Wilderness Liaison

by Anne Ashby

  “Make sure you ask her about crossing the Ohau Stream.”

  “Shut up, Ricky.” Jodie shot dagger looks at her brother. Her family had never let her forget the outcome of her disobeying their father during a family tramp when she was only twelve.

  “Let’s get something hot inside us, and then we’ll start rigging some shelter.”

  Jodie unzipped a pocket on her pack and drew out the radio. After a quick look around, she laid out the long aerial and began calling her parents.

  She watched Rick marshalling the group around his small gas cooker under the lean-to just as her mother answered. Jodie advised her of the state of the bridge and track so they could pass it on to the Park Headquarters. She calmed her parents’ initial concern and reassured them of everyone’s wellbeing. The weather report her father passed on had changed little.

  “My parents will advise those next-of-kin you nominated that you’re all safe and well”—she grinned as she returned the radio to her pack—“if a little wet.”

  Soon they were sipping steaming cups of soup while options for building shelter were being discussed. The two-man tents Rick and Jodie carried for emergencies weren’t enough for the whole group. They would need additional shelter.

  Planning and building a weatherproof bivouac out of anything they could find was an excellent team-building task and would also help fill the hours until dark.

  There were a couple of breaks in the rain during the afternoon. Each time they allowed their spirits to rise at the possibility of the worst might having passed, the heavens opened up again.

  Michael gradually assumed the lead in discussing and organising a structure. Even more surprisingly, Shal followed his suggestions. Jodie and Rick merely helped, offering little advice.

  Jodie tensed as someone brushed against her. Her body’s reaction told her who it was before he leaned over her shoulder to lash together two branches Jodie was holding. Dreading he’d guess how unnerving his closeness felt, she forced herself to stand still, although her brain clamoured for space.

  “He’s doing a good job, isn’t he?” Shal nodded toward where Michael was directing the work.

  Steadying the branches as he bound them together, the touch of his hand on hers sent an unpleasant shiver down to her toes. He was in her face. She had to get rid of him.

  “I’m surprised you’re—”

  “Apparently his father’s a builder.” Shal paused and looked deeply into her eyes. To her annoyance, she felt her cheeks grow hot. He had realised she was mocking him. “I majored in business,” he paused for effect, “and psychology.”

  Jodie’s mouth dried. Psychology? She snatched her fingers from under his, not caring if the branches dropped. Turning aside and leaving him holding what would be the framework for the bivouac she pretended to be needed elsewhere. He’d better not think he can psychoanalyse me.

  Jodie made sure she kept out of Shal Gregory’s way the rest of the afternoon. She was constantly aware of him, and his eyes following her. But whenever she turned to glare across at him, he appeared to be busy helping the others.

  Swallowing her annoyance at the one team member, Jodie was quick to voice approval for the others’ building efforts. By nightfall, they had a cosy, although cramped area where they could change into dry clothing before crawling into their sleeping bags.

  “I guess the ladies should take the tents.” Always gallant, Tony made the offer as nightfall approached.

  “I agree,” his boss concurred with a chuckle.

  Jodie tensed. Shal was close, too close. Then he leaned even closer to whisper near Jodie’s ear, “You’ll be joining the ladies, won’t you, Jodie?”

  Jodie’s head swung around, her eyes narrowing as they glared through the gloom at his arrogant face. “Oh, that’s right, I forgot. You don’t want to be treated like a lady.”

  Before she could formulate a suitably scathing response, Kelly asked, “Shall I put your sleeping bag in with mine, Jodie?”

  Turning away from his derisive grin without answering, Jodie flashed a grateful look at the other girl. Nodding, she crawled after Kelly toward their tent.

  What is it about this man? Why does he bring out the worst in me? I’m a calm and controlled person, not one who lashes out at someone I dislike. She threw herself over onto her other side, trying to find a comfortable sleeping position.

  Do I really want him seeing me like some virago? She almost groaned aloud. I don’t care how he sees me.

  While no one slept well, even the men wrapped up in their ground sheets in the bivvy had stayed reasonably dry.

  It was still raining next morning when they struggled from the communal bivouac to assess the day. Jodie gnawed her lip as she stood on the edge of the bluff, checking the river level.

  Glancing over her shoulder as Shal approached, she cursed under her breath at her body’s respond to his presence. Fingernails dented her palms as she refused to consider the possibility she was attracted to Shal. Attracted to a townie? Never...never again.

  Praying any conversation would remain impersonal, she tried to concentrate on their predicament and ignore the man. The river was definitely still rising.

  “Will it overflow these banks?”

  She shrugged. What am I, a fortune teller? Who can predict what the river might do?

  He looked around, assessing the safety of their shelter. Although he’s acknowledged my role as decision maker, old habits must die hard. He still needs to check for himself. Well, he won’t find anything to complain about.

  “Even if it does burst over, the lie of the land will keep the water away from us.”

  She nodded. “There’s little danger to us here.”

  “How long…” He scrubbed a hand across his wet face. “That’s a stupid question, I’m sorry. I can’t expect you to crystal ball gaze.”

  Another apology? Jodie felt her eyebrows shoot up. Maybe I’ll have to reassess my opinion of Shal Gregory. Not yet, though, a voice inside her head warned. This could just be an apparition caused by our unexpected situation.

  “What are you worrying about? You said yesterday we were relatively well off here.”

  Surprised at his intuitiveness Jodie hid her amazement. “We are. I’m not worried about us. I was wondering if anyone else is stuck out here—whether they are well-equipped and confident enough not to do anything stupid.”

  Keen to avoid too much one-on-one with him she edged back toward the shelter with Shal falling into step alongside her. “So many people go into the bush unprepared. You’d never believe how many times my folks are called out to search for missing or injured trampers.”

  She gritted her teeth, remembering a couple she’d been involved with herself. “Some people are so stupid.” She glared at him through the rain. “Or arrogant—you don’t just whistle for a taxi or cruise into a motel when the going gets tough.”

  “I realise that.” Shal’s face tightened. “You’ve already made that abundantly clear.”

  Jodie felt her cheeks heat as she remembered the many little snide remarks she’d let slip.

  “What is it with you and townies, anyway, Jodie? What have you got against us?” Her body stiffened and he felt an immediate cooling of temperature—about twenty degrees. “Did you have an incredible love affair with one who let you down?”

  Chapter Six

  How many seconds does it take to destroy a budding friendship? Not very many, Shal acknowledged as Jodie shot him a look of pure venom.

  She grabbed the radio and headed toward the aerial still laid out across the ground above their shelter.

  Shal felt a momentary surge of guilt, as he watched the solitary figure disappearing through the mist. He cursed under his breath, knowing he shouldn’t have made such a personal remark. He kicked at a small mound of earth and swore again. Her assumption that I’m as stupid and arrogant as others she’s encountered annoyed me so much I spoke without thinking.

  A loud curse from the bivvy distracted Shal. Rushing
over, he edged past the others to see Michael grasping his wrist as blood dripped from his hand.

  Rick examined the large gash across Michael’s palm.

  “What a stupid thing to do,” Michael muttered. “I’m sorry. Just throw a couple of plasters on, I’m sure it’ll be okay.”

  Shal’s take on the situation wasn’t needed. While he was ready to disagree, he was glad he’d kept quiet. With amazing speed and competence, Rick soon had Michael’s wound cleaned and bandaged. Lacking any first aid training and feeling useless, Shal accepted his annoyance was far in excess of what the situation warranted.

  Realisation hit Shal with all the force of a fully-loaded milk tanker. Air escaped his lungs as if the truck had ploughed into him. For all my talk, I don’t have a clue about surviving in the bush.

  ****

  Jodie’s rage was still so intense when her father answered her call she’d had difficulty speaking to him. His specific enquiry into Shal Gregory’s well-being had her grasp on the radio tightening until she feared she might damage it.

  Taking some time before returning to the others, Jodie tried to examine her seething emotions. Uncertain whether her rage was directed more at Shal, or herself, she swore succinctly. She crouched out of sight of the camp behind a tree, digging repeated holes in the soft ground with the sharp point of a stick. Somehow I must have let something slip, she swore again, some word that led Shal to the conclusion he’s made—the right conclusion.

  Jodie’s already very fragile trust in men in general and city men in particular had been shattered by Jason’s cavalier attitude. Staring down at the broken stick in her hand, Jodie drove away the painful memories she’d hoped were forgotten.

  Exercising iron control when she rejoined the others and refusing to look at Shal, Jodie reported Doug’s news to a jubilant group. The rain had eased in the western ranges.

  “We’ll see how the river looks tomorrow, but if there’s no more rain I think we might ford it, then head to the MacLaren Hut. And that hot shower.”

  “Wouldn’t it be closer to turn back?” Jenny asked.

  “Normally, yes, but the Waimangarara will take at least a day longer to drain than this river.” She waved toward the gorge. “It’s a very real possibility its crossing may be down as well, so we need to consider that. It’s more sense continuing the tramp than turning back. This is the last major waterway until we get to the MacLeod River on Friday.”

  Her eyes swept over the assembled group. “Not to mention the obvious intention of this exercise in the first place.” This drew loud groans.

  “If giving up and going back was an option, we wouldn’t be doing so unless there was a pretty overwhelming reason.” She hoped her smile wasn’t as sickly as she felt it might be. Spending one more hour with that arrogant sod was overwhelming reason enough for her but... “Let’s see what the day brings, shall we?”

  She was still berating herself at being taken in by Shal’s apparent concern and solidarity, and somehow letting her own guard down. Oh, he could be charming, all right. But my first impressions were right. He isn’t to be trusted. Typical townie, she generalised childishly. She managed to avoid him for the rest of the day.

  Next morning on a short recce upriver, she stopped at the edge of the clearing when she realised he was following her.

  “I’d prefer if you and your party stayed here together, Mr. Gregory,” she stated.

  “And I’d prefer you don’t go out on your own, Ms. Mathieson. Surely being alone in the bush is not good practice? Suppose you hurt yourself?”

  “I have no intention of hurting myself,” she snapped.

  “I’m sure you haven’t, but I’m not willing to put my people at risk because you’re indulging in a childish sulk.”

  For a second she felt numb. If she’d had a mirror to look into right at that moment, she wouldn’t have been surprised to see smoke puffing out her ears. Her breath caught in her throat and her fingernails drilled holes into her palms. Glaring at his mocking expression, Jodie was unable to formulate a fitting reply to his scathing comment.

  “Come then, but keep out of my way,” she conceded. She almost ran up the river’s edge. Giving a townie an opportunity to point out I’m ignoring one of the most fundamental safety rules…and that sniping remark about my character. Grrr. Refusing to make small talk with a chauvinistic oaf doesn’t mean I’m sulking. See if I care. He can interpret my stand any way he wishes.

  Thirty minutes later she’d achieved her original objective; an inspection of a possible fording place, and a careful visual examination for any likely danger spots. If the front had passed over them, the river levels would soon fall and they should be able to ford here in another twenty-four hours.

  She ignored Shal when he eventually heaved himself up the final slippery bank to join her. His laboured breathing and slump onto a fallen log brought a satisfied smile to her lips, although she kept her back toward him. She’d virtually run all the way here, and had been able to catch her breath in private. City gyms might tone and beautify—her smile widened—but they don’t train for this sort of physical exertion.

  “I’ve seen all I need to.” Straightening her face, she glanced at him. Avoiding all his alluring features, she focused instead on his left ear.

  “You ready to go back?” she challenged. “Or do you need a rest?” A surge of triumph raced through her at his pained expression as he stood up, visibly wincing.

  “I’m ready when you are.”

  Certain he would never allow anyone to outdo him, especially a woman. Jodie nodded coolly and took off. She was marginally quicker on the descent, certain he’d be less sure-footed and not able to keep up.

  Near their camp she skidded to a stop, mortified at her behaviour. She was in charge of this group, their care was her responsibility. Allowing her personal feelings to impact on their welfare was unacceptable. What if he broke a leg stumbling around up there? She heard a loud crack followed by a muffled oath and held her breath, praying he hadn’t hurt himself.

  “Enjoying yourself?” he snarled, as he came into view. His body was mud-splattered and heaving with exertion.

  She shrugged, hiding her relief. “I thought you might need a rest before going back.” She leaned back against the rock she was sitting on. “You know,” she mocked, “preserve your standing in front of your employees.”

  “My standing is quite secure, thank you,” he grated.

  “One other thing...” Jodie jumped down from the huge boulder and confronted him.

  She needed to clear the air, or their animosity would affect the others. “You’re right; sulking is the act of a child. I can assure you I never sulk, and I am well past childhood.” She kept all expression from her voice. “I merely object to rudeness.”

  “I object to rudeness, too,” Shal spoke with quiet firmness. “I apologise for my remark yesterday, it was invasive and uncalled for.” His eyes fell to her breasts before slowly examining her from head to foot, and back again. “And trust me, the word ‘child’ never enters my mind when I think about you.”

  Jodie grabbed his arm and swung him back as he turned away, no mean feat given their respective sizes. “You know...” She managed to inject a contemptuous tone into her voice, “I’m really not interested in anything you think.”

  Looking down at her, his expression was faintly speculative. His glance fell to her lips before returning to stare into her eyes. Jodie felt a tremor of apprehension, but refused to break eye contact. Finally it was he who shrugged and sauntered down the path. “Whatever you say.”

  Why aren’t I relieved? I got my own way, didn’t I? She shuddered as she recalled the strange look in his eyes, as if he’d been sending a private message. A message she could have interpreted but refused to acknowledge, even to herself.

  Townies! She’d sworn she’d never get involved with one again.

  “Jodie, Jodie.” Rick’s loud call echoed through the bush. Jodie frowned. She hadn’t been away from their base
any longer than the allocated time she’d given her brother, nor had he called on the FRS. Yet she recognised urgency in his voice as he repeated his call.

  She called back as she rushed down the path, shoving past Shal without a word of apology. Something had happened. Something was wrong.

  Her clumsy reaction to her heightened senses whenever she was near Shal Gregory slid into the inconsequential as her heart pounded. She’d been worried about scoring points against him while something had happened to one of her party.

  She cursed as she slipped on the muddy ground, her alarm making her less careful. Swiping at the knee taking the brunt of her fall, Jodie initially ignored Shal’s arrival beside her. A quick glance at his face steadied her hesitation in accepting the hand stretching out to pull her to her feet. Whether he’d recognised the concern in Rick’s voice, or was responding to her reaction, Jodie didn’t know. But no sign remained of his earlier, unsettling expression.

  “Okay?” He kept hold of her arm.

  Jodie gingerly applied weight to her leg, sending up a quick prayer of thankfulness before nodding.

  Rick waved as they cleared the bush.

  “What’s wrong? Who’s hurt?” Jodie’s eyes swung around. Everyone was there. No one appeared in any distress. Her confused eyes swung back to Rick as her pounding heart slowed.

  “I just did our hourly check-in with Dad. There’s been an accident on High Ridge—a deerstalker.” Jodie’s eyes flew in the direction of High Ridge, although the heavy clouds hid it from view. “It happened Tuesday. His mate just got out to raise the alarm.”

  Tuesday...and today was Thursday. Jodie’s mind raced. This weather wouldn’t allow a helicopter anywhere near High Ridge. It was a full day’s tramp from here. High Ridge was at least two-and-a-half days’ hike from civilization.

  Jodie surveyed the silent faces. They were safe, unhurt, and they could probably cross the river tomorrow. Getting to MacLaren Hut shouldn’t be difficult for them, not after the way they’d accepted the rigors of the last couple of days.

  “There’s something else.” The nuance in Rick’s voice was lost on her as her mind flew over the logistics of helping the injured man.