The Killing Room

by Gerri Hill

  It was then that she realized that she hadn’t even started gathering wood yet. She’d been leaning on her cane… staring. She finally turned away, walking under the trees in search of fallen limbs. There were plenty. However, bending over and grabbing them was easier than it looked. She was struggling with the first piece when the woman spoke next to her.

  “Maybe you should let me do that.”

  Jake wanted to protest. She wasn’t a fucking invalid. But, the woman, this stranger, was only offering a helping hand. “Yeah. Kinda hard to maneuver with the cane.”

  The woman bent down and collected an armful of sticks and a larger limb. She dumped them near the fire ring, then went back for more. Jake felt the woman watching her as she broke up the sticks and piled them on top of the pinecones she’d already tossed in. Any minute now, she’s going to ask, Jake mused.

  The woman came back, dumping another armload beside the others. Jake looked up and smiled. “Thanks. This ought to last us.”

  “I take it you’ve camped here before. This spot looks well-used.”

  “Yeah. I camp here quite a bit. Actually, I’ve got a cabin over near Cumberland Pass. It’s about a four-hour hike, on a good day.”

  “Wow. That must be great. Do you live there?”

  “No.”

  The woman nodded then hesitated. Finally, “I couldn’t help but notice your limp. A four-hour hike must be difficult.”

  “Like I said, that’s on a good day. It took me six hours today.”

  “Forgive me for asking, but what happened? You seem incredibly fit. Is it a recent injury?”

  Jake nodded. “Yeah, I… I was in an accident. Had surgery on my leg. But it’s coming along.”

  Nicole had been in enough sessions to know when someone didn’t want to talk. Which was fine. Nicole wasn’t exactly in the listening mood. However, she did want to know the woman’s name.

  “I’m Nicole, by the way. I just realized that I don’t know your name.”

  “Jake.”

  “Jake?” Nicole raised an eyebrow. “Either your mother hated you or they really, really wanted a boy.”

  Jake laughed. “Some of the kids I hung around with in the sixth grade gave me the name. My mother detested it.”

  “What’s your given name?”

  “No, no, no,” Jake said, shaking her head. “That’s not something I say out loud.”

  “Can’t be that bad.”

  “Oh, yes, it can be. I had my name legally changed when I was twenty.”

  “To Jake?”

  She shrugged. “It’s what I’ve been called since the sixth grade.”

  Nicole noticed that the entire time Jake spoke, her hand was threading through the dog’s fur. She didn’t want to analyze, hell, she was on vacation. But, she suspected the woman was single and childless, and the dog was her constant companion. Judging by the protectiveness of the dog, who was leaning against Jake’s leg, it was a mutual affection.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m starved,” Jake said.

  She got to her feet with the aid of her cane, and Nicole had to force herself not to hop up and assist her. She sensed that the injury was fairly new, and no doubt the woman was struggling to regain her independence. Why else would she hike six hours through the mountains? So, instead of offering help, Nicole went to her own tent. She always packed her favorite meals, and she debated between the stroganoff and the chicken spaghetti. The stroganoff won. When she returned to the campfire, Jake was already lighting her stove, with a small pot full of water sitting nearby.

  Nicole sat on the opposite side of the fire and attached the small propane canister to her own stove, occasionally glancing up at the other woman as she poured water into a pot. She finally sat down on the ground, crossing her legs. Through the smoke of the fire, she watched Jake. She was a striking woman. Tall, lean… powerful looking, even stark naked. Especially stark naked. Her smooth face and full lips had Nicole mesmerized. As her gaze lifted higher, dark eyes captured her own and refused to let go. Through the smoke of the small fire, their eyes locked and, for the first time in her life, Nicole was afraid of another woman. Not physically afraid, but, with difficulty, she pulled her eyes away, impatiently tucking her still-damp hair behind her ears. It occurred to her then that had she met this woman in the city, Nicole wouldn’t have given her a second look. Not that she wasn’t attractive, she just wasn’t Nicole’s type. Nicole tended to date professional women, like herself, whose appearance didn’t scream lesbian. She wondered why, then, she found this woman physically attractive if she wasn’t her type.

  Jake lifted a corner of her mouth in a smile as Nicole turned away. If she were so inclined—and had the energy—this impromptu camping trip could turn out to be fun. There was just something about sharing an intimacy with a total stranger. No inhibitions, no worries. Just… sex. Well, perhaps she was being a bit presumptuous about this woman. You couldn’t put a whole lot of stock into looks. But still, pain pills and fatigue weren’t the best ingredients for a brief, anonymous sexual encounter. The mind might be willing, but the body was definitely dragging.

  Well, it didn’t matter. For all her professed desire to spend some much-needed time alone, she found the other woman’s company enjoyable. And that was enough.

  “How long have you been on the trails?” Jake asked, startling Nicole.

  “This is day four. I think. Being lost sort of turned days into weeks.”

  Jake nodded. “I can imagine. Although I don’t recall ever being lost.”

  “No? There is a well-marked trail from your cabin, six hours away?”

  Jake smiled. “No trail.”

  “Then how on earth did you find this?”

  “I found it about ten years ago. I had hiked all around the cabin, up to Cumberland Pass. I knew the area pretty well. The topo maps from the Forest Service are pretty good, if you can use a compass.”

  Nicole rolled her eyes. Of course.

  “I wanted to find some hot springs that were relatively close, but still off the beaten path. It took me three days to find these. But they’re beautiful. And in ten years, you are only the second person I’ve ever seen here.”

  “You’re kidding? You mean I’m that far off a trail?”

  “Well, yeah. You’re two days from a trail.”

  “So, this is all really your own private resort?”

  Jake grinned. “I like to think of it as my private spa.” Jake pointed upstream, where the constant roar of the falls had faded into the background. “You came by way of the falls?”

  “Yeah. I was following the stream. When it tumbled over the side, I almost went with it. It took me several hours to find a way down the mountain and into the canyon. But I didn’t want to lose the stream.”

  “Yes. It’s a steep drop. But beautiful.”

  “Oh, very. And if I wasn’t so concerned with being lost, I think I would have camped there, by the falls.”

  Jake put another small log on the fire, then stirred the embers. “If you’re up for a little hike in the morning, the falls are great for sunrise.” Jake pointed over her shoulder. “There’s a gap in the mountains where the sun shines through. It hits the water perfectly. The colors are out of this world. Every time I see it, I always wish I could paint.”

  “Camera?”

  Jake nodded. “I’ve taken several shots, at different times of year. But it’s never the same as seeing it in person.”

  Nicole smiled across the fire. “I think I’d like to take a look. Of course, that would mean being up by sunrise.”

  “I won’t have that problem. Because after I eat, I think I could lay down and sleep the night through.”

  “Does your leg stiffen up?” Nicole asked.

  Jake shrugged. “Some.”

  Ahh. Off limits. Okay. Instead, Nicole lifted the lid on her dinner, satisfied that it was done. She turned her stove off, watching as Jake did the same.

  “What about Cheyenne?” Nicole asked. The dog was star
ing intently at Jake’s food.

  “Yeah. I usually split it with her.” Jake reached behind her and pulled over a canvas pouch. Inside was a dog bowl and some dry food. She filled the bowl, then added part of her dinner to it. Cheyenne sat obediently, never taking her eyes from the bowl. “Spoiled,” Jake whispered.

  Nicole saw the tail wag and wondered what Jake had said. Obviously, the dog understood. “She’s very pretty.”

  “Yeah, she’s a good dog. Smartest dog I’ve ever seen.”

  “How old is she?”

  “She’s only two. And you don’t need to be afraid of her. She won’t hurt you.” Then Jake grinned. “Not unless I tell her to.”

  Nicole smiled, too. “So, I need to stay on your good side?”

  Jake was about to say she didn’t really have a good side, but no sense scaring the poor girl. Besides, a month ago, she did have a good side. But, well, the shooting had pretty much ended that. She closed her eyes for a second, then forced them open, meeting the pleasant blue ones across from her.

  “How’s your dinner?”

  Nicole looked at the untouched pot in her lap and twirled her fork a few times before stabbing some noodles. You’re on vacation, she told herself. Don’t meddle. But the nearly pained expression on the woman’s face made Nicole want to ask a hundred questions. But she didn’t. And Catherine would be very proud of her. For once, she shoved her professional side away and tried to simply enjoy the evening, the campfire, the outdoors, and the company of this very attractive woman.

  “It’s good,” she said as she chewed. “Yours?”

  Jake shrugged. “Cheyenne appears to like it.” Jake twirled her own fork in the fettuccini and took a bite. It tasted like freeze-dried fettuccini.

  “You should try this beef stroganoff. I swear, I can’t tell the difference between this and homemade.”

  Jake peered across the fire, eyebrows raised. Nicole finally offered her pot and Jake stole a forkful of noodles.

  “Good,” she murmured. “Better than mine.”

  Nicole smiled. “All we’re missing is a good bottle of wine.”

  “Yes, that would be nice.” Jake took a couple more bites, then emptied the rest into Cheyenne’s bowl.

  “Was it that bad?”

  “Wasn’t great. But I took a pain pill earlier. It kinda kills my appetite.”

  Nicole glanced at the woman’s outstretched leg. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “No. I’m fine. It’s just the hike today was probably too much. I’ll hang out here tomorrow and soak and rest it.”

  Nicole stood up. “At least let me wash out your pot. I’ll take it with mine.”

  Jake protested. “No, you don’t need to do that. I can get it.”

  Nicole took the pot anyway. “I’m sure you can.”

  Jake watched her walk away to the stream, feeling the heaviness of her eyes as she attempted to remain focused. Damn pain pill. She struggled to stand, using her cane to push herself up. Her leg hadn’t felt this bad since… well, since she got out of the hospital and started walking again. Hopefully, after a day of rest tomorrow, the pain and stiffness would subside. And, she would hike back to her cabin in two days, not one.

  “Need some help?”

  Jake turned her head, quickly meeting Nicole’s eyes before looking away. “No, thanks. I’m going to turn in. Please make sure the fire is out.”

  “Of course.”

  Jake knew she sounded abrupt, and it had nothing to do with the other woman. She just hated feeling dependent on anyone and appearing weak. So, she paused at her tent, looking back at Nicole. “Don’t forget our date in the morning.”

  Nicole flashed a smile and nodded. “Sunrise.” Her smile faded as she watched Jake struggle to get into the small tent. Cheyenne sat patiently outside until Jake was in, then, with a wag of her tail, followed the woman inside.

  Nicole couldn’t understand why some people were so fiercely independent that they wouldn’t accept help from anyone, regard-less of the circumstances. And she imagined this woman fit that mold perfectly. Well, she wouldn’t push. If the woman wanted to struggle to get up instead of accepting a helping hand, that was her business.

  But it was eerily quiet now that the woman and dog were gone. Beyond the crackle of the fire, the constant roar of the falls seemed almost muted by the darkness. The breeze that had been blowing down the canyon all day had subsided, and she leaned back slightly, her eyes following the smoke of their fire as it rose into the night, disappearing in the trees.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Jake stretched, then cautiously rolled over, careful not to bump her leg. She’d slept like a rock. Apparently, the exertion from the hike and the pain pill had been enough to keep the damn dream away. For one night, at least.

  Sitting up, she rubbed her face with both hands, then unzipped the tent. It was still dark. Plenty of time for coffee before they attempted the short hike to the falls. She slid her cane out of the tent with her, using it to stand. Surprisingly, her leg, although stiff, felt pretty good. She couldn’t say the same for her head. She always felt hazy the morning after a pain pill. But, coffee and a hike usually brought her around.

  She put water on to boil, then took a discreet trip into the woods. No sense squatting too close. Wouldn’t want the woman surprised by her bare ass this early in the morning. But Jake needn’t have worried. The woman’s tent was still zipped.

  It would only take them fifteen minutes to reach the falls. So, she decided not to wake Nicole just yet. She’d take the time for a quick bath and enjoy a few more minutes of solitude. This was always her favorite part, listening… waiting for the sounds of morning. The first bird, the first chipmunk. So much more relaxing than meaningless conversation with a complete stranger. Cheyenne nudged her, and Jake automatically reached out a hand, rubbing her ear. Yeah, nothing like a near-death experience to make you appreciate the little things that nature offered. It was a cliche, but it was also true.

  Finally, when the water was boiling and the darkness just starting to leave the sky, Jake got to her feet, limping only slightly as she walked to Nicole’s tent. She grabbed hold of one pole and tugged.

  “Hey. Coffee’s ready.”

  Jake smiled as she was greeted with a groan. She heard the rustling of the sleeping bag and imagined the other woman sitting up.

  “Are you sure it’s morning?”

  “Pretty sure. But if you’re not up to a hike, don’t worry about it.”

  “No, no. I want to go.”

  Nicole heard Jake walk away, and she lay back down, wondering why she’d agreed to this. She wasn’t a morning person and if she missed a sunrise or three, well, so be it. But Jake had promised this would be a feast for the eyes, so Nicole tossed off the warm sleeping bag and got up. She tried to tame her hair with her fingers and gave up, settling on tying it back and slipping on a fashionable ball cap instead.

  Jake was already sipping coffee, and Nicole squatted down next to her, adding a spoonful of instant coffee to her cup before pour-ing the hot water in. She raised her eyes, wondering how this woman could look so fresh and clean after just crawling from a tent. Nicole looked at her own clothes, noting the dirty jeans that should have been retired days ago. But she only had one other clean pair. She planned on donning them when she resumed her trip. Jake, on the other hand, sported clean jeans. Faded, baggy and comfortable looking. Even the long-sleeved T-shirt was immaculate.

  Don’t I feel quite the trail bum?

  “Why do you look like you’ve just emerged from a shower, clean clothes and all,” Nicole said, waving her hand at Jake’s wardrobe, “And I look like I’ve been on the trail for a week?”

  Jake flashed a smile. “Because I packed one set of clean clothes, these being them, and you have been on the trail for nearly a week.”

  “And the shower part?”

  “Hot springs.”

  “Brushed your teeth?”

  “Of course.”

  Nicole groaned.
“God, I feel like a slob.”

  “Well, after our hike, feel free to bathe. I’ll give you some privacy.”

  “That would be great. Although, these are your springs. I really hate that I’m intruding.”

  Jake shook her head. “I really don’t mind the company,” she said, surprised that it was the truth. “I’m just going to hang out here today and rest. Tomorrow I’ll pack up and head back to my cabin. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.”

  Part of her, the polite part, knew that she should be on her way and leave this woman in peace. But the other part, the part that won, wanted nothing more than to hang out here another day and soak in the hot springs. The fact that an attractive woman, an attractive, naked woman, would be sharing those springs didn’t hurt. And, the fact that Nicole was even considering that as a reason for staying, startled her. This was so out of character for her. Perhaps, she thought, Catherine was right. She just needed to let her hair down and… and what? She met the dark eyes looking back at her, and she wondered what Jake’s reaction would be if she simply leaned closer and kissed her. God, those full lips were practically begging her to do just that. She finally came to her senses, pulling her eyes away before she made a complete ass of herself.

  Jake was surprised at what she saw in the other woman’s eyes.

  Although brief, she hadn’t missed the blatant desire that flashed across Nicole’s face. She smiled. It could be an interesting day. So, she leaned forward, her voice low.

  “You want to stay with me today… and play?”

  Without warning, all of Nicole’s blood rushed to a long dormant part of her anatomy, causing her breath to catch. The nearly whispered question hung between them, and Nicole again found her eyes captured. She felt herself nodding, unable to speak.

  “Good.” Jake finally released the blue eyes, surprised at the quickened pace of her pulse. Yes, it could be a very interesting day. She tossed out the rest of her coffee and stood, holding out a hand to Nicole. “Let me show you a beautiful sunrise.”