Backwoods part three by mardel Bobby was again following Elly thru the trees, but they were moving faster today. Because she was determined to find Darien and Earl or because it was early in the day yet Bobby wasn't sure. He had offered to carry the pack when they headed out. But she had declined his offer. "Elly, you said before this Earl character isn't a killer, what do you thing made him decide to try his hand at kidnapping all of the sudden?" Bobby asked, as they entered an area between the trees, and crossed a stream. " Earl might try his hand at anything, especially if that crazy wife of his puts the idea into his head. She's the one we have to worry about, Reba will do anything for enough money." "Earl and Reba they sound like a real pair of winners." Bobby huffed. "He's not the type of guy you want to meet up with in a dark ally, or a dark forest for that matter." "I hope he's not taking Darien out here just to... " Bobby didn't even want to say it. "I don't think so, he would have just done that back at the cabin and hidden the body." Elly tried to sound like she believed what she was saying. "You know if we find them together, we should have a plan. What if I act like some lost hiker, and you cover me with the rifle. If I can get close to Earl I can get the drop on him. " Bobby thought out loud. "I could do that, but I won't shoot to kill, just to knock him off his feet." Elly warned. "You shouldn't have to shoot at all if I can get close enough." Bobby was sure he could take this Earl guy out, or at least down. ;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Officer Withers was driving his patrol SUV towards the middle of the park. Claire and Eberts where his passengers. " What can you tell us about this Earl Dawson, do you know him?" Claire asked. "Dawson, yeah he's a guide. Hires out to extreme campers mostly, takes them way back in the woods and leaves them to find their own way out." "That doesn't sound so difficult." Claire said, she'd thought he was a know criminal or at least a usual suspect type. "He doesn't have a record for anything other than DWI and a few bar fights." "The information Hobbes was going on, was reliable. I double checked it myself." Eberts added. "I'm not doubting your information gathering skills Eberts. I was just trying to get a feel for this man that has taken Darien." Eberts nodded and sat back in his seat again. He was afraid she was displeased. "Earl is a hard case, but I don't think he'd kill your man. Unless of course he was cornered." Withers added. " Darien isn't very confrontational. But Hobbes can be, lets hope everyone keeps their head." Claire looked very worried. "Oh my gosh I forgot to call in before we left." Eberts suddenly said from the back seat "Well it's to late now Eberts, the Official will just have to wait until we get to the ranger station." :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: "Come on city boy lets go." Earl kicked Darien's foot to wake him up. Darien jumped he'd finally gotten comfortable enough to be deeply asleep. "Hey!" Darien protested his rude awaking. "Get up." Earl growled. Darien groaned and stood, his back was stiff, his legs hurt from being curled up most of the night. He wasn't sure what happened now, he was clutching the small blanket, it wasn't much but it was better than no blanket at all. "Here," Earl handed him a mess kit cup with instant coffee. "Drink up, we're leaving in a couple of minutes. "Thanks," Darien didn't understand Earl, sometimes he was kind of nice, but mostly he was just plain mean. Darien sipped his coffee, and tried to think up a plan of action. :::::::::::::::::::: "Elly I've been thinking, it you don't think this Earl guy is a killer, then why is he taking Darien out into the woods?" "Probably to get him out of the way." "What hike him out into the woods and leave him there?" Bobby couldn't believe it. "It might be, or he's taking him to a cabin up north to hold him hostage along with the woman you mentioned." They made good time and it was past midday, when Elly stopped. "We are getting near one of the cabins he might have been heading for." Elly warned Bobby. "I'll take one side, you take the other." Bobby and Elly moved in from separate directions. But Earl and Darien were not at the cabin. "That figures, couldn't have been the first one." Bobby shook his head. "How far to the next one?" "At least an hour." Elly pulled her pack back on and picked up her rifle. "Let's go." :::::::::::::::::: "This is the place city boy. Here's your water, don't drink it all until you've found a stream to refill it." "You said you were going to tell me how to get out?" Darien reminded him. Hoping he would at least keep his word. "Yeah, if you go due north in five, six days you'll hit a town. It's on the a river so if you come to a river with no town, you've over shot it, follow the river south." "Okay, thanks." Darien nodded that he understood. "Don't try and follow me, I will shoot you and leave you." He warned. "I won't don't worry." Darien had no plans to get anywhere near Earl once he left. Earl nodded and was gone just that quickly, he disappeared into the woods. Darien say down and began to work on the rope that still tied his hands together. If he had to he could quicksilver the rope and freeze it off, but the knot didn't look that hard to undo, if he used his teeth. """"""""""""""""""""""""""" "Yes, Sir I understand Sir." Eberts was on the phone with The Official. Claire was smiling, it was funny to just hear Eberts side of the conversation. "Dr. he'd like a word with you." Eberts held the phone out to her. "Yes?" "Dr. I expect to hear from you very soon that Darien has been located and he is fine, the gland is fine." "I'll do my best, but we haven't heard from Bobby since the first time they checked in yesterday." "I have faith in Hobbes, he'll find Darien." "Yes Sir, I'm sure he will. We'll call back when we have news." "Yes you do that." The Official hung up his phone and pounded his fist on the desk> He hated this, the most valuable commodity the Agency had and it was lost in the woods. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Earl was taking the most direct route back. So he missed Elly and Bobby coming up the long way and they missed him as well. Darien was still thinking, he wasn't sure that Bobby was on the way to rescue him. Earl had said he'd shot him with the dart gun. He might be still wandering in the woods himself. Darien was sure he couldn't find his way back the way they had come. So he was just going to have to try the five day hike north. He picked up his blanket and the canteen checked the sun and headed in the direction he believed to be north. Elly was stopping every few minutes to read the trail. "This isn't good, I think Earl has placed you friend." "Already?" "Yeah, he past thru here earlier. These are his tracks down slope." "Darien!" Bobby yelled out into the trees. "I don't think we are that close yet, but we should find him before dark, if he stayed put. If he tried to find his way out, it could take much longer to locate him." Elly warned. "Okay, lead the way." Bobby nodded, he'd hoped they had found his Partner. Darien was making good time, he just wasn't sure if he was really headed in the right direction. He was getting hungry. Earl had given him a small package of jerky with the canteen, but he was saving it. He was sure he'd get a lot more hungry before he found his way out. He did find a stream, and refill his water supply. Remembering to take the water from the flowing part of the stream. He took a short break beside the stream, but he didn't stay long. "This was the place Earl left him." Elly was checking the ground. "Darien!" Bobby called again. He was getting a really bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He hoped that his partner wasn't laying wounded or worse nearby. "Darien." Elly added her voice to the cold air. It was only a few hours until night, they needed to locate him as soon as they could. "You don't think Earl shot him do you?" Bobby asked. "No, I've heard no gunfire, we would have heard it, in these mountains sound carries a long way." "Now what?" "Bobby you circle around that way, I'll go this way. Meet me back here in a half an hour." Elly suggested. "Got ya." Bobby moved out west, looking for any sign that Darien had gone wandering off. Elly soon found Darien's trail north, she double timed it up the trail hoping to see Bobby's partner resting on a fallen tree. But he appeared to be determined to hike out. He was covering a lot of ground for a city boy. She turned back to meet up with Bobby. "Nothing." Bobby was waiting for her. "I found a fresh trail, he's headed north." Bobby and Elly hurried up the trail but it was becoming clear to her that Darien must be seriously trying to make time and get himself out of the forest as quickly as possible. " I never would have believed it, I thought everyone knew to stay put when they were lost." Bobby commented. " The way he's making time, your friend seems to think he knows where he's going." Elly answered him. :::::::::::::::::::::::: Darien did think he knew where he was going, he was just worried that if he didn't reach the town as soon as possible it would be to late. He made camp as it was getting dark. He had a small book of matches in his jacket pocket, only because he'd picked it up to help him dig a piece of food out from between his teeth at lunch a few days back. "Okay Fawkes, get all the tinder ready you don't want to mess this up and use a bunch of matches your first day." Darien warned himself. He'd gathered all the dry stuff he could find, several larger pieces, some twigs and a few nice dry leaves. He only used three matches for his first camp fire. He didn't make it real big, just big enough to give off some warmth. His small blanket wasn't enough to keep him from getting chilled during the long night. He allowed himself one piece of the jerky and water for his evening meal. He figured he needed to try and keep his strength up, or he'd really be in trouble. "Can't we keep going a little longer?" Bobby was sure they had to be getting close to Darien by now. It was almost sunset, and Elly had suggested they make camp while there was still a little daylight to see by. "Yeah, we can but if calling his name isn't getting a response, he's not close enough for us to reach him anytime soon." "Okay, if you think we should stop and make camp, you're the guide." Bobby tried to smile as he agreed with her. "Look the hardest part is over, Earl didn't hurt him. We just have to catch up to him now." Elly reminded Bobby. "Yeah, I know I just worry." Bobby sighed and exhaled deeply. Elly began looking for firewood, she collected several nice branches, and then gathered some rocks to bank the fire inside. Bobby helped and they soon had a nice campfire going. Elly had more stew to mix up, the bread was gone. Elly was thinking ahead they didn't really have to stand watch any longer Earl was back down the mountain. But she still only had the one sleeping bag. Not that she would mind sharing it with Bobby. It would fit two if they didn't zip it up but part of the way. Elly got a vision of that in her head, her and Bobby sharing her sleeping bag. From what she'd seen so far, the pleasure would be lasting. She guessed that Bobby Hobbes knew how to give and receive. " I'll take the first watch tonight." Bobby offered. "I don't know if we need to stand watch anymore, Earl is back down the mountain." Elly was disappointed that he'd suggested they take turns. "Just the same I'd feel better if we did." Bobby stood up and stretched. Elly stared, he was a fine sight to behold, even hidden under the wool sweater. All parts of him weren't hidden after all, his jeans were filled out nicely. "Alright If you want." she sounded and looked disappointed. Bobby moved off into the trees, he needed a pee break and a break to get his head straight. He'd been having ideas about things he shouldn't be having ideas about. Especially with his partner lost out there in the woods. He'd picked up on Elly's looks a few times, she found him attractive. It had surprised him at first. He was popular with the ladies, but not usually ones as young as her. And his happy go lucky Bobby Hobbes sales manager routine, he spent freely, chatted up every lady he could and took his chances with the ones that responded. He wasn't looking for a relationship, just a good time. His real feelings never came into it, he'd learned not to care. Every time he cared for anyone they left him or worse. He'd driven his ex away with his paranoid behavior. Elly seemed like a nice person, but not the type to only want a good time. Bobby didn't want hurt feelings, so he would keep his distance. At what ever cost to his libido, he'd spent sleepless nights half aroused before, it wouldn't be the first time. By the time he returned to the fire, Elly was in the sleeping bag. He took up his position on the other side of the fire, and lay the rifle across his knees. Elly was trying to sleep she was tired enough after the long day, but she also knew that 'he' was only a few feet away from her. She opened one eye to look for him. He was sitting with his side to the fire so he could keep an eye out for trouble. His profile in the campfire light was clear, strong, handsome. She couldn't remember when she'd been so attracted to a man. She knew part of it was the circumstances, being alone together in the woods. Part of it was that she was alone in the world and looking for a man, a man just like Bobby. Elly sighed, and closed her eyes, telling herself to go to sleep tomorrow would be a even longer day. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Darien was sleeping, but fitfully. His small blanket keeping only his upper half warm. He'd tried to solve this by sleeping with his legs close to the fire, but the fire had died down, it was mostly glowing embers. Darien was dreaming, about being lost in the woods, only he was a boy. He was calling for help, but no one came. So he tired to find his own way out of the woods. He came across a trail and began to follow it, then he heard voices off in the distance he began to run towards the voices, he ran and ran but never got any closer to them. Then finally after a long time, he saw people, a woman and a bunch of children. She had short dark hair, they were pitching tents making a campfire. They were a scout troop. He was saved. That was when he woke up. "Crap it wasn't all just a dream I am still out here." Darien complained as he woke with a start and looked at the dying fire. He moved towards the fire and began to feed it with wood again, he was going to have to learn to tend a fire and sleep at the same time. :::::::::::::::::::::: Elly managed to get a few hours of sleep but she crawled out of the sleeping bag and switched with Bobby at half past midnight. "Your turn," she said as she took her place by the fire. Bobby nodded, he was ready for a nap at least. "Thanks, you do understand why we still have to do this right?" "Yes, I do." She half smiled at him. Bobby stood, handed her the rifle and then innocently touched her as he moved past her, placing his hand on her upper back, just below the base of her neck. Elly turned towards him. "Bobby, is there any chance you'd come visit me after this is all over?" Bobby wished she hadn't asked, but he stopped and turned back to face her. " Elly there is always a chance, but are you sure you really want me to? Don't you think once we get back, you'll realize how different we are and feel you've made a mistake?" "No, I don't but if you think that, then there is no point in me wishing it were possible." She sighed, "Good night." "Good night." Bobby was sorry, but he did feel he wasn't who she needed in her life. He removed his boots and jacket and slipped into the sleeping bag. He was sound a sleep in a few minutes. :::::::::::::::::::::::: "We have cots you are welcome to use in the back room there." The Officer that had replaced Officer Withers told Claire and Eberts about nine that night. "Yes, they mentioned them before, thank you. I guess we are going to have to take you up on the offer. It seems Agent Hobbes isn't going to be making it back tonight." Claire nodded, and thanked him. "I checked the situation out, I'm afraid they are next to each other in the same small room. I could wait until after you've had your rest and then...." Eberts offered. "No, of course not, don't be silly Eberts it's not like I'll have any privacy here anyway. I think I might feel better not being alone back there." She smiled. "Well yes what ever you think is best." Eberts was feeling a little nervous. He'd never slept beside one of he co-workers before, especially a female one. Claire visited the bathroom, then looked over the small room with the cots. She was serious, if she were alone there, she wasn't at all sure that the rangers would have left her alone. Not that they would have forced them selves on her, but she was sure they would have at least been much to friendly. She would have to be rude to get them to leave her alone, it could have been a touchy situation. But with Eberts there, she was assured of getting at least some sleep. Albert had said he'd be along shortly, so chose a bed and turned back the covers. She removed her shoes, and the long sleeved shirt she had worn all day. She wished for a shower or better still a nice hot bath. But that wasn't possible, so she climbed under the covers and settled in, it wasn't a uncomfortable cot. Eberts took his time, giving Claire some privacy. He finally entered the small room, checked to see which bed she'd chosen and placed his bag at the foot of the other one. "Sleep well Albert." Claire said after he'd gotten settled. He was startled, he'd thought she was already sleeping. "Yes, you too, sleep well." Eberts lay awake for nearly an hour, to keyed up to sleep. Once he'd finally dropped off, he had a dream. A dream that once Darien was found it was to late, he'd gone quicksilver mad and Hobbes had to defend himself, killing Darien. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;