Silent Hunter

by Maggie K. Black

  “Then you’ll tell them and show them.” Luke took her shoulders gently in his hands and turned her to face him. “The lodge was never Camp Spirit’s heart. You are. It’ll be your job to tell these new business drones how the day-to-day staff under you feel, what the campers really need, and make sure that they don’t lose sight of what really matters.” He cupped his fingers under her chin and tilted her face toward him. “I’m convinced, there is no one on earth who can do that better than you.”

  He lowered his mouth, intending to brush a gentle kiss across her cheek. Emergency vehicles peeled into the camp parking lot. Nicky jumped back. Her eyes darted to the flood of police. “I’ve got to go sort all this. When are you heading back to Toronto?”

  “Soon, but not immediately. I’m going to call my editor, Vince, to see how he’d feel about my taking a couple of days off. I figure it’ll take you a few cups of coffee, not to mention some long hikes through the woods, to get your head around where everything is at. It’s been a rough couple of days and as a friend who’s been through it all with you, I’d like to hang out here a bit, to help shoulder whatever bit of the load I can, just until things get back to normal.”

  A smile lit the golden flecks of her eyes. “I’d like that.”

  So would he. Luke watched as Nicky strode toward the police, her head held high, confident and in control. Then suddenly she turned, ran through the maze of vehicles and into the waiting arms of an old man stepping out of an unmarked police car—George.

  Oh, Lord, guide their conversation. Help them heal together.

  He walked to the closest officer, gave his name and pointed him in the direction of Trevor.

  The day wore on. Luke hung by the edge of the emergency response people, giving answers when needed, staying out of the way when he wasn’t. The sky was black. The camp was awash in a maze of red-and-blue emergency lights. Trevor was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car. His father watched him go.

  A sigh left Luke’s chest. Finally it was done. The Hunter had been arrested. Authorities had dispatched a boat to collect Russ and Bear’s bodies from the island. Police statements had been given. Everyone was home safe. The only thing left to do now was to make sure Nicky was back on her feet, wrap up his time here and eventually head back to Toronto with more dignity and grace than he’d left here last time.

  Luke’s eyes ran down past the cabins to where she now stood. Her body was a dark form against a backdrop of the lodge’s arched, fire-scarred wood. A blanket was wrapped around her shoulders. He’d caught her, in that very spot, just a few days ago. He took a deep breath and turned toward her. This time, he was going to do things right.

  “Luke?” George’s face was pale in the flashing lights. “Can we talk?”

  A sad smile crossed Luke’s face. He hesitated, then hugged the older man tightly. George hugged him back for a long moment before letting go. “I’m so sorry about Trevor.”

  “Me, too. I wish...” George’s words caught his throat. “God is still good, you know? No matter what. God can still get through to my son. I need to hold on to that.”

  Luke nodded. “Me, too.” Once again his eyes dragged over to Nicky.

  George gestured him toward a bench. They sat.

  “Nicky tells me you’re planning on bringing in a handful of investors for this place,” Luke said. “She’s worried about it, obviously. The idea of a new boss is hard enough, let alone two or three. But I think it’s a really good idea.”

  “I’m glad.” George followed Luke’s gaze. “I know it’s going to be hard for her. It’s going to be a pretty big change. But, she’s the best. The most talented outdoors instructor I’ve ever met. I couldn’t imagine running this business without her as camp director—”

  “You don’t need to convince me.” Luke grinned. “I know how spectacular Nicky is.”

  “Good. Because I’m too old to keep running all of this.” A sigh rippled over George’s shoulders. “We need fresh blood. We need people who can get us out of debt and then take the camp though the necessary steps to get charity status. Recently, I’ve really felt like God was nudging me that we need to do more for at-risk youth, too—runaways, those in trouble with the law, those who need a fresh start.”

  Luke nodded. “She told me. The island would be perfect for that.”

  “So, here’s the plan,” George said. “For the next few months I’m going to stay on full-time, retain the title of managing director and fifty-one percent ownership of the camp. The other codirectors will own forty-nine between them and commit to putting in a handful of hours a month.”

  Made sense. He could attract some serious professionals that way.

  “Then, after the summer, I’m hoping to step down and hand my share of the camp over to a new managing director.”

  “Sounds solid.”

  George’s eyes searched Luke’s face. “I’d like that man to be you.”

  “Me?” Luke shot to his feet. “As managing director and majority owner of this place? You can’t be serious!”

  “Completely. I’d already discussed it with Trevor, and my lawyer has drawn up the paperwork.” George stood slowly. “That’s why I invited you up this weekend and why it mattered so much that Nicky got to know you. After Nicky, I can’t think of anyone who understands the importance of what we’re doing here more than you, and I needed to know if she saw in you the same things I did. She did and even more. Nicky told me how incredible you were. You were there for her. She said you were insightful, and strong, and took initiative, and she couldn’t have made it through if it wasn’t for you.”

  Maybe. But that hardly meant Nicky was prepared to accept Luke as the camp owner and her boss! She’d only just barely managed to forgive him for the past. There was no way he could ask Nicky to entrust her entire future to a man who’d let her down. “Are you sure about this, George? I have a seriously messed up past!”

  “I know.” The old man’s eyes radiated the same hope and faith Luke had first seen in them years ago when George had stretched out his hand to help the runaway up off the floor. “But you also have a future, Luke. That’s why the kids here need you. They need to see you, to hear you, to listen to you. They need your help to realize they have a future, too.”

  Luke nearly groaned. George made it all sound so simple. How could he do this to him? How could he sit there and offer him the chance to help Nicky build the camp of her dreams—their dreams—when Luke knew he was in no position to take it?

  “George, do you even know what fifty-one percent of this place is worth? Even if I was the right man for this place, I’m in no position to buy even a sliver of your camp.”

  “I know.” The older man’s hand touched his shoulder. “Remember the camp cash box?”

  Luke almost laughed. “How could I forget? I stole it. You reminded me of it when I pulled you out of the fire on Thursday.”

  George nodded. “Because I didn’t know if I’d survive and I knew my will would come out. We had this exact same argument, years ago in the police station, when I stood there and emptied out the contents of the camp cash box to cover your bail.”

  “Because I didn’t deserve your kindness or your money.”

  “I know. But it’s not about deserving or being able to pay for it, Luke. I’ve decided to give my camp to you.”

  * * *

  Dark water lapped the shore by her feet. She felt Luke behind her and knew it was him without even turning. She’d always known when it was him, even as she’d waited for him on the lookout years ago as a teenager. She’d known his approach from the sound of his footfall on the ground and the subtle sound his throat made just before he opened his mouth to speak. She’d known it from the way every inch of every muscle inside her body ached to turn around and run into his arms.

  “Nicky, I’m sorry. Things have changed.
I’ve got to go.”

  She didn’t even look at him. Hot tears rushed to her eyes and spilled down her cheeks before she could even think to stop them. Of course. Luke was leaving again. Just when she’d begun to let her guard down and trust him, just when he’d promised her he’d be hanging around for a while, he was running away. Again. She didn’t even turn. “Well, thanks for everything. Safe travels.”

  “Believe me. I’m so sorry to do this. Really. But George just dropped something pretty heavy duty on my lap. Asked me something pretty major, I can’t possibly say yes to. He’s told me he wants me to take some time to think and pray before I give him an answer. I promised I would, even though the answer’s going to be no.” He sighed. “I just need to be alone right now. I need to not be here.”

  A bitter laugh rose to the edge of her teeth. “So, you finally found out what reason George had for inviting you up here, and your immediate reaction was to turn him down and leave.”

  “Please. Look at me.” The warmth of his fingertips brushed against her neck. “It’s not that simple.”

  “I shouldn’t even be surprised. George should’ve known this is what would happen.” She blinked hard and wiped the tears from her eyes. “If you’re going to go, just go. Don’t put me through this again.”

  “Nicky!” His voice rose as her name left his lips. “That’s not fair. It’s not like I wanted to disappoint George. I have to. And do you really think for one moment that I want to leave you?”

  She turned. There he was, inches away from her, his eyes filled with a passion and longing that took her breath away. But his shoulders slumped like a man who’d decided he was defeated, without even waiting for the first blow.

  “Don’t you get how I feel about you?” His hand slid along the side of her face. His fingers brushed though her hair. “I admire you. You’re strong, inside and out. You’re compassionate. You love other people. You even loved a wretch like me when no one else would.” He groaned, like a drowning man, watching his only chance at rescue drifting away. “I would give anything to help your dreams come true. I just can’t.”

  “I like you, too, Luke.” No, she loved him. Still loved him. Deeply. Completely. She’d always loved him. She probably always would. “But I’m not going to just stand here and listen to you give up on yourself.” Tears spilled from her eyes now. She didn’t even bother wiping them away. It was about time she let him see what he’d put her through.

  “I’m tired of watching you act like you’ve got nothing to offer anyone, and tired of standing back and watching you listen to the lies in your head. You think I haven’t seen this expression on your face before? I don’t know what George said to you or what he asked you to do. I don’t care at this point.” Her voice broke. “All I know is I’m tired trying to convince you to believe in yourself.”

  She brushed her hands along his cheeks and felt the bristles of his jaw underneath her fingertips. “You told Gracie that God would give her a new life. All she had to do was reach out and take it. You are the strongest, bravest, most incredible man I know. You can do anything. You can be anything. You faced down a killer. You saved my life.” Her voice whispered over his skin. “You can handle anything.”

  His head shook. “Not this.” His lips brushed over her tears. “Not what George has asked of me. Not knowing every time I look in your eyes that there’s nothing I want more than to be here, stay here with you, forever, yet feeling with every breath that fills my chest that I’m not the man that you need.”

  She closed her eyes. “Then you’re right. You’re not the man I need around. Goodbye Luke. Take care of yourself.”

  She kissed his cheek then pushed him back gently.

  He left without looking back.

  TWENTY

  September’s morning light danced along the surface of the lake. Nicky zipped the soft red sweatshirt all the way to the top, then pulled her hood over her hair. Tips of orange and yellow had already begun to peek through the forest of green. The leaves were turning early this year.

  Camp Spirit had survived another summer. Her eyes drifted to the heavens. Thank You, Lord. With some neighborly help from Ace Sports, lodge activities had moved into a portable event tent for the summer. The generous donation of a cooking trailer from a local food truck chain had served as their mobile kitchen. She chuckled. It had taken a whole bunch of wrangling, not to mention a lot of flexibility, but they’d made it. It would definitely be a summer the campers would never forget.

  The national press had been all over the camp in the days following Trevor’s arrest, stirring up more support and generosity than she’d have ever imagined. Torchlight News has sent a fun and tenacious female reporter to cover the story. She hadn’t heard a word from Luke since he’d walked out of her life the night the Hunter was finally caught. But while thoughts of him drifted through her heart daily, there was a peace there, too. She’d let him go this time. She’d respected herself. There was peace in that.

  Trevor had pled guilty, saving his already emotionally battered father the stress of a long, drawn-out trial. Last she’d heard, Trevor was still refusing to talk to George, no matter how many times his father had driven to Sudbury to visit him. She sighed as she prayed. Lord, have mercy.

  The clatter of hammers and saws echoed through the trees behind her. The loss of Bear had hit both his company and the community pretty hard. Bear and Russ had had funerals days after the police had recovered their bodies from the island, and the Ontario community would never be the same.

  But over the following weeks and months, George’s plan to find new codirectors for the camp had slowly taken shape. One of the first had been Sunny Shield, CEO of Shields Construction—a beautiful, raven-haired woman with a growing interest in both community involvement and faith.

  Thanks to Shields Construction the new lodge and kitchens would be up before the first snow fell. It was pretty clear from what George had said, the new codirectors first order of business was to fix the financial situation and apply for charitable status. But becoming an official charity was easier said than done. The process was a lot of work and would take clearing some major debts and getting the camp on a more secure footing. All the more reason to bring on codirectors to help them through the process.

  She hadn’t met all the new board yet and still wasn’t sure whether the camp’s new direction made her more excited or nervous. After several long discussions with George, they’d decided she would focus all her energy on directing the camp smoothly through another summer season, while he managed the ins and outs of interviewing potential codirectors and evaluating options. It wasn’t exactly easy to let go of her fears. But she trusted him. More than that, she trusted God, herself and that no matter what happened next God would help her through it.

  Now it was time to put that trust into action. Yesterday, the new codirectors had held their first major meeting—confirming they were all in and shared the same vision. Papers had been signed. The deal was done. Which meant today was the day George was going to introduce her to them, in preparation for making the big announcement to the press.

  She heard footsteps coming down the path behind her. Well, Lord, here we go. A smile lit her face. It was Tabitha. The politician somehow managed to look as crisp and professional as ever even in jeans and a windbreaker. They hugged. “Please tell me this means you’ve decided to invest in our ragtag little camp?”

  The grandmother-to-be smiled. “Absolutely. I’ve decided not to run for reelection and this seemed the perfect new venture to get involved in.”

  “How’s Gracie?”

  Tabitha’s smile softened. “She’s well. It’s been a bit challenging, but thankfully the university let her defer for a year and she’s managing to keep most of her scholarship money. She still hasn’t heard a word from David. He was pretty angry that she decided to keep the baby and made it clear he wanted not
hing to do with them. But his brother Aaron’s been at every doctor’s appointment. As they say, it’s a bit complicated.”

  Nicky nodded. She could imagine.

  “Now, this is more than just a social visit.” Tabitha’s tone grew serious. “As you know, the new board met yesterday, and I’m here on their behalf with an offer. Two offers, in fact.”

  Nicky’s heart rate sped up a notch. “What kinds of offers?”

  “Can we sit?”

  Nicky nodded. They crossed to a picnic table. Lord, I didn’t prepare for this...

  Tabitha pulled a manila envelope from inside her jacket and set it on the table between them. “It was very important in our meeting yesterday that we considered how this new arrangement would impact on you. We discussed it at length, in fact. You are obviously an extremely important part of this camp, and with George stepping down, yours would become the primary face of this camp in the community. One of the new co-owners felt strongly it was important you had a way out in case this new situation didn’t sit right with you. To that end, we’re prepared to offer you a year’s salary as severance, a glowing recommendation and the services of a professional headhunter. It was felt quite strongly many camps across the country would jump at the chance to have you.”

  In fact, Ace Sports had already offered her a very generous salary package, but she hadn’t actually wanted to leave. Lord, I keep asking what Your will is and I have to listen to what You’re telling me. Is Your answer in this envelope?

  “Does this mean the new co-owners would like me to leave?”

  Tabitha laughed. She reached across the table and took both Nicky’s hands in hers. “No, honey. Not at all. It means no one wants you to feel trapped here if you’d rather go.” She sat back and pulled out a second envelope. “In fact, we’re very much hoping the second offer is more to your liking. The new managing director has suggested we give you a small percent of the camp. That would make you both a codirector and co-owner of this camp. It would give you a vote and a say at the table, but no obligation to sit through any boring meetings or discussions you don’t want to. Our new managing director felt quite strongly in fact that we needed to hear from you and that you needed to have a voice as an advocate for the staff and campers.”