Wilderness Liaison

by Anne Ashby

  “Surprise?” Mindful of her parents’ request Jodie forced a throaty laugh. “Now what makes you think I’d do anything untoward?”

  “I’ve been watching you.” The grey eyes bored into hers. “You’re just waiting for us to muck it up, aren’t you? That’ll really delight you.”

  She hoped her expression remained light and friendly even as her hackles rose. “I don’t know where you get that idea from,” she quipped.

  “Your attitude. You don’t think much of us, it would seem.”

  “What’s to think?” she challenged.

  Shal’s frown deepened. “You’re thinking we’re a bunch of townies who reckon we know it all.”

  Her time living in the city had reinforced her poor opinion of city dwellers. Priorities there were money and material possessions. Not like out here, she looked around with a satisfied smile, where you could almost feel nature at work.

  Surprised at his intuitiveness, she offered, “Don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong.” She paused, but he made no response.

  She changed her attack and made it more personal. “Do you oppose all women in authority, or just those who directly affect you?” Did he think the previous Prime Minister had ruined the country during her tenure because she was a woman?

  When his only response was a dark scowl in her direction she continued, “Dad must have explained the situation with his broken leg and Mum having to head south. Why is it such a big deal that I’m leading the tramp?”

  “We were expecting a man to lead—”

  “Why on earth would you have expected that?”

  “The way your family talked—”

  A chill settled over Jodie. “Why?” she demanded. “What did they say?”

  She hated the haughty look down his nose. “The group assumed ‘Jodie’ was a male.” His eyes ran up and down her body. “You don’t quite fit the picture they painted of you.”

  Chewing her lip as she worried what her family might have shared with this man, she snapped, “Whatever they said, the sad fact remains, I have the qualifications to lead this tramp and you don’t.

  “I’m sure you have many sterling attributes you employ in your business every day—and they may be useful here, too—but others you’d do well to forget.” She hoped her smarmy tone would convey her doubt he had any such sterling qualities.

  A twinge of guilt niggled as her gaze flew around the thickening bush. She didn’t realise her expression had changed, softened.

  He hasn’t actually done anything today to warrant attacking his character, except be here. Recognising that, and remembering her parents’ plea she tried to backtrack. “Out here there are different rules. Ignore them and you’re risking your life, and the lives of whomever you’re with.

  “I’m sorry if you’re having difficulty accepting my role, but you won’t be undermining me—no matter how many points you think you need to score against me.”

  With quiet dignity she decreased her pace, forcing him to precede her, as the width of the track again required them to walk in single file.

  She kicked herself for falling into the trap of responding in such a negative manner. Now I’ll have to apologise if I’m to keep my word. She swore under her breath. She had no desire to “take it easy” on him.

  She was outnumbered by men in her department, but nowhere had she encountered such arrogance as Shal Gregory displayed. After just a few minutes’ conversation over the last two days, he’d managed to get right under her skin.

  Still muttering under her breath, as they climbed the first short, steep ascent, Jodie found her eyes level with his butt. A nice butt it is too. The shocking thought jumped into her mind before she could stop it. What the hell...?

  She slowed, determined not to be in such a position again. He could go ahead and she would catch up in a moment. She stopped to needlessly readjust one of the straps on her pack.

  She couldn’t deny noticing Shal’s body. Only because I need to ascertain each member’s fitness level, she justified. He probably works out in a high-priced gym most days. He definitely does something to tone all those muscles.

  ****

  “Hey, come on, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

  By the time Jodie arrived at the small clearing, the group had struggled their packs off and apparently exhausted, fallen to the ground.

  “No, actually it was okay.” Surprisingly it was Kelly who answered her.

  “Now just tell us the rest of the hike is going to be the same,” Georgia demanded in a wishful voice.

  Jodie grinned as she sat down and leaned against her pack. She couldn’t make up her mind about Georgia, she seemed likeable and friendly. Despite her fashion doll appearance, she’d arrived at breakfast this morning without make up, a major point in her favour in Jodie’s eyes. Appearance-conscious women had spoiled more than one of Jodie’s tramps in the past.

  Her taste in men caused Jodie to wonder at Georgia’s intelligence level though. A quick glance revealed her sitting beside Shal, a little separated from the others, denoting them as a unit within the team.

  “Notice she didn’t answer that, guys?” Tony moaned. “Do we take it we’re having a rest here because it’s going to be hell from now on?”

  Tony’s comment forced Jodie’s mind away from Georgia and Shal. “Something like that.”

  Jodie tipped a small amount of mixed nuts, chocolate, and dried fruits into her hand and began nibbling at it, seeing the others reaching for their packs of scroggin as well.

  “For the next couple of hours it’ll be like a walk in the park,” she teased. She glared daggers across at Rick, who made no attempt to cover his spluttering laughter.

  “Actually, we’re going to take a bit of a stroll up there.” She indicated a narrower track off to the side. “The good news is you can leave your packs here. We’ll be doing a bit of orienteering, so you’ll need your maps and compasses...and your jackets.”

  “But it’s so hot.”

  “It’s hot down here—”

  “You know what that means, don’t you?” Jenny interrupted. “We’re going to be making like mountain goats.”

  Jodie smiled at their high spirits, hoping they’d still be this buoyant on Friday.

  She lay back against her pack, her face to the sky, and enjoyed the heat of the sun and the smell of the bush. The murmur of voices became less distinct as she focused on the sound of the chirping cicadas and allowed herself to drift off into peaceful isolation.

  ****

  Ignoring Georgia’s chatter, Shal’s eyes rested on the girl who’d had no difficulty convincing his team she was in control. She does seem decisive—he had to admit—as if used to issuing orders and having them obeyed. Knowing she’d taken leave from her job to help her parents, he found himself wondering what occupation gave her such ease with authority. She must deal with people; she instantly recognised my reluctance to be here.

  Shal gave a frustrated sigh as he looked around. Because of his father he was stuck in this damned bush until Friday. So much had changed since Peter Gregory’s heart attack three months ago. Concerned about his father’s stress levels, and the risk of another attack, Shal tried not to argue with him. But lately, these decisions he was making...

  Why was the old man so insistent I come? It’s not as if I need the stupid training course. Now Mazin would have benefited from this. It might have taught the lazy playboy some sense of responsibility.

  Shal forced his tense fists to relax, and tried sucking some deep breaths into his lungs. He refocused his thoughts on Jodie Mathieson.

  Watching her sleep might be an invasion of her privacy, but he couldn’t pull his eyes away. Most of her hair was restrained in a band behind her head, but bits still curled around her face softening the determination he’d witnessed.

  His pulse quickened as the tip of her tongue sneaked out of her mouth to flick across her full, rounded lips. Realizing she wasn’t asleep, his eyes darted away only to return a second later to
roam slowly over her reposed body. Already aware she had strength and stamina at odds with the slenderness of her body, Shal felt a further stirring of interest as his eyes rested on the swell of her breasts under the stretched tee-shirt.

  Shifting restlessly, annoyed where his thoughts were heading, he glanced at his watch, wishing they could get moving again. We’re not that tired, we don’t need a prolonged break yet. Perhaps she’s tired, and not as fit as she appears. He considered suggesting to Rick they continue, but he didn’t seem to be in any hurry, either, so Shal forced himself to relax.

  He was ready to step in when she made an inappropriate call, but allowing them an extended rest wasn’t hurting anyone. He’d let these “country folk” run the show for now.

  His eyes flicked back to Jodie. He wondered what was sticking in her craw about “townies.” Probably a sour love affair, he decided callously. With an attitude like hers, and that chip on her shoulder, he wasn’t surprised she wore no rings. But then again maybe she didn’t like jewellery. He noted she wore no watch, or earrings either.

  Exactly fifteen minutes after they’d sat down, Jodie stood up. After unclipping a small bag from her pack and checking its contents, she flicked it onto her back.

  “Time to go, folks, if we want to be back for lunch.”

  She and her brother had some sort of system organised, for without any word she now took the point, while he stayed to the rear. Shal wondered if it was an attempt on her part to avoid him, but then scoffed at the idea. She didn’t appear to consider him worthy of much thought. Climbing over a large fallen tree stump he grimaced. A large portion of his time was now involved with figuring her out.

  With a superior smirk at her orienteering advice when they paused about thirty minutes into the walk, Shal had no hesitation in accepting her challenge. Despite not having paid any attention, he felt a perverse sense of pleasure. It was time to show her that this townie knew a thing or two.

  Chapter Three

  After minutes of examining the map, trying to match up the landmarks while his compass was of little help, Shal finally had to admit defeat. A hot flush of humiliation flooding his face turned to anger as he waited for Jodie’s condescending response. He almost had the breath knocked out of him when she smiled encouragement instead.

  “That was a difficult scenario, I’ll admit,” she said to the group. “Most of these maps don’t have quite enough topographic detail to be absolutely sure. It’s essential to keep a very close eye on your surroundings, your map, and your compass. When you’re in dense bush like this and you have no visual landmarks your compass is vitally important.”

  She paused making sure each one was paying attention. “Don’t ever decide your compass has thrown a wobbly. I assure you, it has a much better sense of direction than you have.”

  Amid good-natured bantering, the party continued their climb, pausing occasionally to catch their breaths.

  Surprised that Jodie had not taken the opportunity to embarrass him further, Shal’s humiliation drained away. He paid closer attention to her comments as she covered much of the ground twice, moving up and down the group, lending a helping hand up some of the steeper pieces, or just an encouraging word. She wasn’t going to catch him out a second time.

  When they struggled over the top of the Saddle, puffed and sweating profusely, Shal drew a sharp breath. Jodie was right; the spectacular view had been well worth the climb.

  He stood well back from the edge as the others clamoured to look across the gorge to the mountains beyond. Turning into the breeze that tugged at his shirt, Shal pulled its tail from his shorts and wiped his sweaty face.

  “Are any of you interested in the plant life?”

  Shal noticed the disappointment Jodie quickly hid as the party confirmed a total lack of curiosity. A glimpse at the sheer drop below them set Shal’s heart pounding, and grabbing at any reason to scramble further away. He was soon poking about in some swampy ground, feigning interest. “There does seem quite a variety here.”

  She had to believe his interest. The alternative, her guessing his weakness, was unthinkable.

  Jodie shot him a surprised look before joining him to point out sundews, bladderworts, sedges, even finding some bog daisies to show him. He continued looking for different plants while Rick conducted another compass lesson close to the saddle’s edge, using the now visible landmarks. Shal listened as Rick named the surrounding mountains. Keen as he was to avoid failing another test, he wasn’t going anywhere near the others—not with that sharp drop right beside them.

  A little later Rick pointed out a disconcerting visual of where their tramp would lead them after taking numerous photos to prove they’d been here.

  Jodie suggested making the way back to their gear, while stressing a need for even more care going down the rocky, gravelled track. “A simple injury like a turned ankle is a major problem in the bush.”

  Shal strode off with the group, but then paused as he realised Jodie and Rick had remained on the cliff top. Rick took a cell phone from Jodie’s backpack and was soon talking into it. Too far away to hear the conversation, Shal recognised concern, even from this distance.

  “Is something wrong?” he asked, as Jodie hurried to pass him.

  Her green eyes widened as they met his. “Wrong?” Her tight expression relaxed into a smile. “No, there’s nothing wrong.”

  Shal’s eyes flew to her brother’s face. His frown was still in place.

  “Let’s go down and get some lunch, shall we?”

  Despite Jodie’s assurance, Shal stiffened, unconvinced. Before he could demand they share their concern, sure-footed Jodie flashed past him to catch up with the others. His intention of quizzing Rick didn’t work as the boy blithely ignored his questions and began talking rugby instead.

  Jodie and Rick stayed a little separate from the group as they settled down to eat the bag lunches Lynette had prepared. Shal watched them covertly as he demolished his food. One thing he’s discovered about himself this week was an immense appetite.

  I wish I could hear what is being discussed over there. His eyes rested on the siblings. As he continued watching them through lunch, his irritation increased. I’ve been virtually running our business for the past five years. Not being part of any decision-making that involves me or my employees is unacceptable. In fact, it’s intolerable. Why shouldn’t I insist on their confidence?

  Pushing himself to his feet, he sank down beside Jodie, placing his back toward the group.

  “What’s going on?” he demanded in a low tone.

  “Nothing’s going on.” Jodie’s light reply contrasted with the flash of annoyance in her big green eyes.

  “Why is it I don’t believe you? I saw you phoning someone…your frowns. I’m not a complete idiot, you know.”

  Jodie glanced at Rick, who shrugged philosophically.

  “We’re just a little worried about the weather, and wanted to check the forecast. That’s all.”

  “And what have you learnt?” Shal persisted in his need to have access to every fact.

  “It looks like we might be getting a little wetter than we thought, but other than that there’s no concern. As long as we get to the MacLaren before it starts, there’ll be no worries.”

  “And if we don’t?”

  “Then we could be camping on the mountainside.” Jodie spoke disparagingly, but then paused as if having second thoughts about her abruptness. She looked up through the trees to the blue sky beyond.

  “We have three major waterways to cross, as well as numerous small creeks, any of which can turn into a raging torrent in wet weather.” The annoyed edge was now missing from her voice. “I’m not worried about it raining, more where it’s raining.”

  “And?”

  “Dad’s keeping a close eye on the front, and will stay in touch with the Met service. We’ll just stay in closer touch with him.” She smiled, an air of calm and self-confidence surrounded her.

  “You’re satisfied with
your father’s report?” Shal tried to keep any hint of censure out of his voice, knowing this was one problem he couldn’t control. His jaw tightened. He hated feeling inept, but he knew nothing about the weather or its variances.

  Jodie nodded firmly. “There’s no rain over the Alexander Range yet, they’re the furtherest ones Rick showed you up there. If the front keeps moving at the pace it is, there won’t be a problem until Thursday. We’ll be over the worst of the rivers by then.” She smiled across to where the others sat. “Do you think a little shower will dull their spirits?”

  Her jade eyes sparkled. Shal found himself mesmerised. His lips twitched in an answering smile. Unconsciously he was bowing to her edict. “I guess it’ll depend on how much water is involved in your little shower.”

  Jodie grinned. “Probably quite a bit, if I’m not mistaken.”

  As their eyes met for the first time in humorous accord, a strange and disturbing vision rushed through his mind. She was walking toward him, all in white. There was organ music playing... Shaking his head to dispel the image, he stared wordlessly across at her, stunned at the sudden pounding of his heart.

  Her eyes widened as her mouth curved in a tentative smile before fading behind a mask of uncertainty. His eyes fell to her lips and the tip of her tongue, flicking across them before they clamped tightly together.

  No one else seemed to notice her jerky movements as she leapt to her feet, purposely avoiding looking his way. Nor did anyone pay attention to him as he rose, fighting to control his swirling emotions.

  ****

  Jodie tried to forget the overwhelming surge of awareness of Shal as she led the group from under the tall, mature native forest into a stony creek bed. Jenny and Kelly chattered with her as they walked along its gravel base, helping to exclude Shal Gregory from her mind.

  “I thought we’d be climbing again.” Kelly looked at the steep sides of the mountains around them.

  “We will be soon enough.” Jodie pointed across to a saddle in the distance. “Tonight’s hut is on the other side of the Waiohine Saddle.”