I continued. “I’m assuming since I’m not allowed to leave, I wouldn’t be able to go to the store to get a few items?”
“That would be correct.” He crossed his arms. His trademark stare returned, yet somehow it was different from the past week. What exactly was different I couldn’t quite figure out.
I blinked. This was he who must be obeyed. Get a grip, girl. “If I make a small list, would you be willing to get some things for dinner tonight?”
“I could do that.”
I turned toward Daniel, who was now edging closer to the kitchen, listening in. “Daniel?”
“Yeah?” He seemed surprised that I’d address him.
“Would you be willing to take me on a hike to find some fresh mushrooms and berries while Callon and Colt run to the store?”
Callon shifted uncomfortably, and I looked at him. Could he see through my plan? Think! I had to throw him off the scent.
“The dish tastes better with fresh ingredients, and I know the berries and mushrooms grow around here.” I hoped that was enough to convince him. Callon nodded once, and I turned to hear Daniel’s reply.
“Sure.”
What was with the head nodding? Once again I felt like I’d missed something important. I was sure all three were questioning my requests, since they all knew about my failed escape and my unhappiness at being kept here.
Shaking it off, I walked over to the far counter and found a piece of paper and a pen. I proceeded to the pantry and started searching for the items I knew I would need, grabbing a couple Ziploc bags in the process. I jotted down a few items and turned to the fridge to assess the contents. I added a couple more items to the list and then handed it to Callon. I turned to Daniel.
“You ready?” It was now or never.
“Yup.” Once again he glanced at Callon, then seemed a little more assured.
I grabbed the bags from the counter and followed Daniel out the door. I didn’t turn back, smiling as we left the cabin.
I knew my way around mountain trails pretty well, and I could find directions by using the sun and stars as my guide. I also knew where to look for the mushrooms and berries. They grew plentiful in the region. Some mushrooms had to be avoided because they were poisonous, and some berries could incapacitate a person for a short period of time. My dad had taught me, and thankfully, I’d listened.
I’d chosen Daniel to accompany me, as he didn’t seem to play close attention to details. He’d been the only one I’d voluntarily chatted with and even then it was at a minimum, but somehow he’d made a connection with me.
He who must be obeyed, on the other hand, would be too suspicious. Since he’d known my parents, he would be aware of what my dad had taught me over the years. And Colt knew me too well; he’d see straight through me in seconds. The tricky part now was to get Daniel talking. I was sure he would answer my questions without paying close attention to what I should or shouldn’t know.
“Do you know where the berries are?” I was assuming that he probably knew the area well since we were staying at their cabin.
“Yup.” His childish grin broke through, filled with warmth. “Some of the best berries are in season now. It’ll take us a little while to get there.” He hesitated, looking down at me. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“I actually feel great today. That’s why I wanted to cook something. I’ve been craving tortellini and a berry pie.” I sheepishly looked down. This play-acting was coming quite naturally. “I guess I’m being selfish to make you eat what I want tonight.”
He shrugged as we passed over a fallen log.
“Sounds good to me. Callon’s not really a culinary genius,” he chuckled.
“How often do you eat?” I had only seen them eat once since I’d been with them.
“Often enough.”
Often enough? What did that mean?
“What about sleep?” I asked. I knew Colt slept, but he never went to bed at the same time I did. If I wasn’t such a heavy sleeper I might have figured out a pattern already.
“Yeah, we don’t need much sleep either.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What makes you so different from me that you don’t need to eat or sleep as much?”
He hesitated, glancing back with a contagious smile. “I’m not that different from you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He didn’t respond. Sighing, I trudged on in silence. We stepped over decaying trees and pushed past branches, as I absorbed this new information. How strange that they didn’t eat and sleep much, but he said he wasn’t that different from me. My curiosity burned. What were they hiding?
“So Daniel, how old are you?” I would have guessed he was twenty-two.
“Old enough to race you up this hill!” He stuck his tongue out and took off running.
I didn’t get my answer, but I got more than I would have if I had asked Colt or Mr. Evasive. I tried running after Daniel, but he was too fast. I was actually surprised how fast; it wasn’t normal for someone to move like that. In fact, it didn’t seem like he was running at all; he would just suddenly appear further in the forest.
I tried to catch up, but lost him through the trees. I was in good shape, but was no match for Daniel’s speed. I stopped to lean up against a massive pine. That was when I spotted them. A few feet away sat a large cluster of berry bushes, and beyond that were the Wallow berries I needed. About time!
I pushed my way through the bushes to the small purple berries that clung to the forest floor. I was fortunate they resembled blueberries; my over-bearing guardians probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Or so I hoped.
I didn’t need huge amounts; a handful would do the job just fine. I stared down at the bluish stains on my fingers. Abruptly my chest felt tight, and I took a calming breath. I’d never done something like this before, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull it off. But the lure of the deposit box was too much. I had no other choice.
I carefully broke off a couple of leaves. I would need those so I wouldn’t end up like the others. Speedily packing them into one of the Ziploc bags, I placed it into my side pocket. I wouldn’t have much time before Daniel came back to look for me, so I anxiously started picking the safe huckleberries. Just as I finished, Daniel came tromping back, looking around for me.
“I’m over here, Daniel,” I called out. “I found some berries.”
He stuck his head around a tree, grinning from ear to ear. “I thought I lost you,” he said.
“Actually, you did,” I said, smiling as well. “Fortunately, when I stopped to catch my breath, I saw the berries. I figured you’d come back sooner or later.”
Daniel laughed—a beautiful, carefree sound that warmed my heart. He had a sincere happiness about him. I had to like him. He had a knack of putting me at ease, treating me as if we’d been friends for years. Quite unlike someone else I’d become familiar with…
I shook my head. No need to cloud my day thinking about him.
“So, ready to look for some mushrooms?” I asked.
“Sure!”
“This time, don’t go running off on me,” I warned. “I’m not fast enough to keep up with you, and you wouldn’t want to lose me and have to go back alone would you?”
He flashed a toothy grin, then grabbed my arm to make sure I couldn’t get away. We strode on, arm in arm, until we made it to the top of the ridge. Just beyond lay a small valley, where grasses and wildflowers flowed down from the base of the trees and swayed in the breeze. A small creek meandered its way from side to side, like a snake carving a way through the undergrowth. The water glistened under the sunlight, each ripple dancing to its own song. I turned; Daniel was staring at me with a shimmer in his eye.
I proceeded into the opening, my fingers outstretched so they could touch the plants as I walked by. I leaned down further to take in the fragrances. It was such a sweet scent; it made my heart still and kept my worrisome thoughts at bay.
I took a few more steps, found a small patch of soft grass by the creek, and sat down. I loved the gentle gushing of a creek. The trickle of a river was beautiful too, but rivers could also be loud, roaring, overpowering. A creek was gentle, relaxing. It caressed my mind; a song to ease the pains of the soul. Daniel sat nearby and I closed my eyes again, taking it all in. We both remained still for a long time, until I finally broke the tranquility.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I needed this today.“ How he knew I didn’t care. The fact that he did warmed me on the inside. A cabin filled with cold stares from he who must be obeyed and not talking with Colt had taken its toll.
“You’re welcome, Cheyenne. This is one of my favorite places. I was hoping you’d like it, too.”
He had me there; I loved this place. But we’d been gone for too long. It was time to head back.
I only needed a handful of mushrooms, and once they were stowed away, we began the hike back. It took less time than I expected. Upon entering the cabin, both Callon and Colt were sitting in the great room, in deep discussion. Their voices hushed, and I went to the kitchen and started pulling out pans to make dinner, hoping if I ignored them they would continue talking. They had gone to the store and set the items out on the counter to make it easier. I took a calming breath. Phase two of my plan was about to begin.
I made the pie first. With the oven on, I created the piecrust. I then proceeded to make the berry filling, being careful when touching the small Wallow berries. I pulled the leaves out, rinsed them, and secretly put them into my mouth and chewed. They were vile, and the taste made me want to gag. I swallowed hard to get them down.
Mixing the special berries together with the huckleberries, I added in the remaining ingredients and poured the contents into the piecrust, quickly covering the filling with the top crust and placing it in the oven.
I glanced at the trio, as they’d remained in the great room. “Do you mind if we have an early dinner?”
Callon nodded. “Sure, that’d work for us.”
“Great, I’m starving. Hope you’re hungry.” I grinned and returned to my work. They were still discussing something in hushed tones too quiet for me to hear. Did they suspect what was going on?
Concentrating on my task at hand, I finished making the main course in no time at all. It was only three in the afternoon, but the pie was done and the Tortellini was ready. This would give me plenty of time to make it to the bank before it closed at six. At least, I was hoping it was six and not earlier. Why hadn’t I looked it up on my computer? Too late now…
I set the table, then called them over to eat. Daniel dug in without any hesitation, as if he hadn’t eaten in over a week. It was amazing. I didn’t even see him chew. It looked like he swallowed every bite whole. Callon and Colt ate more slowly, watching me. Hungrily, I consumed my whole plate of food.
“This is delicious, Cheyenne,” Callon said with newfound appreciation.
Daniel and Colt nodded as well. “Thanks,” they said in unison.
“Where’d you learn to cook?” Callon sat back in his chair and crossed his legs.
“My mom taught me. She was an excellent teacher.” Fond memories of baking cookies together streamed to my mind.
“She taught you well,” Callon said. “I’m impressed.”
“Yeah, well, it isn’t that exciting cooking for one. Too many leftovers.” I looked up. “Although with the three of you, I don’t have to worry about it.” I gave a faint smile. “I hope you saved room for pie and ice cream.”
“Can’t wait,” Colt replied.
It was nice knowing they really did enjoy the meal, even though I was technically poisoning them. I gathered up the plates while they sat and chatted about baseball, talking about their favorite players. Pulling four bowls out of the cupboard, I went to the freezer to get the ice cream. I carefully cut the pie and dished it into the bowls, being sure to scoop large amounts of ice cream on their servings. I slid one to each of them, returning to the counter to grab my own, and sat down again.
Once again, Daniel didn’t disappoint; he started shoveling it down. Colt and Callon both hesitated until I started to eat and then they dug in. I had about twenty minutes from the time the berries went into their mouths until the side effects would kick in. The only antidotes were the leaves I’d eaten earlier. My dad had warned me to eat them at least an hour in advance to get the antitoxin into the body.
The berries paralyzed the muscles. They weren’t potent enough to stop a person from breathing, swallowing, or blinking, but their arms, legs, and torso would remain immobile. The effects would only last about half an hour to an hour, depending on the dosage. I just needed to make sure the three of them were sitting on the couch or loveseat because I wouldn’t be able to move them if they fell. I didn’t want to hurt them, just have time to get away.
They finished the pie, and I once again gathered up the plates with their help and started cleaning. Colt neared the counter and leaned across the sink full of dishes to look at me.
“Are you still mad at me?” he asked.
“No. I’m fine,” I replied, as I started washing. I really had gotten over being angry with him. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the situation, but I couldn’t stay angry forever. He’d been desperately trying to make amends. Now what I’d done was probably going to make him mad.
“Why don’t you sit down and watch the baseball game? When I finish the dishes, we can go for a walk and talk about it.” I gave a quick smile to let him know it was okay and pushed my hands into the sink further, scrubbing and swirling the water around.
“Ok, we’ll go for a walk then, after you’re done.” He repeated and slowly moved his arms around me in a hug; still unsure about how I would react. He pressed his face to mine and gave me a soft kiss on my cheek, near my ear. The butterflies in my stomach came to life. I’d missed his touch.
I listened intently as he walked away, waiting to hear the creak of the leather on the sofa when he sat.
I let out a sigh of relief. All three were watching television. Colt was on the couch, slouching across the majority of it. Daniel was in the overstuffed chair with his feet dangling off the ottoman and Callon was sitting in the corner of the loveseat. This was going better than I thought.
I finished cleaning the kitchen and walked into the bedroom to get my wallet and change into my skirt and blouse—just in case I needed to look impressive, regardless of the fact that I had the key. I didn’t want to look like a slob walking into the bank. If I needed to convince a bank clerk, because I was late, I’d probably have a better chance if I was more presentable.
When I returned to the great room, the trio had a dazed look on their faces. The berries were doing their job. Their eyes followed me across the room, filled with frustration and anger, as they could do nothing to stop my upcoming escape.
Setting my backpack on the kitchen counter, I went to Daniel first. His head was in an uncomfortable position so I carefully placed both my hands on his cheeks and repositioned it so it was resting on the back of the chair. He was staring at me, more curious than anything else.
“I’m sorry, Daniel. But I have to do this. I want you to know I had a wonderful day hiking with you, and I can’t thank you enough for showing me your valley.” I produced a small smile. “Don’t worry; this will only last about an hour.” I gently brushed his dark hair from his eyes.
I turned to Colt, who was sprawled across the couch. His eyes met mine, filled with a mix of concern, helplessness, and anger. I knelt so I could get clo
se to his face. His massive body was so still, and his arms lay limply at his side. Reaching out, I took one of his hands in mine and pulled it to my chest.
“Colt, forgive me. This is the only way I’ll be able to leave. I’m not angry with you. I was hurt, but I know you meant what you said.” I didn’t know what else to say; I had so many emotions swimming in my head and heart right now. “I didn’t want to say the wrong words and hurt you, so I’ve said nothing at all.”
I sighed.
“You hold a special place in my heart. But I’m not sure it’s the same kind of love you have or desire from me in return. You understand me, you make me laugh, you comfort me, and you make me feel safe when you wrap me in your arms. I really don’t deserve someone like you. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
I closed my eyes and pulled his hand to my face, cupping it into my cheek while I lowered myself towards his lips. I kissed him softly, and his lips trembled at the contact. A sense of regret hung low in my stomach. I kissed him again, then carefully folded his arm to his chest and rose.
Callon was drooped in the love seat, his face clouded with irritation. He was annoyed I had gotten the better of him. I gave a sly smile as I neared. I’d won, and there was nothing he who must be obeyed could do about it. Victory was sweet, at least for the moment. I warned them they couldn’t keep me here. They didn’t think I could get away, ha!
I sat next to him, looking into his hazel eyes while I slowly placed my hand to his cheek. I couldn’t help myself. After being under his thumb, it was about time he got a taste of his own medicine. Deliberately, I stroked his left cheek, letting my hand trace his neck, his shoulder, and down his arm to his fingers where I paused.
His gaze changed from irritation to something else, and I felt a corresponding reaction, although I wasn’t sure if it was excitement or something deeper. I moved my hand to his left jean pocket. The key to the Jeep wasn’t there.
I moved my hand over his right pants pocket. This time I found what I was searching for. I pushed my hand up under his wrist and pressed my fingers into his pocket to grasp it. He knew what I wanted, but his stare distracted me. There was a passion in his eyes that set my heart fluttering. It was so deep and intense that I stopped what I was doing. Closing my eyes, I pulled the key free, struggling to keep my pulse from bounding.
Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) Page 8
