Summer Bliss: Book 1 {Revised}

Apex Predator

When the morning sun kissed the tree tops Milo headed to the ranger station. An aging two story cabin that had seen better days. No porch, just a raised small platform accompanied by three rickety steps. White paint flaked off the exterior, coating the ground closest to the cabin. Even the signage was worn as the word "Ranger" had faded with age.

Inside was modestly better. Chairs lined one side of the wall along with souvenir racks. On the other side was their desks and a few scattered personal belongings. The upstairs housed the living quarters: a bedroom, a kitchen area, and bathroom.

Milo thought many times of staying here but can't stomach sharing a room with Dan. Cleanliness was not his forte and Milo couldn't remember how many times he told him bathing was free. Reaching his desk, he flopped down in his chair.

Yesterday he warned the visitors and campers of the bear attacks. Some had complied, returning to their campsites or leaving the park entirely. Others challenged him, opting to stay and continue normally. All Milo could do was try to reason with them.

"Now what's on the agenda today." Looking at the papers scattered on his desk, his eyes landed on a post it note.

'Patrol the coast!'

"Right, right. Might as well go now."

Taking one of the hanging life jackets he grabbed a spare radio battery and headed out the door. He was surprised to see Elaina, McDermott's partner, hand perched, about to knock. Startled she stepped back, "Oh!"

Milo watched as her caramel cheeks took on a rosy hue. She was casual today unlike the last time he'd seen her. A black T-shirt and simple Denim jeans completed her look. Her badge rested on her belt with her handcuffs and Glock. Brown hair clipped back into a low bun.

"Ranger Halifax? I'm Elaina Tabares. You spoke to my partner, Scott McDermott, yesterday." Extending her hand, he took it.

"Yea, how can I help you today?"

"I came to see how your night went. Anything unusual?"

She pulled a pad and pencil from her back pocket. Waiting, she ignored his exasperated expression. He did not have time for this. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out his Menthols. Lighting one it was now his turn to ignore her frown.

"I didn't stay last night. Also, I told your partner everything. It was a bear attack. Case closed."

"How do you know it was a bear? Were you there on that night?" She placed her hands on her hips and arched a brow.

Milo shook his head and walked past her, bumping into her accidentally.

"Sorry ma'am. I don't enjoy being accused of what you're implying, I have to start my day. As far as I'm concerned a family of bears ransacked that camp."

"Even you don't believe that. I can see it on your face."

Milo took a long drag from his cigarette. He stood by his driver door and glance back at her. She was still on the platform, arms folded across her chest. He'd be a liar to say he didn't gawp at her breast.

"Even if I don't, it has nothing to do with me. Again, you guys closed the case."

Fishing for his keys he didn't notice her walk over to the passenger side.

"Isn't it your job to conserve the environment, its animals, and people as a Ranger?" Elaina pulled at his door handle, locked.

"Yes, but when people do dumb things, like anger wildlife, that calls for common sense not a Park Ranger." Milo observed her yank the handle again. Still locked. Sighing he put his cig out on the front tire.