Embrace the Wild (The Great Outdoors Book 5)

by Shayne McClendon

  As she watched his SUV disappear down the dirt road, her female bodyguard opened the door of the guard room.

  “How about a walk?”

  Glancing around at the expanse of wilderness, Galina’s eyes went wide. “A walk? Where?”

  A small smile appeared on her lips. “There’s a gorgeous stream about half a mile away. I thought I’d catch us a couple of fish and grill them up.”

  She’d heard of people catching their own food but had never seen it in real life.

  “I’ve never been in the woods before. Just the studio managed kind.” She gestured down her body at the jeans and sneakers she wore. “Is this alright?”

  “Yup. Grab a jacket.” Ducking back inside, the woman picked up a fishing pole and a little box.

  They were about the same height as they walked side by side. The bodyguard’s hair was platinum blonde and her eyes were so pale blue they almost looked clear in the sunlight.

  “What’s your name?”

  “Vi.”

  “Do you like your job?”

  “I love it. Best decision I ever made was joining the military.”

  “Do you have family?”

  “Yes.”

  “You don’t talk much.”

  “I imagine the quiet has been the best part of this for you, Miss West.”

  “No one has called me that in years. You can call me Galina.”

  “I think we should call you Gail. Short for Abigail. A little different than both the names you’re known by but still close enough for you to recognize it.”

  “Gail. I like it.”

  They walked through trees at the end of their autumn changes and neither of them spoke. When they reached the stream, Galina sat on a rock and watched as Vi baited her hook and cast into the water.

  That she caught three fish blew her mind. “You did it. Wow.”

  “I imagine you’ve led a strange life.”

  “Sheltered. Cut off from how normal people live.” She pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around her knees. “It was a beautiful cage, filled with everything anyone could ever want, but it was still a cage.”

  With a bitter laugh, she added, “I want out but I’m not dumb. I know what I’ve been through is nothing compared to what other people deal with. It’s callous to bitch.”

  “The inability to control what happens to you makes you vulnerable. In that way, you’re not much different than other victims I’ve seen around the world. When you get that power back, make sure you help others who never will.”

  Nodding, she stared at the sunlight on the water and thought about how few skills she had to take care of herself.

  Standing, she asked quietly, “Will you show me how to do that? How to fish?”

  Vi grinned. “I was waiting for you to ask.”

  Galina didn’t catch a fish that day or half a dozen others when Vi took her for a walk to the stream. Then one day, sitting on her favorite rock and bundled against the cold, she did.

  She almost dropped the pole in the water in her excitement.

  “Well done, Gail.”

  It was the first thing she told Hollow when he arrived a couple of days later with supplies and another doctor in tow.

  “You caught a fish?”

  She nodded happily. “I think I’ve decided what I want to do once I can safely leave here.” Inhaling deeply, she said, “I want a cabin in a place like this. I want to learn how to be normal.”

  Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, Hollow asked her, “You want to stay in the wild? You don’t want a secure apartment somewhere in a city?”

  “No. I-I’ve had enough of people. I just want to be still. This little four-hundred square foot house has been the most peaceful of my life. Can you help me?”

  “I think I know just the place. Let me give it some thought.” Turning, he said, “This is Dr. Freeman. The top psychologist in her field on the West Coast.”

  Galina smiled at the doctor as she entered the house. The woman stared at her with her mouth slightly open.

  “You…you’re Lina.”

  Holding out her hand, she said, “Galina Oksana Kahfke-West.” With a smile, she added, “You can call me Gail.”

  “My teenage daughter loves you but she doesn’t know how much I do. You’re my little secret.”

  Unable to muffle her laugh, Galina replied, “I won’t rat you out. Would you like some coffee? I’ve finally figured out how to make it properly.”

  Hollow left them alone and they sat together, talking like old friends. Eventually, the psychologist removed a file and did a formal evaluation.

  More than an hour later, she sat back and removed her reading glasses. There was a small frown between her eyes.

  “The only persistent issue I see involve eating disorders. You’re clearly thin. Do you feel you have this under control?”

  Galina chose her words carefully. “My weight has been a problem for the people around me more than me. When you’re forced to maintain a five-hundred calorie diet for months on end, it messes up how you view food.”

  “You’re…about five-eleven.”

  “When I entered this house, I weighed one hundred and three pounds. I’d been on a crash diet to fit into a dress my mother purchased.”

  “She wanted you to lose more weight?”

  “Seven pounds in three days. The gown was one of a kind.”

  The doctor blinked at her for almost a minute. “How much do you weigh now?”

  Smiling, she replied, “I’ve gained eleven pounds since I left home. I’m very tall and narrow. I still look too thin but I feel a lot better.” She shrugged. “I just want to be healthy.”

  Crossing her arms, the doctor’s smile was slow. “I find you fully competent of managing your life and financial matters. I’m not sure what quack signed off on what your mother wanted but he should be dragged in front of the medical board.”

  “I don’t want much. Just my freedom.”

  “You’re legally a resident of the State of California?” Galina nodded. “Then I can officially make you my patient. From now on, if your mother tries to take you to court, she’ll have to go through me.” Tilting her head, she added, “And you can call me if you ever need to talk. Doctor-client privilege applies to this conversation and any others we have.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Freeman.”

  “Call me Jodi.” She stood and gathered her things. “I need copies of the other doctors’ findings and I’ll file a motion with the state. I happen to know several excellent attorneys and all of them owe me favors.”

  She held out her hand and Galina took it. “Once you’re free of your mother, I imagine your life will change drastically.”

  “I plan to retire.”

  “I’ll be sad to see you disappear but glad to know the reason.” Releasing her hand, she said, “I’ll keep you posted.”

  On the porch, Hollow and Vi stood as they opened the door. “Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Great. Let’s talk on the way. I’m anxious to get back and get the paperwork rolling.”

  “Wait one second.” Rushing back inside, she tore a page from her journal and wrote, “To Dr. Jodi Freeman…in thanks for being an incredible human being. All my love, Lina.”

  When she handed it to the psychologist, her eyes widened. “My kid is going to be green with envy.” Meeting her eyes with a smile, she said, “It was a true pleasure to meet you, Gail.”

  They shook hands and she watched as Hollow blindfolded the doctor and settled her carefully in the back of the SUV. She waved as they disappeared down the dirt road toward the rural highway.

  * * *

  Things moved quickly after her visit with Dr. Freeman.

  Galina Oksana Kahfke-West was pronounced mentally fit and all legal power over her life was returned to her.

  She wasn’t foolish enough to think her mother would simply stop searching. Svetlana proved how far she’d go to control her child and her vast resources.

 
The second phase of Hollow’s plan went into effect.

  Following his instructions, she started a money transfer from one of her accounts that traveled through several shell companies before depositing into a new account under the name Abigail North.

  “Don’t touch any accounts unless we put them through this process. Simply accessing them provides your location to someone looking for it.” She nodded. “You need to lay low for at least a year. You should create a press release.”

  She walked to the small writing desk and picked up a piece of paper. “I already did. I emailed it to you.”

  He skimmed the page with a slow smile. “Perfect.”

  “Now what?”

  “I get you settled. I know two men who’ll leave you alone but are more than capable of protecting you. Complete privacy, absolute seclusion as requested.”

  “Perfect. Tell me more.”

  Chapter Five

  October 2012

  Galina Oksana Kahfke-West needed to fade away for a while. She needed to disappear from the public eye and make her own choices at last.

  Her press release to the media was viewed millions of times and the outpouring of support from fans and industry people she’d worked with over the years brought her to tears.

  This is an open letter to those who have supported me throughout my career. I’m alright. I wasn’t kidnapped, I didn’t have a drug-induced blackout, there was no psychotic break.

  I’ve never been mentally unstable.

  I’ve never been addicted to drugs.

  I’m not a danger to myself or anyone else.

  I needed a moment to breathe. I wanted peace to decide what to do next. I’m safe, I’m filled with gratitude, and I’m finally standing on my own two feet.

  It feels incredible.

  I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and I’ll get stronger still. I ask for your understanding while I focus on my health and happiness.

  I’ve existed in a bubble for a long time. Too long. It’s time for me to leave that way of life and figure out who I am and what I want to do.

  To say I’m excited to begin is an understatement. Wish me luck.

  Love,

  Lina

  Hollow helped her buy a Jeep and things she needed to start over. He provided her documentation for her new identity and escorted her north to meet a group of people she didn’t know.

  Neither of the men who agreed to protect her knew who she was but she knew almost everything about them.

  To them, she was Abigail North – a woman who required a special type of witness protection.

  “I need her safe in an out of the way location,” Hollow explained to them over a conference call as Galina listened nervously.

  There was a long pause as they asked questions.

  “I’m not telling you her real name. Keep her safe and I’ll consider it a personal favor.” Another long silence and Hollow smiled. “No. Our relationship isn’t like that. She’s more like a little sister to me.”

  The words filled Galina with emotion. It exactly described the way she viewed him.

  “I know you’re technically out of the game but I also know you dabble when you’re needed. She wants to take your course.” The men freaked out on the other end of the line. “Because she wants to learn certain skills. Watch her back.”

  They talked for a few more minutes and Hollow said, “Will do. Let me know what you need. See you next week.”

  The moment he was off the phone, she had a hundred questions about the men tasked with providing her privacy and security. He answered them all.

  She was terrified and excited to do something different.

  Hollow and Vi waved followed her from the safe house in Wyoming to the base of Little Chief Mountain in Montana.

  Parking at the designated lot in Glacier National Park, she inhaled carefully and glanced at her friends in the SUV beside her. Neither of them got out to say goodbye. They saluted her with smiles and drove away.

  She watched until they were out of sight.

  Glancing at her reflection in the rearview mirror, she had to grin at her unusual transformation.

  She wore no makeup or jewelry of any kind.

  Brown contacts and non-prescription glasses with thick black rims hid her distinctive violet eyes. A dull brown wig covered her golden hair. Prosthetic teeth were far different from her usual cosmetically perfect smile.

  The weather meant necessary layers of thick clothing that hid any discernible features about her body.

  On the other side of the parking lot, several men stood around large packs on the asphalt. With a deep breath, she climbed out of the Jeep and grabbed her gear.

  Locking up the car, she turned to assess the gathering. The tallest man waved her over with a smile. Holding her own heavy pack, she joined them.

  “You must be Abigail.”

  “Yes. You can call me Gail.”

  “Good to have you, Gail. I’m Knox Simon.”

  He held out a gloved hand and she shook it. He was impressive physically, around six-three with longish hair and lovely blue eyes. Despite the layers he wore, she could tell he was lean.

  “Do you have everything you need?” She nodded. “We’re going to stretch before we get started. Set your gear down.”

  His voice was calming, steady as talked them through a deep stretching routine. It felt incredible.

  When they were done, everyone straightened and shrugged the heavy backpacks over their shoulders. Knox responded to their grunts with a chuckle.

  “They’re going to feel a lot heavier but hang in there. The purpose of this trip is to help you feel confident in nature. There’s no reason to be afraid. I’ll get you all back safe and sound. Let’s move out.”

  Hefting her huge pack over her shoulders, she followed her survival guide and his other students into dense forestation.

  Admittedly, it was the craziest thing she’d ever done.

  The harsh reality was that at almost twenty-six, she didn’t have a single useful skill other than the ability to use a coffee pot and how to catch a fish.

  She couldn’t cook, clean, wash laundry, balance her own checkbook, take her car for service, or do anything else most people learned as teenagers. She’d never even made an appointment for herself.

  To stand on her own, it was crucial she learn how.

  Being one of the world’s top supermodels didn’t exactly give one applicable life experience.

  That was how a woman who’d spent a vast majority of her existence posing ended up trekking through the woods wearing a disguise she hoped was bad enough to keep men from looking at her too closely.

  A new name, a new place, and a new direction. Finally unshackled from her old life and controlling mother, she was never going back.

  * * *

  The first day made her grateful for so many hours spent on her climbing machine and treadmill over the years.

  She couldn’t believe the raw beauty of everything around her and she found herself captivated by the panoramic view of St. Mary’s Lake.

  Based on the map she’d studied, the cabin she would live in was less than ten miles away. The thought that she’d be so close to such scenery inspired her to push a little harder.

  Knox moved confidently up the mountain, often glancing over his shoulder to ensure his clients were safe. His eyes met hers often and she kept her outward expression bland.

  Their group hiked for hours and she thought it was the cleanest place she’d ever been.

  They stopped for a break and she was glad to lower her pack. She removed the camera Hollow bought her from the inner pocket and smiled. He told her she’d spent too much time in front of a camera and maybe she should check out the view from the other side.

  Wise words from a wise man.

  “You should eat, Gail.” Knox stood a few feet away, looking at her as if trying to figure her out. “How are you holding up?”

  Clearing her throat, she turned to him. “I’m good.”


  “You barely seem winded. Do you do a lot of cardio?”

  She smiled at the probing question. “I only recently started hiking but I’ve always…paid attention to my fitness.”

  Moving slightly closer, he stared into her eyes with a frown. “Is there anything you need?” She shook her head. “I enjoy a mystery. You definitely present one.”

  “Thanks for adding me to the course. I was excited to take it.”

  “I know a change of subject when I hear it.” He grinned. “Alright, Gail. Eat something and make sure you hydrate.”

  With a small nod, she sipped from her canteen before returning to photographing the scenery. When he told everyone to prepare to move out, she draped the camera strap over her neck. She wanted it ready.

  Later that night, she struggled to set up her tiny tent. Hollow showed her how to do it before they left Wyoming but she found herself flustered around the others.

  “Can I help?” Knox stood with his fingertips in the pockets of his jeans.

  “I don’t…” She exhaled roughly. “Can you talk me through it? I-I’ve done it before but I think I’m confusing myself.”

  He did, watching her and inserting helpful advice when she got stuck. When it was done, she stared at it proudly.

  “Well done. I’m going to a small stream to refill my canteen. A couple of the others are coming if you’d like to join us.”

  “I was going to gather more wood. You said we should have a lot.” She looked out over the horizon from their excellent vantage point. “It will be dark soon.”

  “I’ll take your canteen to fill then. You don’t want to miss out on the perfect water up here. We’ll be back shortly.”

  She bent to remove it from the clip on her pack and held it out. “Thanks.”

  As he took it, she felt his eyes on her face. She imagined figuring out her identity was like an itch. “You’re welcome.”

  When the others disappeared around the trail, she quickly unrolled her sleeping bag and put her things in the tent.

  A heavyset man stayed in the camp as well, sitting cross-legged just inside his tent and eating what looked like a protein bar.

  “I need to catch my breath a minute. I’ll help gather wood.”

  “It’s alright. I don’t mind,” she assured him.