Disclaimers: None.  If you’re still reading my stuff at this point, you pretty well know what you’re getting into.  If you don’t have an open mind or if you find something you think needs disclaiming, you are still more than welcome to let me know.  It won’t change anything, but it may make you feel better.   Ugliness will earn you a smack to the back of your head.

 

Thanks: To Phil, Mac and Jeanne for reading through this for me to pick up Pink & Fluffy’s dropped letters.  Their contribution to making this a better read is much appreciated.

 

Author’s Notes: This was an idea that occurred to me on an interminable flight home from Europe.  It was supposed to be a short story – it didn’t quite work out that way.

 

The Storyteller’s Cardinal Rule is in effect.

 

 

Aftermath

By D

 

Sometimes it is easy to see what is right in front of us – and sometimes the things that should be obvious are the most difficult to see.  This is one such story.

 

They were enemies from the first – there was simply no other way to describe them... at least as far as they were concerned.  Always on the opposite side of every argument.  Everything always a fight... a competition.  Nothing was easy between them.

 

And why should it be?  They were nothing alike... NOTHING.  They only thing they seemed to share was a passion for their work – and even that put them at constant odds with one another.

 

One would think – watching them – that they hated one another... that there was a deep resentment between them.  One wealthy and cultured; the other rough and unpolished.  One athletic and strong; the other graceful and delicate.  One hot tempered by nature; the other cold as ice.  Both brilliant in their own regard; both passionate and sensitive.

 

Every time they were forced to interact, their colleagues gathered around to watch the sparks fly and place bets as to who would give in... who would take the first swing.  Not that they had actually come to blows – YET – but most only believed it was only a matter of time.

 

Yet neither of them were prepared to give a quarter – both equally unwilling to be the first to lose their self control.

 

And so it continued... day in and day out.  Then without warning, something drastic changed.

 

They no longer argued – they no longer spoke at all.  The animosity most had perceived between them before became all too real, and the atmosphere in the workplace became heavy and unwieldy with unresolved tension.

 

After only a week it had become completely unbearable - to the point where no one was getting any work done while waiting for things to explode – their co-workers stepped in and decided to resolve the problem.  That is when things got interesting.

 

************

 

Blue eyes blinked open and looked around blearily.  She couldn’t remember what had happened the night before, but judging from the pounding going on in the back of her head, Simone had either gotten shit-faced or someone had slipped her a mickey.  Either way, she appeared to be in a hell of a lot of trouble.

 

She didn’t recognize where she was, except that it was outdoors.  The sunlight in her eyes and the obnoxious cheerfulness of some stupid twittering bird were proof enough of that.  The tickly properties of the grass she could feel against her face and see if she crossed her eyes, along with the oddly fresh air were only further evidence that something drastic had happened.

 

A low groan pulled her attention from taking inventory and Simone tried to turn her head to find out who had made the sound.  Even a rough and tumble city girl like she was could tell the difference in a human sound and an animal one.  Besides, when did most animals utter the epithet FUCK in English when they were able to communicate with each other in whatever language it was that animals used?

 

She slammed her eyes shut when she moved her head, breathing deeply to keep from throwing up at the pain screaming through her skull.  Someone was going to die when she figured out what the hell was going on.  Then she eased her eyes open again... and groaned herself, closing them once more. Things had just gone from bad to worse.

 

“I’d blame this on you,” came the mumble from almost closed lips, “but you look as bad as I feel right now, Bleeding Heart.”

 

Simone continued to concentrate on her breathing – not willing to get into a debate with this particular woman at the moment... especially if this was just the universe’s twisted way of getting revenge for some perceived shortcoming.  With any luck, when she opened her eyes again, she would discover that this was all just a bad dream.  Then that voice came again and Simone sighed.  The situation was fast becoming all too real.

 

“Still not talking to me, Simone?  God, you hold a grudge worse than most society bitches I know.  At least with them it is easy to figure out their issue of the week – they snipe.”

 

“Shut up, Miser.  I have enough to deal with here without listening to you whine about it.  Go bother somebody else, why dontcha?  I have no intention of suffering any more because of you.”

 

“Take a look around, hotshot.  It’s just you and me and a pile of stuff I have never seen the likes of in any of the stores I shop in.”  Sara got no answer and rolled onto her side before easing into a sitting position.  “You all right there, Bleeder?  You never miss an opportunity to take a free shot.”  She reached over to touch Simone’s forehead, only to jerk her hand back when the dark head flinched at her touch.  “Take it easy, Bleeder – or better yet, you know what?  Just forget it; I don’t know why I even bother trying.”

 

“You don’t – that is your whole goddamn problem.  You expect the world to cater to you.  Now shut up before I puke all over us both.”

 

Sara was furious, but she was also worried.  She had a really good idea what had happened and if what she feared was true, they were going to need each other to get out of this entirely uncomfortable set of circumstances.  She’d worry about rolling heads when she got home.  Sara closed her eyes – truth was, she felt a little like throwing up herself.  Maybe things would seem better after a nap.

 

Simone lay still... completely unmoving except for the breathing she was controlling by sheer concentration.  Death couldn’t feel as bad as she did at the moment, and she found herself wishing for it briefly.  But before it could become a solid thought, she fell into a light doze.

 

Neither woman could have said how much time had passed – literally.  Watches and cell phones had been removed from their persons.  But it was obvious to both of them that quite some time had passed as the shadows were much longer than they had been in their little glade even if there was apparently a portion of daylight left.

 

Sara breathed deeply – relieved to feel much better than she had been.  Simone as well was thrilled that whatever nausea had been plaguing her was gone and except for her exhaustion, almost felt normal.

 

They opened their eyes virtually simultaneously and the walls returned between them as quickly as they realized the truth of their situation.  Simone sat up and looked around, glad her head no longer felt as if it was falling off, but pissed beyond belief at what was going on.

 

She reached for the pile of what she suspected was camping equipment, only to find a note from her work partner on top.  She opened it and read it slowly, then actually tossed it towards Sara before standing and stomping off.  Sara listened for a long moment before looking down at the piece of paper she clutched so tightly in her hands, wondering what had directed Simone’s anger somewhere other than her and found her worst fears confirmed.

 

Guys, (it said)

     We’ve had enough of whatever the hell is wrong with the two of you and decided to take matters into our own hands and force the issue between you.  You’ll find all you need to survive out here for quite a while and if you follow the map that has been included, you’ll find food staples left for you every couple days.  If you keep up a steady pace, you should be able to make it out of here in about a week or so.  But do us all a favor and fix your problems with one another before you return to civilization.  We’d hate to have to do this again. – Martin

 

Sara just blinked at the brazenness of the entire thing.  Surely they knew that kidnapping was against the law – and what about the drugging she was convinced had happened to them both?  Somebody’s ass was going to be hers when they got back – several somebody’s in fact – and then they’d find out that this was no practical joke.  What would her father say when he heard about all this?

 

Simone stomped back into their tiny space and resumed going through the pile, separating things out and placing them into smaller piles.  Sara watched for a while before she spoke.  “Can I help?”

 

Simone shrugged.  “I dunno... can you?”

 

“You are such a bitch.”

 

"You’d know,” Simone countered and continued separating.  She finally found what she was looking for at the bottom of the stack – a single, solitary, two-person tent.  She growled.  Sara saw what she was glaring at and sighed.  Things were definitely worse than she thought.

 

Their co-workers had been kind enough to leave a set of instructions, confident that neither woman had ever been camping before.  Simone opened them up to read them – only to find that they were written in a language that she had never seen before.  She balled up the paper and flung it from her in great disgust.

 

“Just fucking great,” she cursed and threw the tent aside.

 

“Careful with that, Bleeder.  That’s the only protection we’ve got to sleep under out here.  I have no desire to be soaking wet when it starts raining.”

 

“Then you figure out how to put the damn thing up.  I’ll go collect firewood or something else useful.”  She disappeared back into the underbrush.

 

Sara got up and found the instructions Simone had tossed away in her anger – then she understood why.  They were written in Mandarin Chinese and while not many knew she was fluent in the language, there was one notable exception to that.  Things were getting curiouser and curiouser.

 

************

 

Simone came back and dropped a small load of wood to one side.  Then she shook out the sleeping bags and set them on either side of the stack of wood.  The small supply of food they’d been given went between them.  Then Simone turned to watch Sara wrestle with the instructions, poles and tarp, snickering just slightly when the blonde woman growled.

 

“Would you like to help me or would you like to chance sleeping in the great outdoors with no protection from those clouds?” pointing to the growing line of darkness creeping up behind Simone.

 

“Whaddya want me to do?” Simone asked grudgingly.

 

Sara thought about all the possible responses to that question before deciding to go with stark truth at the moment.  “I can read this,” shaking the crumpled paper in Simone’s direction, “but I can’t read and build at the same time.  I need you to do the building.”

 

“Of course you do – somebody else has always got to do your dirty work, don’t they?”

 

“Look, Simone,” Sara ground out, stopping just short of stomping her feet.  “I know you don’t like me – I think the entire office is completely clear on that fact.  It doesn’t really matter.” She continued before Simone could interrupt.  “What does matter at this point in time is the fact that we have been set up – very cleverly, I might add.  We have to work together to make this work at all.”

 

“Look, Miser,” refusing to call Sara by name.  “I’ll work with you only as much as is necessary to get us out of here and home again.  When we get back, I’ll turn in my resignation and that’ll be the end of things, all right?”

 

Sara shrugged.  “Whatever. Can we just get this stupid thing put together before it starts raining?”  At Simone’s brisk nod, Sara started reading, absently handing the dark-haired woman the correct pieces and parts.  The tent started to take shape and Simone’s hands were busy trying to keep it together.

 

Sara took over the last bit, pounding the stakes in place as Simone brought the sleeping bags in and dropped them inside.  A rumble of thunder made her hustle to grab the rest of the supplies before the rain began falling in earnest.  Sara pushed in right behind her, nearly tumbling them both and the tent to the ground.  Simone glared at her for a moment, then moved to the far corner of the small tent.  She took one sleeping bag for herself and tossed the other in Sara’s direction.

 

“Guess we should be thankful they’re not making us share a sleeping bag as well,” Sarah muttered, but it was loud enough that Simone heard.  The dark head whipped around and blue eyes bore a hole into green.

 

“Excuse me?” her voice icy.

 

“I told you we’d been set up, Bleeder.  I’m a little surprised he didn’t go that far actually; it would certainly have made his point.”

 

“He who... Martin?  His ass is so gonna be grass when we get home.  I even know a couple guys who’ll take care of the body – no muss... no fuss.”

 

Sara stared at Simone in disbelief.  Then she blinked and shook her head.  “No... not Martin.  He may have signed the note, but only one person in the world with the influence to do this also knows I speak Mandarin fluently.  And he is the one who would benefit most from our learning to work together.”  The confused look grew on Simone's face and she held out her arms impatiently waiting for an answer.  Sara sighed.  “My father, Bleeder; he owns the company, remember?  My father is the CEO of Wainwright Industries.”

 

“Guess he’s in for a real shock when I haul his ass up on charges before I walk.”

 

“I guess he is.  Right now I’m not so sure *I* won’t.”

 

That made Simone snicker.  She finished straightening her bed for the night, then rose and picked up a backpack.  She rifled through it briefly, then threw it to Sara.  “I think this is yours,” was her only comment.  Simone snatched up the second bag and put it by her temporary bed, then picked up the small cooler and set it between them.  “Hope we don’t have to cook this stuff or we’re gonna be hungry tonight.”

 

Sara didn’t answer.  She was too busy looking at the sealed note addressed to her in her father’s hand – confirmation in and of itself of what she had told Simone about who was behind this little kidnapping.  At the moment, however, while Sara’s thoughts were buzzing, Simone didn’t care.  She was still exhausted from whatever machination they had used to get her to this place.  She lay down on her sleeping bag and was soon snoring softly from the depths of sleep.  Sara sat up enough to be sure Simone was truly sleeping before ripping open the envelope.

 

Sara, my dearest, (it read)

     I am sorry to have resorted to such extreme measures, but something must be done to resolve whatever issue has become between you and Simone.  Separately, you’re the best we’ve got and together you’re unstoppable, but lately the two of you are only causing disharmony and chaos throughout the company to the point that it is disrupting the work.  People are starting to take sides and I am afraid what will happen if something is not done about the situation immediately.

     Stay out there until things are resolved between you – one way or another.  Do whatever it takes, but fix it, Sara.

     There will be someone close by keeping an eye on you both – to ensure that you remain safe and that you can be taken care of in an emergency.  Otherwise, they will not interfere in any way.  I trust that by the time you are home, you will have forgiven your old man for such drastic interference.  Always your loving father, Billy.

 

Sara looked at the map he had enclosed and knew in an instant exactly where they were.  She had spent her summers in this place, investigating every nook and cranny she’d been allowed to explore.  Sara had the distinct feel by the signature he’d used that William Wainwright the third had put them somewhere she hadn’t been yet.

 

A second, more thorough glance confirmed her worst fears and she closed her eyes briefly.  Screw the charges... she’d kill him for this.  Regardless of what happened between now and then, Sara was going to kill her father for putting them in this position when it was all over.  She figured Simone would be willing to help once she knew what was going on.  Sara dropped her bag down beside her and closed her eyes again.  It wasn’t long before she joined Simone in slumber.

 

************

 

Daylight woke them with a groan again, though at least this time it wasn’t a drug induced hang-over.  It was just bright.

 

“Goddamn it – I was hoping it was going to be a dream.  This sucks.”

 

“More than you know, Bleeder... more than you know.”

 

Blue eyes only a moment before glazed in sleep sharpened and glared in Sara’s direction.  “What do you know, Miser?”  For answer, Sara handed over the paper Simone had discovered in her bag the night before.  Simone didn’t quite snatch it away, but Sara could feel the restraint rolling off her in waves.  Simone’s face grew red as she perused the note.  “You have got to be fucking shitting me.  Is the man a moron or just selectively stupid??”

 

Despite her own anger at her father for his actions, Sara felt her ire grow at Simone’s tone.  “He is neither.  Otherwise he would have settled the problem himself instead of having us do it ourselves.  He’s a brilliant businessman....”

 

“... and a lousy father.”

 

“How dare you?!”

 

“Easily, but whatever.  My opinion of your old man is as irrelevant as yours here.  What we need to do right now is find those watchers and have them take us home.  Then this foolishness will be over with and we can go our separate ways.”

 

“You hate me so much.”  The statement was flat but Simone could see something unexpected in the green eyes facing her – something that appeared to be akin to pain.

 

“About like you do me, yeah,” she answered with a shrug, but her eyes didn’t meet Sara’s.  “Look, I’m gonna go outside and see if I can find these clowns.  No reason to stay here any longer than we have to, right?”  Simone didn’t wait for an answer, but clambered out of the tent as quickly as possible.

 

“But I really don’t hate you,” Sara said to the still, empty space.

 

************

 

Sara had a small fire built and had cleaned up in the nearby creek by the time Simone returned hot and disheveled.  Simone threw herself down on the ground in disgust.

 

“He lied,” she accused.

 

“No... you won’t be able to find them.  I doubt they are anywhere close.  I’d be willing to bet we are being monitored electronically and they are some distance away.”

 

“So we have to play his game until we get back to civilization.”

 

“Well, we have to follow the map, yes. I see no reason for any more conversation or interaction between us than is absolutely necessary.”

 

“Agreed,” Simone said, “so let’s get started.”

 

“Can you cook?”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Can you...?”

 

“I heard what you said – why do you need to know?”

 

“I thought we could decide on a plan of action.  We need to eat and we have to break down and set up camp if we are going to be moving every day.  If we can both cook, then neither of us will get stuck doing one thing or the other.”

 

“Yes, I can cook.  You?”

 

“Actually, yes.” 

 

"All right... since you started the fire, I'll go ahead and break down the campsite if you want to fix breakfast.  I think it might take both of us to do the setting up, but we can worry about that tonight.  There are other chores we can split to even up the workload," Simone said in a fit of verbosity.

 

Sara blinked.  That was the longest non-confrontational speech Simone had ever graced her with.  Even as she watched, the blue eyes which were regarding her coolly grew even colder at her lack of response.  She nodded curtly.

 

"That's fine.  We only have to make it work long enough to get out of this."  She went into the tent and dragged out the cooler; Simone snatched up the two backpacks and they each grabbed a sleeping bag to roll up and set aside with the rest.  Then Simone started breaking down the tent while Sara turned her attention to preparing a substantial breakfast.

 

Simone discovered that taking the tent apart was a much simpler proposition than putting it together had been, but that making it ready for travel was even harder.  Still, she got it packed up and turned to find Sara plating up what looked to be a respectable breakfast.  She accepted a plate with a murmured thanks and dug in with relish.

 

Sara took a seat across from Simone and focused on her own plate.  It wasn't the best she'd ever eaten, but it wasn't the worst by a long shot and she was ravenous.

 

It only took a few minutes for both of them to clean their plates.  Simone stood from her place and walked around to where Sara sat looking at her empty plate forlornly.  She extended her hand.  "I need to clean up, so I'll wash the dishes if you want to put out the fire."

 

Sara nodded her head mutely, then watched Simone walk out of sight before she doused the small fire carefully and picked up around the small camp to make sure everything was tidy.  Simone came back into camp, hair and face wet from the scrubbing she had given them. 

 

She placed the wet dishes on top of the small cooler and removed a small towel from her backpack, wiping them off before handing one to Sara and putting the other away in her pack with a spoon.  She wiped her face off with a dry corner then looked at the wet towel with a frown.

 

"Clip it to your backpack – it'll dry as we walk."  Simone looked her question at Sara and Sara hefted the pack up, offering it to Simone who turned and extended her arms.  She slid under the weight, then Sara took the towel from her and clipped in onto one of the many jangling bits Simone had noticed but had no real clue what to do with.  She nodded her thanks and snatched up Sara's pack, returning the courtesy brusquely before retrieving the tent pack.

 

Sara hefted the cooler, thankful for the strap that had been included as she slung it over her shoulder and settled it beneath her backpack.  Then she looked at Simone who was waiting with her arms crossed over her chest.  Sara arched a brow in question; Simone threw her hands up in exasperation.

 

"You have the map?"

 

"Shit!  It's in my backpack – can you...?"  Simone sighed but motioned for Sara to turn around.  With surprising tenderness to refrain from upsetting Sara's precarious balance, Simone eased the pack open and removed the map from inside.  She handed it to Sara over her shoulder, then zipped up the compartment and stepped away from the other woman.

 

Sara accepted the paper, biting her lip for a long moment.  Then she pointed.  "We need to head east."  Simone motioned her ahead with a wave of her arm.  Sara rolled her eyes, but took the lead.

 

They didn't speak – there was no need to.  It was fairly smooth walking for the first part of the day and when they stopped for some rest and a bit of lunch, Sara was pleased with their progress.  By mutual consent, they dropped their gear and ate trail rations, then stretched out for a short nap.

 

Simone woke first, stretching slowly to work out the stiffness she could feel settling in muscles unused to this particular type of exercise.  She twisted, readjusting her back with a long string of pops.  She grimaced, then jerked her head when Sara spoke, causing yet another crack to shimmy its way up her neck.

 

"That sounds painful."

 

Simone shrugged.  "Nothing I can't handle.  You ready?"

 

Sara yawned and stretched, then nodded as she rose.  "Yeah.  I think if we keep going at this pace, we should be to our next campsite by late afternoon."

 

For answer, Simone hefted her pack again, waiting for Sara to do the same.  Then they headed out again under a truce of silence.

 

************

 

Simone and Sara were beyond happy to see the small campsite William Wainwright had marked on the map.  The journey hadn't been difficult, but it had been long.  And since they were unused to the extra weight they were forced to carry, it made for slow going. 

 

When they reached the cleared spot, they dropped their gear as quickly as they could manage and groaned as they fell to the ground.  After a moment of complete stillness, Simone stirred and grabbed up the tent bag, shaking it out and watching dispassionately as pieces clanged together as they fell to the ground.  Sara didn't even protest, but started sorting through the pieces.  Then she opened the directions and started reading as she passed Simone the parts she needed.

 

In short order, the tent was ready for occupation and the campsite set-up complete. 

 

"If you are cooking tonight," Sara said, "I'll go collect the firewood and water we need."  Simone nodded her agreement and went to fetch the small cooler that had been left to mark the spot.  She pulled off the cover, surprised to find salmon fillets wrapped in dry ice along with, of all things, ice cream.  Taped to the top was another note and she debated whether or not to open it or leave it for Sara – since she felt fairly confident it was meant for her reluctant companion.

 

She left the note alone and moved the cooler closer to the tent.  Then she started clearing a circle for a fire pit.

 

About that time, Sara reemerged from the woods with an armload of wood.  "I know we need more, but I thought this would get us started.  This ready?" waiting for the dark head to nod and dropping the wood into the cleared pit.  Then she crossed to the cooler.  "What's this?" lifting the lid before Simone could answer.  Sara chortled when she saw the ice cream, then she saw the note.  "You didn't read this?"

 

"We both know it's not for me," lighting the moss she'd packed between the wood she'd stacked and waiting for it to catch.  Then she got up and removed the salmon from the cooler and moved away, leaving Sara to read her missive in private.

 

Sara ripped the envelope carefully and slid the single sheet of paper from inside. 

 

Dearest Sara, (it read)

     I thought to provide something of a treat for the completion of your first real day together.  You will find dry supplies for the next couple days hanging in the tree above the cooler, since it is a rather long hike to the next selected campsite.  Leave the coolers and whatever trash you cannot dispose of there and someone will be around to collect it after you are both well on your way.

     I hope things are going well between the two of you.  I have high hopes you can settle this like adults quickly – you are capable of so much together if you'd only try.  Be honest with her, sweetheart.  It will make such a difference.  Trust me – I know.  With much love for you always....

Your old man Billy

 

Sara folded the letter and put it neatly in the envelope, though she made a point to leave it on the cooler for Simone if she chose to read it.  Then she left to collect more firewood.

 

Simone, however, had decided to get through her current trial with as little interaction as she could manage and kept her mind on fixing dinner.  She emptied her canteen and picked up Sara's, shaking it to find it was nearly empty as well.  She started for the small stream, just as Sara stepped from the brush.

 

"Hey, I thought that was supposed to be my job, Bleeder.  Don’t want you thinking I'm not holding up my part of this arrangement," and she placed the wood beside the small fire.

 

Simone rolled her eyes and tossed both canteens in Sara's direction.  "Whatever, Miser.  I was thirsty.  Figured I'd... you know what?  Never mind.  It doesn't matter.  I need to find something to go with dinner."

 

"Check the tree."

 

"Huh?"

 

Sara cut her eyes at Simone before bending down to pick up the two canteens.  "Didn't you read the note?  Check the tree," motioning to the larger tree where the cooler had been.  Then she stalked off towards the creek.

 

"No, I didn't read the note... not any of my damn business, is it?" Simone muttered under her breath.  She walked back to the tree and looked around, spotting it rather easily, although reaching it....  She realized almost immediately that it would take the two of them working together to retrieve it.  Simone plopped down on the ground with her arms across her chest and stretched her legs out, crossing them at the ankles and waiting for Sara to return from fetching the water.

 

After a few minutes, Sara reappeared looking cooler and freshly scrubbed.  She noted Simone's position and raised an eyebrow.  Simone simply pointed upwards.  Sara followed the direction she indicated and let her shoulders drop and her chin fall to her chest.

 

"I'm going to kill him myself.  I don't care if he did give us ice cream."  She stomped over to stand beside Simone who stood languidly to her feet.  Sara cupped her hands together to give Simone a boost.  Simone just bit her lip to keep from laughing.

 

"You've gotta be kidding me."  Sara shook her head.

 

"No – I don't like heights, and he knows you rock climb at the company gym; so come on and let me give you a boost."

 

Simone sighed and stepped back a couple paces.  "Ready?"  Sara nodded and Simone moved so swiftly, Sara barely had time to register her weight before Simone was in the tree.  Sara watched with her heart in her throat as Simone lightly moved to the bag and unhooked it, lowering it into Sara's grasp before sitting on the lowest branch and jumping.  Then Simone snagged the bag and took it over next to the cooler.

 

"That was unnecessary, you know.  I could have managed."  Sara waited but Simone didn't even acknowledge her words.  Sara stalked over and grabbed Simone by the shoulder, jerking until blazing blue eyes were gazing back at her, the fury in them clear.  Simone pulled out of Sara's grasp roughly.

 

"Don't do that again," the rage in her eyes easily conveyed through her tone.

 

"What the hell is wrong with you??"

 

"We've been forced to work together by necessity to get out of this place.  That doesn't mean we have to share conversation or personal space.  So, unless it's necessary, just be quiet and keep your hands to yourself and I'll do the same, all right?"

 

Sara clenched her jaw, but nodded her head briskly.  "Fine... whatever.  What's in the bag?"

 

Simone didn't throw it at her, which surprised Sara.  Instead she passed it over and stood up, potatoes in her hands as she headed to the creek.  Sara watched her out of sight then turned her attention back to the bag.  A couple loaves of bread, peanut butter, trail bars, some raw vegetables and a bag of chocolates.  Sara smiled... at least they wouldn't starve and with the addition of chocolate, they might not even kill one another before they reached the end of the journey.

 

Simone returned from the creek, pulling a small penknife from her pocket and poking holes in the potatoes before easing them into the heat.  Then she grabbed up her backpack and sleeping bag and went into the tent.  Sara listened, not surprised when Simone emerged a few minutes later bearing clean clothes and her towel.  She didn't even glance Sara's way as she made her way back to the tiny brook.  Sara just sighed and shook her head.

 

"No, Dad... I don't think being honest is going to help.  I don't thing anything is going to help this situation except for it to be over."

 

Then she placed the bag next to the cooler and moved to set her own things up in the small tent.

 

************

 

Dinner had been an almost silent affair, save for the scrape of utensils on their plates and the courtesies of 'thank you' and 'you're welcome'.  Now the campsite was completely quiet save for the crackle of flames and the whisper of the wind as it blew through the trees.  Sara was sitting close to the fire, squinting at the map.  She didn't know what nitwit had given the instructions on what to remove from them before they were dropped off, but she was less than amused by her missing glasses... especially in the less than perfect light she was forced to use.  Simone, for her part, lay flat on her back looking up at the stars. 

 

Sara glimpsed in her direction – wondering what she was thinking about and how they had come to have such discord and passivity between them.  At least when they had been fighting it had been fiery and passionate.  Surely that had been better than the uneasy truce of nothingness they had now.  She sighed loudly and Simone's head turned in her direction.  Sara rubbed her eyes and shook her head.

 

"Problem?" Simone asked carefully. Her voice was completely neutral, betraying neither concern nor antagonism in her tone.

 

Sara shrugged.  "My eyes hurt.  The idiot who took all our stuff also took my glasses for some reason.  Guess we're lucky he left you your penknife."

 

Simone leaned up on her elbows.  "I'll bet that reason has something to do with this," motioning around their little home away from home.  "What better way...."

 

"... to force us to work together again.  Damn!"  Sara rubbed her eyes again and pinched the bridge of her nose.  "You know the sucky part – I only use them to read with.  It's this light...."

 

"Is it important?" gesturing to the paper Sara still held.

 

"It can wait to daylight, I suppose," but she trailed off when Simone lay back down and resumed her study of the stars as though the conversation was over.  Sara decided to take a page from Simone's book and just enjoy the peace.  Real life was usually so hectic that she couldn't remember the last time she'd *seen* the stars... much less *appreciated* them.

 

Silence reigned but for a change it was comfortable between them.

 

************

 

The next two days passed in similar fashion – the first day taking them out of the treed area and into rockier terrain.  It was more treacherous and made for much slower going.  Still it didn't require a good deal of communication, so despite William Wainwright's machinations, things remained mostly status quo between them.

 

They were happy to find the campsite by the time they reached it sometime late that second afternoon.  By Sara's best estimate, they were close to halfway to the end and nothing had changed.  Simone was still touchy and reactive and Sara was knee-jerk in her responses in return.  Their truce was unstable at best, but it seemed to be holding for the moment, which was all either could hope for given the peculiarity of their current situation.

 

At least the lack of words meant fewer arguments and fights.

 

They stopped by the now familiar cooler and eased their gear to the ground with a sigh.  Though not a forced march, neither of them were dawdling and that made their pace less than leisurely.  They were both glad for the chance to stop and rest.

 

Simone dropped the tent, emptying it out of its carry bag and assembling the pieces with practiced ease now.  Sara opened the cooler to find two steaks, another bit of ice cream and the expected note.

 

Sweet Sara, (it read)

     I trust this finds you and your companion well and that you are making great strides towards resolving the issues between you.  Considering your rapid-fire pace thus far, I am cautiously optimistic.  If not, and you are simply trying to make it to the next marked campsite, please take the alternate blue route marked on your map – it will take you into the more familiar paths of this land, but will also provide you with whatever time you need to insure that things are settled.

     I have high hopes for the two of you, daughter, and when you return successful in your quest, I'll arrange for a more enjoyable holiday for both of you to spend somewhere nice.

     I hope you know I have only your best interests at heart and will one day find it in your heart to forgive me for this.

     Your fresh supplies are in the cave located in Rifleman's Hill; it will require both of you to make the climb in order to retrieve the supplies that have been provided.

Still your loving father, Billy

 

"ARGH!" Sara screamed and threw the crumpled note on the ground.  "So help me, when we get back...."  She turned and looked at Simone who continued to put the tent together.  Sara stomped over and started to yank on Simone's arm before thinking better of it.  Instead she cleared her throat loudly and shoved the letter towards Simone as soon as she was sure she had her attention.

 

Simone finished the bit she had left then accepted the missive, reading through it with increasingly darkening features.  She blew out a breath, easily noting Sara's fury over her father's actions and attitudes.  Simone checked over the tent once more, securing the lines tightly and rising to her feet.

 

"C'mon," she invited, returning the letter to Sara.  "Let's go get those supplies.  I'm hungry."

 

Sara just hoped Billy had remembered to leave firewood; otherwise those steaks were going to go to waste, and that would just be a damn shame.

 

Rifleman's Hill was a rather steep climb, arduous after the speed they'd maintained for the past three days.  Halfway up the slick rock trail, they came to the cave.  Sara muttered under her breath and edged into the cave first; Simone couldn't stop the smirk that crossed her lips as she picked up on the gist of what Sara was fuming about.

 

Inside was a travois holding their fresh dry supplies, firewood and a second, small cooler.  They exchanged looks and shrugs before Simone lifted one end and Sara took the other. They grunted at the unexpected weight and slowly made their way out the cave mouth with Simone in the lead.  She deliberately shortened her stride – the path was narrow and slicker than either of them was comfortable with considering their burden.

 

They were making good progress – working together and cautiously easing down the hill.  So naturally something had to go wrong to upset the balance they'd found.

 

Simone had been very careful in placing her steps, calling back to Sara when she found rocks or slick spots.  Then without warning, Sara hit a rock Simone had missed and the force of her stumble caused Simone to hit a location that sent her skidding.  Simone fell backwards and Sara fell forward and they slid several feet before Simone hit a stone large enough to impede their forward progress.

 

There was complete silence for a moment, then – "Goddamn," Simone muttered, wincing as she shifted beneath the pile of stuff that had slid forward onto her.  "That hurts."

 

"No shit.  Ow," Sara moaned as she struggled to sit upright.  She grimaced when she saw the tumble of stuff now piled up between her and Simone.  "Damn, Bleeder... are you all right?"

 

"I'd be better without all this shit lying on top of me, but I'll live.  You?"

 

"I've done something to my ankle, but otherwise...."  She groaned.  "Getting down from here is going to be a bitch."

 

"Getting *outta* here is gonna be a bitch if you can't walk.  I hope your old man wasn't lying, or this is gonna get uglier than it already was real damn quick."  Simone gripped the items closest to her and pushed them away from her.  With a little wiggle room, she was able to transfer more until she could actually sit up and see Sara's ashen face.

 

She ran a cursory check over herself, observing a number of scrapes and scratches and absently making note of the muscles that were going to be protesting soon.  Simone eased her way back to where Sara still rested, eyes closed as she focused on her breathing.

 

Simone placed a hand on Sara's shoulder to alert her to her presence, then laid a wary hand on Sara's leg.  The blonde woman didn't even flinch... until Simone tried to remove her shoe.

 

"Fuck, that hurts!" she panted, trying to keep from screaming aloud as the shoe finally came off.  Simone ran a gentle hand around the swelling, bruised flesh, then met Sara's eyes.  "I don't think it's broken," she said, "but it *is* a really bad sprain.  Do you trust me?"

 

Green held blue for the longest moment as they took one another's measure and then Sara nodded slowly.  Without warning, Simone scooped her into her arms enough to place her onto the pallet with infinite care.  She looked at their supplies, then back at Sara.

 

"I think I can get you and all this down in one trip if you can handle being a little squished."

 

"That's fine," Sara agreed in a whisper.  "Whatever it takes to get back to camp.  I'd say just leave it here...."

 

"... but we need it – I know.  Wait here," Simone instructed without so much as a twinkle in her eye.  But since Sara's eyes had closed to allow her to focus on her breathing again, she didn't even notice.

 

Simone slowly straightened and began recovering the supplies she'd pushed from the edge of the pathway.  The firewood was the most scattered as it hadn't been bundled... simply stacked.  She picked it up a piece at a time, laying it evenly on either side of Sara's body.  The cooler went at the bottom near Sara's good leg and the dry good went on the other side.  They might end up with squashed bread, but at least it would provide a little protection while doing the lease amount of damage.

 

Simone slipped off her jacket, shivering a little at the sudden chill she was exposed to, and placed it over Sara's body.  Green eyes slowly tracked open and Sara looked back at Simone blearily.

 

"Try to stay still," Simone instructed.  Sara nodded and closed her eyes again.  Simone went back to the front of the pallet and lifted the ends, moving forward slowly once again.  Sara bit her lip to keep from crying out and inch by painful inch, they made their way back down the hill.

 

When they reached the bottom again, Simone unloaded the travois first, concerned that Sara did not move or open her eyes.  The fire was laid and the excess wood placed to the side, and the cooler and dry supplies placed to the side next to their tent.  Only when that was done did Simone reach out to Sara, to find green eyes staring back at her pitifully.

 

"This sucks," she mumbled.

 

"Yeah and it gets worse.  The sun is going down and you need to soak that foot... see if you can get some of the swelling down."

 

"You look like you could use some soap and water and a few band-aids yourself, Simone."  Simone shrugged.

 

"Maybe later.  I've gotta get the fire built before the sun sets and get dinner started.  Can you make it to the stream or do you need my help?"

 

For answer, Sara sat up slowly, handing Simone back the light jacket that had covered her.  Simone took her hands and helped her balance as she stood... then caught her as she slipped to the ground with a yell.

 

"C'mon," Simone encouraged, taking the injured side and supporting it.  "Put your arm around my neck."  Sara opened her mouth to protest and Simone glared her into silence.  "Look, Miser... it's not my first choice either, all right?  Work with me here a little."

 

Sara thought about complaining for the split second it took her to see her own pain and exhaustion reflected back at her from those telling blue eyes.  With a nod of her head, she acquiesced and together they made very slow progress towards the tiny trickle of water that appeared to be guiding their travels. 

 

Simone seated her as comfortably as could be managed, then rolled up her jeans as far as she could before slipping the ankle into cold, clear water.  Sara gasped at the sensation, holding her breath for a long moment.  Then she released it with a discomfited sigh.

 

"Thank you, Simone."

 

Simone jerked her head awkwardly but otherwise said nothing as she turned and walked the short distance back to camp.  She still had a lot of work to do... especially since Sara was no longer in a position to help much.  Not that she blamed Sara for this particular problem – she'd been as unhappily surprised by the turn of events as Simone had.  But it didn't change their circumstances either.

 

She looked at the firewood, wondering how long she could make it last, then shrugging.  It wouldn't really matter if she couldn't get it to light – she'd never tried without some sort of packing or kindling wood before.  She thought briefly, then created a small pile of shavings with her penknife.  Using that as her kindling, she was able to make it catch and from there, laying the wood was easy.

 

Simone found more potatoes and took them to the creek to wash, surprised to see Sara laying completely on her back with her eyes closed while the water continued to flow over her ankle.  Simone just shook her head and got on with her work, never noticing that Sara was observing her through the slits in her lashes.

 

Once the potatoes were put into the heat, Simone scrounged through the dry supplies to find more of the same.  Then she opened the smaller cooler and found a six-pack of soda and another note.  Her lip curled, not believing the man's audacity, but she set it aside.  It wasn't her business at the moment, and when it was, she was going to have the power of the Family to back her up.  She wouldn't let the boys kill William Wainwright the third, but they would for damn sure put the fear of the Family into his ass... one way or another.

 

"I shoulda just stuck to what I know best," she muttered, then went into the tent to dig through their packs for some sort of first aid kit – which was naturally at the bottom of Sara's pack.  Simone left the stuff of both bags neatly stacked on their sleeping bags to make a point, then hefted the kit and her towel and headed back down to the small creek with her flashlight in hand.

 

She made enough noise to alert Sara to her presence, then knelt close enough to her that she could be seen, but far enough away that she couldn't be touched.  Simone poured a generous helping of soap into her hands, hissing at the stinging it caused to the cut skin.  Sara sat up, but didn't speak, waiting to see if Simone would ask for help.  Simone ignored her, scrubbing her hands until the cuts began to bleed again, hoping to force the dirt and impurities out that way if she couldn't any other.

 

After a while, she plunged her hands into the icy water, glad for the cold that immediately numbed the feeling.  Only when Sara reached over her arms awkwardly and pulled her out by the wrists did she breath, and then she glared at Sara for interfering.

 

"Don't bother, Bleeder.  I know it hurts like a son of a bitch.  I also know you need disinfectant poured on them as well as on your face and sides where you got scraped and bullied by that damn hill.  Let me help you now.  You've done enough on your own."

 

Simone regarded green eyes for a long moment, but finally relented.  Sara felt the thrill of victory, but kept it out of her expression.  Instead, she took the towel and patted the hands dry, then moved her attention to the first aid kit between them.

 

"You get this out of my bag?"

 

"Yep."

 

Sara waited for more of an explanation, but none was forthcoming.  "All right then," she acknowledged, "let's see what we've got."  She looked down at the flashlight and sighed.  "I need for you to....  Can you hold it still between your knees?"  Simone nodded and together they got the flashlight situated so Sara could see to work.

 

She worked as swiftly as she was able; Simone sat statue still as the light touch skimmed over her face, ribs