Torrents of Destruction

by Robin Caroll

  His eyes held no malicious intent, not that she could see. She searched for revelation of whatever secrets he harbored. A sudden darkness dropped over his orbs, giving them a glazed effect. Hunter lowered his head toward hers with the slowness of a man unhurried by time.

  Closing her eyes, she waited for his lips to brush hers. They didn’t, and bursts of heat shot from the center of her stomach out through her body. She snapped her lids open. What was she thinking?

  He backed away, but kept his grip on her shoulders. His expression conveyed his emotions—yes, he wanted to kiss her—no, it wasn’t the right time.

  “So, Ms. Gallagher, what do we do now?” Carter’s scratchy voice boomed over her shoulder.

  Katie jumped away from Hunter, and faced the older man who’d just saved her from doing something incredibly stupid.

  Carter stood with his gnarly hands on his protruding hips. “Well?”

  She made a decision. Even though she didn’t know Hunter Malone well, she felt she could trust him. “The rip in the boat is too large to patch. We’ll wait for Rory to come, and I’ll send him to fetch us a new raft.”

  The old man grunted and shifted his weight. “So what do we do in the meantime?”

  If the situation weren’t so dire, Katie would’ve laughed at his expression. Brows furrowed together and lowered to almost the bridge of his nose, Carter looked like some mythical creature.

  She bit back the snort of laughter bubbling in her chest. Marching with quick strides, she reached the old man and gently touched his upper arm. “We’ll take shelter from the rain under those trees.” She guided Carter toward where the others sat. Hunter followed right behind them, his attention trained on the group.

  A sharp whistle penetrated the wailings of the Gauley.

  She and Hunter spun simultaneously.

  Rory, paddling furiously in his kayak with the inflated ducky floating behind, neared Meadow River.

  Bursting into a jog, Katie headed for the off-shoot. Small bits of rock and twigs poked into the bottoms of her bare feet, but she didn’t care. She pushed harder, ready to cling to Rory’s presence like a drowning person to a life preserver.

  Hunter kicked into a run as well. Within two paces, he passed her, but Shadow burst out of nowhere and reached the edge of the river first. Hunter came in a close second. He grabbed the nose of the kayak, then tugged it against the bank.

  Rory stepped from the little boat, petting Shadow. “Thanks, man. ’Preciate it.”

  Having caught up, Katie wrapped her arms around Rory in a big bear hug, then veiled her words carefully as she told him about the cut in the raft. She didn’t want to alarm him, or alert him there might be a shady character in their midst. If he thought, even for a brief second, that she’d be in danger, he’d never leave. Then where would they be? No, she had to downplay the incident, which she did as they walked away from the river.

  “So, I need you to go back to the lodge and bring me another boat.” Katie finished speaking, then walked toward the group, Shadow on her heels. She snapped and pointed, and the Blue Heeler sat and stayed.

  Rory took her hand in his, matching her steps. His calloused fingers rubbed her palm. “Are you sure? In this weather?” He nodded toward the sky, which grew darker by the minute. “I almost didn’t make it over to you guys. Storm’s a-comin’, Katie.”

  “I know. That’s why it’s so important for you to hurry and get the raft back to us.” She squeezed his hand, wishing she could hold on to him for dear life, yet knowing she had to take charge of the situation. She dropped his hand with a final press, and forced a smile. “So we can get to camp before the weather really hits.”

  Rory nodded toward the men. “I’m going to leave the ducky here. I’d suggest you get some food while you wait until I get back.”

  “I’m going with you,” Steve said as he drew to his feet.

  Rory looked at Katie.

  She’d hoped Steve would be willing to stick it out. Although, even now, he looked like a petrified little boy. And she had told him Rory would come get him. She flashed him a weak smile, then turned to Rory and nodded. “He wants to go back.”

  “Okay. We’ll unload your gear from the ducky, and he can ride in it back to the lodge.”

  “Gentlemen, head on down to the river and grab your rolls.”

  The men lumbered to their feet and shuffled toward the kayak. Hunter hovered next to her. Leaning so close, his breath kissed her ear. “I’ll make sure they get everything. I’ll be right back.” He sprinted down the slick bank.

  She felt Rory’s stare. Meeting his eyes, Katie shook her head. “Don’t go reading more into something that isn’t there.”

  “Sure looks cozy to me.”

  Swatting his arm, warmth seeped into her cheeks. “While you’re at the lodge, will you get the updated weather report for me?”

  All remnants of teasing left his face. “Worried?”

  Katie shrugged with one shoulder. “Just trying to think ahead. If Emily’s coming ashore and we’re going to get blasted, I want to get these guys back to the lodge for the night.”

  “I’ll hurry.” Rory’s voice sounded thick.

  “I’ll keep ‘em in line until you get back.”

  He tweaked her chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You keep yourself in line, Katie-my-girl.”

  The men trudged toward her in the driving rain, toting bedrolls and smaller supply cases. She slapped Rory’s arm. “Get. I’ll handle things here.”

  Rory, with a long stride, looped toward the kayak where Steve waited.

  Katie swallowed hard. A sense of foreboding slithered up her spine and settled in her chest. Fighting against the strong urge to run and jump in the ducky with Steve, Katie turned and trekked up the slope to the small cluster of trees. Shadow moved alongside her.

  What more could be in store for her?

  Hunter’s senses still reeled from the near-kiss. He’d never expected to be so attracted to someone so fast. Something strange had happened to him—something he couldn’t name, and didn’t honestly know if he wanted to. Control. He’d built his entire life around that one necessity. Now he sorely lacked in that department.

  He’d watched her embrace Rory with enthusiasm, and having never experienced the pangs of jealousy before, he’d never understood those poor souls who did. Watching Katie bring Rory up to speed with a relaxed ease that bespoke of a close relationship, Hunter finally understood.

  But he needed to concentrate on the job at hand. His focus couldn’t be shifted. Hunter looked over Katie’s shoulder to the rest of the group.

  One of these men had sliced the raft. Someone intent on sabotage. Only because the cut was below water level, and the force of the river, did it take so long to deflate. But who—and more importantly, what did he have planned next?

  Paul and Jerry huddled with their backs against each other. Neither of them looked frightened nor upset. Matter-of-fact, in Hunter’s opinion, they appeared to be enjoying the new twist on the adventure. An old, familiar sensation twisted in Hunter’s gut. He couldn’t prove it, but he had a hunch one of those two was the culprit. Or maybe both of them were behind the incident.

  Leaning against the tree, Orson Toliver stared into the ever-darkening sky, his face wreathed in worry. His gaze darted to Hunter, and he raised his bushy eyebrows. Hunter lifted his chin but a fraction. Orson wasn’t behind any of this—no way, no how. He had too much to lose.

  That left Walter. Hunter’s attention focused on the chief accountant at the firm. Sitting so close to the tree he practically hugged it, the man looked like a drowned rat. Somehow, the idea of Walter being involved in anything sinister or underhanded made Hunter want to laugh. He’d still keep an eye on the man, but Hunter mentally scratched him off the list of suspects.

  Katie issued instructions as Hunter walked up behind her. “Let’s grab the raft and drag it up here. We can use the chicken strap to tie it to the tree and make a shelter until Rory gets back.”


  The men groaned.

  Hunter dumped the load of supplies and clapped his hands. “You heard the lady, let’s get busy.”

  Carter mumbled, “Who died and made you boss? I’m the boss here.”

  Shoving out his hand, Hunter stopped Carter. “Actually, Ms. Gallagher’s the boss on this trip. Just as you expect your orders to be carried out, so does she. So, show her a little respect.”

  The old man’s face puffed up like a blowfish. His jaw dropped, and he glared at Hunter. “When we get back, boy, we’re going to have a discussion in my office.”

  Throwing his head back, Hunter laughed. “Well, until then, I suggest you show Ms. Gallagher the courtesy of your respect.” He stopped laughing and glowered at his boss.

  Carter harrumphed, but headed to join the others by the deflated raft.

  “That was nice.” Katie sidled up next to him. “But I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”

  Did she have any idea how cute she looked when perturbed? Probably not. Her brow puckered into a tight little knot and her freckles seemed to jump off the bridge of her nose. “Just wanted to make them pay attention. Carter stays on a power kick.”

  “If you take up for me like some playground hero, they’ll never respect me.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of it that way.”

  She smiled, her dog almost moving in unison with her movements. He sure had been aptly named since he was always in her shadow. “It’s okay. Just remember, I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.”

  He held up his hands. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “So, if he’s such an ogre, why work for him?”

  “It pays the bills.”

  “So does digging ditches—what’s your point?”

  “Uh, I’d rather not discuss it right now.” He nodded toward the men pulling the raft who were about to reach them.

  “Saved by the bell, you think?”

  Again, warmth spread throughout his body. What was it about this woman that made his knees buckle when she smiled at him? He winked. “Except in the twelfth and final round.”

  Her hearty chuckle soothed like a balm to his ragged core. She turned to direct the men’s efforts in stringing up the raft, leaving him staring after her. She pointed and made hand motions, her words carrying away in the wind. The dog zipped around her legs. Katie moved with the sure grace of a forest nymph. The scene warmed him even though he stood on soggy ground.

  Grabbing gear, Hunter trudged to the area with three trees planted close together. Lightning flickered across the sky, illuminating the thunderous clouds forming in the distance. He dumped his load at the base of the center tree, then bit back a chuckle as Jerry and Paul struggled to secure the raft.

  He shoved Jerry out of the way, then reached above his head and grabbed hold of a limb. Using his upper body strength, Hunter hoisted himself to the top of the branch. He swung his leg over and heaved to a sitting position, straddling the bough. “Hand me the strap.”

  Jerry tossed the strap up with more force than necessary. It slapped Hunter across the leg. He grabbed it, but scowled at Jerry while he secured it around the tree. Once he tightened the strap, Hunter swung down and landed on the mushy ground with a splashing thud. He straightened, then pushed Jerry’s shoulder.

  “Hey, man, watch it.” Jerry’s face turned red.

  “Don’t be a jerk, Sands.” Hunter clenched his jaw. He faced Katie. Her eyes widened, as if shocked by his anger.

  “Where do you want the next one tied?” he asked, flashing a wink.

  “Uh…” Her gaze darted to the other two trees. She gave a nod to the tree on his right. “That one would give us the most coverage.”

  Once in position, Hunter rested his palms on his thighs. “What do you want to use to secure it?”

  She shook her head sharply, as if clearing her thoughts. “Uh, we can use one of the ties from a bedroll.”

  “Do any of you gentlemen have a pocket knife to cut the string off the bedroll?” Hunter asked.

  Silence hovered over the men. Hunter pushed. “Come on. Surely one of you has a pocketknife? The sooner we get this situated, the sooner we can get out of this pouring rain.”

  Paul looked at Jerry who shook his head slightly. Hunter swallowed back a sigh. So, Jerry had cut the raft. Why?

  Seeming to understand where Hunter headed, Katie spoke sharply. “Anybody have a pocket knife? I lost mine when I went into the river. Come on, speak up. The temperature’s dropping and the wind’s picking up.”

  Jerry nudged Paul, then jabbed him in the arm.

  A flash of metal, then Paul dug inside his wetsuit. “I think I have one in my shorts,” Paul stammered.

  Katie held out her hand. Hunter noticed it trembled somewhat as Paul laid a closed hunting knife in her outstretched palm. She moved to the pile of bedrolls at the base of the biggest tree, grabbed one at random, then opened the six inch knife and cut one of the strings. She closed the knife and slipped it inside her fanny pack, then positioned herself directly under him. “Ready?”

  “Fire away, madam.”

  She grinned and yelled out “catch” before tossing up the string.

  He caught it and winked at her again. Did he detect a blush inching across her face? The idea that his wink could make her blush made his chest swell. Hunter shook his head and concentrated on securing the edge of the raft to the tree. He completed the task, and jumped to the ground.

  “Thanks, Hunter. I think this’ll work out quite nicely.” Katie unrolled one of the bundles, unfurling the tarp once covering the ducky. She laid it under the raft-roof before returning to one of the supply bags. She pulled out sandwich makings, then elbowed the cooler beside her. “Somebody get these opened up and see what the Christian packed for us.”

  They passed around peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cans of soft drinks, then settled on the tarp to eat.

  Katie leaned back against the tree, sharing her sandwich with the dog. Hunter made his plate. He stood on the edge of the tarp for a moment, considering his options. Katie looked up and grinned at him. He flashed a wide smile, then sat beside her. A lightning bolt flickered across the sky, followed by an immediate clap of thunder. A strong gust blew against their faces. The wind tickled the edges of the makeshift shelter, then ripped it from the branch.

  Dark, dense clouds filled the sky.

  An ashen pallor over her face, Katie stood and yelled for the men to move next to the trees. She took two paces toward the river. Winds, sweeping like a colony of lost souls, swarmed across the Gauley. She shielded her eyes against the blast. Shadow hopped up and barked.

  Hunter stood beside her. Leaning over, he yelled into her ear, “What’s going on?”

  “Oh, no!” her voice a mix of fear and awe.

  “What?” He kept his mouth close to her ear.

  “Rain bands.” She pointed across the river, then twisted her body. Her gaze tracked the terrain around them before meeting his stare. “We’re in trouble.”

  She grimaced. “Big trouble.”

  Chapter 8

  Katie grabbed Hunter’s arm, pulling him toward her. “Those rain bands are coming in from the tropical storm.” She screamed to be heard over the sounds of nature’s wrath.

  “We’re already getting rain.” He yelled, lifting a single shoulder. “What’s the difference?”

  “Those bands will come in on forty to fifty mile-per-hour winds.” Her heart pounded.

  He stared at the weather pattern moving across the Gauley River. “Can we hole up here until Rory gets back?”

  She shook her head. “He won’t be able to get back. Not today.” Katie shivered. “We’ll get about eight to ten inches of rainfall in the next hour.”

  Hunter stared at her.

  “Which means the river will be at flood stage in an hour’s time,” she yelled louder.

  Understanding lit in his eyes. His jaw set. “What should we do?”

  “We move up.”

  “That?”
He pointed toward the steep incline.

  She grimaced and nodded.

  Hunter leaned over her, shielding her from the onslaught of gale-force winds with his body. “Are you sure that’s the only way?”

  “Yes. Meadow River is going to converge with the Gauley at flood stage soon. We’ll be wiped out if we stay here.” Despite all the rain, her mouth went dry.

  Their gazes met and held. The rain, wind, and storm lay forgotten. He was so kind, so gentle toward her, yet so fierce in his protection. She could see herself spending time with him cuddling on the sofa, staring into the dancing flames of a glowing fire, Shadow lying at their feet. How long had she ignored her loneliness?

  Finally, he broke eye contact and glanced back to the huddle of men beneath the small clump of trees. “Let’s do it then.”

  Taking long strides, Katie approached the men. Shadow danced at her feet. “Okay, gentlemen, listen up—we’re about to get some high winds and a lot of rain. I mean, a lot.” She had their undivided attention. “Emily must’ve made landfall and is kicking us some nasty weather. We’re going to have to climb up the terrain to get out of flood danger.”

  Carter hauled himself to his feet. “What do you mean, climb up?”

  “The hill behind you.”

  He spun, stood for a moment, before facing her again. His features scrunched into a scowl. “Gooood Night! That’s not a hill, little lady, that’s a mountain.”

  “Whatever it may be, we have to move higher. In a couple of hours, this is all going to be underwater.” She rubbed her hands together. “Now, first we need to filter some of the lake water into our empty water bottles so we’ll have something to drink.”

  “How exactly do we do that?” Walter piped up.

  Jerry crossed his arms over his chest. “I thought we were waiting for the Roy guy.”

  Clenching her teeth, Katie hissed in air. “Rory won’t be able to make it back today. Not with the rain bands coming in. The Gauley will be at flood stage soon.” She needed to get the men up to safety. They were, after all, her responsibility.