Riley's Journey (19 page)

“Did you find anything?” She asked breathlessly, her eyes too big for her heart-shaped face.

He shook his head, “No, nothing. Pretty quiet out there. I think we’re safe for now.” Motioning Demon to follow, Nathan led the dog out for a short run.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

J
onas entered the lab, curiosity getting the better of him. It had been three days since Bethany had returned, and other than short rest periods, she had spent every moment bent over the computer, analyzing and recalculating Miles’ entries. Her face was lined with exhaustion and a frown marred her otherwise pleasant features.

“Anything interesting?”

Bethany glanced up, annoyed by his uninvited interruption. “Something’s just not right. I keep recalculating, and each time, I come up with a totally different figure from Miles’ computations. I can’t seem to get my figures to jive with his, and if my calculations are correct—then he’s in some serious trouble.” She bent back to her work, Jonas’ presence forgotten in an instant.

A small qualm of doubt raised its ugly head. “Why do you suppose that is?”

Bethany looked up again, startled by his continued presence. “I don’t know, but I have my suspicions.”

“Such as?” He pressed.

Irritated by his questions, she snapped. “I’m working on it, but if what I suspect is true, Miles was planning on sending you on a one-way trip to nowhere.”

“Nowhere? Would that be someplace different than where Nathan is?”

“Exactly! Not only a different place, but much farther back. Who knows where or when you would have ended up.”

Hands clenching in rage, Jonas saw red. “Are you saying he was trying to kill all of us?”

“No,” she responded, shaking her head slightly, “just sending you to some time where, more likely than not, you wouldn’t have survived.” She hesitated. “Actually, yes, indirectly, he was trying to kill you.”

A deep rumble of fury constricted Jonas’ chest. “I knew it!” He fumed. “I knew that son-uv-a-bitch couldn’t be trusted.” Storming out, he searched the quadrant, hoping to find Miles alone. Bethany raced after him. Jonas’ temper had gotten him into more than one scrape in the past.

“What are you going to do?” She panted, stumbling after him. “Let’s make sure I’m correct before we confront him. Then you can do whatever you want. I’ll look the other way.”

Jonas paused, weighing her words carefully. On the microscopic chance that Miles might somehow be innocent, he decided to err on the side of caution. “Okay, but the minute you confirm his guilt, I’ll take care of him,” he growled. Bethany flinched, but breathed a soft sigh of relief. She might need Miles’ assistance for awhile. After that, Jonas could have him. Returning to the lab, she dismissed the incident from her mind. She had tasks to do and very little time to complete them.

Jonas joined his team in the workout room. They all turned to him, their faces mirroring their questions. He surveyed the group, pleased with his selection. Fifteen men and woman—strong, intelligent and resourceful, just the characteristics they would need to survive in the new environment. He mentally assessed each one. Geena: tracker extraordinaire, she could track a flea on a dog’s butt. Abe: the oldest member of the group, healer and part-time shaman. His duties would include being the spiritual leader for the group. Micah: dangerous, but loyal, the perfect soldier. Seth and Mark: more muscle. The women: potters, tanners, weavers, food gatherers, each having more than one skill. And Jacob: flint-knapper and weaponry expert. Each person was picked exclusively for those abilities and skills necessary for the group to survive. They were strong, resilient and eager for adventure. As a group, they were the best possible choices and their experience and expertise would lay the foundation for the generations to come.

“When do we leave?” Geena’s face lit with expectation.

“Soon. Dr. Collins indicated next Tuesday may be the best window so we’re shooting for that time.”

Nodding, Geena moved away to stand beside Micah. Jonas mentally approved. They would make a solid couple and would bear strong and intelligent children. Couples were already forming. Those singles who had yet to pick were the older members, less inclined to make rash decisions.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

A
lump of dread formed in Riley’s throat. Even though Nathan had checked the perimeter, instinct warned that trouble was brewing. Pacing back and forth, she anxiously awaited their return, chewing her nails and watching the entrance. Deciding that action was better than remaining idle, she donned her jacket and pushed open the rock door. It was getting easier, either she was stronger or she had developed whatever knack it took to get the rock moved. Nathan had left the outer entrance open, intending that their foray into the open would only last for a few minutes. She started out and then hesitated as Nathan and the dog raced headlong back towards the cave. From his expression, something was definitely wrong.

“Get back in the cave,” he growled, “we’ve got big trouble.”

Stumbling in haste, Riley moved back as quickly as she could. “What’s happening? What did you see?”

His face set and brooding, Nathan grimly replied. “It’s not what I saw, it’s what we heard, and it doesn’t sound good. I think the newcomers are attacking the others’ camp.”

“Why? What did you hear?” Nervously she stared into the distance towards the others’ encampment.

Grimly, Nathan chose his words. “Screaming, and lots of it—and war cries. I know a war cry when I hear one, but it’s the screams that are the worst. No one screams like that unless it’s a death scream. I know—I’ve heard enough of them.”

Riley began shaking, her teeth chattering in response. “What can we do?”

“Nothing! There’s too many of them and if we show ourselves or give them any indication we’re here, more than likely, we’d end up the same way as the others.”

“But we can’t just sit here! We have to do
something
! There are children down there for God’s sake!”

Nathan pulled her to him, wrapping her in his warmth and protection. “I know, I feel exactly the same way and if I thought we could change the outcome even one little bit, I wouldn’t hesitate. But there’s nothing we can do. We just don’t have the manpower. I’m sorry.” His eyes spoke volumes.

“I can’t believe that! There has to be something we can do!” Clutching him in terror and grief, Riley tried to distance herself from the images flashing through her mind, impossible under the circumstances. “We have to try.” Forcing him away, she made as if to leave the shelter, but was brought to a standstill by the dog guarding the door.

“Tell him to get out of the way,” she demanded angrily.

Shaking his head no, Nathan motioned the dog to stay.

“I mean it, Nathan,” Riley shouted in frustration. “Move him out of the way or I will. I have to at least try to help them.” Tears streamed down her face. Brushing them away, she stalked towards the dog, daring him to attack. Demon whined in agitation, warning her gently.

“Riley, wait!” Groaning inwardly, Nathan relented. “Okay! I’ll go. If there’s anything that can be done, I’ll do it. You don’t have the skill or experience to handle this sort of thing. Keep Demon here with you as well. If anything happens to me, he can help you survive.”

Riley froze; her face a mixture of pain and confusion. “You have to come back! How could I live without you?” Her voice sounded weak and fearful, even to her ears.

“You’re right. I have to go.” If nothing else, he could at least try to save a few.

“No!” she cried remorsefully. “No! You were right! There’s nothing we can do. You have to stay here! We need you! I need you!” She threw herself into his arms, crying in fear and anguish. “I can’t be here without you!”

Gently disengaging himself, Nathan wiped the tears from her face, and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’ll be careful. With any luck, they’ll never even notice I was there.”

“But what if they do? What happens then?” Her large eyes glistened.

“Then I’ll run like hell,” he chuckled softly. “I’m not planning on any heroics. I’ll go to the lookout first and see what’s happening and then decide from there what the plan is.”

“Okay, but come back and we’ll decide together. This is not your decision alone to make.” Firmly, Riley pressed her point. “If we’re in this together, then we both make the decision. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” He conceded gruffly. “If we’re lucky, the others will have repelled the attack and we won’t need to do anything.”

“What are the chances of that?” Her eyes lit hopefully.

“The others have weapons and they do know how to fight. They also have the advantage of a good defensive position. If they had time to regroup, they might be able to fight them off.”

Reluctantly, Nathan stepped back and then moved into the shelter, gathering his weapons and making preparations. Grabbing Demon, he tied a rope around the dog’s neck and secured it soundly. “Keep Demon inside. I don’t want to worry about either of you. If I know you’re here, then I know you’re safe. Understood?”

Nodding apprehensively, Riley watched his careful preparations. “How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

“I should easily be back by nightfall.”

“And if you’re not?” She asked with trepidation.

“Then I probably won’t be coming back.” There was no other way to say it.

“Demon and I should go with you. It’s better if we stay together!” Her voice rose, trembling with misgiving.

“No, it’s not! If I’m alone, I’ll move quicker and a lot quieter. Trust me on this one.”

“At least let me come halfway,” she pleaded brokenly.

“I can’t!” He pulled her to him. “Listen carefully to me! I need you here and safe. My mind has to be focused totally on what I’m doing—not worrying about you.”

Though she fought against it, Nathan was right. Her very limited fighting skills would serve little purpose in a situation like this. He was trained for maneuvers where stealth and invisibility were essential. She didn’t have the talent or aptitude to lend any appreciable aid, but vowed to remedy that soon if possible. Being left behind was not acceptable. Running to the kitchen area, she hurriedly packed a good portion of jerky and filled a water skin. It was the least she could do and allowed her to make some contribution. Tears welled up again and a small sob escaped. She should have kept her mouth shut, but no—she had to challenge the issue. When would she ever learn? If something happened to him, there would be no self-forgiveness or reason to survive.

Garbed in his battle garments, Nathan was the epitome of the barbarian warrior, or more specifically, her version of an ancient American Indian. A small shield covered his left arm and, in his right hand, he carried an evil-looking spear. A bow with a good supply of arrows draped across his back and several large flint throwing knives ringed his waist. Rather than reassuring her, his arsenal only caused her more unease. From past experience watching his training sessions, she knew he was proficient in all of the weapons, but that small comfort did little to alleviate her feelings of foreboding.

Riley made one last plea. “Don’t go. Stay here with me. You were right, we can’t do anything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nathan’s face softened, warmed by her concern. “If I don’t go, I’d never forgive myself. I’d always wonder if I could have done something. If I can help, I will.” His calm resolve left her no option but to give in, albeit unwillingly.

Without further thought, she threw herself into his arms, wrapping him tightly and exclaiming fiercely. “Just come back before you try anything. We make the decision together. You promised!”

He nodded and turned to leave, halting in mid-stride. “You know, don’t you, that I love you?”

Tears streamed anew as she nodded, barely able to whisper. “I know! I love you, too. Come back to me.”

Then he was gone, the rock door banging as he closed them in. Demon went wild, barking and jumping, trying to force himself free, but Nathan had secured him well. Riley soothed the dog as best she could but even long moments later, he continued whining, desperately pleading to go with his beloved master. Riley was so afraid, afraid that she would never see him again, vowing not to let that happen.

Settling herself down, she began the long hours of waiting. It was not even noon yet and it would be well into the evening before his expected return. Having little else to do, she gathered up some mending and prayed for Nathan’s safe return.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

H
is heart heavy, Nathan left the shelter, worry clouding his thoughts. If something happened to him, would Riley have the desire or capability to go on without him? On and on, those dark thoughts whirled though his brain, until finally, realizing he was losing his focus, he shook them off. Time to worry about that later. Right now, he needed every bit of concentration.

Unbelievably quiet, the normally raucous animals of the forest watched, holding their breaths in wary anticipation as he passed. The sounds of battle had ceased and only an occasional distant scream rent the air.

Nathan’s instinctive vigilance increased with each step. Having forced himself to focus on the task at hand, his natural talents took over. Every facet of his being was charged and ready for immediate action, his eyes continuously scanned the landscape, alert to any suspicious movements. Years of Black Ops training culminated in the hour at hand. Mentally, and without ego, he accepted his fighting skills—he was as good, if not better, than any adversary he had encountered in his lifetime.