uniform, in case someone saw him. It wasn't a normal delivery time, but there was little chance that anyone observing him would know, or care.

He entered through the service door on the dock. Hospital policy required that it remained locked at night, but he knew from experience that rules were ignored by kitchen staff who would be expecting morning deliveries before any administrators were at work. He was right, the delivery door was unlocked.

The kitchen area had lights on and the cleaning crew was working. There were only a few hours when the staff was gone between evening meals and preparations for breakfast. The cleaners didn't pay any attention to him. For the most part, someone in white uniform, looking like he belonged there, was ignored. It wasn't their job to provide security.

He looked around for the meal schedules. Every patient had certain doctor-imposed restrictions and the orders were posted at every station in the kitchen. The manager took the computer-orders and wrote schedules to post. It wasn't difficult to figure out where Megan was, because it showed she was not to be receiving breakfast.

Outside the kitchen, he crept along a darkened hallway toward a service elevator. Nobody was around. He passed the elevator, moving to the stairway. His bakery hat was pulled low in case there were cameras. The bakery name was covered by the flowers he held. At the second floor, he peered through the small glass window on the stair door to be sure nobody was in the hallway. There was under-counter lighting midway down the corridor at the nurse's station, but he could only see one nurse, who was concentrating on something she was writing. She was more than fifty feet away as he crept quietly away from her toward the girl's room. Megan's door was open but the lights were off. There was some illumination from the machines, but it was only enough to show Megan's face below her bandages.

He laid the flowers across her body. She looks so peaceful. Through the fog of sleep, Megan sensed something different.

She sensed the flowers on her blankets. Her dream-state elevated with words she seemed to be hearing: "Oh, pretty girl, what have you done? Why did you make me so angry? See what you've done."

Another sensation changed. The man put a dirty hand on her shoulder. It was a light touch, but enough for Megan's body to sense it. Outside, a buzzer sounded quietly, alerting one of the night nurses about the heart rate change in Megan's room. It wasn't a huge change in rhythm, but enough to check on her.

He heard footsteps in the hall and looked for someplace to hide, but there was nothing. He froze, not making a sound. Maybe they were going to another room. When the nurse turned into Megan's doorway, she didn't immediately see the man standing in the shadows near the patient. She saw the flowers first, awkwardly bundled on the blanket. Then she saw him. "I'm sorry, sir, are you family? Are you staying with her, here?"

He didn't answer, but rocked on his feet before stepping around the bed. He was hearing the air horn again! The nurse recognized the threating behavior, but didn't scream, still aware that she had a sleeping patient. Instead, she turned and ran out, running toward the nurse's station, and yelled, "Call Security! Call Security!"

He ran for the stairs and was back at the basement level in seconds, bounding down three steps at a time. He ran past the kitchen cleaning crew and out the back door in under a minute. He drove away with nobody watching.

Ethan's phone rang several times before he responded from bed ... "Yes?"

"Ethan, it's Bill, someone got into Megan's room at the hospital; they're on security alert."

He bolted upright, "What happened to her!"

"I'm on my way there now."

Ethan was already slipping on pants and racing to get dressed. "I'm coming, Bill."

"Okay, I'll be there before you and tell security to let you in." Nickerson was closer and used his siren and lights to speed through traffic. Casinos were open all night and there never was light traffic along South Lake Drive.

When Ethan arrived, there were two Sheriff's cars parked in front of the entrance and a mix of uniforms in the lobby: medical, hospital security, and a Deputy Ethan recognized but didn't know well. He was stopped briefly, then allowed to proceed to Megan's floor. All the entrances were guarded. He took the stairs without waiting for the elevator, ignoring his own pain. On the floor, he hurried toward Megan's room where another security guard and nurse were talking outside. Inside, Nickerson watched as the head nurse checked everything.

Nickerson signaled to meet in the hall, "It looks like she's okay, Ethan. The nurse got an alert and found a strange guy in here. Looks like he brought in some cut flowers and just tossed them on her."

"How'd he get in here, Bill?"

"He probably snuck up the back elevator or stairs. We're having security check video to figure it out."

"Are you sure he didn't try to hurt her, give her some kind of poison or attack her again?"

"The duty doc has ordered portable x-rays, but the nurses think they scared him off before he could do anything."

They waited together as a technician wheeled the x-ray machine into the room.

Nickerson added, "I think we're going to need someone here twenty-four-seven."

Ethan was upset, mostly because he'd left her there alone. "Looks like the hospital isn't secure. Don't they have procedures?" It was rhetorical; he blamed himself most of all.

Nickerson said, "It's going to be pretty busy here for a while, I'll take the first watch after that, but maybe you could come back in the morning? We don't have enough staff to do this officially, and the hospital doesn't have anyone."

"Of course, but I want the first shift." Ethan knew he'd not be able to sleep anyway.

Nickerson nodded. "Okay, but her parents will need to follow 'cause I'm on duty at eight."

"Not a problem, I'm sure they'll be here."

Back at his cabin, with the bakery truck parked outside, the man laid on the floor again ... that damned horn!

Contemplation

Erin was awake in bed at night, trying to mentally sort through everything that was happening. Chris was interfering with her life, but so was Megan, in a different way. She was closer to Ethan, physically and emotionally. Ethan had avowed his love to Erin, but his sympathy toward Megan could change that. He'd said all the right things to comfort and assure Erin, but distance and circumstances could be separating them again. She had missed twenty or so years with him and didn't know him as well as Megan did. Anything could happen, and he was emotionally tied to Megan at this moment. They were both at Tahoe and she was stuck in Auburn. She remembered her feelings of isolation from when she was a kid, growing up in Auburn, sleeping in this same house. It's a small country town in the Sierra foothills with almost nothing for her to do when she was young. Now, she also had to protect her children from her irrational ex-husband. If she was in Ethan's place right now, and forced to make a choice, would it be Erin or Megan? It wasn't a choice he had to make yet, but it could be in the future. She cried, alone, with nobody to talk to.

Her married life hadn't been perfect, but at least she'd lived a normal suburban lifestyle with her children. Her husband was cheating while she'd been blissfully ignorant and un-conflicted ... at least she had security. Maybe she was aware of Chris's infidelities but she'd tried to ignore the signs in the interest of her children. She'd had thoughts of Ethan periodically, but years went by, and she couldn't relive the dream. Her life tumbled over a cliff when Chris's alternate life blew up. She couldn't just ignore his betrayals any longer. They'd lost their home and most of their possessions. Everything was turned upside down, seemingly overnight.

Then, Ethan came back to her as though from a dream: a dream she'd almost forgotten. He could be a savior, but it wasn't happening that way. Chris was making her life miserable, and Ethan had his own emergency to manage. That night, lying in bed, it just seemed impossible to reconcile. She was depressed and tired, but she did finally sleep.

In the morning, refreshed, she knew one thing: she needed to be with Ethan. Whatever the consequences with Megan, Erin needed to be with him. She couldn't worry about disrupting things at the hospital. She needed to be with him, grieving with him, if necessary, but at least they'd be sharing it. She could even help him run the store -- she could learn.

She dressed quickly and explained to her parents that she needed to go away for a day or two. She hadn't been able to tell them much about her meeting with Chris the day before, she'd been too upset, but they knew it bothered her deeply. Buck was itching to get his hands on his former son-in-law. Her parents just wanted their daughter's happiness, and her children would be well protected with them. She left after a quick breakfast.

The new day showed promise at the hospital. Megan was able to sit up and eat soft food with help for the first time. She was even able to talk in short sentences and understood what people were saying to her. She was making remarkable progress according to the doctors, but there was always the possibility of a relapse or infection. Frankly, the medical staff at County Hospital didn't have much experience with brain trauma and were surprised at her progress.

Nickerson was using his vacation days to be with Megan. Ethan was talking to contractors about store repairs. He was planning to re-open within a week at reduced hours. At Megan's rate of progress, she might even be able to travel home with her parents soon. Both men wanted her to return to Tahoe when she recovered, but going home might mean she never returned. They understood it. Mostly, they just wanted her well again, even if it might mean she was gone. Nobody talked about it, leastwise, Megan. Jack Coolidge had driven back to the Bay Area for work, while Beth stayed with her daughter. Nickerson would be with Megan through the nights, around his duty schedule, while she was in the hospital, and Ethan planned to be there during each day.

Erin arrived before lunch, first going to Ethan's store, then his cottage. She then went to the hospital, where she found Ethan and Nickerson who was in civilian clothes. They'd been talking about the store and about Megan's return home when the elevator door opened. Both men stood, surprised but happy to see her. Ethan said, "Hey, wow ... what a surprise!"

She smiled, "I had to come." She smiled at Nickerson, "Hi, Bill."

Nickerson acknowledged Erin and was about to say something when Beth Coolidge came out of Megan's room, distracting him momentarily. Then he said, "Hi, Erin. It's great to see you again. If you'll both excuse me, it's my turn to be with our girl. He smiled and walked into Megan's room.

Beth Coolidge was introduced to Ethan's "friend from Auburn," then excused herself to go to the cafeteria, leaving the couple alone for a while.

Erin smiled at Ethan. "Looks like your deputy friend has a special interest in her." She gestured toward Megan's room.

Ethan smiled back. "Yeah, he's got stronger feelings than I knew. But, what about you? I mean, this is a great surprise, but how...?"

"Sit down and I'll tell you all about it."

Bill Nickerson had never lived outside of Tahoe. He grew up in the mountain resort, at his family's Inn. His parents owned and lived in a lodge for tourists on the California side of the lake. Most of the time, he stayed invisible to the guests. The Tahoe schools were small, composed mostly of kids whose parents worked in the tourism trade or supporting infrastructure. It was a hard place to grow up. He was tall and naturally athletic, but there weren't many students or competing schools to support organized sports. If he'd grown up elsewhere, he would probably have earned a scholarship to college, either athletic or academic, or both, but his parents couldn't afford college tuition, so he joined the Navy immediately after graduation from high school. He wanted to be away from the resort's isolation.

The Navy experience was life-changing. He saw foreign places, people and sites that he'd never imagined until then, or would ever see again. It was a time of introspection, to think about his life, career options, higher education, and places to live. After excelling on naval entrance exams, he chose a career field in Naval Intelligence and Criminal Investigation. He was then fortunate to combine the naval schools and university options on active duty, earning a degree in Police Science. He fulfilled his four-year military contract then applied to the Los Angeles Police Academy.

He returned home after discharge, waiting for his application to be processed, and, fatefully, a family friend wanted the strapping young man to work at his Sporting Goods store. The young veteran initially saw it as a part-time job, waiting for contact from the academy, but after returning from the Navy and getting a job focused on the outdoors in the Sierras, his perspective changed. He also met Ethan Walker. They became inseparable friends and when Bill's acceptance to the Academy finally came through, he turned it down. He had some regrets, but nothing strong enough to pull him away from Tahoe.

Bill and Ethan worked together for three years. They both talked about their ambitions, leading to different careers. Bill was ultimately hired by the El Dorado County Sheriff's office, stationed at the Tahoe sub-station, based on his naval experience. Ironically, the Sheriff then sent him to the L.A. Academy, and he loved it all. Ethan was saving money and developing a business plan for his own store.

Bill met Megan a few years later, when Ethan opened his store and hired "the girl" who finally convinced him to break away. Megan had been an inspiration to Ethan. Nickerson initially misread Ethan, thinking Megan was "his girl." Ethan had never mentioned Erin, and Nickerson just assumed Ethan was attracted to Megan.

It didn't take long to understand that Ethan had different feelings for her. She'd been his inspiration and a prized manager -- more of a partner to him. He valued their professional relationship, but it was apparent that it was nothing more to him. Ultimately, it was another manifestation of Ethan's integrity and loyalty to someone in a dream unknown to anyone else. It allowed Bill to pursue Megan openly, open to Ethan, without hurting their friendship.

Bill and Megan began dating shortly after the store opened. Bill was painfully awkward around her. He'd never had a serious girlfriend and didn't relate to women well on a personal level. He was fine when acting in his official capacity, but was paralyzed around women otherwise. There hadn't been much motivation to date local girls growing up, and women in the military were "shipmates," but never "soulmates." Megan was the most appealing woman he'd ever met, but he couldn't overcome his shyness with her, and she never encouraged his advances. She had fantasized about Ethan since their first climbing lesson. After ten years of on-and-off dating, the gap between Bill and Megan hadn't closed much. He was captivated, but she had other desires. She liked Bill as a friend, nothing more.

He was crushed when she was attacked. He was mad as hell and blamed himself. He was the law, the protector, the guy with a gun, yet she was almost killed. Rationally, he couldn't have prevented anything, but it frustrated him that he had the ability to protect her and didn't. She'd be okay if he'd been there. Life wasn't always fair.

He was sitting next to her bed as she rested with tubes and wires on the other side neatly covered by a blanket. He gently placed his hand on hers, content to sit quietly. For now, he was alone with her and he would have gladly traded places. His mind relaxed and he thought about their times together, the fun times with her. He remembered walking along a trail through wildflowers, a trail they'd taken often since their first date. He sometimes carried a basket with lunch that she'd prepared. It was a magical memory to him. She would squeeze his hand in his illusion, but now, beside her hospital bed, was different. He felt more affection through memory than had been reality -- she hadn't really squeezed his hand on their dates. But now...she really is squeezing!

He recovered from his trance, looking at her. She was awake and smiling! Oh, my God!

He stood, still holding her hand, looking into her eyes. She was alert and following with her eyes. He didn't know what to think. It seemed like a miracle, then she spoke. "Bill, how long have you been here?"

"Not long. I've been sitting with your mom and Ethan."

"Mom? Ethan? Are they here, too?"

"Yes. Your dad was here for a couple days, but he went back to work when you got out of Intensive Care."

"A couple days ... intensive care ... where am I?"

She'd been in a daze or asleep for days. She couldn't remember any of it.

He smiled, holding her hand in both of his. "You're at County Hospital, you were injured."

"Injured ... what happened?"

"I don't know, Megan. We found you at the store. Someone ... someone hurt you."

"The store ... how's Ethan!"

"Everything's fine. You just need to get well. We're all here with you."

He'd investigated enough traumas in his career to know she couldn't remember the attack. She might never recall it. The memory of it might return someday, but he didn't care. He just hoped she'd recover without fearing for her life. He'd already explained to her parents and Ethan that they shouldn't talk about the intruder, or the attack. If she remembered the man in her hospital room, it would be a different matter, but she probably wouldn't. They shouldn't frighten her.

"What happened to me, Bill?" She still held his hand.

"You got a head injury. We think someone hit you when you were closing the store. We don't know any more. It doesn't really matter now. You just need to get well."

She was more awake and lifted her other hand to her scalp, feeling the bandage. She didn't say anything, but closed her eyes. He laid her hand back beside her, preparing to leave to tell the nurse and the others that she'd spoken. She'd been alert. She felt him release her hand and spoke softly, still closing her eyes. "Bill ... don't go."

Resolved

Chris Chatsworth was a natural salesman. He was fired from his job as a Commercial Office Designer when the car crash occurred and the Office Administrator was injured. She planned to sue him and the company. He was secretly dating her against company policy. He had enough connections to get an associate real estate license with one of his clients, but it was an entirely commission-based salary. He'd spent a few weeks in Northern California with an affiliated office, but he didn't know the local area, so he had no sales and made the decision to return to SoCal. He wasn't giving up on recovering his family, Erin mostly, but he needed an income and was preparing for litigation with the girl he'd injured while drinking heavily, then driving.

Before leaving up north, he drove by the Mullaney house several times, but didn't stop. Buck Mullaney, Erin's father, frightened Chris. He'd feared the man from their first meeting. Buck had been a draftee in the Army in the seventies. He was big and strong and spent two years as an infantryman: a trained killer, according to him. Erin joked that her father would harm anyone who treated her badly. Chris believed it and didn't stop. The last time he drove past, the garage door was open and the Volvo was gone. He checked several times that day and Erin hadn't returned. He could see the kids through the front window, but Erin was gone. He knew she was with that man at Tahoe.

He didn't have a choice. He had to drive south the next day. He needed to find a way to get his wife back, but he also needed his job. He was infuriated to think of his wife with another man.

At County Hospital Beth Coolidge had returned to the waiting area, letting the Deputy Sheriff spend time alone with her daughter. She spoke briefly with Erin, mostly about her children. Ethan looked in Megan's room and mouthed to Nickerson: "We're leaving."

Nickerson nodded, content to sit quietly with Megan while she rested. Ethan joined the ladies, interrupting their discussion about differences between southern and northern California. "Ladies, I need to meet with a contractor at the store, so I'll be gone for a few hours. Erin, how about some lunch?"

She smiled and stood, courteous to Beth as they departed. Outside, she said, "She's a nice lady, Ethan. I can't imagine what it's like to have a daughter hurt so badly. She's holding up well."

"Yeah, she's nice, but she doesn't like me, particularly."

"Why's that?"

"She thinks I ignored her daughter. Why wasn't I attracted to Megan?"

Erin snuggled against his arm in the cold garage. "Don't be so hard on yourself. You never gave false promises. You've always been honest with Megan, and you never took advantage of her. I think Beth knows that."

"Maybe, but I don't think I'm completely above blame. Megan was alone in the store, closing in darkness. I should have been there."

"You couldn't be there every minute. Your body is still healing, and you shouldn't be standing for hours. Megan knows that, she's a good person, your friend. You helped in the mornings so she could sleep in. She's a big girl. You didn't have any reason to think she was in danger."

"Yeah, well, I'll never make that assumption again."

"Ethan, you gotta stop blaming yourself." She leaned a little too hard and felt him flinch. "Sorry."

Back at the hospital, Beth came into the room and spoke softly. "Bill, you want to get something to eat? I can stay with her."

He smiled, "I'll get you a chair, and we can both be with her, no point in sitting out there." The other bed in the room was empty, so he got the other chair.

Beth whispered to him, "Thank you for being here for her. I won't worry so much with a big strong Deputy guarding her."

Nickerson blushed, whispering to her, "I'd like to be with her more in the future."

Beth smiled and patted his arm. "I wouldn't be surprised."

It was amazing. After ten years of dating with no romance, he was getting small signals that something could be changing with Megan. She had asked him to stay with her, and now her mother seemed to be signaling something. He was hopeful. He'd take any positive signals, however vague. He'd wanted to be closer to Megan for years, but nothing had developed. Now, after the attack, maybe it was changing.

Beth sensed Bill's dismay, whispering, "You know she really likes you, Deputy. Megan just doesn't know how to show it. She's always been that way." She smiled. "I can tell you don't believe me."

"Well, ah, Ma'am, I just always thought she was after Ethan. He's my friend and I just thought: well, if she wants him, then I'm always going to be just a friend."

She looked kindly, "You're more than that, but she may not even know it. I don't think she knows how to pick between two good men when she's around you both. Now, I think I see why Ethan kept her at a distant. He's had someone else all along."

Nickerson smiled. "That's funny ... you met Erin: she and Ethan were in love years ago, when Megan was still a little kid, but Erin married someone else from college, moved south and dumped Ethan. He never talked about her, but never got over her either. Then one day, by some miracle, she came into the store with her two kids. He was still in love and hadn't let go. There was never a real person competing with Megan, Ethan just wouldn't let go of a dream. I never understood why he didn't date her. He had never said anything to Megan or me until Erin showed up. Maybe if Megan and I had known Ethan's past better, we might have had more of a chance." He grimaced, talking in the past tense about Megan to Beth.

"Well, don't give up. I know my daughter. She can be whimsical, but she's also a fighter. She'll get better and she'll be like she was. The only thing to worry about is the pervert who came here. He might be one of those psycho-type people. I think he tried to kill her at the store, then came here to finish it. That's not a robbery, that's someone who's sick."

Nickerson nodded. "Well, I don't want to say anything to scare anyone, but I feel the same way. I've been checking with the office and we might have some leads. If we can find the guy, I'll make sure he gets put away."

At the store, the new glass was installed and just waiting for signage. The inside was cleaned up. There had been a blood pool, but the cleaning company was able to remove most of it. Ethan could still tell where it was, but it wasn't obvious.

Erin commented, "Wow, it looks like you could open for business any time."

"Yeah, I figure a couple more days, and I'll be back in business."

She wanted to say she'd help, but she needed to take care of her kids in Auburn. She couldn't abandon them. Her parents were great, but she needed to be a mother first and girlfriend second. She said, "Are any of your part-timers able to help you. Could any of them open or close?"

"I have one adult person who could do it, but she works at the casinos during the week and here on weekends. She's supporting her kids. She could manage the store, but I can't bring her on for Megan. When Megan comes back, Gretchen would be a part-timer again."

"So, what are you going to do?"

"You want a job?"

"Thanks. I've thought about it. I do need a job, but it's gotta be around home. I can't pull the kids out of school again and bring them here, particularly for a temporary job. Like you say, this is really Megan's. I also can't expect my parents to take care of them with that maniac Chris around."

"Yeah, I hope Megan's coming back. I can't imagine running this without her."

"Look, I don't know what it is, but something about the thin air must breed stamina. Look what you survived. She's young, and she's got a lot to live for."

He agreed with Erin and took her to lunch. For now, he was happy to be back with her. The store was secondary. Megan was healing, and the main concern now was her safety. He and Nickerson would be with her 24/7 in the hospital. No strangers were getting near her again.

They had lunch at a local steak house then returned to the hospital. He and Bill had agreed to split the night watch, which really began after two o'clock in the afternoon to let Beth get some rest. She could watch Megan during the daytime with plenty of hospital staff around. Ethan would be there from three to eleven, and then Bill would be there until Beth arrived again in the morning.

Erin stayed with Ethan at the hospital until six, then drove to his cottage to prepare something to bring back for dinner. Ethan sat outside the room. Beth and Nickerson were sitting quietly beside Megan. Ethan signaled him from the doorway, and Bill walked outside, saying, "Ethan, it's amazing. She's been awake a few times and each time it's for longer periods. She's alert and talking clearly. I think the doctor might even release her in another day if this continues."

Ethan smiled and put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "That's unbelievable, Bill. Listen, I've got Erin coming back with food. I can take over now so you can get some sleep."

Nickerson smiled. "She held my hand, Ethan. I can't explain how it felt. I really don't want to leave."

"I know, buddy, but you can't get exhausted either. I won't let her leave the hospital before you come back."

Nickerson smiled, "Not likely. Okay, I need to go by the office and see what's going on with the investigation. I want to know if they found the guy who broke in here."

"Go ahead. I won't leave until you come back tonight."

Nickerson agreed, saying goodbye to Beth. Ethan told Beth that he and Erin would be outside the room while she was with Megan. It wasn't long before they heard Megan talking to her mother, asking where Bill had gone. Beth explained that "The Deputy" had been there almost twenty-four hours and needed some rest. She explained that Ethan was there, offering to bring him in, but Megan just said she was tired.

Ethan smiled. Maybe his buddy was making points with the girl he wanted. It was quiet in Megan's room again.

Around seven in the evening, Erin returned with dinner. She had enough for Beth as well. They all sat in the waiting area eating Chicken Caesar Salad. At the office, Nickerson found there was a lead to the attacker. Video from the hospital rear entrance showed a box truck parking nearby in the shadows and a man dressed in white pants and shirt, with a white cap, going through the back around the time of the attack.

The forensic investigator said, "I think this is the guy, Bill. It looks like a kind of uniform, maybe a cleaner or food service. But I talked to the cleaning crew, and they said it wasn't them. They remember a guy dressed like this coming through the kitchen, but nobody recognized him." The video was hard to see clearly. The old cameras didn't provide much clarity, and it was dark outside.

Both Deputies watched it several times. The examiner commented. "I've tried to enhance it, but it doesn't get much better. It looks like there's some lettering on the guy's shirt"

Nickerson said, "let's look at the truck again, go back to when it drove in, closer to the dock." The Deputy controlling the video stopped it when the side of the truck was clearest. Both men looked carefully at the sign on the side. It was too obscured in the shadows and poor video to read. Nickerson commented, "Doesn't that look like some kind of food or bakery delivery truck? The drivers always seem to wear white clothes and a hat. That guy's not wearing a jacket and it was sub-zero at night. He's carrying something."

Nickerson was too engaged with the video to go home and sleep. "This guy knows how the hospital works. He got in from the back dock, through the kitchen and up the service elevator without anyone noticing. I bet he delivers to County or maybe to other hospitals. We need to question the security officers and maybe the kitchen supervisors. Maybe someone will recognize the guy or the truck."

He was still on vacation and in desperate need of sleep. He only had about six hours before he'd be back with Megan. The other deputy agreed to start inquiring. Other than County, there was only one full service hospital, Memorial, in the area. There were some other medical facilities with kitchen staffs, but the hospitals were first on the list. It might be a long shot. There were other hospitals in Reno and on the North shore of Lake Tahoe, but this was their first clue. Nickerson went home and collapsed on his bed. He was able to sleep, knowing that Ethan was with Megan.

He relieved Ethan on schedule at eleven, when all the lights had been dimmed, and the corridors were quiet. Beth had gone to her hotel an hour earlier. Nickerson would be alone with Megan until the morning. He sat next to her bed, dozing, but not sleeping. A nurse came in a couple times, but it was otherwise completely peaceful. Sometime in the early morning, Megan woke and they talked. It didn't matter what they talked about, they were alone and she actually said something humorous about her "turban." She was being silly. It delighted him. They talked for almost an hour before the nurse suggested that she sleep again. Instead, Megan asked, "I want to stand, I want to go to the bathroom."

The nurse smiled and helped Megan move from the bed and put on slippers. It was awkward and her balance was off, but she was able to stand, holding onto the bedrail for several seconds. At first, it appeared that she would collapse back onto the bed, unable to continue, but she was determined. She stood straight and moved a few small steps, still using the rail for balance. A second nurse helped maneuver the IV stand beside her, then both nurses steadied her as she took the first steps away from the bed, toward the bathroom, about six feet away. She wasn't supported by the nurses; they were only there in case she lost balance. She didn't. Bill stood back, amazed at her ability. It was heartening that she had not only recovered her speech, but was actually able to walk somewhat.

He backed out of the room while one of the nurses closed the bathroom door, staying with Megan. The other nurse took the opportunity to change the bed linens, while Nickerson just stayed out of everyone's way. He was so amazed and proud of Megan that he wanted to tell someone; Beth, Ethan, or someone! It was too early in the morning, and he just had to be happy by himself. The nurse fixing the bed commented on how remarkable Megan's recovery was.

The door opened, and the nurses again stood by her, but she was gaining confidence with each small step. Nickerson had a huge smile on his face. She showed incredible courage and determination. He was proud of her. When she was back in the bed, he congratulated her, then let her sleep. Her face showed her own satisfaction.

A few hours later, Beth arrived and Bill told her the news. "She walked? Oh, honey, that's wonderful." Megan was awake.

She grinned. "Yep, I feel like I could get out of here today or maybe tomorrow. I don't know what else they can do for me."

Beth smiled. "You know kiddo, dad and I want you home, too, but we have to listen to the doctors. When it's okay, then dad will be up here as fast as he can drive."

Nickerson was happy that she was getting back to normal. She'd recover at home. At the same time, it saddened him to think she'd be leaving Tahoe.

Megan shocked them both. "I want to stay in my apartment. I can recover here. Mom, you can stay with me for a little while, but I'll be fine."

Beth objected. "Now, Megan, we can give you better care at home. You'll be safer there." She glanced at Nickerson. "Bill can't be with you all the time, and there could still be that awful man out there. You need to be away from here."

Nickerson felt compelled to speak. "Listen to your mother, Megan. She's right. You'll be more comfortable and safe at home." He wasn't really sure he wanted her to leave.

Megan was firm. "Look, guys, this is my home. I live in Tahoe now."

Beth knew her daughter. She just shrugged. "Okay, Sweetheart, you and I can stay at your place for a while."

Megan looked at Nickerson. "I want you with me, too ... I mean when you can."

He stood beside her bed. "Nobody can keep me away. I'll go back on duty as soon as you're settled." He still needed to catch the bad guy.

The doctor saw her an hour later and continued to be amazed by her recovery. She even joked about being "scalped." She mused, looking at Nickerson, "So, Bill, what would you think if I left my sides shaved; you know, kinda short punk style, maybe dyed orange?"

He smiled, but Beth commented. "Megan! You have such lovely hair. Don't make jokes about it."

She smiled, "Mom, I haven't changed it since high school. This might be my golden opportunity." She looked at Nickerson for his reaction. The "change" connotation could mean something special between them, at least to him, maybe an idiom for a closer relationship. He just smiled.

Alone

Strong winds battered the doors and windows. It was near midnight and the storm howled, drifting snow against Ethan's cottage. Big clumps of snow hit the roof with loud "thumps" when they fell from the pine trees. It was a perfect night to snuggle by the fireplace wrapped in a wool blanket. They'd be in bed soon enough, but first, they warmed each other, bare skinned, daring the other to run to the chilled bed.

It was too late and treacherous for Erin to return to Auburn. She had planned to stay for a couple days with Ethan, and this was a perfect beginning. After leaving the hospital, she'd followed him through the blizzard, staying just feet away from his tail lights. The only other traffic was plow trucks and one ambulance.

They'd be alone at his cottage for at least twelve hours. Ethan didn't need to be back at the hospital until early afternoon and this night was totally about Erin, Erin and him together ... no rush ... no distraction ... just sharing their love.

Eight hours later, midmorning, he awoke to the smell of coffee. Erin was dressed in his robe and humming at the kitchen counter, making some toast.

He said, "Hey, I almost thought I was dreaming, but here you are!"

She smiled. "We made some new dreams last night."

The storm had ended sometime before dawn. It was completely quiet outside. Snow had blown against the west-facing side of the cottage to window height. Erin brought coffee to him in bed. "You still like black, right?"

"Yep." He sat up and took the warm mug.

She added, "Looking outside, the cars are going to need some serious digging to get out."

After a short sip, he said, "I'll get to it in a while."

She smiled again, "I can help."

He placed the steamy coffee down next to the bed. "We don't need to hurry do we?" He reached for her robe and pulled down.

She giggled. "What do you have in mind until then?"

"We'll think of something."

A few hours later, Ethan and Erin went to his store to check the progress on the window signage. The store was ready to re-open. They then went to lunch at a nearby café before he would go on to the hospital to give Beth a break and to visit with Megan. Erin planned to return to Auburn.

He asked, "When will I see you again?"

She smiled. "I'll come back soon if the weather's not too bad. I just need to be with my kids for a while. I need to be with Dillan as much as I can for now. Kim needs me, too. She's still confused about the divorce, and she doesn't understand what happened to Dillan. I need to be sure she's all right. And, I guess, I need to keep an eye out for Chris."

"Has he called you lately?"

"Not in about a week. It's the longest time since I moved up north. I don't know what's going on. It worries me. When he was calling all the time, at least I knew where he was."

Lunch came and was over too quickly for them both. Every time they parted was a symbolic reminder of their breakup – her breakup. It affected Erin as much as Ethan. There were still enough issues between them to obscure their future. They both knew they wanted a life together, but it wasn't as simple as when they were two kids anymore. Erin had her children and Chris to worry about. Ethan still felt responsible for Megan, and he had his store to manage. He knew Tahoe wouldn't be a great place for Erin's kids to live. When the time came to leave, Erin kissed him passionately. It hurt, watching her drive away.

He arrived at the hospital around two o'clock, surprised that Beth wasn't there. Equally surprising, Megan was sitting up in bed, fully alert. He'd stopped for flowers. She said, "Ethan ... flowers! I love them. Guess what, I'm going home today!"

He smiled and took her hand. "Are you serious?" She had good coloring and, other than her head bandage and the fact that she was in a hospital bed, looked completely normal.

"Yeah, mom talked to the doctor, and he's releasing me. I'm going back to Oakland with mom." She could see a shadow of disappointment in his face. "I wanted to stay, but the doctor wouldn't release me unless it was to go home with my parents. I've got to keep resting and mom can take care of me better at home than the hospital. I don't need these needles (IV) and beepers going all the time."

On impulse, Ethan hugged her, something he'd never done before. "Megan, Sweetheart, I'm happy you're so good. I was worried – we were all worried – that you might have some permanent damage. I should never have had you do the second shift. I ..."

She interrupted. "Ethan, this wasn't your fault, and look, I'm gonna be okay. I get some headaches, but they'll go away pretty soon."

He hesitated. "Ah, will you be coming back?" He wasn't sure he wanted the answer.

"I want to. I guess it'll depend on how things go at home. Mom said they'd help pay my bills for my apartment. So, I can decide in a month or so. I won't keep it a mystery too long since I assume, I hope, you still want me back?"

"Are you kidding? Of course I want you back. I'll pay your bills until then. In fact, I think I'm planning to make you half owner."

"Wow, I didn't expect that. Ethan, I don't know when it will be, I get nightmares. They don't bother me at all when I'm awake, but I'm still a little scared. I'll know in a while if I think it will work. Besides, I still like working with you, and I want to ..." She was interrupted when Beth arrived with a suitcase.

"Hi, Ethan. Did Megan tell you the good news?" She shifted her attention. "Here, Honey, I got things from your apartment to wear."

Then Nickerson arrived. "Hey everyone, we having a party or what?"

Ethan asked Nickerson, "You knew she was leaving?"

"Yeah, I was just leaving this morning when the docs decided to let her go." He looked at Megan, "I didn't want to let you leave without saying so long for now."

Megan smiled at the deputy. "Well, don't forget to come visit me."

Nickerson replied, "I'll come as soon as you feel strong enough. And don't forget, we have a date for you to show me around the Bay Area."

Beth said. "Okay, you guys, all out. She needs to get dressed."

The two men stepped out into the waiting area. Ethan looked at his friend, "Date?"

"Yeah, well, we kinda hit it off here."

"Bill, you've been chasing her for ten years, what changed?"

Nickerson smiled. "I guess the knock on her head changed things. We just, I don't know, maybe things got a little more serious here." He gestured around the hospital.

"Man, I'm happy for you ... don't screw it up."

Nickerson smiled. "Look, Ethan, you're not the only one who can live a dream."

"She's really special, Bill. You and Megan are a great match. I hope it all works out."

"Thanks, pal, I guess the only question is whether she'll ever move back here."

Ethan nodded, "I understand. She's been through a lot. Does she remember any of it?"

"I don't think so. She's heard us talk a little and I've asked her questions, but she doesn't really seem to have any memory of the attack. She doesn't know anything about the hospital intrusion."

"You got any chance of catching the guy?"

"We might, but nothing solid yet."

It took another hour for all the paperwork to process and the wheelchair to arrive for her departure. The men stayed with Megan and the candy-striper to the entrance, where Beth had parked. It was bright, calm and freezing outside, but the fresh air seemed to energize Megan. She stood out of the wheelchair and walked carefully to the car with both men beside her, ready to support, if needed. They weren't. Once there, Megan kissed Ethan on the cheek, thanking him. Then she kissed Nickerson on the cheek, but put her hand to his face and lingered a bit, just long enough for Ethan to detect something more meaningful between them. Both men felt a loss when the car pulled away.

Ethan asked. "Hey, you wanna get a beer?" It was gratuitous, it was mid-afternoon and Nickerson was in uniform.

"Naw, not now. I'll stop by later today or tomorrow night. I gotta get to the office. We're tracking down a possible lead."

Nickerson left and Ethan felt all alone. It was like being trapped under the avalanche all over again. His life wasn't in danger, but the gloom was similar. Erin and Megan were both gone. His friend Nickerson could be gone if he followed Megan. Bill hadn't said anything, but Ethan knew he'd follow Megan if she couldn't face returning to Tahoe. He felt a new kind of loneliness that he hadn't felt for twenty years.

Next Step

The following morning, Ethan was up at six o'clock, ready to re-open his store. He had had signs made for the front walk. He'd talked to Erin the night before and felt less melancholy. He was at the store at seven, preparing to open at eight. He had run the store alone before, but it was rare and usually not during the winter season, the busy ski season. He had called two part-timers, but they had taken jobs at another ski shop. He would be alone. His feet were almost normal, but he was feeling exhausted from the pain by noon-time. The thought of being alone there until eight that night seemed unbearable.

The front door chimed and a man walked in, nicely dressed in dark levis and plaid shirt under a heavy fur-hooded parka, saying, "Hi, is you the manager?"

"Yes, I'm the owner. Can I help you with something?"

"Well, actually, no. You see, I read about your troubles here and drove by a couple times, but the windows was boarded. I been drivin' by every few days figurin' you'd be open soon."

"Well, as you see, we're open."

"Yes, well, I was figurin' you could use some help runnin' the place. I read 'bout your person was attacked and figured you was shorthanded."

Ethan's feet throbbed. "Well, I don't know. What do you know about this?" He gestured around the store.

The man smiled but stayed serious. "Well, if you mean about sellin'; not much. But let me tell you why I could work out. You see, I been lived hereabouts all my life. I'm a skier and good mountain man, and I know the trails. I'm a native here."

Ethan was skeptical. He looked the man over. He was probably in his early forties. He was about five-eight, six inches shorter than Ethan, weighing about the same. He had a rough beard, and needed a haircut. His teeth were yellowish brown, indicating a smoker. In general, he didn't look like a person Ethan wanted meeting his customers. "Yeah, but, why would you want to work here for minimum wages? I can't really pay enough to raise a family."

"Well, here's my deal. I don't really care much about the pay. You see, I'm single. I live alone in a place my parents left. They died a while back. There was a little money, enough to live okay. I been living there since my folks died about five years ago. I was a merchant marine, a first officer, but I came back home to take care o' things. I don't really want to go back to sea. I just need to get out and be 'round folks. I tried a few odd jobs, but nothing important, and they was all temporary. So, I figured what the hell, this is the kinda place that fits exactly like what I like to do, and it could work out."

Ethan still wasn't convinced, but his feet were getting more aggravated, like they were telling him something. "Well, I might need someone, but it would only be temporary until my partner comes back."

"It don't matter. I just would like somethin' to do, and this is exactly the kinda place I would enjoy. And if I don't work out or your partner comes back, then hell, just fire me."

The guy wasn't polished, but Ethan knew his type. He was a native to the area and could probably give the customers sound advice. Ethan could teach him about the rental equipment, probably better equipment than this fellow had ever owned, and how to sell the retail supplies. The guy probably had enough experience in the region to learn it quickly. Mostly, Ethan just wanted to sit down. "So, when can you start?"

"Anytime. I could start now if you want."

"Okay, you can meet some customers with me. What's your name? I'm Ethan, Ethan Walker."

"I'm Ben Cord, nice to meet you." They shook hands.

Ben seemed okay. He handled a couple of people, and Ethan gave him some pointers after observing him. Ben wouldn't handle the register, at least for a while until Ethan knew him better. Ethan would open and close the store. He'd be at the store for 12 to14 hours, but some of the time would be resting in the office if Ben could work the floor alone.

After a couple of days, Ethan became more comfortable with Ben in the store. Ethan had employed part-time help each winter and was good at indoctrinating new people. Sometimes they wouldn't work out, but he could work with most people. Ben was punctual and customers seemed okay around him. His experience fitting skis and using mountain clothing was evident. As they got to know each other, Ethan learned that Ben had also done some climbing.

Ethan rapidly became comfortable with Ben in the store. He wasn't a replacement for Megan, but he was adequate. It had been three days since the store re-opened when the Sheriff's car pulled in front of the store. Ben was in the back, organizing inventory in the storeroom when Bill Nickerson came in. Ethan met him, saying, "Hey, Bill, what's new?"

"Oh, I just thought I'd stop by and see how things are going. You running things all alone?"

"No, I hired a fellow to help. He's in the back. So, how's our girl doing?"

"She's good, Ethan. We talk every night. It's funny; we talk for long stretches now, nothing like when we were dating. I don't think she liked me much back then, but ever since the attack, we've become better friends. We talk a lot. She really misses it here."

"Sounds like you guys got something going. I'm glad for you both." He'd always hoped that Megan would shift her affections toward Nickerson. Something happened in the hospital.

"Yeah, I basically gave up a long time ago. I'd always hoped she'd like me, but it never happened until now."

Ben could hear some of it. He was curious. He stopped what he was doing to listen beside the open storeroom door. They couldn't see him.

Ethan asked, "So, any progress on the investigation?"

Nickerson looked around, and no customers were in the store. "We're talking to food service companies in the area. We may be able to find the truck from the video."

Ben emerged from the storeroom shortly after Nickerson departed. "All set, Ethan. I got things all ship-shape in the back."

Ethan nodded. He doubted that Ben had things as tidy as needed, but it was useful, even if Ethan would need to fix some of it. "Thanks, Ben. I'm going to be in the office doing some paperwork and resting my feet."

"No problem, boss. I can handle it, and I'll get you if I don't."

Ethan had his doubts. He kept an eye on Ben in case a customer seemed distressed or disinterested in working with the man. He didn't have the welcoming demeanor of Megan, but Ethan was able to get rested, which was most important. Any negative reaction from customers was offset by Ethan's rate of recovery. He'd already decided that Ben was never going to be a long-term employee.

Ben stayed until the store closed at seven. All of the rental equipment had been returned and there were no other customers in the store. Ben wasn't neat or organized like Megan. Clutter didn't seem to bother him, so Ethan spent the last quarter hour organizing the rental equipment racks and moving misplaced goods to their proper locations. It was rare to close on schedule, but Ethan welcomed the chance to rest at home – and to call Erin.

"Hi, Sweetheart, how are things in Auburn?"

"Hi to you, too. Oh, things here are almost routine."

"Your ex bothering you any?"

"No, it's really strange. I haven't heard from him for a while. I don't know what to think. The last time I saw him, he was as persistent as ever, then nothing, complete silence. He supposedly was selling real estate around here, but I don't find his name on anything. It's kind of like he just vanished – poof!"

"Well, you need to be careful. These possessive guys can be a problem." He didn't want to scare her, but this wasn't new news to her.

"I know he's not through. So, how is the store?" She didn't want to dwell on Chris.

"I got it open and it's like it never closed. I lost a couple of week's income, but it's still going to be a great year."

"How you feeling? I hope you're not doing any rescues."

"Naw, I'm out of it for a while. Nobody'll call until the summer. After the avalanche, everyone's hands off. I think everyone thinks I'm hurt worse than I really am."

"Yeah, well, you may be mending on the outside, but how are you doing mentally? I mean, you lost a friend and nearly got killed yourself, which must affect you."

"I suppose it should. Maybe it's like PTSD and takes a while. One difference ... I met Nancy Harris at the hospital. She's the girl Hawk and I went to up the slopes. I can't ... I don't know how it affected me to see her again. She was okay, just a little frostbite, but she had a strange effect. She said she'd never forget me. It's a feeling I can't describe except it erases some of the bad parts. We were both safe in the hospital, both having survived. It's a strange feeling. I've never experienced anything like it.

"Come to think of it, it's kinda like finding you there to save me. At first, I thought I died and you were an angel. Then I thought I was hallucinating. I don't think I figured it out until a day later in the hospital. You were real, and you'd saved me!"

She smiled to herself. "You saved yourself. You got out of that by yourself, I just happened to be there when you came down. You were ninety-nine percent rescued by then. If nobody was there, you would have walked or crawled out on your own. That mountain wasn't going to beat you."

"I like my version better. You're my angel!"

They talked for several more minutes. She wasn't sure when she would be back up to Tahoe, but it would be soon. He was feeling a little better each day, but it would still be a few more weeks before he was a hundred percent. He was happy to have Ben working in the store and one of his part-timers came back for the weekends, the young mother who worked in the casinos on weeknights. She knew the skiing equipment and was good with clothing. Ben was a climber and could advise customers on those products. He wasn't as good with clothing.

After two weeks without Megan, Ethan could leave the store for personal errands and eventually got to take a day off once a week, usually to visit Erin. Ben learned to use the register and credit card reader. He would never have the authority or skills that Megan had, but he, at least, allowed Ethan to have short times away.

About the same time, Ben became less personable, quieter. Ethan asked him if something bothered him, but Ben didn't want to discuss it. When Ethan was in the store, Ben would disappear into the stockroom until a customer entered. Ethan recognized he was strange, but he functioned adequately in the store. They would never be friends.

The Sheriff's car arrived one morning, and Ben disappeared. Nickerson came inside to the office where Ethan was placing an order online. "Hey, buddy, how's it going?"

"It's good, Bill. My feet are almost a hundred percent, and my girl's exceeding all expectations. How about you?"

"Me, too, although my feet have always been good, my girl is outstanding."

"Your girl?" Ethan pulled his chain.

"You know what I mean, she's doing real well. The scar looks like it'll disappear under hair and she's almost back to normal activities. The docs say she's gotta avoid head butting for a couple years to let the bone mesh, but she's looking good. She's already scheduled her first haircut, kind of a boy cut."

A woman entered the store with two young boys. Ethan looked through the glass wall and could see that Ben was not out front. He hollered through the door, "Ben, we got a customer, would you help her please."

"Sure thing, boss." He scurried out of the back without looking into the office.

Nickerson continued. "I went to see her over the weekend, Ethan. We had a great time. I brought her a knitted hat and a scarf that she wore the whole time. Beth and Jack let me stay in a spare bedroom. They treated me like a son, and Megan was terrific."

"Bill, man, I couldn't be happier for you and for her. You guys are a perfect match."

"I hope so, Ethan. It's going good now, and I think we're getting serious." Men don't discuss romance or love very well, so this was about as close as Nickerson would get to expressing his real feelings. "I think she might even come back here. I told her I'd move down there and start over at a local police station if she wanted, but I think she'd rather come back here. The important thing is that she wants us to be together in either place."

"Well, I gotta ask, do you think she'd ever come back here, I mean to the store?"

"We didn't talk about it, but I think it's possible."

Ethan gestured, and they sat down. "I've been thinking about it, Bill. You can't tell her anything, but I might want her to have this store, and I could open another one down by Auburn."

"Wow, Ethan, I don't know. I'm not sure I'd want her working your kind of hours again. It's not about danger, I don't think that, it's just that it's a hard schedule. How many weekends do you really get off? I mean, if she comes back, I want her to enjoy it here, not just work every day."

Ethan reflected. "I know. We'd need to work something out. She'd need someone who could manage it completely, maybe two people. It's making good money now, and I wouldn't need much to start a new store. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time. I'd be happy just to own half of this store and maybe share in some profits. Hell, she might even want to keep the guy I've got working here now. She's better with people than me, so it would be her call, but he's all checked out on running the store, and it runs okay when he's alone."

"Like I said, Ethan, you need to be careful about assuming too much, even if she moves back. We're doing good right now, and it's because we get to spend our free time together. But, what the hey ... you don't want me to say anything anyway, right?"

"Yeah, not until Erin and I get more planning done. I couldn't start a store in Auburn if Megan doesn't want to come up here or something else happens." He didn't want to contemplate losing Erin again.

He asked, "So, anything new on the man-hunt."

"I think so. We got a lead on a driver from a bakery on the Nevada side. It looks like he gave a false ID and address, so we're working to find out who he really is. It's not easy. He didn't last long and lots of other people have used his truck, so prints are all smudged and mixed. We don't have any lab techs and not much money for outside service, except the state, so we're doing the best we can."

"You working on it yourself?"

"Yeah, who do you think's doing the print searches? I got a vested interest in this now, and I want the guy caught. If it wasn't a random robbery, then there's even a chance he went after her directly."

Ethan nodded. "He came to the hospital. I don't think it was random."

"Yeah, me neither, but I hate the thought that she's someone's target."

"You and me both, Buddy. I'm there with you."

Nickerson left, passing by the others in the store without looking around. He didn't want people nervous just because a deputy was in the store. There had been enough bad press, and he didn't want Ethan getting more.

A short while later, Ben stood at the office door. "I see your sheriff friend was back. You guys been friends a long time?"

Ethan nodded, "Yeah, we were buddies before he was a sheriff or I had this store ... almost fifteen years."

"Is he workin' on that break-in that happened here?"

"Yes. He's one of the deputies. It's a small office, and nobody gets overlooked. Besides that, he has a special interest, we both do, Megan, our girl, is special to both of us."

"She okay?"

"Yeah, she's okay."

"Does she live around here?"

"Not any more, she moved away with her folks."

Ben wanted to talk more, but another customer came in, and Ethan ended the discussion. He didn't like talking to strangers about Megan. Ben had worked there for several weeks, but they were still, basically, strangers. Ben was aloof, not much of a casual talker and seemed to avoid one-on-one time with Ethan. He was a good worker and gave Ethan time for other things, so he appreciated that.

That night, Ethan called Nickerson. "Hey, Bill, I'm going to Erin's tonight. We thought it would be nice to go towards Oakland on Saturday to see Megan. What do you think?"

"Ah, yeah, Ethan. I'm going down for the day, and maybe we can all go out together. If Megan's up to it, maybe we could all go to Treasure Island in the Bay for brunch, what do you think?"

"Hey, anything would be good. I'd just like to see her again, and I think Erin would like going to the Island."

Two hours later, Ethan was in Auburn at Erin's parent's house. It was always a little awkward. Her parents had no illusions about their sleeping together, but they made a bed in Buck's office on his sofa, just for appearances. They liked Ethan, they always had, and he hadn't changed. He was older, but the same nice guy he'd always been. Erin liked him, and that was enough for them. He'd never married, which made her future prospects easier to wish for.

The next morning, Ethan and Erin drove toward San Francisco, not waiting for breakfast. The trip would take almost two hours on Saturday morning. They would rendezvous with Bill and Megan at her parent's house, then drive across the Oakland Bay Bridge to the island. In reality, Treasure Island is in the middle of the bridge in the center of the bay looking directly toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the open Pacific.

San Francisco is cold during the winter. It's not as cold as the Sierras, but cold enough for warm sweaters or jackets. Megan wore the hat that Nickerson had given her and looked beautiful. With the hat, nobody would know her hair wasn't quite covering the scares yet. They drove together in Ethan's truck from Megan's parent's house, arriving at Treasure Island before noon. The view of San Francisco and the other cities surrounding the Bay, Sausalito, Oakland, Alameda, was magnificent from the crest of the hill leading off the bridge onto the Island. It was a beautiful crisp late-winter day with a clear sky and calm water.

Erin had made brunch reservations at a winery on the Island that had high ratings for its menu. It was a perfect day: Megan had regained most of her energy and "spark," and Ethan was almost entirely healed. The morning progressed like most gatherings of young couples with the women talking actively, and the men interjecting when they could. Two things struck Ethan: Megan and Erin were truly bonding, and the affection between Nickerson and Megan was obvious.

Brunch lasted two hours, followed by a self-guided tour, stopping at each of the main vista points around the square flat Island. It would have been a good day for walking to the locations on the small island, but they drove. TI is a unique man-made location, built for the 1939 World's Fair and has many of the historic buildings, fountains, and statuary still prominent. The day ended way too soon. Megan looked wonderful. She'd been tired by mid-afternoon, but had shown remarkable stamina.

Nickerson stayed with her when Ethan and Erin headed toward Auburn. He would leave the following day. On the trip back to Erin's, they talked about the budding romance so apparent in the other couple. Ethan said, "It's really remarkable what that bump on the head did for her. Bill has been chasing her for all these years, and it's finally working with them."

Erin smiled. "I think a new reality set in with her near-death experience. She thought she loved you, but love is a two-way street. She was blinded by her feelings for you and ignoring him."

That night, they sipped wine by the fireplace until everyone else in the house was long asleep. At midnight, they kissed goodnight and went to their separate bedrooms. Ethan lay on his back with eyes closed, savoring the way things were finally aligning. Erin was back and his two best friends were finally together. He no longer needed to worry about Megan's feelings. He smiled as sleep enveloped him.

He was dozing, nearing a dream state, when she whispered in his ear. He initially thought it was a dream, "Hey, move over."

She stood beside him wearing a short lace nightie. His pulse increased, as he slid farther back on the big couch. He soon discovered she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

Shockwave

The winter would be over in a few weeks. Snow storms continued but with less intensity. There were no more blizzards expected before spring. Ethan's store operations were getting easier with his full recovery. With Ben's assistance, Ethan was able to spend more weekends in Auburn, and Erin visited Tahoe once. They had started talking about possibly opening a duplicate "Outfitters" near Auburn. The business model was perfected at Tahoe and would work identically in the Sierra foothills with numerous ski resorts and mountain recreation.

Erin hadn't heard from Chris in weeks. There was finally some hope that he wasn't harassing her anymore. It was still a concern, but less each week that passed. He had initially threatened to seek custody of the children since she had no work history and no means of supporting the family, but her parents would step in until she got a job. It was a hollow threat. He'd threatened his own son since and had pending legal problems that would cancel any arguments he could raise. He hadn't mentioned it to her for months, and now hadn't had any contact at all. She had answered some postings for work, but the plan with Ethan was increasingly possible. Megan's plans wouldn't be a mystery much longer. Ethan hadn't said anything to pressure her, but he knew Nickerson would be exploring his future with her. They'd all know soon.

Nickerson visited the store early one morning, two weeks after their outing to Treasure Island. "Hey, want to hear some good news?"

Ethan smiled, having a fair idea. "Sure."

"She's driving up here this weekend. I think she's trying to convince herself to move back! She wants to spend a night in her apartment. I'm going over there to make sure everything's working after all these weeks."

"That's great news, Bill! Listen, I know you want the time with her, but how would you like to have a bar-b-que at my place Saturday afternoon? I can leave the store with Ben and I know Erin would like to come up."

Nickerson smiled. "I had the same idea, let's do it at my place." He had a nice condo overlooking the lake.

"Super! I promise not to push the store."

"You know she'll ask."

"Well, let's see how it goes. I don't want her to make a decision she'll regret later. I told you before that my idea is to give her half ownership. She deserves it after helping to build up the business. Erin and I are getting more serious about another place in the valley if Megan could manage here."

Nickerson nodded. "We'll let her make her own decisions on that. I have my preference to stay here, but she'll have to figure out how to manage without you here. She's basically healthy, but it's still a lot of hours and responsibility. We could probably work something out. She doesn't need a big income if ... well, if she'd agree to marry me."

"Wow, you moving in that direction already?"

"I think so, but we haven't discussed it."

"Well, good luck with that. You guys are perfect for each other; and, as far as running the store goes, I've been training a man who's able to run it alone most of the time. He can't do the back office stuff: ordering, banking, hiring & firing, but he's okay for running things most of the time."

"Ethan, that might be what she needs. If you've already trained a manager, then it could be easier on her. But, let's not push it this weekend. Let's just have fun and let her acclimate." Both men wanted the same thing: Megan back at Tahoe. The only difference in their objectives involved her return at the store. Nickerson would be satisfied if she just moved back to be with him. He could support them without the store income. It would be nice, but not vital.

That night, Ethan called Erin with the news. It was exciting, Megan might come back. It could also mean their plan could work. Erin didn't want her kids pulled out of their schools again, and neither wanted them growing up at Tahoe. Their future together was possible if Megan would take over the store.

Erin planned to drive to Tahoe for the weekend. There was no threat of weather closing the summit. Ethan suggested that she bring her kids to ski before the season ended. He had lift passes and could give lessons. He knew it would be okay with Nickerson if the children came along. Dillan would enjoy meeting a "real" Deputy Sheriff. It was shaping up to be a fun time for everyone ... maybe a decisive point for him and Erin.

The weekend could not have gone better. Everyone had fun in the snow. Erin sat out, but watched from a lodge window, sipping tea. The afternoon at Nickerson's went equally well. Bill took both children to his patrol car, showing how everything worked and all the systems installed for police work. He even allowed Kimberly to handcuff her brother briefly. There was a humorous moment when Kim asked Megan why she wore her hat inside where it was warm. Megan smiled and explained that it was a new fashion statement she was leading, and she hoped all women would start wearing them soon. Kim wore her knit hat for the rest of the day.

They didn't avoid the store questions entirely. Megan asked how things were going. She knew everything about operating the store and the strain it put on Ethan. She was amazed that he was able to take a weekend day off. She may also have been concerned that she'd been replaced without consultation. This led squarely into the discussion he and Bill had had earlier in the week.

Ethan said, looking at Megan, but really addressing everyone, "You're the only other person who knows what it takes. After you were gone (he didn't want to discuss the circumstance in front of the children), it took me a couple weeks to reopen. I needed help and hired a fellow from the area. He's not a kid and knows the equipment side of things. Long and short of it, he's developed into a decent store manager; certainly not able to run everything, but he's good enough now that I can take off once in a while."

She seemed mildly concerned. "So, are you gonna keep him on for good?"

He looked at Nickerson, then back, "Well, that depends on you. It's always been your job and nobody can replace you. This guy certainly isn't the one, but I might not have any other choice if ... if you don't come back."

She took a breath and sat upright. "I don't know, Ethan. I've been lazing around for a couple of months and kinda like it. I'm not sure I want to take it back on again. I need to work, unless some guy takes me away to his castle and takes care of me (she glanced sheepishly at Nickerson). I don't know if I'm ready to make the commitment right now."

He nodded. "You're right, Megan. I wasn't fishing for an answer. The job is yours for as long as you might be interested. I'm not replacing you."

Erin decided to speak. She hadn't been part of the discussion between the men earlier in the week. "Megan, I think there's more to this than he's telling you. It involves him, me, you, and even Bill if he ever gets the nerve to propose." Both men gasped while the women smiled.

She continued. "I'm gonna be open with you because I have an interest in this, too. Ethan and I want to get married." The kids were fighting for control of the television and didn't seem to hear that statement. She'd timed it deliberately so. "But it means a pretty radical change; one that involves you." She looked at Ethan and Nickerson while continuing, "Ethan wants to give you half ownership in the store, if you'll take it over. We would open a second one somewhere in Placer County, near where my parents live. It's where my kids are in school."

Megan was astonished. "Wow, that's a lot to absorb! I mean, I appreciate it. The store is worth a lot of money if we sold it. I wouldn't do that, but it's just a way of looking at it. Ethan, did you mean give it to me or sell it to me?"

He glanced at the others, then directly at her. "Megan, the store is successful, and it's as much from you as from me. I would make up a partnership agreement that would give you half interest, free and clear, with no debt on you. You've earned it a thousand times over. That's true whether you come back or not. I'm giving it to you for all that you've done.

"The second half of the equation is whether you come back to work or not. In that case, there's an option that Erin and I have been thinking about. If you felt you could manage the store completely, we'd like to start another one. I wouldn't disappear completely, we'd still be partners up here, and there are probably some things we could share like bookkeeping and ordering."

Megan answered. "Gee, Ethan, this is a lot more than I ever thought about. I don't think I could manage the whole time without you."

He intervened, glancing briefly at Bill too. "Well, as long as we're on this, I think you could do it like I'm doing it now. You would control all the salaries and could have one or even two more managers. I've got one almost fully trained now. I don't know if you'd keep him for long because he's got some issues, but at least he's a start and can manage most of the time. The store makes enough money that you could hire some more people. I never did because I've been saving for expansion. But you could use the income to hire some people and train managers. I could help for a while before I'm completely moved out. In fact, we, Erin and I, might keep the cottage for vacations."

Bill could see that Megan was overwhelmed and didn't want her to get over tired or a headache. "Okay, enough business talk foe now. Let's refresh our drinks, and I'll get the grill going."

Everyone agreed. The rest of the time, the men hovered around the grill, and the girls sat with the kids. A couple more beers and some wine, and everyone was mellow by dusk when Ethan suggested they depart while he was still sober enough to drive safely. "I wouldn't want to get in trouble with the law!" They all smiled, having had a great time together.

When Erin and Ethan were driving back to his cottage, she said, "You know, they're having some deep discussions about now. I bet Bill is down on one knee proposing."

"What makes you so sure? I don't think Megan's ready to make any decisions. Her head must be swimming."

"Trust me, girls know these things. You opened the door, and it can't be closed. She's thinking about it all. You gave her the deal of a lifetime, but it also means something else. It makes the most sense if they get married. They can't avoid talking about it. One way or the other, your buddy is trapped, he's got to propose. He's madly in love anyway, but he's been too much of a coward to ask her. Now, he's got to. He's terrified that she'll reject him, but you didn't leave him any choice."

He frowned. "How do you know these things? You make it sound like I boxed him into a corner. He doesn't have an escape? If she says no, he'll never forgive me!"

"She won't say no."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Like I said, you can trust me..."

The following morning, Bill called Ethan. He was apprehensive about answering. "Hey, Bill."

"Hi, Ethan, say, Megan and me want to come by the store today. It doesn't need to be a long visit since you've got Erin and the kids, but she'd like to just look around and discuss some things."

He glanced at Erin before answering. "Ah, sure, Bill. I can meet you both at the store. be Ben will be opening soon, and I could be there after breakfast."

The men agreed on ten o'clock. She said, "See, I told you so."

"We don't know that he proposed."

"Trust me, they at least discussed it."

He smiled every time she said it. Why was she able to see things that he couldn't? She was always right – so far. It was just another reinforcement of his love of this woman: they were a good team.

He arrived at the store a few minutes early and found Ben finishing fitting a young couple with skis. They finished paying the deposit and departed. "How's it going, Ben?"

"Ah, it's been okay, not too busy and not light either."

Ethan nodded. "Good, I've got a couple of friends coming by in a few minutes, and we'll be talking in the office and maybe looking around. I'd appreciate it if you handled the customers. I don't plan to be here all day." Erin was taking the kids ice skating. He wanted to be with them, but they both knew how important it was to see Megan at the store.

Ben grunted. It was one of the characteristics he found annoying about the man. He had no social skills. He was good with fitting skis to customers, but never sold any accessories or clothing that Ethan could remember. He just walked away without saying much. Ethan shook his head, thinking that this man would never work well with Megan ... he didn't work well with him! Ethan just didn't have a good alternative and could compensate for Ben's shortcomings. When he was away, he just accepted the fact that Ben couldn't produce the sales that he and Megan could.

A few minutes later, Nickerson arrived in his truck dressed in civilian clothes. He opened the door and helped Megan manage the icy parking lot. Ethan went to the front to greet them, and Ben disappeared into the stockroom. Ethan met them as they entered, smiling at Megan; "Look familiar?"

She chuckled sarcastically, "Gee, love what you've done with the place. Nothing has changed. It looks like I was here yesterday."

They walked around for a couple minutes, then settled in the office where they'd eaten lunch for so many years. Ethan offered water and they sat around the small table.

Megan said, "So, Ethan, were you serious yesterday about making me a partner?"

He nodded. "Megan, you've always been my partner. I just never shared the business equity. I'm correcting that."

"Just because I got this?" She pointed to her head.

He nodded again. "I suppose so. One day we started this thing and the next, you were attacked. In between, the years just happened, and I didn't think about it. But when you were in the hospital and we didn't know if you'd make it, I had a lot of time to think about ... everything."

She smiled. "You don't need to do this. I just like it here, I never expected to be a business owner. I would work for you anyway. Bill and I talked about it a lot last night. I just really would like to come back. It would be different, though. Bill, you tell him."

Bill grinned. "Megan and I are getting married, Ethan. I asked her and she said yes!" He kissed her cheek.

Megan continued. "It took this guy ten years. I hope it doesn't take him that long to decide to be a father." She smiled, glancing at Nickerson.

She shifted. "There's something else. I know you and Erin want to start another Outpost near where she lives. I think it's a great idea. Anyone can see you two should be together. So, I want to help. If you'll work with me while getting set-up down there, I think I can manage here. I'll get some more people part-time and at least two assistant managers. I don't want to be a slave to the business like you. I'll be sure it's successful, but I'll operate differently – if you agree, partner."

Ethan nodded. "I have every confidence in you. You'll be fine, here. I can't tell you how happy this makes me, Megan, me and Erin, and, I know, Bill!"

Bill grinned, "And I can guarantee the best police protection."

At that point, there were at least two customers milling in the front. "Look, as long as this is going forward, you should meet the guy that's been filling in here. I'll get him, then I've got a couple customers to see." Ethan was annoyed that Ben would disappear when customers were waiting and he had a meeting going on in the office.

He went to the storeroom door. "Ben, I want you to come to the office and meet my partner." He didn't wait for a response, expecting another grunt. He hurried to the front before people got discouraged and left. Before he could reach the first person, Ben raced past.

Nickerson yelled, "Ethan, stop him!"

Ben was out the door before Ethan could react. The customers were alarmed and left fast. Ethan looked back, "What's going on, Bill?"

"See if you can catch him – he's the guy ... !"

It registered ... Megan had recognized Ben. But, it was too late; Ben was already in his old Buick, speeding out of the parking lot, nearly hitting one of the exiting customers. Ethan couldn't catch him and missed the license number. Nickerson joined him on the curb, both standing in the cold without their coats. "Who is that, Bill? Why was he scared of you?"

"I don't know, Ethan. It's not me, it's Megan."

They hurried inside, back to the office, where Megan was still shivering in her chair. She wasn't cold, she was terrified. Bill, went to her, wrapping an arm around her. "Megan, what's going on? Did you recognize him?"

She just nodded. Ethan asked, "Was he the guy who attacked you?"

She nodded again, then rested her face against Nickerson.

Ethan shook his head. "Shit. I hired that guy. He came to me, asking for work. I didn't suspect anything."

After a few minutes, when Megan was more composed, Ethan gave Bill all the information about Ben Cord in his employment file. Bill shook his head, "This will all be phony." Since he filled out the W-9, I'll see if we can lift some prints. He looked at Megan. "We'll get the guy now. We know what he looks like."

Ethan gave Megan a big hug. He couldn't remember ever hugging her at work in the past. There may have been a celebration in the past, but he couldn't remember it. She felt vulnerable in a way he'd only recognized since she was attacked. To their amazement, she said, "I know you'll get him. He's crazy. He thinks I should like him."

They both stared. Bill said, "What do you mean, Megan?"

She looked at Ethan. "You're going to hate me. Maybe I should have died."

He shook his head in disbelief. "What are you saying, Megan? Do you know this guy?"

"No, I don't know him. Maybe I should. I did something stupid and, well, I deserve to pay for it."

They all sat down again. Ethan ignored any customers entering the store.

"Ethan, I ... I wanted you to see me as someone more than just an employee. I don't mean like a partner, nothing to do with the business. I wanted you to like me. The only time I ever saw you get emotional was after a rescue. I guess I wanted you to rescue me. I was here almost ten years with a wild crush on you, and you didn't want me. I was desperate, desperate enough to do something so stupid: I can't even imagine it now."

He started to say something while Nickerson just sat there, completely confused. She said, "You need to let me finish, because this is hard for me. Anyway, I wanted you to rescue me. Not literally, but I wanted you to think of me like one of the victims you rescue." She paused, trying to frame her next thoughts.

"I thought that we'd go back and experience the time you rescued me from that cliff at Emerald Bay, it would spark something between us. I remember back then, before the store, feeling a special kind of love for you when you tried to teach me to climb. I felt like I could trust you with my life."

He interrupted. "You mean the time your mother told me about when you were stuck on a ledge and the rope was loose?"

"It was more than that to me! I was scared, so petrified that I couldn't move. Why do you think I never would climb again? It wasn't a little hill to me. It was as big as El Capitan in Yosemite to me. I was going to die if you hadn't saved me. I know it wasn't true, but it felt like that to me that day. You saved me and have always been my hero. That's when I fell in love with you. I know it's stupid, but to me, you saved my life and captured my soul."

Both men shifted in their chairs, wondering where this was going. She continued. "I wanted to recreate that feeling. I wanted you to feel the same as I did. I got this stupid idea that you would remember rescuing me and it would cause you to open your real emotions, the feeling that you wanted me for me." She got teary and neither man knew what to say or do.

"I put an ad in Craigslist for a climber to do a job. That's when that man came to me. I wanted him to put our lady mannequin on the cliff where you rescued me. You remember it?"

He thought, then answered. "I remember it now. There was something familiar about it; but honestly, Megan, I didn't remember it as a rescue then or even now. You were doing fine on our lesson together. You made a little mistake. I let you make it. You were never in any danger."

"Maybe not to you! It felt that way to me."

Nickerson asked, "So how do we get from the false rescue to you being attacked?"

"That guy, Cord, he never left me alone after that. He's a stalker. He follows me around and even comes to my apartment. He says that I love him. He's crazy. He loves me enough to try to kill me!"

"Why didn't you come to me?" Nickerson wanted to reassure her.

"Why, what could you do? I couldn't tell you about how I tried to seduce your best friend! I couldn't tell anyone without you knowing. I made the mistake and had to find my own solution. I even tried to pay him more money. I paid him five hundred to put our mannequin out there during a storm. I offered him another five hundred, everything I had, but he wasn't interested. He just said he wanted me and that he knew I wanted him, too. I don't know why he got that idea: he's repulsive. I told him to leave me alone and get away. He just wouldn't listen. He's crazy!" She started crying again.

Ethan looked at Nickerson. "You need to take her home, Bill."

Bill rose with her, keeping an arm around her. She looked at Ethan through red eyes. "I'm sorry, Ethan, I didn't mean anything bad."

Bill moved her along, "Let's go home, Honey."

Reconciled

"What do you mean, you just let her walk out without saying anything?"

"Erin, I didn't know what to say." They were alone in the cottage while the children played outside, climbing a huge snow drift, almost to the top of his roof.

"What do you think she was trying to tell you?"

"I don't know, I guess she was trying to tell me she still loves me."

Erin shrugged. "No! She loves Bill. She wasn't saying she still wants more from you. She was telling you about that guy you hired. That's it. She was telling you about him, but she wanted you to understand it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Seeing the guy scared her, and it scared him out of your store. She had to explain it the only way she could. She had to tell you why she knew the guy."

"She didn't say he attacked her."

"She probably doesn't remember the attack. Thank God. I'd have nightmares the rest of my life if I remembered that. She just wanted to explain how she knew the guy. She doesn't remember the attack or when he came to the hospital."

He looked at her, valuing her opinion. "I guess I should say something to her."

"Yes, you should. She probably thinks you hate her now. Look, Ethan, she's vulnerable. She opened up to you about something stupid she did to win your love, and you just let her walk away in tears. How do you think she feels?"

"I don't feel any different. I've know her most of her adult life. She's not stupid, she just did something stupid. We all do stupid things sometimes."

"Look, you need to go talk to her."

"Will you come? You could help me if I screw up?"

"Yeah, I'll come, but you need to get her back to thinking about running the business. You don't want this confession to ruin our future."

"Ouch ... I see what you mean."

The problem was the kids. What to do with them? But the problem solved itself nicely. There was a Cineplex near Bill's place and Dillan agreed to watch Kim. Ethan gave them enough money to watch two movies, if needed, along with all the snacks a growing kid could consume. Erin wasn't completely comfortable doing it, but it was better than having them witness an emotional sequence between adults in a small home. Their plans for another store could be affected.

Ethan called Bill. "Hey, Erin and I are coming over. I need to tell Megan that we're cool."

"Great, Ethan. She's pretty shook up, and I think it would help."

"I'm bringing a good bottle of wine."

When they arrived, Bill met them at the door and Megan sat on the sofa, trying to look composed. Ethan felt for her -- he wanted her to understand. Erin hurried ahead of him and the girls hugged. The men stayed back, not hearing what was said. Megan smiled, but still couldn't look at Ethan directly until he said, "Hey, how about we have some wine to celebrate your future, all of our futures!"

Nickerson said, "I'll pour!"

The men went into the kitchen. When they emerged, each carrying two glasses, Megan looked up. "Ethan, I owe you an apology. I was stupid. I ... "

He said softly, "Forget it. It's all over, and I just want to get the guy who hurt you. You don't deserve any of this. I made you feel like a jerk for years, so I'm to blame. Megan, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if it will help."

She smiled. "There's nothing to feel." She smiled at Nickerson, "I found the answer that's been right in front of me since the beginning."

They toasted their futures ahead.

Nickerson's mobile phone dinged. Bill, we got a hit, prints match 14 points, positive ID.

He sipped quickly, "I gotta go to the office. We got the guy's information. I've got to go to see what we have on him." He went to the bedroom to change into his uniform.

Megan giggled, feeling the wine. "Time for superman to change!"

The three of them laughed and they found some snacks to lessen the effects of the wine. They stayed together in the condo for another hour before Ethan and Erin left to get the kids. They had wanted to wait for Bill's return, since he wasn't technically on duty, but he didn't make it back soon enough.

Later that afternoon, Bill was back with Megan, alone. She'd saved a glass for him. After he changed, they sat together, watching the sun set over the western ridge. It was a glorious setting, looking over the broad southern lake expanse, reflecting a pastel palette from the setting sun. It wasn't long before they were making love on his sofa.

The following morning, he called Ethan as he was opening the store. Erin had returned to Auburn the night before. "Hey, I want to come over with Megan and let you both know about Ben Cord. It could be important."

Ethan agreed, and they were all together in the office an hour later. Bill was in civilian clothes on his day off. It was a weekday and late enough in the winter that school breaks had ended, so there was less demand on Ethan's time, fitting skis. He and Megan sat quietly, letting the deputy speak.

"Okay, first of all, the man's name is not Ben Cord, it's Ben Croode. Cord didn't show up in our database, but Croode has a long record, all bad."

Ethan looked at Megan, hardly believing that he hired the man who almost killed her. How could I be so stupid?

Nickerson continued. "He recently did fifteen years at Folsom Prison for attempted murder." Megan gasped, as he continued. "It's even worse than it sounds.

"Croode was a sadistic kid. There's no record of parental abuse, but it was argued by his defense attorney at trial. When he was eighteen, he marched his parents into the woods at gunpoint, behind their log cabin on the Nevada side of the lake. There had been some kind of petty argument, and the kid cracked. He had anger problems from way back that I'll tell in a minute.

"When his parents were deep in the woods, he hammered both of them with the shotgun stock until they couldn't stand. He'd planned the whole thing. He had a gas can hidden and poured it on both, then lit it. He just walked away as they screamed, thinking they would die, but they didn't. Somehow, the father rolled around, killing the flames, and then helped his wife who was burned horribly, but still alive. They had first-degree burns on most of their bodies and ... well, it was pretty gruesome. They were both disfigured, without any hair, and his mother lost both outer ears and her eyes. His father was a little better, he could see with one eye, but lost both outer ears. I saw their pictures from the trial, and it was hard to look at. Their son, Ben, smirked and even smiled when they were called to testify.

"One ironic part of it was that his mother refused to say Ben did it. She wouldn't identify anyone else, but she refused to say her son tried to kill her. His father wasn't much better. Anyway, Ben was found guilty and ordered to prison. When the trial ended, Mr. Croode wheeled his wife from the courtroom and was able to drive home somehow. He could hardly walk himself and couldn't have passed a driving test, but they managed to be at court each day.

"When it was over and Ben was sentenced, that same day, Mr. Croode apparently parked his wife's wheelchair outside their cabin in the clear autumn air and ended her pain with the same shotgun Ben used to beat them. Then Mr. Croode placed his wife on the ground and lay beside her before blowing his own head off.

"Ben was told about it at the jail, and the guard reported that he was jubilant."

Megan said, "God, how could anyone do that? How could I have ever been near him?"

Bill explained, "He's mentally ill. The juvenile records weren't sealed, and there was plenty of evidence that the kid was psycho, practically since he could walk. All the way back to first grade there are reports of how he tortured any kind of small animal and insects. It was worse than just pulling the wings off flies. When he was twelve, he was sent away to juvenile detention after taking an ax and cutting a leg off a neighbor's dog."

Ethan asked, "Why was someone that messed up ever on the streets?"

Bill shrugged, "He probably should have been locked up earlier, but they lived in a rural area and most of his bad behaviors were probably hidden by his parents. There's no record of him ever finishing high school, or even eighth grade. His father was a disabled logger and may have beaten the boy severely throughout his life. The record doesn't show anything, but it was a big argument by the defense attorney. These were basically hill people or woodsmen, or whatever you want to call them. The law and school counsellors didn't have enough contact with the boy to really know the circumstances."

Ethan continued, "So, are we supposed to feel sorry for this guy?"

"No, he's no kid anymore and beyond redemption. He's spent half his life in prison – it would have been longer if he'd been in for murder – he's the purest kind of criminal, trained while in maximum security by the worst-of-the-worst criminals. He's a sociopath by any definition. The prison psychologist recommended that he be moved to a mental ward, which would have kept him off the streets, probably for the rest of his life. There's no explanation in his record why this didn't happen."

Bill finished with a stern look on his face. "Look, this is a dangerous guy. He's also obsessed with Megan, so she needs protection." He looked at her before continuing. "She's staying with me when I'm off duty, but I need her to be with you when I'm not around."

Ethan looked at both, nodding, "Yeah, absolutely. She can be with me at all times."

She sat upright. "Okay, look you guys, I can be careful. I can't go around feeling like I need bodyguards."

Bill said, "It isn't that, Megan. This isn't just a precaution. This guy will come after you unless we get him first. Just enjoy our company for a few days, and I think this'll be over. You also need to think about testifying at the trial. You'll be the only witness against this guy. We got the hospital video, but it's practically worthless in the darkness. You're the only one who can identify your attacker."

"What if I can't?"

"You have to."

"What if I get asked if I remember who hit me? I can't actually do that. I know it was him, but I don't remember anything that night. He's been stalking me, but that's about all I can say."

The men looked at each other. Bill asked Ethan, "You got a gun?"

The question had an impact on Megan, reinforcing everything Bill had been saying.

Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I have a magnum with me sometimes in the mountains. I've never fired it much, just at targets a few times."

Bill nodded. "You should probably have it with you." He noted the alarm on Megan's face. She wasn't arguing, just realizing the danger she was in. He continued, "I'm no shrink, but he could also go after people around Megan, people that he might see as competitors."

Megan said, "That means you too, right?"

"Of course, but don't worry; it's more dangerous for him. He's the hunted, I'm the hunter."

She was serious. "Very macho! If he's been watching us, then he knows you're closer than anyone else."

He liked the sound of that. "Look, Sweetheart, I'm going to get this guy."

Ethan looked at his friend. "Then what? It sounds like there's no real case against him when you catch him. If Folsom couldn't keep him, what have you got?"

"It depends ... if he goes to trial. He might resist arrest." He regretted saying what he was thinking.

Ethan just nodded. "Well, I guess we don't need to speculate more, let's just keep Megan safe and get the guy. Whatever happens next, well, we can't speculate on that."

Bill stood. "Okay, if we all agree, then I want Megan to stay here today with you, Ethan."

She looked up. "Why? This is your day off!"

He hesitated then explained. "I'm recalled for an arrest warrant. We have a warrant to serve, and four of us are going."

She was concerned. After knowing him for ten years, he'd talked a few times about warrants, not often, but sometimes he'd had some narrow escapes. She asked, "Where are you going?"

"I can't tell you that." She could tell by his expression that he was going after Croode.

The Sheriff's office suspected that he was at his parent's cabin ... the same cabin where they died. They needed to move fast. He'd been recognized by Megan. He couldn't know she didn't remember her attacker, he would assume she could. He would run, or worse, come after her. If he killed her, there'd be no witness, no way to prove anything against him.

Mind of a Maniac

He lay on the floor, screaming, pressing his temples. "Stop the horn! Stop it!" The silent blare wracked his brain. The only real sound was him, yowling. It had bothered him all his life, and now, whenever he was stressed. It hadn't always been like that – imaginary. It was real when he was a little boy. His father used the horn for his own amusement, waking the boy many mornings. His elder was a cruel tormenter. He could invent ways to inflict physical and emotional pain better than anyone, and the boy was his favorite target. There was always the belt: his was braided and thick, like a whip. He also liked making the boy stand naked outside in the winter until his extremities lost all feeling, and he turned blue. He did this sometimes to "make Benny appreciate his supper." Usually fried Spam or beans. The warm bath following exposure was like fire on his frozen skin. The air horn was the man's favorite torture. He loved using it whenever the mood struck, whenever the boy was peaceful or unsuspecting. He'd belly-laugh as Ben flew from bed or a chair. His father would sneak up behind and assail his ears with that awful blaster. "Stop it! Stop it!"

Ben had pleaded with his mother to stop his father, but she couldn't. She was small and meek around the burly ex-lumberman. His father drank continuously. He'd been injured in some way that, supposedly, prevented him from working. They had his disability checks to support a meager lifestyle.

Now, outside prison, the ringing was happening again, usually when he didn't expect it. It had been different at Folsom for all those years. There was nobody sneaking behind him. No surprises. Routines were always the same and he was safe in his locked cage at night. Solitary confinement was best. Nobody was near him to talk to him or touch him. He slept well in solitary. There were no horns ringing in his head in prison.

His dreams were always the same in prison. He could remember the joy when his parents writhed on the ground, screaming like he had screamed. He only wished it could have lasted longer. He used a small amount of gas, not enough to kill them quickly. He wanted them to burn for hours. He could remember the smell of burning flesh. They did suffer! At some point, he called 911. He wanted everyone to know he'd killed them. He could still hear their cries from back in the trees. He could hear them pleading, just like he'd pleaded, but nobody had ever saved him!

That day, after he'd burned them, he sat on the back step, drinking his father's whiskey. It had burned his throat. He'd never tasted it before, but now that he'd killed them, it was his. He hated the taste and threw the bottle. When the two deputy sheriffs arrived, he led them to his parent's burned carcasses. He was infuriated when they moved, still alive. He tried for a deputy's gun to finish them, but was beaten down and handcuffed instead. They took him away, and he didn't see his parents again until the trial, months later. It delighted him. It didn't matter that he was going to prison; he'd made them suffer. The prosecutor described the scene and showed pictures. It was unbelievably satisfying to him. He enjoyed looking at their horrible disfigurement when they refused to look at him. He'd grinned at his mother's blob of missing face, the whole time she was on the stand. She couldn't see him without eyes and cried the whole time slurring about what he'd done through a lip-less mouth. The jury couldn't look at her. He replayed the image and her sounds for years in his mind. It was so satisfying! That image of her on the stand soothed him and had stopped the ringing in his head.

It was different now on the outside. He wasn't protected anymore. He was free from Folsom, and it terrified him. That girl caused his pain now. She had turned everyone against him. It was her form of torture. She wanted him as her lover. There wasn't any doubt to him, but she wanted people to hurt him for her own sick enjoyment. She was worse than his parents. He pondered it while the ringing continued. Then something changed. Reality set in. He had to move. They would be coming. Men would be hunting him. That bitch would send them. That man with her at the Outpost was the sheriff he'd seen at the store more than once. He was with her now. She now wanted that man to kill him.

Ben couldn't stand the thought that she would choose a sheriff over him. He needed her, and she needed him. She had wanted him!

The old Buick was parked behind the cabin, unseen from the road. It was a remote setting in tall sugar pines with a short rutted dirt drive cut into the small knoll. The log cabin stood, leaning slightly, in a clearing where trees had grown fifty years earlier. Everything was deteriorated from the years of neglect since his parents died and Ben went to prison. The old car ran by some miracle with a new battery. It didn't run well, but enough to get around the lake. The tires were too worn out to drive in snow, but today was clear, and the temperature had been rising above freezing most days as the winter ended. The sky was blue with a few wispy clouds. He put his clothes into a shopping bag.

He heard cars drive onto the property. It's them! He ran to the front window by the door and saw a sheriff's car, then another one. The old pump shotgun was nearby with five fresh cartridges loaded.

The sheriff's team was four deputies mixed from the California and Nevada offices. The address was in Nevada. The lot layout had been studied beforehand. If Croode was there, they assumed he would be armed and extremely dangerous. Bill had the lead. He could identify Croode from the store and had studied his history. Croode wasn't tall, but he was stocky and muscular; and because he had mental issues, the report said he could exhibit frenzied strength and not feel pain. He could probably win hand-to-hand combat with most of the deputies, although Nickerson was the most formidable.

Bill and a Nevada deputy moved quickly to both sides of the front door while the two others went to the back. All wore vests and helmets. Once in position, Nickerson yelled, "Search Warrant. Sheriff, open the door."

He heard movement inside, but it wasn't loud enough to be sure it was Croode. He yelled again, then tried the door. It was locked. He signaled that he would break it open and enter first. The second deputy would cover. First entry is always the most dangerous, but Nickerson didn't want anyone else taking that risk, not this time. This was personal, which should have disqualified him, but nobody knew it.

He stepped in front and slammed his foot against the door, shattering the old timbers from their hinges. A shotgun boomed several times behind the cabin. Bill hit the floor, opening a firing lane for his other deputy. Croode wasn't there; he'd rushed outside, just as Bill broke through.

Croode was prepared for the deputies in the rear. He'd seem them from inside. He wasn't an expert shot, but it didn't matter much with the short-barreled twelve-gauge, loaded with buckshot. Bill and his partner rushed to the opened rear door just as the Buick passed beside the cabin, out of sight, toward the road. Both of the other deputies were down. One was hit in the chest with his wind knocked out, but otherwise okay. The second deputy was worse. The blast hit him low with some shot below the vest, penetrating his hip and thigh, causing severe bleeding. Bill radioed for air evacuation of the wounded man, then applied first aid.

Croode had escaped. Bill radioed that he was on the road, heading east or west, describing the car. He hadn't seen which way it went. He assumed Croode went west, toward the strip of casinos along the Lake's south shore, where he could get lost in the maze of tourist cars, especially if he parked behind one of the casinos with single-level lots covering fifty acres. He'd be impossible to find quickly. They knew the car description and license number, but it wouldn't help much to locate him in the maze of ordinary-looking cars. Croode was crazy, but not stupid.

Nickerson radioed the Nevada dispatcher requesting help. "Get all the reserves out with full duty belts and vests. Have them check cars leaving the back exits on lots. We'll send pictures of the perp. Double up, this guy is armed and dangerous."

He then called his office on the California end of the strip requesting road blocks on Tahoe Blvd and parallel streets. He called Ethan using his cell phone. "Ethan, Croode got through us. He might be coming your way; he's armed and shot a couple deputies."

Ethan looked back into the office where Megan was sitting. "Okay, Bill. I'm closing early, and I'll get Megan to my place."

"Right."

Escape

Croode knew the back roads. He'd known many as a kid, growing up near the casinos, but he learned more when his route for the bakery required avoiding the tourist traffic. He knew the small quiet roads behind the casinos and hotels. He was in the Harrah casino lot minutes after the shootings at his cabin. He was on the north side of the Boulevard, closest to the lake. He drove slowly through the acres of cars, exiting onto Lake Parkway into a maze of short streets around apartment buildings where locals lived.

Megan's apartment was on Hill Road. He'd been there many times. He parked a block away in a reserved space under a carport. It was dark, with no street lights. He packed snow against his license plate. Snow berms piled six feet high along the road, so he had to walk on the edge of the traffic lane, keeping the shotgun partially concealed inside his open jacket. Nobody else was out in the frigid air.

Megan lived on the second floor of the small stucco building, up an open exterior staircase. There was one light on the front of the building, illuminating the parking area, but the stair was dark, unless her porch light was on. There was no light as Croode crept up. There was no light from inside either. At the top, he listened through the door, hearing nothing. Damn, she's not home!

He went back to the car, waiting for her to return. Meanwhile, the sheriffs were searching his cabin and wouldn't leave for hours. Around midnight, Croode dozed off involuntarily and awakened when a woman banged on his window to move out of her space. He pulled out and drove away quickly, never saying a word to her. He figured that Megan was staying with the deputy or with Walker. The deputy would be part of the posse, so she'd be with Walker. He knew where both men lived, and she could also be at the store. The Outpost was closest ... his next destination. The shotgun gave him an invincible feeling.

The only route out from the apartment complex was along Park Avenue, back to Lake Tahoe Blvd – the main street along the lake. The police would be watching traffic on the boulevard. It was a chance he'd take crossing over it to the back roads on the other side, weaving toward the outpost. It was a route he'd taken often in the bakery truck to avoid traffic on the main drag. There was a signal at the boulevard intersection ahead. Once through it, he would be onto safer back roads. As he neared the signal, he saw them. Two police officers were inspecting traffic. They were looking for him. Most of the cars were on the big boulevard; he was the only one on the intersecting street and there was no place to turn. His nerves tingled again. The officers had flashlights, checking the drivers as they approached. Croode switched on the bright lights. It didn't work and had the opposite effect.

The officers stopped the boulevard traffic and turned to him. One officer held up a hand. The grey Buick was easy to recognize, but the license plate was missing from the front. They couldn't be sure it was him. Feet away from them, he floored it, and both officers jumped aside. Before they could react, he was disappearing into a residential area on the other side. He had escaped capture for the second time, but knew radio calls were being made. He'd been spotted.

At Ethan's cottage, they sat by the fireplace drinking tea. Megan wore her stocking cap to hide her shaved head, sitting in the overstuffed chair while Ethan lay on the couch. They couldn't sleep after Bill's phone call. Croode was out there somewhere. Ethan closed the store early, assuming that Croode would go there. The cottage blinds were closed, and the lights were out. The room was lit only by firelight. The wind blew hard outside, shaking windows and doors. Every sound caused Megan to shiver. Ethan said, "Try to relax, Megan. Bill's working hard to find the guy. Every officer around here is on duty. He'll call when they get him."

Ethan wanted to sound calm and confident, certainly more confident than he felt. Croode was from the Tahoe basin and experienced living in the wilderness. If he really wanted to evade, living off the land, he could do it. But escape wasn't his main objective. He wanted Megan. Croode would be coming for her. He wasn't rational; he wasn't even sane, which made him extremely dangerous. His fixation on her would cause him to be reckless. He didn't fear the law. He probably didn't even value his own life. The scariest aspect was his unpredictability.

What kind of fool was I to hire the guy! Actually, hiring Croode might be a small advantage now. Ethan knew some of his habits. By observing Croode with customers, Ethan knew some of Croode's quirks. He wasn't just shy, he didn't like people. He also showed poor judgement. He wouldn't be cautious if aroused. Megan had talked about chasing Croode away from her apartment. He avoided conflict. Ethan hoped all of these factors might give them an advantage. On the other side of it, Megan was bait. She was the magnet pulling Croode to them. She was in danger. Ethan knew Croode had a shotgun.

It was nearly midnight when Erin called. "Hey, I saw the late news. When they described the shootout with sheriffs, I figured it might the guy who attacked Megan."

"Hi, Erin. Yes, it was him. Megan and I are sitting by the fire having tea. I wish you were here. Nobody's sleeping right now." He didn't really want her around while Croode was loose, but he wanted to calm both women.

"Megan's with you?"

"Yep. Me and Bill are going to be with her until the guy's locked away."

She said, "I was thinking about coming up tomorrow, maybe I could help with Megan."

"I don't think this is a good time." The last thing he wanted now was two women to protect. He reached into the crease between cushions, feeling the cold steel of the gun hidden beside him, away from Megan's view.

His phone beeped ... Nickerson

"Hey, I gotta go, Bill's calling." He disconnected without waiting for a response.

Nickerson was leaving the cabin while the investigators stayed on. "Ethan, looks like Croode is coming your way. He got through a roadblock, moving toward the west side."

Megan was looking at him. "Ah, thanks, Bill. Keep me posted. I've got Megan with me here at my place. She should be safe until you find him."

If there was anything positive in Bill's message, it was that the search area was shrinking. They all felt Croode would be coming for Megan; he was moving in Ethan's direction. Ethan's was the logical place he'd go next. Croode knew Ethan would try to protect her.

Ethan hated the idea of Megan in danger, but there wasn't a choice now. She'd be safest back in Oakland, but Croode could be anywhere outside, waiting for them to leave. It wasn't safe to make a dash for his truck. "Bill, you know he's coming here or the store next. This is where he'll be."

"Already on it, Ethan. Try to keep calm; keep Megan calm. I'm halfway there. We'll end this tonight."

Nickerson radioed the Sheriff's office, telling the duty officer to rendezvous near Ethan's cottage. It was tricky. He hated thinking of Megan as bait, but they had to catch Croode. He had to be stopped. If they missed him, he would just find another way to get to her. Ethan's cottage was the most likely spot to catch him tonight.

Inside, Ethan said, "How about another tea?"

She was still shaking. "Sure, I couldn't sleep tonight anyway."

He went to the kitchen, keeping the main lights off, using the firelight. No reason to make this easier if Croode was outside with a shotgun. While the pot heated, Ethan moved one of the big chairs between the fireplace and the door. If Croode broke in, he wouldn't have a clear shot at Megan, now resting under a blanket on the floor. It would give Ethan a fraction of a second to use his handgun. He wanted to practice dry firing, without ammunition, but it would freak her out. He could only envision the sight pattern, without showing her the gun.

Bill parked a block away on a dark road near other cabins, waiting for the second patrol unit to arrive. It was pitch black and lonely. Croode was out there somewhere. Bill hoped that Croode would stay in the Buick, which was easier to spot, and not be lurking on foot in woods near Ethan's cottage. The police radio display hurt his night vision. It was scary, parked there alone, at night, with wind buffeting the car.

He radioed, "Patrol Two, what's your ETA?"

The response came quickly ... "Be there in a couple, One."

Two minutes seemed like an eternity. When the other deputy arrived, they coordinated surveillance from opposite ends along the road by Ethan's cottage. Unless Croode was already on foot, one of them would see the Buick arrive. There were numerous other officers elsewhere on the manhunt, but only the two deputies here.

Bill called Ethan on his cell phone. "Hey, buddy, we're outside on the street."

It was reassuring. "That's good, Bill. Megan and I are by the fire. I don't think we'll sleep tonight."

"Yeah, understand, Ethan. Hopefully, this will be a peaceful night, and we can all rest a little in the morning when the sun rises."

Bill saw the bright flash before hearing the blast. It was about half a mile away, near the location of the other deputy. He radioed, "Shit! Patrol Two, come in."

Nothing. "Shit!" Bill slammed the accelerator, closing the distance to his partner fast, far faster than was safe on the winter road. His strobes illuminated everywhere, but Croode was nowhere to be seen.

Ethan and Megan also heard the blast. He ran to the window as Bill sped past, out of sight through the pines. "Megan, stay down!"

He didn't need to say anything. She was flat on the floor, covering her head. Bill skidded to a stop, feet from the other patrol car. His blue and white pursuit lights lit the entire area. Everyone living nearby knew something bad had happened with the blast. The other deputy slumped with his head back and blood spatter covered the window. With his weapon drawn, Bill moved to aid his partner. He was alive but unconscious. The blast had come from the woods beside the car. It was a widely-dispersed shot pattern, against the passenger side window, with only a few of the deer shot hitting the officer. There was blood, but he was alive!

The emergency call was made seconds after arriving. Bill applied pressure to the neck wound, but he couldn't watch the cabin, too. He used his left hand to call Ethan's cell. Over the next hour, the whole area came alive with law officers all along the road. Nothing changed in the cottage. Ethan and Megan stayed hidden in the dim light, waiting for the dawn. Bill came to the door an hour after the shooting.

Ethan asked, "What's going on Bill?"

"Nothing new. The shot came from the woods ... just a single shot, then he disappeared."

Megan said, "It had to be Ben Croode."

Bill agreed. "That's what we think, Megan; looks like he fled into the woods, toward the mountains right after he shot. Police found the Buick on another road. He probably thought he could creep up on you, but saw my partner parked and shot him for no reason. He realized there were more of us when my lights came on. We searched the area, and he's not around. The K-9s will be here soon."

With all the officers surrounding them, Walker's cottage was the safest place for Megan at that moment. Bill stayed until dawn, then drove home for a few hours of sleep and a shower.

A few minutes later, Ethan's phone rang...Erin

He'd been awake since Bill's departure. "Hey, sorry I didn't call back last night. Things were happening, and I lost track of time. I slept a little."

She sounded great to him. "I also couldn't sleep and saw on the news about a manhunt and some shooting."

"Yeah, they're looking for Croode. A deputy was wounded, and they think it was him."

"Are you okay, Ethan -- you and Megan?"

He had looked at her sleeping on the rug near the dead embers. "She's fine. Bill will come back after noon and drive her home."

"So, did they get Croode?"

"No. He got away for now."

"Maybe you should come stay with us in Auburn. My folks would understand."

"I don't want to leave the store closed, Erin. Thanks for your offer, though. Maybe I'll come in a day or so when this is all over, when they catch Croode."

Erin rubbed her head. Things were not well with her ex again. She didn't want to burden Ethan with her new problem. "Okay, well call me again tonight if you can."

It seemed like an abrupt way to end the call. He was just beginning to know her again, but he sensed something. "Are you okay? We've been talking about us up here, but is there something wrong with you?"

"Maybe ... I don't want to talk now. Call me tonight." She hung up.

It was a stupid call. She'd seen the news, and it worried her. Her concern ended the moment he spoke. But then her own new problem overcame her emotions and she couldn't talk to him, not now. There was a maniac with a gun to worry about. Croode was after Megan, which was also dangerous for Ethan, at least for now. Maybe later, after Megan was gone and, hopefully, Croode was caught, they could talk, but not now.

Erin's ex-husband had started a lawsuit against her. He cited her for taking his children away. He was suing for full custody. It was crazy! Why do this? He didn't have a job, or money enough to go to court. Yet he'd hired a lawyer. He didn't really want the kids; he wanted to hurt her. She didn't have any money to fight him in court!

She sat curled up on her mother's couch, before anyone else was awake, cursing the day she'd ever met Chris Chatsworth. Damn him! Her father and mother said they'd support her and pay for an attorney to represent her.

Reality overtook her. They would be meeting with her parent's lawyer at ten o'clock, in two hours, to prepare a response. It infuriated her to tears that Chris would do this. He was more evil than she'd ever imagined. It was one thing to hide his extramarital relationships and ignore his children. Erin had nurtured them and hidden his transgressions. But this suit was worse than anything he'd done in their marriage. He hadn't fought the divorce – why was he doing this now?

She'd scanned the complaint once, too upset to read it more thoroughly. That would be the lawyer's job. He would dissect it and prepare point-by-point responses. The main points, which infuriated her, were his attack on her character. He characterized her as a lazy housewife, never willing to share the financial burden during their marriage. She never took a job. He cited her abandonment of him after a serious car wreck and disability. He cited her as now homeless and unemployed – unable to support two children. The complaint went on for several pages, but these were the main things cited against her. It totally mischaracterized her. It made her sound like a willful vagrant!

His own character was shaded differently. He had an apartment in Los Angeles – his playpen during their marriage. He had a car – an old Nissan Junker. He had a substantial career history – substantial enough to pay for his philandering. He now had a job and could support a family. This point shocked Erin. He hadn't harassed her for weeks. Did he really have a job? And what about the lawsuit against him by the girl injured in the accident?

She didn't know what to do. She was depressed. The bad news just kept coming. She'd lost her home, her marriage, wasted twenty years, couldn't support her kids, and had generally just fucked up her life. Now ... now that ass wanted to twist the knife deeper. She was being crushed. She just wanted to hide in her room and never come out again.

Her funk ended when Kim came into the living room in her PJs, rubbing her eyes and curling up beside her mother. Erin hugged her daughter. That bastard is never taking her away! With Kim snuggled beside her, she formulated her answers. She'd fight. Did the bastard really want to hear the truth about himself? If dad's lawyer wasn't mean enough, she'd find another one, a real junkyard-dog lawyer. She'd cut him to pieces in their response and in court, if necessary. She'd slice him to ribbons! He'd provided abundant ammunition over twenty years.

She started imagining herself on the stand, giving testimony. She'd tell the truth – everything. She'd even tell things he couldn't remember. She'd color it with all the abandonment she'd felt, all the heartache, the sick sleepless nights when he was "traveling" with his mistresses across town in his secret apartment: just check the dates on his lease -- early in our marriage -- your honor. If he wanted a fight, she'd give it to him. He had a job! Good news, she'd fleece him for alimony and child support enough to keep him poor until both kids were through college. He'd be fifty without any assets! She'd give him a fight that he'd never believe she was capable of. She perked up. "Hey, Kimmy, how about we make some pancakes together!"

Shortly after noon, Bill came back to Ethan's place, dressed in civilian clothes, driving his pickup. Minutes later, Megan kissed Ethan on the cheek and left with Bill for her parent's home, three hours away. She would be safer away from the Tahoe area while Croode was loose.

Late the night before, Croode had moved quickly toward higher elevation, away from civilization, into the mountain wilderness. He slipped often on the icy granite, bruising his legs and hands. He nearly lost the shotgun during one fall. Despite it all, he was gleeful. He'd shot three deputies in a single day. Even his dreams in prison had never been so gratifying. Three deputies! He'd watched all the action movies in the recreation room at Folsom. Rambo First Blood was his favorite. He loved every moment of the action. Now, he was Rambo! He'd fought the law and won. Just like in the movie, he was running through the wilderness, his element, escaping and evading. He'd failed in the military, but Rambo trained him. He was a natural killer. He was unstoppable!

He knew that the girl was now heavily protected. He'd gotten close, but that deputy had screwed his plans. He'd gotten close to Walker's cabin. He was minutes away from blasting his way through the door, pumping and shooting, reloading and firing again. They'd been waiting. He got the first deputy, but then the other lights came on and it was a trap. He'd recognized it. He'd seen the movie and had to escape. There would be other chances at the girl, but not if he was dead or in prison. It was a tactic. He was retreating, but not surrendering. He'd attack again when they weren't expecting him.

He traveled deeper into the woods, circling parallel to the south shore of the lake, back toward his cabin. Nobody would expect him to return there. He could get there in less than a full day at this pace. The cold air and ice didn't affect him. He was Rambo and had killed three deputies already. He could not feel pain. Pain was a weakness, and he had no weaknesses. What's the body count: three to zero!

After Megan left with Bill, Ethan slept for several hours until well after nightfall. In the morning, he would open the Outpost as usual, but he would take the gun with him until Croode was caught or killed. He was partially awake after midnight, dozing for a few more hours before going to the store around daybreak. He usually did his best planning after a night's sleep, before getting up. His mind was fresh, and there were no distractions.

This morning, he reflected on everything that had happened leading to Croode's attempt on Megan's life. It all seemed to start with the silly mannequin trick she'd tried. She'd recruited a sociopath to put the dummy in position, presuming that Ethan would somehow be jolted into some suppressed realization that he should love her. He couldn't blame her for everything that had happened. He'd ignored her feelings. But it wasn't all bad news, since, as a result, she'd discovered the love she'd been ignoring in Bill Nickerson all those years. She'd begun an unwanted association with an insane man fresh from prison who fantasized about her. It had nearly killed her and now threated them all. Nobody could predict what Croode would do next, but Megan's prank had brought them all into the danger zone. She'd suffered more than she should have for it. Now, she would be safe with her parents out of Croode's reach. He knew about her Tahoe associations, but nothing else. He had no idea where she might be now.

But then there was Erin. Something was wrong. She had been his dream girl for two decades and come back to him. Now, something was wrong. He rose from bed. Screw the store. What am I thinking? He needed to be with her, nothing else mattered if she faded from his life again. She'd called him at night and left him pondering. Something bothered her, but she wouldn't tell him what it was.

He showered and dressed quickly, still before dawn. He was leaving for Auburn.

Backstep

Erin and Kim made a mess. Flour, milk, and egg goo was everywhere. Pajamas were covered in white flour and their feet stuck to the floor. They were having fun making a mess. Erin's mother awoke when she heard kitchen noises and was trying to clean up, even as it was developing. She knew the stress Erin was under and enjoyed seeing her "playing" with Kim.

Buck was showering and Dillan was sleeping when the doorbell rang. The two women looked at each other, neither feeling presentable to answer so early in the morning. Mary relented, and Erin ducked deeper into the kitchen. She heard Mary exclaim, "Ethan! What a surprise, come on in. Erin and Kim are preparing breakfast."

Erin wanted to dive under the sink ... Ethan, you can't see me like this!

He followed Mary to the kitchen. It wasn't the first time he'd seen Erin underdressed and messy – there had been Yosemite. "Hi, Erin. Hi, Kimberly."

Erin's hair was tussled. She had no makeup and flour handprints covered her dark flannel pajamas. "Ah ... hi Ethan, what are you doing here?"

She wasn't being impolite; she was just completely surprised.

He knew how she'd react. "I couldn't sleep and ... well, I just wanted to see you."

Mary injected, "Come, Kim, let's get you dressed and looking pretty for our guest."

"Aw, Gram, I wanna make the pancakes."

Mary smiled at the younger couple, then her granddaughter. "We'll let the grownups finish, and then you and I can do the eating when we come back."

Erin and Ethan were alone. She gestured toward the stove, "You want to be the chef?"

"Sure."

The rest of the morning was a circus of grandparents, kids, parent and guest: eating, cleaning, and dressing. Ethan sat with Dillan playing video games while Erin prepared for the day. Buck sat by them drinking coffee, happy that Ethan was there. He wasn't sure if Ethan knew about the lawsuit and chose not to mention it. Then Erin came out of the bedroom dressed in her best skirt and blouse, completely mismatched with Ethan's flannel and jeans. He said, "Did I come at a bad time?"

She smiled. "No, I'm glad you came. In fact, I want you to come with dad and me."

"Where to?"

"I'll explain on the way."

She asked Ethan to drive his truck with Buck giving directions from the back seat. She explained the lawsuit Chris had against her. Ethan didn't know what advice to give, if any. He'd never known Chatsworth and felt awkward in the middle of a dispute involving Erin and her ex, especially involving her children. It was reassuring to him that Erin had asked him to come along.

The meeting with Buck's lawyer went better than Erin had imagined. He outlined a strategy not only to counter Chris's arguments, but to bury him. They would counter-sue for punitive family support after years of spousal deceit and failure to pay anything since the divorce. There was even the possibility of criminal sanctions as a deadbeat dad. When they left the meeting, Erin and her dad were speculating on prison time for Chris. Ethan walked a pace behind, wondering how two people, once in love, could ever feel so much animosity. Buck said, "Let's do lunch, my treat."

Nobody in the trio had experience with lawsuits and their enthusiasm waned as the day progressed. Lawyers tend to show the big picture, but the reality is seldom the same. Generally, the parties both lose, and only the lawyers win. By the end of lunch, that was the consensus. It had been fun speculating until then, but nobody really expected anything good to come of it. For Erin, success would mean Chris was forever barred from having custody.

That afternoon, Ethan took Erin down to the American River, to the spot they'd first met. It was too cold to enjoy the beach, but the symbolism was clear. Both wanted to be there, at that place, at that time, with that person. They talked about Megan's experience, but Ethan wanted to know more about Erin's children. They spoke for hours about the kids, carefully avoiding any nuance involving Chatsworth. Erin loved Ethan's interest, and he felt even closer to her as shadows enveloped the river gorge in late afternoon. She'd shared feelings that were special and private. After twenty years, starting at this very spot, they were reconnecting, filling in gaps. He hoped it signaled a continuum that had never really broken.

Although the Mullaneys invited Ethan to stay, he declined. The store had been closed too much recently, and he needed to return to Tahoe. There was no doubt that Erin would visit soon. It was midnight when he parked back home. He felt a twinge of apprehension in front of the darkened cottage. Bill hadn't called to say they caught Croode, so there was still danger. Ethan unlocked the glovebox, lifting the magnum. Ice crunched under his boots, stepping from the truck as he walked to the door. The interior was black and he gripped the gun in both hands as he entered. Croode was crazy enough to have come back. Ethan couldn't win a battle with a shotgun at close range, but the magnum was reassuring anyway.

Farther east, just across the Nevada state line, it had been forty-eight hours since Croode ran from the law. The cabin was hard to see in the forest without moonlight. There were no police cars. They had nowhere to hide nearby. Standing a hundred feet away, lifting the police tape, he was frozen, hungry, and tired. Here at last, he would have a night of rest and recuperation. Nobody would expect him to return here on foot, not so quickly.

He pushed through the broken front door that was loosely replaced in its frame, careful not to disturb the police tape that could be seen from the road. "Mom, Dad, I'm home!" He belly-laughed at the irony of it for a minute. He often wondered where their bodies ended up. If up to him, they'd be buried in the backyard where he could piss on them. The state, he guessed, took care of them. They were probably cremated and dumped in a landfill. Serves them right! He had no idea and cared less.

He found a loaf of stale bread remaining from his last truck load, eating the whole thing. There was a bottle of gin under the sink – he still hated whiskey from that first drink on the steps, listening to his parents screams. He was bone weary and crawled up into the loft with the bottle, still wearing winter clothes and boots. There was no heat, and he wasn't going to start a fire in the woodstove, attracting attention. The shotgun beside him still had one cartridge in the chamber. He would reload in the morning if the law had missed the ammunition he'd hidden. He dreamed about his girl, the one from the store, Megan. They'd be together soon in heaven or hell. It didn't matter which.

At the cottage, Ethan rested peacefully, thinking of Erin. Megan was now Bill's responsibility. She would come back to Tahoe when Croode was out of the way. Ethan could wake easily to any unnatural sounds. He then slept through the night, dreaming about a beach and a girl on the shore of a river.

Both men were awake before dawn. Ethan prepared for work and Croode planned to hike to the Outpost and confront Walker. If Megan wasn't at the store, Ethan would know where to find her. Croode would make Ethan tell where to find her. He opened his secret place under the loft floor, where he kept the shotgun shells. As a kid, he'd pried the board loose and his parents never knew about it. He could keep girly magazines and animal parts from his experiments without ever being discovered. He laughed to himself that his parents never knew about it. He reloaded the gun and put ten more shells in his pockets before leaving out the back, into the woods. He would sneak down toward the lake and steal food. Nothing like a good breakfast to start the day!

Bill had guessed right! After returning from the Bay Area, he had a hunch that Croode would sneak back to the cabin for shelter. As a sheriff for more than a decade, dealing with woodsmen criminals, he'd developed an intuition about how they think. He was right. Bill had stayed awake for hours concealed in the woods, waiting for the dawn. His arctic sleeping bag was wrapped around him, helping to stay warm, but he still suffered, waiting. He thought Croode might return before dawn. In reality, he'd already been in the cabin most of the night, longer than Bill was in the woods.

Croode stepped out of the back door, closing it quietly, looking around for an ambush. All was quiet, so he moved quickly to the woods. It was about two miles down the mountain, through tall pines and manzanita brush to the lakefront, where he could break into a cottage used by vacationers. There were always canned goods left behind and sometimes drinks in the fridge if the power was on. Most owners didn't drain the pipes and left the power on for low heat. He would often sneak down there when he was a kid.

Bill heard the door open and watched Croode from behind the tree line, almost directly in front of him as he moved. The deputy slowly pulled his automatic from his hip and remained behind a large cedar tree for protection. Croode was passing only twenty feet away when Bill yelled, "Hold it there, Croode!"

The man hesitated for a second, assessing things. He turned slowly toward Bill who braced his shooting hand against the tree, "I said 'hold it.' Drop the gun and raise 'em. You know the drill." He'd never actually used his gun for defense before and gave Croode a chance to surrender.

Croode estimated that the deputy was alone. Stupid. He started laughing, but didn't drop the gun.

Bill held his position, waiting for Croode's next move. It came quickly. Croode flashed the shotgun upward, firing from the hip. Bill had ducked behind the tree, and Croode ran screaming and hooting down the hill, disappearing in the brush. This was his turf. Bill didn't pursue immediately. He called for backup. Croode was moving downhill. Bill didn't know the terrain, but had an idea where he would end up along the lake frontage road. He directed backup to that location before starting after Croode, cautiously. The brush concealed most of the trail, and it would have been an easy matter for Croode to ambush him. Bill listened. Croode was good in the woods, having stalked game as a boy for family food. He hadn't lost any skill while away in prison.

There was little noise ahead, certainly not the sound of a wild man careening down the mountain, but there was enough to know Croode was moving. Croode guessed that Bill wouldn't come charging down after him. That would be suicidal. He gave the lawman some credit for brains. Croode could get down the hill faster than the other man and knew it. He didn't fear another ambush. He just needed to be stealthy enough to keep the man above him cautious.

Bill climbed up a tall granite outcropping viewing far below. He saw Croode, dodging between rocks, a hundred feet below. It wasn't a good shot, far beyond the range for a good shot, and this target was moving in an irregular pattern. He didn't need to hit him. It would be enough to force Croode into cover between rocks. It would give time for others to set a trap below. Bill aimed carefully and fired. Croode stumbled and fell. He wasn't hit, but the bullet came close. He slithered behind a small boulder, big enough for concealment.

Bill lay on the outcropping, minimizing his silhouette against the brightening sky. He was beyond range of the shotgun, but wanted more stability firing from a prone position if Croode moved again. He called on his radio for position details and asked for more backup.

One unit had already arrived on the frontage road out of site, somewhere below – one deputy. Others were coming fast, but would still be several minutes away. Bill instructed the officer below to hold position and to get her long gun if she had one. The deputy couldn't see very far through the brush above her, and wouldn't have much warning if Croode ran at her. For the moment, all was still and quiet.

Croode guessed what was happening and couldn't be pinned down. He jumped up, firing the shotgun, hoping to disrupt fire from above. Bill didn't flinch. A few pellets came near his position, but ricocheted off nearby rocks. The buckshot, meant for hunting deer, was deadly at close range, but was useless now. Croode ran again and Bill fired several shots all close but missing him. Croode was laughing again, which had an alarming effect on the deputy below. She braced herself on the trunk of her car with the AR-15, shaking at the prospect of some crazy man crashing through the brush on the hillside above her position. She'd never fired a gun at a human, and never at someone crazy hooting and hollering while running directly at her.

Bill swore,"Shit." He jumped down to chase Croode, hoping he didn't get shot mistakenly by the other deputy. Below, as Croode's racket grew louder, instinct told the deputy to run, but training made her stand fast and try aiming toward the sound. Then Croode broke through, only fifty feet from her, running directly at her. She fired, jerking the trigger repeatedly, causing the weapon to miss. Croode wasn't hit and fired the shotgun without aiming, blasting the car's side. The deputy screamed and ducked ... a huge mistake. Croode was on her, nearly overrunning with momentum. He aimed to fire when Bill tore through the brush behind him. Croode kicked the woman in the side while jumping into the patrol car, speeding away. Bill stopped to shoot. He emptied his magazine at the fleeing vehicle. It had no effect.

Ten miles away, Ethan was opening the store, unaware of the gunfight. He'd be alone all morning. His part-time casino lady helper, the casino mother, would come in around noon, so he'd manage by himself until then. He wore a fishing vest over his plaid shirt to disguise the gun in his belt behind his back. He was about to call his helper when his phone buzzed ... Nickerson

"Ethan, we just lost Croode again. He's in a Sheriff's unit. He could head your way. We don't know where he went, it happened fast and he took the car on scene. You need to be careful."

"Okay, Bill, thanks for the heads up, I'll be watching."

"Good, gotta go ... out."

Croode didn't scare Ethan. The man had worked in the store long enough that Ethan knew he could take him in a fight. Guns were another matter. He would watch the entrance all day. If Croode came through the door, Ethan would be ready. If Croode came in shooting, there were clothes racks everywhere for cover. He only hoped no customers would be in danger. He could close the store again, but it was the best place to stop Croode. The store would stay open, but he would tell his assistant to stay home. Ethan wanted Croode to come!

Gone

Croode didn't drive toward the California side, toward the Outpost. Instead, the car was found sixty-five miles east in Reno, Nevada. Bill coordinated with the Reno Police Department. Croode was wanted for assault on police officers. He was armed. It was frustrating that he was outside local jurisdiction. Until he was seen again, his whereabouts would be a mystery.

It wasn't good news to Ethan or Bill. Both knew the danger with Croode on the loose. He would be easier to predict and trap locally; but now, he'd vanished. It also meant Megan wouldn't be coming back to Tahoe. Neither man would allow it, even if she wanted to. They were all targets, but she was the prime person to Croode.

With Bill's urging and backing, Ethan was issued a concealed gun carry permit by the Sheriff's office. He locked the magnum in his safe at home and purchased a small 9mm automatic with a holster that was lightweight and easily concealed under clothing. He hated the idea of the thing, but it might provide some measure of protection for him and others in the store if Croode reappeared. The permit required a short training program, which Bill arranged.

Ethan talked to Erin every night after work. He posted new hours and closed the store on Sunday and Monday, giving time to be with her. He shortened the "open" schedule to ten hours and would be there at all times. The winter season was ending and summer tourism wouldn't begin for several weeks, so he was able to operate with minimal help. He wasn't trying to cut costs, but he just wanted a minimum number of people around if Croode came back – when he came back. He explained the risk to each of his temps. They had all met Croode at the store and all decided to keep working with Ethan.

That first weekend, Erin came to be with him. She left the kids with her parents. Buck was helping Dillan pass his driving test on the third attempt. Her father was a task master, and Dillan was more obedient with him. Buck didn't tolerate any mistakes. If Dillan did something wrong while driving, Buck made sure it wouldn't happen a second time. The boy had been argumentative with Erin; he would never try it with Buck.

That weekend was the first day of spring and nature seemed to agree. The sky was bright blue with high cirrus clouds that seemed to touch the high mountain peaks surrounding the lake. Spring flowers were blooming in the meadows. She arrived late Saturday night after the store was closed and Ethan had everything arranged for a quiet steak dinner. He even had candles and flowers, and a select Cabernet wine. It was the perfect prelude to inspire lovemaking throughout the night.

The next day, they drove to North Tahoe and would circle the basin by nightfall. They stopped at many vistas and a favorite lodge of Ethan's for lunch. He'd never eaten there, but had fanaticized about being there with Erin. Today, it was a reality. It was like he'd been planning for years, ever since moving to Tahoe, never really expecting it to happen. They walked along the shoreline below the lodge after lunch. It was a magical day, holding hands. Erin asked, "Ethan, why didn't you marry?"

He smiled. "I was waiting for you."

"Right, seriously, why not?"

He took a deep breath, stopping to stare over the water. "I don't really know, Erin. I could say that I worked too much and didn't have time, but it would be an excuse. I went on some blind dates in my twenties, but nothing clicked. I avoid the tourist night spots, so just didn't play much of a field. I guess, when I turned thirty, the number of available women had gone away, at least in my mind."

She smiled. "Sounds like a lot of excuses, Ethan."

They'd talked about Megan before, so there wasn't any reason to do it again. "Maybe ... I don't have a good explanation, Erin."

She didn't pursue it. He was about to get trapped into saying she'd raised the bar too high. It didn't make sense to her, but it would be his next excuse – possibly the real reason.

They walked a while longer, savoring the moments together. He broke the silence. "You know I was serious about moving towards you, if you still want to think about it."

"Sure, nothing has changed. You just need to figure out how to run the store up here."

"Megan will come back when we catch that crazy guy trying to kill her."

"He's scary; he's after you and Bill too, right?"

"Not directly. He's got some kind of fixation on Megan. Bill and I are just in the way. We can take care of ourselves." He expressed more bravado than he felt. A crazy man with a shotgun could be hiding anywhere. Bill would be better with weapons and both of them could fight Croode off if no guns were involved, but the shotgun changed everything. Croode could be a ninety-five-pound weakling and still kill them.

"I just wish he was gone."

"Yeah, me, too."

The rest of the day was blissful; stopping at mountain overlooks along the most photographed lake in the world. It was spectacular. Arriving back at South Tahoe after nightfall, they stopped at a market before heading home where Erin prepared her favorite trout dinner. They shared a bottle of Chardonnay and relaxed by the fire. It was the first fire Ethan made since spending the night with Megan, guarding against Croode. Tonight was completely different, basically a repeat of the night before with the same passionate result.

Ethan didn't wear the gun around Erin. It was hidden away. He didn't want to spoil the mood, and they were gone from his place most of the time. It was after midnight when he lay with his arm over her, smelling the sweet scent of her hair. It was Yosemite all over again, without concern for bears. Time had reversed. He wondered if she had the same memory at that instant. Her breath was light and even, indicating she was sleeping. Everything was perfect, like the dream was now real, now tangible. She was no longer some ethereal vision. He rolled slowly onto his back, savoring it.

Something disrupted his tranquility, something incongruous. The rhythms of nature outside were wrong. It took a moment to register. He'd been hyper-alert for weeks, since the attack on Megan. Something was askew. He moved from the bed quietly while she slept. His cottage was basically one large room, slightly larger than a studio apartment. He could afford something larger, but had never bothered to move. He stood in the middle, listening. Something about the front door was wrong. It was dark, and the door locked, but it wasn't quite right. It wasn't vibrating quite as much from the evening breeze. Someone was blocking the wind. Someone was standing outside, just standing there, close enough to shield the door.

Before he could react, an explosion blew through the door, tearing the lock and frame apart. The concussion rocked Ethan, momentarily losing his balance. He wasn't hit by the shotgun blast but rocked backward. Deadly shot missed the bed by several feet. Erin screamed. Croode was silhouetted against the half-moon light in the valley. He pumped the gun, and stepped inside swinging it left and right, looking for a target. Ethan, naked and unarmed, had no choice -- he charged. Croode reacted, firing toward Ethan with no time to aim. The shot missed by millimeters, but the muzzle blast was close enough to sear his leg. He didn't feel it. Croode slammed backward into the front wall then fell to the floor stunned, trying to pump another round. Ethan was on top, pushing the gun away. Erin rolled off the bed, hiding on the floor under covers.

Croode struck Ethan with the butt of the gun, then smashed the barrel against his head, throwing him backward. Both men rose as Ethan hit the gun away into the darkened kitchen, then smashed his right fist into Croode's skull. The shorter man dropped to his knees. Ethan kicked him backward, leaving Croode writhing on the floor, then hurried to the nightstand for his automatic. Croode laughed through his pain, realizing that Ethan was going for a weapon. He jumped to his feet and ran through the door as Ethan fired twice. Croode slipped on the ice outside, but wasn't actually hit. He jumped to his feet again as Ethan ran to the doorway. Croode was twenty feet away when Ethan aimed and fired twice. Croode went down with a leg wound, hitting bone and blood vessels.

Ethan then turned to be sure Erin was okay. When he turned back, the wounded man was hopping with a gimpy leg into the woods across the street. Ethan held fire, with no clear shot. Instead, he went to Erin, holding her, calming her.

Twenty minutes later, Bill and two other deputies were there. Ethan said, "He came back, Bill."

Bill nodded. "We knew he would, Ethan. It was just a matter of time. Too bad it was when Erin was here." She was dressed and sitting on the couch, listening but not speaking.

"I hit him, Bill, at least once. He was holding his right leg and moving with a limp."

Bill nodded. "That's good. He lost his shotgun, too. He'll have a hard time surviving now. Leg wounds are tricky. He could lose a lot of blood, or get infected. He'll need medical help, for sure. He's not going far, and he can't do much without his gun. Look, I can leave one of the units here for the rest of the night."

Ethan looked at Erin, then back at Bill. "Naw, I appreciate it, but we'll get a motel."

The sheriffs stayed on scene while Ethan and Erin packed some things. Erin was still shaken, but Ethan was sure he'd hurt Croode badly. He wouldn't be laughing for long. All area medical and veterinary offices were alerted. Croode could either hide and die of blood loss or gangrene in a couple days, or come in. The longer he waited, the weaker he'd be.

Ethan knew a country inn about ten miles up the west side of the lake. There were many nice places closer, but distance would make Erin feel safer. She was strong and wasn't an emotional wreck. Her ex-husband had created enough anxiety that Croode was just another bad day. She looked at him while he drove, "Where'd you get the gun?"

He knew her feelings. She'd been an anti-gun activist when they met long ago. They went to Yosemite unarmed. "Do I really need to explain it? With Croode on the loose, I had to think about self-protection, including you and Megan."

Her expression was hard to read. "Good -- I wish you'd killed the bastard!"

He smiled. It was a great tension relief. "I'm not a packer, if that's what you think. When this is over, the gun will be gone."

"I know."

The lodge manager was asleep when they arrived a few hours before sunrise, but he was accustomed to late arrivals. He was pleasant and gave them the best room in the building with a view of the lake. They were in bed five minutes after closing the door, but unable to sleep. She cuddled next to him, "This almost feels like a honeymoon."

He didn't know what to say, caught off guard again. "Ah, yeah, nothing like a good dinner, sex and a gun battle to set the mood ... I know, bad joke."

It was a bad joke.

Before he could say something else awkward, his cellphone buzzed ... Nickerson

"Hey, Bill."

"Ethan, sorry to bother you, but I knew you'd want to know. Croode stumbled onto the boulevard, mostly dead from blood loss. He's at County now in the OR. The docs are trying to save him, but I didn't encourage them. As soon as he's in recovery, he'll be strapped and cuffed."

Ethan rested his head on the pillow, smiling at Erin who had guessed what it was about. "Great, Bill, we'll sleep great from now on."

Bill laughed. "Yeah, sleep, that's what I'd be doing with news like this ... not! You and Erin should celebrate."

"We'll think of something. Bye." He rolled close beside her, half on top. Celebration came easily – naturally, gently and repeatedly.

Erin left for home that afternoon after enjoying brunch with Ethan. She had a meeting scheduled with her lawyer in Auburn the next day to review the "plaintiff response" to her defense rebuttal. She was apprehensive; she hated the whole proceeding, but she had to finish what Chris had started. Her weekend with Ethan, and even the attack that ended Croode, made it easier to face whatever nonsense her ex threw her way.

Croode was guarded around the clock. He'd attacked three sheriffs with a shotgun, which warranted special attention from the guarding officers. Any one of them would love to finish the opportunity that Ethan Walker began. Croode slept most of the time under sedation and antibiotics. When awake, he hallucinated about horns in his ears and earned additional tranquilizers. Straps pinned him to the bed with arms and ankles cuffed to the side bars.

Bill was one of the guards, twelve hours a day until Croode was well enough to transfer to the El Dorado County Jail, pending trial. There would be no bail. There wouldn't be any mercy from the court either. Croode shot three deputies. All had survived, but that wasn't his intention. He'd be gone for at least forty years. He'd never walk normally again. With the horns in his ears, forty years was worse than a death sentence. They would never see him again.

The evening after Croode went to jail, Bill and Ethan celebrated at a pub. They'd only done it a handful of times before, and this was certainly a time for it. They had a second round.

Bill rolled his bottle between his hands, saying, "I'm gonna see Megan this weekend."

"Hey, good for you, brother."

"I want her to come back here, Ethan. If she won't move, then I'll move there. We're going to set a wedding date."

They clinked beer bottles, then Ethan responded, "She's special, Bill, you're a very lucky guy."

Bill responded. "How about you and Erin?"

"It's a work in progress." He didn't want to explain all the complicating factors. Megan's decision to return would be one of them. It wouldn't stop him from marrying her, nothing could do that now, but it could delay things.

The Plan

She sat with her father quietly, anxiety mounting, while her attorney explained the response and counter accusations from her ex-husband. He'd already read it in detail and moderated the harsh legal precision.

"Basically, Erin, he's not rolling over on this. He wants a fight. Having never met him, I imagine he's got a huge ego. It's big enough to get him in trouble, but also big enough to cost you money to fight."

She frowned, "Go on Edward, let me here what the bastard says."

"Okay. I'll skip the blah blah stuff. He's counter-suing for corrupting influence. He claims you've had an affair openly in front of the children."

"That's not fair! I'm a single mom, it's not like that."

The attorney went on. "Oh, it gets worse. He claims you stole his children away to keep him from having contact. His job is in Los Angeles, and you're in Northern California. He wants a million dollars for compensation."

"What! A million dollars! This is nuts. Can he win this?" She was red-faced and near tears.

"Look, Erin. The law's a funny thing. It's not cut and dried. It could go either way. You could get a judge or jury that got fleeced in divorce and has it in for all wives. It could go the other way. The plaintiff can ask for anything, and so can you. At some point, it's just good to stop posturing and negotiate out of court or get into the courtroom to finalize a decision. I can't tell you how it will go ... nobody can."

Buck spoke. "That bastard. I ought to go to LA and wring his scrawny neck."

The attorney raised his hand. "Don't say that too loud, Buck."

Buck was going to respond, but Erin interrupted. "When can we go to court? Let's end this. Fuck that bastard; he's not going to intimidate me!" She was already intimidated.

"Well, Erin, we can press for an early hearing, but there's another offer that I'm duty bound to convey. Mr. Chatsworth's attorney and I spoke on the phone."

"Yes?"

"Well, it seems that your ex-husband will vacate all claims and forever release you if you would agree to marry him."

"What! You must be kidding!" She half stood with hands on the conference table.

"It's not that far-fetched. Mr. Chatsworth has his old job back with a substantial raise. He's cleared the default on your house, and it's ready for you and the kids to move in. He's even willing to sign a prenuptial agreement leaving the house and a private bank account of one-hundred-thousand dollars, in your name, if he's ever unfaithful again."

Erin looked at her father, then back, not sure how to respond. "I will never go back with him! He ruined my life for twenty years and ..."

Buck held up a hand; "Erin, now think. You're right, but let's think about this. He's negotiating. You could probably get more concessions."

She turned to look at him. "Daddy, that's not the point! I don't ever want to be around him again. I can't stand to even see him. He won't change. He can't change."

Buck stood, thanking the lawyer. "Erin, let's go home. Your emotions are overloaded, and you need to cool down. Ed, we'll contact you tomorrow."

Erin swore and pressed her fists in her lap on the drive back. At home, she ran to her room and slammed the door. Fortunately, the children were in school and didn't witness any of it. Buck explained it to Mary who wanted to console her daughter, but he held her back. "Give her some time; she needs to settle down first."

Erin was furious. Her marriage had ended a year earlier, or maybe sixteen years earlier when Dillan was born, and Chris began his secret life. It didn't matter now. She just wanted to move forward and never deal with him again. He was making it impossible. He'd never go away! She lay on the bed, face down, sobbing. After a few minutes, she rolled over, staring at the ceiling, trying to think of something else, anything other than her ex. She needed Ethan.

He answered her call. "Hey, how are you, Sweetheart."

She stifled a tear. "Better. I just needed to talk to you."

"What's wrong? What happened?"

She explained it to him. After what they'd been through with Croode, they had a new level of communication. She'd been barraged by issues for years, even more so since the divorce. She'd fallen into a deep emotional crevasse, and dirt was falling in faster and faster. Ethan had never met Chris Chatsworth, but he couldn't imagine how anyone could treat Erin so badly.

He said, "Relax, I'll be there soon."

She wiped a tear. "Ethan, there's nothing you can do. You need to run your store. Just talk to me, and I can handle it."

"I want to see you, Erin. It's important."

"Okay."

He could sense the tension in her voice. Everyone has a breaking point, and he worried about her. She might, indeed, be able to manage a fight, but she could also breakdown. He didn't know. In their earlier relationship, there had never been any stress, other that her decision to break with him which had ended all contact. It had hurt both of them back then, but it was nothing like now. Now, she had children to protect, no job, the threat of losing them, and a million-dollar law suit. There was no telling what else her ex would try. Ethan had to stop it if he could.

Store owners around the Outpost wondered if it would ever get back into full operation. They were aware of some of the problems Ethan had faced with Megan gone, but the store was still closed often. Now, the lights were off again. Ethan was gone. He was driving to Auburn. He'd built the business over ten years and worked incredible hours. Now, at the end of the season, the store was closed more than open. He cared about losing business, but nothing was more important than her. The early spring season wasn't a busy time. If he had to be away, this was the best time. It didn't matter, the store would survive.

Erin explained to her parents that Ethan was coming again, which thrilled them. She needed him. She needed someone positive right now, someone she could trust other than her parents. He arrived just before noon. They all had lunch together, then Ethan said, "I'd like to go for a drive with Erin if it's all right with everyone."

Erin replied first, "It's all right with everyone."

Ten minutes later, they were parked at a vista point, overlooking the American River and the Sierra mountains. The highest peaks in the distance were still capped with snow on top of a green palette. The sky was bright blue with enough cotton-ball clouds to make a perfect picture. It was the same location where they'd parked on the date when they'd first been intimate after a movie, late at night. It had been a special night for them both. Her tension subsided. "Gee, Ethan, our special place. What are your plans? It's still daylight you know."

He smiled, happy that she wasn't outwardly upset anymore. "A guy can have his fantasies." They kissed.

"Erin, I want to ask you something. I was thinking about what you said on the phone ... would you ever re-marry your ex?"

She furled her brow. "Not in a million years. I'll murder him in open court if it's the only way to get rid of him."

He grinned. "I don't think that would be wise, but I have another idea, it's something I've wanted to say for months. I want you to marry me."

She looked serious. "Ethan, I don't want to rush you. I feel the same way, but you shouldn't feel pressured because some jerkoff you don't even know has propositioned me."

"I know. I don't feel pressured. I've wanted to ask you forever, but I thought about it after our call this morning. If we were married, he couldn't make a legitimate proposal. He'd be pandering, making an immoral proposition to a married woman."

"He already made it."

"I don't think so, not openly, anyway. So far, it's just two lawyers talking, and he doesn't even know if it was conveyed yet."

She cupped his face, "Look, Ethan, you're being sweet, but it's a little extreme."

"Why ... don't you want to marry me?"

"Of course I do! But I want you to feel comfortable. We're just getting to know each other again."

"Look, Erin, what do we need to know? I've waited my whole life for you. I understand that you have kids to worry about. Would I be a decent step-father? I know you haven't had much time to figure that out. I can only say that I'll cherish everything about you, including your children. If we have our own, I won't treat Kimberly and Dillan any differently. You know me. We were apart for a long time, but I'm still the guy I was before. I don't know what it's like to be a father figure, but who does? We learn as we go, and I can only promise to try my hardest. I've succeeded better than most in everything I've done, and I'd like to give this a chance."

She looked at him, then out over the mountains. "When would we get married?"

He smiled. "Right away, today's Monday. We can get it done in a private civil ceremony before Friday."

"Isn't there a waiting period?"

"Not in California, just some blood tests and finding a justice. Hell, we could go to Reno tonight."

She was excited. "Let's do it in Sacramento, with your parents and mine. Dillan and Kim can be there."

She wasn't thinking about the lawsuit anymore. Wedding planning would occupy her time for the rest of the week. Ethan wasn't thinking about anything. The girl of his dreams had said "yes." It was all that mattered to him. He drove back to Tahoe that night after having dinner with her family. Buck and Mary were thrilled. Dillan was neutral. He liked the idea of Ethan and all the outdoor things they would do together. He also hated his father. Ethan wouldn't ever be his father, but he would be a good friend.

Kimberly didn't understand. She cried and wanted her daddy. Erin tried to explain it to her, but Mary took Kim to her room for comfort after giving Erin a reassuring look. Kim would understand over time. Neither she nor Dillan would ever be told about the proposition to Erin by their father. Erin had been careful not to trash him with the kids. They'd learn some of the details leading to the divorce over time; Dillan had seen Chris's character first hand, but time would sooth Kim's feelings. Nothing would change Erin's determination now. She'd wanted to be with Ethan ever since they reunited at his store.

Ethan didn't know what to do about the Outpost or moving to Auburn or anything else. They hadn't decided to live there or at Tahoe. He didn't know if Megan would return. He didn't know anything now, only that Erin would marry him. Nothing else really mattered. He called Bill on speaker phone while driving back to tell him the news.

"Hey, Ethan, that's great ... when?"

"This week, no place or time yet."

"You going on a honeymoon?"

"We didn't discuss it. It's sometime in the future."

"You gonna live here or move down in the valley?"

"Look, Bill, we didn't exactly work out the details yet. It's kinda sudden." Ethan didn't want to explain Erin's private issues.

Bill understood some of it. "Okay, Buddy, this is great news. You guys are perfect together. You gonna call Megan?"

Hum... Megan. "What do you think?"

Bill said, "I think you should tell her. She had a crush on you for a long time and you might be partners in the future."

"Is she coming back?"

"I'm sure hoping she does. I love her and would live anywhere she wants, but I like Tahoe the best."

Ethan replied. "Okay, I'll call her, but you better think about asking her about where you'll live pretty soon."

The call ended, and Ethan called Megan. She was thrilled; at least, she said so. It was awkward. The obvious question between them was about her plans to accept his offer and run the Tahoe store, or not. It was something Bill and she needed to settle, not Ethan. She went through the same list of questions as Bill, then ended by promising to call Erin to congratulate her.

For the rest of the ride over the summit, nearing midnight with no other vehicles nearby, he contemplated some of the things others had asked. He didn't know the answers. It didn't matter. Nothing else mattered tonight.

The Climb

The rest of the week was a blur of activities for both of them. The wedding took place on Thursday at the county courthouse in a quick session with a judge between court cases. The venue wasn't important to either of them. There was a small reception at Ethan's parent's house attended by the immediate families plus Bill and Megan. Ethan then returned back to Tahoe without his new bride. She still had affairs to conclude, and he had a store to run. It didn't matter, they were married!

The newlyweds talked every day. Megan had announced at the reception that she and Bill would live in Tahoe and take Ethan's offer of partnership, running the Outpost. It would take some months to happen. Her family was traditional, and a wedding plan would take time. She also wanted hair! It also allowed Ethan and Erin time to search for a location in the valley for "Outpost 2." Fall was the likely timeframe for all to come together, just as the next ski season would begin.

Erin and Buck met with the attorney on Friday. They hadn't informed him in advance of the wedding. She felt more confident as "Mrs. Walker" responding to Chatsworth's proposition. Her attorney was careful not to ask when she'd married or when she'd gotten engaged, and had not conversed yet with the other attorney. As far as Chatsworth would know, she had been married before his overture. The meeting ended, and she didn't really care what happened after that. They would meet in court if Chris really wanted to pursue the lawsuit.

On Sunday, three days after the wedding, Ethan was attending to customers with fishing gear and one of the temps was helping someone with some clothing when an older Porsche Carrera parked in front. It wasn't new, but appeared to be in perfect condition. The driver, a slim man in his late thirties or early forties, walked through the front door and looked around before approaching Ethan. He waited until Ethan finished with the customer, then asked." Hello, are you Ethan Walker?"

Ethan nodded, "Yes."

The man offered his hand, "I'm Ted Collins. I think you taught a friend of mine, Suzy Fouts, to do some basic mountain climbing many years ago."

Ethan nodded. "Well, I don't remember her specifically; some of those group classes only lasted a few hours. When did she take it?"

"I don't know. Could have been four or five years ago. Anyway, she said you were the best."

Ethan smiled. "Well, I appreciate the endorsement, but I don't give those lessons anymore. I have a fellow who holds classes once a month if you're interested."

The man was neatly dressed in a knit shirt and pants that looked fresh from a PGA pro shop. He was about five-eight and appeared to be very fit. "Well, Ethan, I want someone to teach me privately. See, some guys at the club are planning a trip to Yosemite, Glacier Point, and I want to go. These guys are experienced climbers, and I want to go with them. My friend Suzy is going too. I want to impress her, if you know what I mean."

The man looked physically able, but it would take a test climb to know more. Besides, Ethan didn't have any free time. Unless he was at the store, he was with Erin. "Ah, look, Mr. Collins, I don't think I can be much help. I've never been up the Point, but it's not for amateurs. The ice and rock falls make it too dangerous. Some of the faces are shear drops more than a thousand feet high. It takes years of practice on low rocks to get the skills."

"Yeah, that's what they all say. But I'm in good shape and a fast learner. I was always good at athletics, and I'd really like to try some lessons privately. I'm sure I'll figure it's too hard to go with the guys, but I'm stubborn enough to need convincing. Wouldn't you please just give me some time, I'll pay whatever it takes."

It wasn't about money; Ethan wouldn't put anyone in harm's way for money. He could give the guy enough basic training to understand his limitations. If he didn't do it, the guy would probably go to another outfitter and get instructions from someone less cautious.

"Look, Mr. Collins, I can spend some time early tomorrow morning showing the basics, but only if you understand that I can't certify you for anything more challenging."

"Hey, great! Call me Ted. When can we start?"

"Tomorrow is our normal day closed. I can start you early, but we'll need to get you some gear today." He was planning to be with Erin by noon.

That was all it took. Collins was thrilled. He left the Outpost with a backpack of new equipment and clothing. He'd spent more than a thousand dollars without any hesitation, without knowing if he'd even enjoy rock climbing. It seemed foolish to Ethan, but Collins clearly had more money than brains. They agreed to meet at Lover's Leap, which had formations similar to Yosemite and areas for all skill levels to train.

Ethan called Erin that night. She would drive to Tahoe the next afternoon, after he finished with the lesson. He explained that the guy had been persistent, and he'd tried to turn him down but didn't want him killing himself foolishly. Too many people try to climb rock faces without instruction. Some read about it or watched YouTube, getting just enough information to commit suicide. The rocks were never completely solid. Every surface was unique and different, even to seasoned climbers climbing the same cliffs repeatedly. Training and practice was the only way to deal with different conditions.

The following morning was cold with clear skies. There hadn't been any precipitation for three days, so the granite face of the mountain would be dry. Ethan met Collins at the State Park before eight in the shadow of the west-facing mountainside. For several minutes, he explained the various options presented by the mountain, where beginners should focus and where more experienced climbers could go. He'd given him a brochure to read the night before to understand most of the equipment but went through an overview anyway to test Collin's retention. Lover's Leap can provide as much challenge as anywhere in the world with the exception of glacial climbs. Even beginners with an instructor can find themselves hundreds of feet up sheer walls. Most beginners that have lessons there for the first time never pursue it again. The height and fear of death convinces them to forget mountain climbing and stick to trekking. Ethan figured Collins would be one of those. The first time he would dangle against a granite wall with no perch, clutching the rope for his life with no safety net, he'd give up the idea of Glacier Point. He would be saving the man's life and maybe the other climbers making the attempt. Now that he was married, even Ethan wouldn't climb the Point for fun.

The day was brisk. Summer hadn't begun and the glacial ice surrounding them at this altitude kept the air from warming. It wasn't raining, so there was no ice, which would have ended the lesson before it began. The sky was blue with some high clouds and a clear forecast. If Ethan had been alone, it was a perfect day for a climb.

They spent about an hour with Ethan explaining the first lesson and techniques they would be using. Collins was attentive and remembered everything without repeating it. He would be a good student. In the past, Ethan would cancel lessons before climbing when the students got confused. Sometimes, students quit on their own. Collins wasn't one of them.

The climb would proceed with Ethan leading initially. The lower slope had several youngsters under group training, possibly boy scouts, so he and Collins would be starting on a more challenging face, about eight hundred feet vertical height. The upper half was a sheer face but less severe toward the bottom, tapering to only 25 percent incline near the bottom. If Collins had any problems on the first half, they would descend without going further up. If the climb proceeded to the top, there was a hiking trail for return. They would not practice descent today. That would be a second lesson, if there was one.

Ropes would keep them tethered together with pitons and carabiners used at short intervals for safety. Ethan would be responsible for all the pitons. They agreed that Collins would climb above near the top to give him the sensation of climbing alone. This would only happen if they both agreed. It would take about two hours to complete the climb while giving instruction. Normally, Ethan could make it in half an hour alone.

Halfway up the face, Collins was doing well and wanted to continue. He was breathing hard due to the altitude and lack of conditioning. He worked out regularly at the gym, but still lacked stamina for mountain climbing. He would be okay for this small hill, but would need months of workouts and more experience before attempting more difficult mountains. This was a beginner's face and Ethan planned to have a discussion with Collins about it once they were down. He wouldn't discourage him, but the man should have a better understanding of the challenges after today's lesson.

Seven hundred feet up, one hundred from the top, Ethan let Collins move upward, passing him to take the lead. He wouldn't normally have done it with average students. In fact, he wouldn't have gone above half way. Collins was doing better than most despite being winded. He was a beginner, but his general physical shape was good. Both men were about the same age and in prime shape by most standards. Collins might actually become a successful climber with more instruction. Ethan enjoyed the idea that a student would follow his own passion when ninety percent quit after one climb. Collins had the determination and physical ability to excel.

Near the top, the face crowned, slightly outward, causing them to finish by pulling hand over hand, dangling feet high above the rock floor. This was the most difficult part of this face, but Ethan felt Collins would manage. Ethan had the safety line and doubled the pitons in case Collins lost his grip or slipped. Collins was okay with his fresh gloves and a dry rock surface. This part of Lover's Leap had firm finger ridges, and nothing was loose. When Collins pulled over the top of the ledge, having conquered his first mountain, he lay back momentarily, savoring the accomplishment. He'd actually climbed the face straight up for hundreds of feet. It was an amazing feeling, like nothing he'd experienced before.

Ethan was tethered to him about ten feet below the summit, using his powerful hands to finish. As he neared the top, he kept the safety line taught, just in case something went wrong. Then he saw it, the glint of the knife blade five feet above. Collins was cutting the line!

"Collins, what are you doing!! Stop!"

The line separated and Ethan fell. Collins, now without connection to the tether, shimmied on his belly closer to the edge to watch Ethan fall. His plan had worked perfectly. As he got close to the edge, fighting a fear of heights, he peered over. To his horror, Walker had managed to grab a piton and was suspended by one hand, pulling upward with extraordinary strength. Collins slid backward until he was confident to stand and started looking around. The trail back down the mountain widened and there were some small boulders he could lift.

Ethan pulled up with his left hand, lifting his full body weight, reaching the next hold point with his right. The rope, now dangling a hundred feet below, added weight, but he was still able to pull upward. Years of conditioning had worked. The small carabiner bit into his gloved hand, threatening his grip. He only had two choices, either to go up without a safety line toward someone trying to kill him, or to re-route the rope and descend. Before he could decide, a fifty-pound rock careened over the edge, narrowly missing him. Then Collins's face appeared again. He screamed an obscenity then disappeared. Ethan now had no choice; he had to gather the rope and feed it through the carabiner, then rappel down before he was hit by a rock. Hanging by one hand, he flipped the rope upward several times, finally grabbing the end and feeding it through the metal loop.

A second boulder ricocheted above and fell toward him showering granite shards, cutting his face and wrist. He released his grip on the carabiner and fell, gripping the free end of the rope with both hands, bracing for the sudden jerk when it reached the end. The rope jolted to stop, sending him careening into the rock face, bruising his side, the same side injured in the avalanche, as another boulder passed behind two feet way. He released the rope, gripping small ridges and ledges on the cliff face. Without a rope, he started down several hundred feet, using every ounce of strength and skill to avoid falling. More rocks dropped, most missing. One smashed his shoulder, pounding muscle and bone. He held on. The wounds bled, but his muscles still worked. He continued down, until another large rock shattered above and a chunk smashed into his supporting hand, loosening his grip. He fell the final two-hundred feet.

The bottom part of the cliff face extended outward at the base. It wasn't a sheer ninety degree drop at this point. Where Ethan released was about an eighty percent grade, nearly straight down, then moderated to seventy degrees, gradually easing near the bottom. To slow his fall, he spread arms and legs, sliding on his back to add resistance. His jacket and helmet provided some protection from sharp ridges and cracks. It was impossible to remain upright as gravity took control. He started tumbling out of control, but was able to use his legs and arms, forcing a more diagonal descent, more resistance, and slower fall. Sharp outcrops hit like steel rods. He remained conscious despite the pain.

At some point, Collins raced down the path on top, crossing the mountain obliquely, trying to beat Ethan to the bottom. Ethan tumbled to the bottom after a few seconds, badly bruised and disoriented. Collins had tried to kill him, and he couldn't lay still for long if the man attacked again. He had to move. It was painful, rising first to his knees, then upright. He stumbled toward the parking lot and was at the cars before Collins reached his Porsche.

Collins was terrified seeing Walker there. He hadn't expected this and made a feeble attempt to charge Ethan with the knife he'd used on the rope. The move nearly cost his life. Ethan sidestepped and drove his fist into the man's neck, momentarily stunned Collins. When he regained his senses, he was on the ground propped against his car with his own knife inches from his face. He could barely speak through terror and pain. Ethan could have killed him with one thrust. Instead, he yelled, "Why did you try to kill me?"

The man mumbled. "You stole my wife! You took her. Now you'll get my kids."

Ethan stared. "Chatsworth? You're Chatsworth!' He pulled the man to his feet with one hand, saying, "Look, you piece of shit. I should probably end you right now!"

Chatsworth trembled with every word. Ethan continued, "I'm going to keep this knife and if I ever hear your name whispered by Erin again, I'll finish this – permanently." He sliced deeply into the man's cheek for emphasis, causing him to shriek from the two-inch long cut, then cry, as he compressed the wound, blood running through his fingers. Ethan threw him to the ground with a last warning, "You will withdraw your suit against my wife. If this isn't done within one day, I'll visit you. You and I will take a one-way trip for a lesson in survival that you will fail." He grabbed the man's bloody collar, lifting Chatsworth half off the ground. "You understand me?"

"Yes...yes! He was sobbing with fear. There was no bluffing. He knew Walker meant every word.

Ethan threw him onto the ground, collected his gear and left Chatsworth in the dirt.

Ethan closed the knife and tossed it under the seat, driving to the cottage to clean up before Erin arrived. He was bruised and bleeding over his whole body, but had somehow escaped without any broken bones or serious need for stitches.

She arrived a few hours later, early in the afternoon at the store. An assistant took care of the front while she and Ethan met in the office. She saw his battered face: "What happened?"

He put his bruised hand below the table. "Well, things didn't go so well this morning." Her expression said she wanted more of an explanation. "I had an overly-confident student who panicked on Lover's Leap. I got a little banged up helping him back down."

"It looks like more than a little banged up. Let me see your hands."

His right knuckles were blue and swollen from the rock hitting him. "Ethan! You need to go to the hospital, something could be broken."

He wiggled his fingers. "Naw, nothing's broken. It'll be normal in a day or two. I've had all the hospitals I ever want to see." He gestured to leave but his movement couldn't hide other injuries. "Let's go out. I want to take you to a new place for early supper, then we can have dessert at the cottage."

She put an arm around his waist as they walked. "Okay, but I think you need to stop giving climbing lessons. You're married now and have family responsibilities."

"I did stop, but this guy was insistent ... it won't happen again. My body is telling me it's time to stop." He was smiling, she knew he was serious. He needed to accept his new circumstances and responsibilities quickly. He loved the idea of it and would adapt quickly.

That night, Erin was chatty. She'd found some lease locations she thought would be good for their new store. There were a couple good spots, either in Auburn or Placerville. The historic Old Town sections of both gold-rush era villages were both ideal, just off the main highway to Tahoe and frequent stops for vacationers coming from the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. The locations were less than ten miles apart.

That night, the full extent of Ethan's injuries could be seen. He was bruised all over. Erin helped apply bandages and antiseptic to the abrasions. He complained, but nothing amounted to a serious injury. It was the first time they'd slept in the same bed without making love. It wasn't for lack of desire. It would be only one night.

In the morning, they had breakfast in the cottage. Erin listened to a phone call that didn't last long. It only took seconds for her joy to radiate as she grinned broadly, listening. She was overjoyed and could hardly talk. Her attorney said that the lawsuit had been withdrawn. Ethan smiled to himself, but was surprised when she said, "I know why he did it."

So did he – he thought. He smiled and said, "Oh, tell me."

She grinned. "Well, I finally just wanted to tell him off. I wanted to do it for days and just ... well, after we got married, I decided to call him and do it. So, two days ago, I called his old office number and the secretary answered. When I asked for him, she said he was traveling and asked me who was calling. This is hysterical ... I said, 'I'm his wife.' I didn't say ex-wife; it's a little awkward. Anyway, she said: 'Oh, hi Julie, I didn't recognize your voice. How's the honeymoon?'

"Can you believe it! He must have married that floozy who sued him after the accident. He must have done it to shut her up! Anyway, I didn't know what to say. Can you imagine? He propositioned me even while getting married! I told the girl that I was his 'other wife' and that he'd be hearing from my attorney. We could nail the son-of-a-bitch. I just bet his secretary told him about it and he panicked. Don't you love it?"

Ethan smiled. "Yep, with that kind of ending, you could write a novel about it."

\---The End---

Background

Not long ago, my wife and I visited Lake Tahoe. I hadn't been there in more than thirty years. As a boy, I was there often, having been raised in California. I was originally from Auburn and my parents had a cabin in Placerville. My father used to tell about his high-school years, sunning along the American River ... all places I embedded in this story. I was inspired to write the book after visiting Emerald Bay and reflecting about my brother, now deceased, who would work during high school at Harrah's Club on Tahoe's South Shore during the summers as a bus boy. The bay was one of his favorite hiking and climbing spots back then. The kernel of this story evolved from my Cousin Billy's experience in the late 1970's. He was originally from Sacramento and had apprenticed with a stained glass artist at the lake after returning from military service; and, after several years, he had started his own shop on the South Shore, selling his glass art all over the world. His social experience was much like the main character of the book – too engaged in building his business to find anyone. In his mid-thirties, he attended an open-air concert at the lake one summer night and by sheer chance, sat by an attractive woman who looked familiar. It was his high-school sweetheart who had come from Sacramento to attend the concert by their favorite singer (I don't know who). They re-connected that night; neither having ever been married. After that summer's courtship, they married and have had a good life together since then, although I lost contact more than a decade ago when they moved to the San Juan Islands to expand his studio and captain a sailing charter boat.

