Yolanda halted in front of him and stared for a minute. Then a slow smile spread across her face. It was probably the first occasion she'd actually smiled at him since they had arrived. "A tourist flight? Oh, good. Great, in fact! Of course, I should have known." She called to Rudi, who was making his way toward them, and clapped her hands a bit frantically. "Tourists, honey, tourists like us!"
Panting from the exertion of hurrying uphill to the campsite, Rudi joined them. "Hope they don't have our same experience and end up down here."
"Well, Jake dear," Yolanda said sweetly. "Don't get your ever-loving hopes up, either, be-cause even if they send a rescue plane or chopper or whatever can land down here, I'm not flying out of this hole."
"What?" This time, Jake was the one who stared. "Am I hearing right? You don't want to leave? Why?"
"I didn’t say that. I just said I'm not flying out of here. I’ll walk, with you as my guide."
Jake gave her a long look. "Okay, Yolanda, where did you get that notion?"
"I figured it out."
"Without consulting me?"
"I'm consulting you now." She grinned and moved her hands expressively as she talked. "No, I haven't lost my mind. You're right to think that I've wanted to leave from the minute I set foot down here in this giant hole in the ground. But not anymore. Not flying straight up, at least. Going down once was enough for me. You aren't getting me out of here that way."
Jake folded his arms and eyed her narrowly. "So, what's your plan?"
"Nothing specific. Whenever you're ready to go is fine with me."
"I have work to do before I leave, Yolanda."
She nodded as if she understood perfectly. Obviously she had given it some thought. "I trust you, Jake. You saved my life yesterday, and I believe you can get me out of here safely. I've decided that I want to walk out, not fly."
Jake was stunned into silence. He realized that he had been looking forward to their departure almost as much as they were. Now, Yolanda was saying it wouldn't happen. He couldn't believe what he was hearing from the person who complained the most and loudest. Now she was changing her tune. Puzzled, he glanced at Rudi.
"Hey, this is almost the first I've heard of it, too." Rudi shrugged. "She's got some problems with this flying business. But, you should know, I'm staying with my honey. We're together through thick and thin, always have been. So if they send a chopper for us tough cookies. I'll re-main with my lady, here." He hugged Yolanda and kissed her cheek.
Yolanda made some soft remarks in response to Rudi's outspoken support and patted his face.
Brit was amazed. As if Yolanda's bombshell about refusing to fly out weren't enough, there was this sudden display of affection between the two who had kept a running banter the whole trip. Then she realized that they were all looking at her. She was completely surprised by Yolanda's turn around. Although she and Jake had joked about getting rid of the Romeros, they both knew it was a fantasy. She had come with them and it was only logical to expect that they would leave together. But she hadn't even considered hiking out. And with Jake?
"Well, I . . . don’t know what to say."
Jake shifted uncomfortably and addressed the three of them. "Now, look. It's entirely possible that Frank could reach the rim within the next few days. Then the authorities will know exactly where to find you. I'm sure they will send a rescue chopper down."
Brit felt torn. What was she to do? Leave Jake just when they'd become lovers? She couldn't imagine it. Nor could she imagine flying out when Yolanda and Rudi had refused.
"Well, if they're staying, so am I, of course." Brit's confidence in the idea grew as she spoke. "Hiking out sounds . . . interesting and . . . fun. That is, if Jake doesn't mind."
"All right! We're together on this!" Yolanda seemed happy, strangely happy.
"Hey, wait!" Jake paced in front of them. "This is not an easy decision. First of all, I have more work to do. I'm not ready to leave yet."
"We know, Jake," Yolanda said sweetly. "We'll wait with you. We’ll help you."
"Oh, great. Secondly, hiking out of here is a hard two day journey. From what I've seen, none of you is up to that."
"We’ll work on getting in shape," Rudi promised, self-consciously patting his belly.
"Um-hum. That'll be interesting." Jake shook his head and walked around with his hands jammed into his back pockets, into trying to assimilate the new plan. He couldn't believe what they were saying. This was the first time the three of them had agreed on anything. And they wanted to stay with him! It was absolutely crazy. "Mind if I ask why?"
"Oh, she's had these silly dreams—" Rudi began.
"Silly? Are not!" Yolanda protested stoutly. "I'll tell you about them. They're really weird and have me spooked. Ever since we've been here, I've had nightmares. Mostly, they're about crashing. Maybe it's because of what happened to us, but to me, it's a warning. I'm not taking any more chances. I'm keeping my feet on the ground. I'll never get in another helicopter or plane again. You even said, Jake, that the tourist planes were taking their chances with the air currents."
"Yes, but I didn't mean . . ." Jake gazed around the group. He could tell, by their expressions, that they were in compliance with Yolanda. And they were staying.
He realized that if he did not get some organization and cooperation, they would occupy all of his time. This new plan of theirs could ruin his work. Neither his time nor his camp would be his own. He absolutely could not tolerate that. Hands on hips, he began his tactic, as diplomatically as possible.
"Okay. If this is what you want to do, I'll agree. I really have no choice, do I? But we must get some things straight. I have one goal: finish my project. I'm here to work. That's it. You have two goals." He glared at each of them. "Everybody has to chip in with the work necessary around this camp. This is a wilderness area and we are expected to leave it exactly as we entered it. That requires a great deal of effort. Next, I want you, all of you, in better shape in order to walk out of here."
The three of them stood before him, gazing up admiringly like obedient puppies. He knew that they weren't obedient at all, but for now, it seemed that they were willing.
"We'll help you. We're game to do anything you need, Jake. We'll get organized. Just tell us what you want." Brit knew by his determined expression that he was about to lay down the law. And she was curious as to how he would handle his unruly cohorts.
"The main thing I want from you is harmony and accord in this camp. In fact, I demand it. I'm tired of breaking up arguments and fights. That has to stop." He glared at Rudi, then the other two. "I encourage you to enjoy this place. It's beautiful and you have a rare opportunity to be here. But please don't do anything stupid and risk your life." He gave Yolanda a quick nod. “This is a dangerous area. Respect it."
"You've got that right. I'm staying away from danger and water," Yolanda vowed with her right hand high in the air.
"Wild animals and wild water,” Jake said. “And it would be nice to have some camp organization. There are four people here, and we need somebody to cook and clean and be in charge for the day. It isn't too much to ask. You'll still have plenty of time to do your own thing. Like exercise to improve your physical condition."
"You're absolutely right," Rudi agreed. "We should all contribute. And we'll start getting in shape first thing in the morning."
Jake could see a spark of enthusiasm click into the group. "Great. I knew you'd come through if you wanted to stay. Look, I figure I have another few days' work on Casa Patio, the cliff dwelling that Brit and I explored today. She has agreed to help document the artifacts. There are two other ruins that I've been working on, and I need to make sure they're completely documented. Maybe, if we all pitch in together, we can head out of here in a week or so. Agreed?"
"Yes!" they chorused, like first graders on a field trip.
"First thing is cooking. What's for supper tonight?" He knew the answer. He just wanted to make a point.
Everyone looked at each other
and shrugged. They had been waiting for Jake to decide.
"What's available?" Brit asked him.
"It's in the supplies. With this many people to feed, we need to plan meals and maybe ration some food." Jake gestured toward the tent. "He's only dropping enough food for one, remember. That may mean lots of peanut butter and crackers."
"Uggh!" Yolanda said with a groan.
"We grew up on peanut butter," Rudi claimed. "We can live on it for a week."
"This sounds like more material for a comedy routine," Yolanda quipped.
"You write comedy, and I'll get us organized," Rudi volunteered. "I'll inventory the supplies. Then we can schedule meals and divide everything up."
"Good idea, honey," Yolanda cooed, clasping his hand. "That's an excellent job for you." She nodded at the others. "Rudi takes care of everything for me, from booking to hiring. He's really good with figures, too."
"What about you, babe? What's a good job for you? Besides the usual funny stuff."
Brit stepped forward. "I may not be a gourmet, but I can cook. Opening cans is my specialty."
"I guess I'm stuck with cleanup detail." Yolanda propped her fists on her hips and glared at the jovial group. "That's just great. My favorite chore."
Rudi patted her back. "Hey, that's something useful you can do, sweetcakes."
Jake could see trouble with that assignment. "Actually, cleanup is a chore that we should alternate."
"You can help me with cooking," Brit suggested. "You can choose opening cans or stirring the skillet."
Yolanda brightened. "Now that all my fingernails are broken, I don't mind opening a few cans."
"You folks are adapting nicely to camp life," Jake said. "Just to get some basic chores handled will help me get my work done faster."
"Jake, honey," Yolanda murmured warmly. "We're going to make you so proud of us, you might want to bring us back on your next expedition."
"Hum, well see," he answered diplomatically. He was, after all, stuck with them. He, as well as they, needed to make the best of it.
"I've heard that before," Yolanda said. "It means, 'Don't call me, I'll call you, maybe never.' "
Her comment drew a laugh from everyone and seemed to pull them together with some degree of goodwill. Jake was impressed with the new attitudes exhibited. "This could work, folks. Sounds like you're willing to do what's necessary. Now, what's for supper tonight? I'm starved."
"Bring us a few choice cans, Rudi," Yolanda instructed. "We'll whip up meal in a skillet in no time. Tomorrow I'll have dinner ready when Jake gets back in camp."
"Right on." Rudi started toward the tent.
"Tomorrow . . . what . . . what is tomorrow?" Brit asked with a sudden interest.
"Why? Do you have an appointment?" Yolanda drawled. "Somebody check the schedule. I think I missed an appointment or ten."
"The date?" Brit looked around the group, ending with Jake.
He shrugged. "I have no idea. But I have a calendar in the tent. I'll check." He and Rudi disappeared into the large tent and in a few minutes, he called, "Tomorrow's the fourteenth, Brit."
"Oh."
"So what are you missing?" Yolanda asked.
"Nothing much. It's just my birthday," Brit muttered with a wry smile. "I certainly never dreamed I'd be spending it down here." She and Michael had planned an evening out on the town in Hollywood. But that was before . . . the crash, before . . . Jake, before . . . her whole world changed.
"Tomorrow's your birthday?" Yolanda put her arm around Brit's shoulders. "That's great! This'll be one to remember."
"It sure will."
"We'll do something special. Have a party, maybe. What a rarity! It isn't every year that you spend this occasion in the Grand Canyon. Thank God!"
"Yeah, right."
"I mean it. We'll have a celebration." Yolanda clapped her hands like a kid as the idea gained momentum. "A Grand Canyon fiesta! It'll be great. You just wait and see."
"Yolanda, it's nice of you to suggest it, but down here, everything's so limited. All the food's in cans. Why, we're even wearing Jake's clothes."
"So? That just makes us equal. We women have been after that for a long time, and down here, we made it! We'll have to be creative for our gifts, though."
"Don't go to any trouble," Brit said with a laugh.
"How can we? There's no place to go?" Yolanda rubbed her hands together. "Oh, how I love to give parties!"
The two women started opening the cans that Rudi brought out for supper. "Canned potatoes!" Brit exclaimed. "I didn't even know they made such things."
"I guess they can most anything." Yolanda drew closer to Brit as they worked. "I read part of your great-grandmother's book today. The one you left for me? Well, I'll tell you, I was really surprised. It's quite compelling. No, it's better than that. It's beautiful. A beautiful story and life. Bonnie had a great deal of insight, didn't she?"
Brit gazed at Yolanda strangely. Was this the woman who hated everything? "Yes she did. Glad you liked it."
"It's going to make a great movie, too. I wish I'd invested in it!"
"They started production this week," Brit said wistfully. She could be working on the movie right now. Should be. But she would not take anything for this experience, for this feeling of abandon and exhilaration that she felt. And she would never regret these joyous days and nights with Jake.
"Hey, guys! Guess what!" Yolanda yelled excitedly to get the men's attention. "Tomorrow's Brit's birthday!"
The next day, their new plans began to take shape. Brit was surprised to see that Yolanda didn't sleep until noon. She and Rudi were awake before Jake had finished shaving. They worked together making breakfast, while Brit and Jake packed for the day's excursion. Yolanda even helped Brit fix a small lunch, all the time wearing a silly grin and humming. She even cornered Jake for a whispered conference while Brit was finishing her coffee.
"It isn't personal," she assured Brit with a mysterious smile. "Just about the, um, uh, later."
"If it's about me, it's personal." Brit pretended to be offended until Jake returned and gave her a quick kiss on the. cheek.
"It's none of your business," he murmured. "Besides we all have work to do today. That's what it's about."
Brit helped Jake load the day's supplies into his backpack. This time, she would take along his laptop computer. "I spent many years being a secretary. I can type almost as fast as you can talk. We'll cut the note-taking step."
"Great idea," Jake said, delighted at the concept. "Nice to have my own personal assistant." He helped her shoulder the computer carrier strap.
"I prefer the title Special Assistant," she said.
"How about Very Special Assistant?" He hooked the rope loop to his belt, slipped the backpack on, and led the way down the path toward the cliff dwelling.
"Tell me what Yolanda is up to," she demanded when they were out of earshot of the camp.
He turned and gave her an innocent, wide-eyed look. "And risk Yolanda's wrath? Not on your life!"
"Jake!" Brit grabbed for him, but he moved ahead quickly, barely out of her reach. She had to step lively to keep up with him.
Casa Patio Ruin became an escape from the camp as well as the real world. Just getting there moved them back in time, both mentally and physically. This time, Brit was not the least bit intimidated by the sheer wall leading up to the cliff dwelling with the tiny ancient steps carved in its side. She watched as Jake negotiated the climb. His sinewy leg muscles flexed against his jeans as he skillfully heaved his body up, up, upward to the rock ledge. The lariat to haul up their equipment hung from his belt and flopped against his thigh. When he reached the top, he threw one end of it down to her.
"Attach the hook to the backpack."
She watched as he carefully pulled the loaded backpack to the ledge, then the computer. Now it was Brit's turn to climb. Before she could mount the first step, Jake tossed the rope down again.
She looked up, puzzled.
"Put it around your waist."
"I don't need it. I can climb okay."
"Just to be safe."
"Jake, I did this yesterday without any assistance."
"But it was risky. Do it for me."
Brit sighed and clipped the line around her waist. Then she began the climb, stepping care-fully, determined not to make a mistake. She grinned triumphantly as she neared the top. But suddenly, just as she was taking the last step and was reaching for Jake's hand, she slipped. Her foot missed the carved notch and scraped the wall, throwing her whole body off balance. Bouncing hard against the sheer rock, she scrambled and clawed for a hand or foothold in stone that seemed suddenly as smooth as wet tiles.
Abruptly, the rope cinched her waist, jerking short her descent. Jake grunted with exertion as he held tightly and tugged until she found a foothold. Then, hand over hand, he hauled her to the top. Gasping for breath, she clutched him, burying her face in the sanctuary of his chest.
His arms encircled her, drawing her tight against him. "Oh God, Brit! Are you all right?" he kept repeating.
"Yes," she said, her voice muffled against him. She tried to gather her wits and stay calm, but the realization that she could have plunged twenty feet down a rocky cliff left her quaking.
"I'm okay. Just, a little shaky in the knees. Thank God you were here, Jake."
"Thank God you used the lifeline."
They stood there for a long time, arms wrapped around each other, clinging to their own private security. Finally, she lifted her head and, still leaning against him, murmured, "Thanks, Jake. You always seem to be there when one of us needs you."
"What an ugly birthday this could have been. A fall like that would have netted you a broken leg, at least. I'm still weak-kneed."
"You? That's hard to imagine." She managed a little laugh.
"Imagine me scared through and through." His dark eyes were serious. "I'm quivering inside like jelly." His hands stroked her hair as she nestled against him. "The thought of you getting hurt tears me up inside."
"Thank goodness you made me use that noose around my waist. It saved me. Everything happened so fast, I don't even know what I did wrong. One minute I was okay, and next, I was dangling."
A Rare Breed Page 13
