Wilderness Liaison

by Anne Ashby

  She took a deep breath. “There’s just one last thing.” She paused until she had all their full attention. “I am in charge.” She stared hard into the frosty eyes directly in front of her, before sweeping the group. “In the city you know what’s what—at work you have employers to concede to. Here you have me. I have to be certain if I tell you to do something, you’ll do it without question. I don’t want anyone checking with anyone else before obeying an order. Is that clear?”

  There was a deathly silence as all eyes turned to Shal. He watched her with icy scorn.

  “Mr. Gregory? Can I be assured you will not question my authority?”

  He shrugged. “If your requests are reasonable, I see no reason why I’d need to.”

  Jodie kept a tight rein on her temper despite the goading in the grey eyes. “How much tramping experience have you had, Mr. Gregory?” Her voice dripped syrup.

  She felt a small thrill of satisfaction seeing his slight squirm. “I mucked around in the Waitakeres a little as a boy.”

  “Hmm. I’ve been tramping these mountains for twenty years.” She waited along with everyone else in the room for his reply, not moving.

  It came as a nonchalant shrug.

  “So I am being assured you will all follow my instructions?” Jodie knew she was putting him on a spot in front of his employees, but didn’t care. The party’s safety was more important than this man’s ego.

  “Yes.” The clipped answer reflected the coldness in his eyes.

  “Good.” She turned aside, knowing this was not a man who’d accept her rules easily. Schooling herself to ignore the shiver that ran all the way down to her toes, she continued with the briefing, carefully avoiding his eyes.

  The meeting broke up amid a mixture of laughter and groans as Doug reminded them breakfast was at six.

  Strong steel fingers gripped Jodie’s arm as she turned to leave the room. “Just a moment.” Aware of furtive glances as the others scampered out the door, Jodie swung around to face the chilly, warning glare. “Be careful, girlie,” Shal whispered harshly. “I won’t be made a fool of.”

  Girlie! Her head throbbed at the audacity of the man. No one had ever dared utter such a sexist tag to her before.

  Taking a deep breath, she acknowledged it was the sort of comment she’d expect from such a brain-dead idiot. She felt heat rising and almost choking her.

  “Take your hand off me,” she warned, enunciating her words. She met his eyes head-on, her backward step allowed her neck to ease its sharp tilt. She hated having to look up at anyone, especially someone so obnoxious.

  “I suggest you do some serious thinking, Mr. Gregory. My parents are relying on me. Your petty-mindedness isn’t going to subvert that.”

  His eyes flashed at her obvious disdain.

  “I think it’d be better if you’re taken ill tomorrow,” she said with heavy irony. “Then you can avoid having to accept a woman’s authority.

  “That’s the problem, isn’t it? Big husky male, king of all he surveys. Blah. Muscles and money don’t give you control over me.”

  Determined to have the last word she stalked from the room. Her eyes shot toward her parents’ lounge as the crash of the door slamming behind her reverberated through the quiet night. They would be horrified if they realised a situation had developed between their chief guide and their bigwig client.

  Instead of joining her family, Jodie stormed into the darkness, heading for a row of rimu trees and the childhood swing hanging from one of their branches. The old ropes creaked as she sank onto the smoothed wooden seat, her anger intensified as her hands kept shaking. Sucking in deep breaths only increased the burning in her throat.

  How dare he think he can manhandle me? Men like Shal Gregory are past their use-by date. How am I going to survive four days with him?

  For her parents’ sake she had to endure his company, but she’d make damned sure she was the one still standing at the end of this tramp.

  Chapter Two

  What little enjoyment Jodie had envisaged gaining from the tramp disappeared when she saw Shal Gregory calmly eating his huge, cooked breakfast the next morning. An angry hiss escaped her lips as he looked up with a twist of his mouth that set her teeth on edge. Why couldn’t he have taken her advice? She turned her back, smiling “good morning” to the others, not caring how he interpreted her rudeness.

  It hadn’t taken much soul searching last night to realise she could never let her parents down, no matter what the provocation might be. They needed her. Although Rick might be an experienced bushman he had no experience dealing with group dynamics.

  The timing of her father’s accident sucked. Her mother couldn’t take his place because she was due in Wellington to care for her own elderly mother. Mum’s sister and brother-in-law had already booked a well-deserved holiday.

  Jodie ground her teeth. With seven other people on the tramp, she could minimise her dealings with him. As Rick would be her safety number during the tramp he could be Shal’s point of contact. That should keep Shal away from her.

  Breakfast tasted like sawdust. She avoided the dark eyes of her adversary by paying close attention to the others. She answered questions being thrown at her, but the hair on the back of her neck stood ramrod straight the whole time.

  Doug’s final briefing with Jodie contained a weather warning. Tracking an approaching front on computer since early morning to gauge its intensity, Doug’s consultation with the local metrological service confirmed it was slow-moving and expected to pass to the north of them.

  Damn, Jodie cursed under her breath. She almost wished it had been so bad they’d have to cancel the tramp. While rain was likely, it shouldn’t affect their safety. Getting a bit wet wouldn’t matter. After all, this was a team-building exercise, not a stroll in the park.

  Soon they were driving across lush fields to where a walking track could be seen disappearing into the bush. Spirits were high as the course members scrambled from the vehicle. “All set?” Jodie forced a smile at the assembled group. “Anyone want to turn back yet?” she joked. Her eyes slid to Shal as she crossed her fingers behind her back.

  Unfortunately, he was the first to bend down and grab a pack from the jumbled pile resting against the van, flinging it across his broad shoulder and onto his back, like a pro. “I’m ready when you are!” he challenged, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of combat.

  A wave of apprehension washed over her before she lifted her chin and stared him down. At least I know it’s not going to be a boring trip.

  “Okay, honey?” Doug held her pack while she slipped her arms through the straps.

  “Yes, Dad, thanks.”

  “We do appreciate you giving up your holiday to help us.”

  Leaning over, she gave him a fierce hug. “What better way to holiday than strolling in the bush?”

  Doug chuckled. “Take care, won’t you?” He looked over the group. “They seem a good bunch. I think they’ll cope all right.”

  “Aren’t their outfits just darling?” Her mother’s droll comment drew a smile from Jodie.

  “Exactly what all up-and-coming yuppies should wear.”

  “You never know who one might meet.” At Rick’s mocking murmur the family shared a smile.

  While the obviously brand-new designer-labelled clothes did fit those suggested in the course brochure, they were far removed from her and Rick’s old cotton tee shirts and shorts. They probably cost more than she and her brother earned in a month.

  Jodie smiled. Even if the rain held off, the swampy parts of the trek would ruin the clothing beyond any cleaning, not to mention the likelihood of it being ripped by jagged branches. Jodie’s real concern was their new boots. She just hoped they’d been broken in enough not to cause problems.

  “How true,” she responded to Rick’s jibe. “We must keep up appearances, mustn’t we, Jeeves?”

  “At least until we get to Murphy’s Bog.” Rick winked.

  “Okay, you two...” Doug
interrupted their quiet laughter, a concerned glance sliding across to his milling clients. “It’s time you were on your way.”

  Jodie stayed by her parents’ side as Rick organised the group. He would lead with Jenny, who’d revealed an allergy to bee stings. Kelly would be right behind him, as she was expected to be the slowest member. The rest were arranged in a more-or-less random fashion. Jodie would trail the group.

  “Jodie, one last thing...” Doug coughed as she made to march off. “Take it easy on Shal Gregory.”

  Jodie’s head jerked around, but her father avoided looking directly at her. Instead, he studied his feet as they shuffled awkwardly on the dusty road.

  “Okay Dad and Mum. What gives? I know something’s up.” They’d skilfully avoided all her attempts to rout out whatever was bothering them. Her voice hardened. “Has he got some hold over you or something?”

  The air whooshed out of her lungs at Doug’s embarrassed bark of laughter. “Nothing like that, honey. But Gregory’s Financial Services is a big and very influential firm. We’re hoping one of the family coming personally to evaluate our programme will be beneficial. If he gives good reports of this course, it could mean more business for us.” There was a furtive glance between her parents.

  “Are you in money trouble?” she demanded, her mind whirling. This business had always been very profitable. If they’re going through a slump, she could tide them over. Her savings account was healthy, or she could refinance her shrinking mortgage if necessary. They didn’t need Shal Gregory.

  “Things are just a little tight with the high dollar,” Doug mumbled. “And with Rick off to Otago University this year”—he shrugged—“we’ll have to employ more help.”

  “But the overseas tourists...?” Their cabin bookings were full all through summer. She’d checked.

  “Our courses seem to have lost favour for some reason. Bookings have been slack this last year.” Doug scratched his chin. “It wouldn’t do us any harm if Shal goes back to Auckland singing the praises of our team-building course.”

  “What guarantee do you have he’d even bother?” Her eyes settled on the man in question as he strode powerfully toward the others along the track. She was unaware her expression was easy to read. “He doesn’t strike me as the benevolent type.” She studied her parents’ worried faces. “I have savings, I can help—”

  “Help by holding your tongue, Jodie,” her mother begged. “Please. It’s only for four days.”

  Jodie should have known her mother would pick up her negative vibes.

  “We didn’t mean to worry you, honey.” Doug sneaked his hand under her pack and gave her shoulders a hug. “We’re fine, we make a living off the cabins. The courses have always been the icing on the cake. I don’t know how many more years we’ll be fit to conduct these physical programmes.” He tapped his plastered leg. “This reminded us we’re not getting any younger. A little bit of promotion during Ricky’s uni years wouldn’t do us any harm.”

  Why couldn’t Rick have chosen a course at Auckland University, sparing our parents the added cost of his accommodation in Dunedin? He could have lived with me. She shoved the thoughts away. Her parents had ensured she’d gotten to follow her dream. Rick deserved no less.

  “Okay, I’ll do my best. But I have to warn you, he doesn’t impress me one iota. He’s a chauvinistic prig.” Their distress registered. “Okay, okay,” she ground out. “I said I would. I’ll treat him as if he’s made of Dresden china.”

  “I doubt you’ll get away with that. Just don’t hassle him. See he enjoys the experience. For us.”

  They shared a final hug and Jodie set off.

  “I’ll call in at seven each night.” She reconfirmed their communications arrangements over her shoulder. “Any problems, I’ll catch one of the regular schedules on Mountain Radio and pass a message through them. See you Friday.”

  She turned and waved again a few metres further on. Forcing a bright smile, she was glad when she could let it slide off her face as the track disappeared into the trees.

  “Be nice to him,” she mimicked under her breath. Take it easy on Shal. I know what I’d like to do to him. Her thoughts weren’t compatible with her role as leader and caretaker of this group. She kicked at a rotting stump sending a small cloud of yellow dust into the air.

  Four days!

  Can I hold my tongue for four days? She stiffened her back, adjusting the weight of her pack. Sure I can, she told herself sternly, as long as he keeps out of my way. Concentrate on the joy of being at one with nature and forget the arrogant townie.

  A few deep breaths and the sounds and smell of the bush she loved soon tuned out the voices ahead and calmed her raging thoughts. It was a perfect summer’s day, rays of sunlight sometimes pierced through the canopy of trees. Her boots crunching against the forest floor, the dead leaves and occasional twig breaking under her weight, echoed through the peacefulness.

  Jodie’s eyes flicked around, noticing changes since she’d last been on this track. Native trees she’d help plant years ago were still spindly, but straining her neck she could see their tops now stretched up toward the sky above the regenerating manuka and kanuka trees.

  More seedlings growing at varying stages in the thicket told Jodie her parents were continuing the effort to rejuvenate their forest to its glory—before the early settlers’ need for farmland had stripped many of the trees.

  Jodie’s heart swelled with pride and she pledged to continue that reforestation after her parents. Future generations deserved to see the beauty of New Zealand’s flora and fauna, and for that to happen, forests must be lovingly tended. Then a way to eliminate the rats, stoats and possums had to be found.

  The FRS radio on her belt squawked. Rick’s voice followed. “We’ve got a bloody great rimu fallen across the track. Do you want me to go via the stream or through the bush?”

  While pondering, Jodie realised she’d slipped further behind.

  “How dense is the undergrowth?”

  “Not so bad.” He chuckled. “It might cause a few worries about their fancy clothes, though.”

  She picked up her pace.

  She’d just decided to replant the rimu and tawa seedlings from the nursery before going back to Auckland next week. Until then, I’d better concentrate on the job in hand, getting this crowd safely to Piriri Point by Friday. “The bush. Thanks Rick. Let’s keep those new boots dry for now.”

  Their route would cover a mix of grades two and three tracks over every conceivable terrain, including water crossings. She only hoped those boots wouldn’t cause blisters once they got wet. The hike was designed as a four- or five-day tramp depending on the participants. As this was a team-building exercise, Jodie would push them to stretch their boundaries. They would take four days.

  “Okay, you asked for it. Don’t blame me if they start complaining.”

  She’d been relieved at the group’s early enthusiasm and the “let’s get on with it” attitude. She doubted a short struggle through some heavy undergrowth would dampen their spirits yet. That would probably come later. Depending on their abilities and continuing good mind-set, Jodie and Rick had a few little secondary tasks they might or might not invoke to extend the group’s training a little more.

  Half the first morning was spent on a flat, dry, grade one track. They followed a meandering stream, crossed a small bridge, and then veered away from the water.

  Georgia and Shal were just a little in front. Jodie couldn’t hear the never-ceasing conversation. She smirked as she watched Shal pointing out different things to the girl she now knew to be visiting from Canada. She wondered just how much he knew about the bush and its inhabitants. Probably nothing, she thought snidely as he and his girlfriend both ducked to avoid two little fantails that erupted from a bush and danced close to their heads.

  The group appeared to be in high spirits, she noted as she glanced beyond the couple to the others further in front. This easy start always lulled the uninitiated into
a false sense of achievement before the gradient began to lift. Soon she would have an indication of each team member’s ability and their attitude toward tomorrow’s much more difficult trek, climbing over a thousand metres to the MacLaren Hut in the national park.

  “Something amusing you?” Deep in thought about the next day, Jodie hadn’t realised Shal was dropping back until he spoke.

  A sharp reply clamoured, but remembering her parents’ request, she bit her tongue, and smiled saccharin sweet instead. Her face ached with the effort.

  She felt a small thrill at his surprised expression. Perhaps being polite to him mightn’t be so hard after all—especially if he doubts my sincerity.

  She remembered his question. “I’m just wondering how long the chattering will go on. They seem lively now, but they’ll start feeling the gradient increase in the next few hundred metres.” She noticed he was striding effortlessly. “Who do you think will make the hardest work of it?”

  “You’re asking me?”

  She shrugged. “They’re your people. You work with them.

  “Doesn’t matter though, we’ll find out in good time.” Giving Shal no second chance to respond, she increased her pace, but he stayed alongside her, matching step for step. Ignoring him, she checked on Tony and Georgia.

  “How are you two going? Enjoying yourselves?” she teased. A huge rimu narrowed the track to single file and she scuttled past them without Shal’s niggling presence beside her. Catching up with the others, she paused for a quick encouraging word before moving on until she was walking with Rick.

  “Everyone seems comfortable. Let’s keep going until the turnoff to Woodcock Saddle. We’ll take our first rest there.”

  Jodie began to drop back, again talking to each party member for a few minutes before letting him or her go on ahead. Soon she was back walking next to Shal, trying to think of a way to encourage him to advance with the group. She didn’t want his company. He annoys me, she told herself sternly, even as a trickle of awareness ran through her.

  “What nasty surprise have you got in store for us?”