Route 66

15 The Wanderer

I stirred awake beneath the gentle slope of a tent as shadows flickered, the cool night air easing my pounding head as I breathed a sigh of relief. My blistered feet were now wrapped in bandages and someone had stuffed me in a sleeping bag. I heard a crackling fire about seven feet out.

Sensing I wasn't alone, I glanced over to the right and the man who broke my fall was looking intently out through the flap as if daring anyone to come in.

I could see enough of him to make out that he was very tall because his legs extended a couple feet beyond mine. His frame was so lean I could clearly see where his shoulder ended and arm began. It was like looking at a muscular anatomy text book image.

"Hello?" I said with a gurgle.

Startled, he peered into my groggy eyes, then reached down and grabbed a canteen.

I rubbed my temples and moaned softly.

"Here, missy, I'm gonna tilt your head up really nice and easy like. You need some refreshment."

He raised the canteen to my lips and staggered the flow of water.

"That's good, missy," he said. "A gal in your condition shouldn't be drinking too fast."

"Who are you?" I whispered.

"The name's Steve and I thank the good Lord I found ya. When you feel like talkin' I sure would like to know your story. Looks like you got lost and been going somewhere double quick to be walking out in these parts with just a dirty 'ole coat and boots.

You must've had something stuck in your arms, them needle tracks left you black and blue. When was the last time you done eaten anything? You in some kind of trouble, missy?"

Images of Randolph and Dr. Borden flashed in my mind as I clutched Steve's arm frantically and blurted, "Two men are looking for me. I escaped from a terrible place and if they find me, I'm dead! They murdered my very best friend and they'll kill you too. Where are we? Put out the fire! Oh my God, HELP US!"

Steve gently placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and said, "Don't you fret, missy. I don't reckon they'll find us. 'Ole Steve knows best where to camp to avoid the most attention. Don't you worry about a thing."

Then he reached into a satchel and pulled out a gun and an enormous hunting knife.

"On the other hand, if they do find us, I reckon they won't be in any condition to do much of anything after I'm done with 'em," he said.

"Please, put out the fire! They might see it!"

"I can't do that, missy, keeps the hungry critters away. But don't you worry, I'm gonna fetch you some nice hot soup and after that, you rest. I'll keep watch around the fire the whole night through. I don't need a whole lotta sleep."

"Don't you understand? Steve! Let's go! Please drive me to the nearest phone."

He lowered his eyes, shook his head, and said, "I ain't got no car. You see, missy, I've been roaming around the desert for a spell on foot. Calm your nerves, if they haven't found you by now they probably start searchin' tomorrow in daylight. Shoot, they probably think you're dead already. You sure would've been if I hadn't found ya."

Then he pointed to a wrinkled pair of khaki shorts and collared shirt.

"You can get out of that flimsy coat and put on some clothes if you'd like."

I took several deep breaths to calm myself down and managed to get a semi normal "Thank you" out.

Steve nodded and went out towards the fire, shutting the tent flap behind him.