OddityVille: Harrowing Hills (Book Two)

Chapter Five: Till Dusk

    
The walk back feels far longer than the rides in and out. By the time Ashley can see the same column of smoke as before, it iss diminished to almost nothing and broken in several places on the way up. The horizon is also changing colors, like it had done on the first night. She becomes concerned upon seeing this that they might not arrive at the camp till nightfall and the speed at which Mike is walking tells her he is thinking the same thing. Though nobody speaks of it, she is also certain that they have all noticed the drop in animal activity as they got within the valley of Harrowing Hills, as the silence of the animals seems to trigger a silence amongst themselves. Mike- who is still ahead of the others- pauses in place before a wave of relief seems to wash over him.

"Look!" He points at the base of the column as he huffs the word out. "I can see the truck!" He then takes off in the camp's direction with the girls close behind.

As Ashley and Mike wrap around the front of the truck in search of the keys to Ashley's car, Linda stops at the truck, letting the others move on to the tents, and peers inside, pressing both hands against the glass to get a better look. Ashley and Mike tear through James's belongings, turning out every pocket and checking every crevis they can find.

"Do you remember where he put them?"

"No, I was distracted and boozy, I-" A jingling sound fills the tent as Mike lifts a ring from under James's sleeping bag. On the ring were two identical keys. Mike slides the ring on one finger and backs out of the tent.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

"We can't." Both Mike and Ashley are caught off guard by these words and face Linda, who is still staring through the window of the truck. "Look." The two make their way over and do as she did with her hands.

Sitting in the driver's seat is a crumpled piece of paper. Even in its damaged condition, a note could be made out on it. Ashley and Mike read it in their heads as Linda watches them.

     "Linda,

we found the others up the hill and went out for a walk. Be back at nightfall. Keep the fire going.

                                                                                                                                                              -Cody"

    
"They're alright!" Ashley and Mike study the note carefully, but something feels off to them. "We just have to wait."

"Linda," Mike pleads, "we can't stay. I'm sorry."

"Why not? They're fine, see?" She taps the glass repeatedly, as if to be sure they read the note.

"I'm with Mike on this one."

"You don't know what's out there."

"And you do?" Linda hisses, jabbing the same finger in Ashley's direction. "A few hours ago you were looking at her like she was crazy. Now I'm the crazy one?"

"It's not like that, Linda. Please, ju-" Linda smacks the keys out of Mike's hand and quickly scoops them up. "What was that for? What are you- NO!" As she gets the keys in a firm grip, she stretches her arm out over her head and whips it. Both Mike and Ashley try to stop her, with Mike attempting to block the effort and Ashley pinning her arm down, but both are too late and the keys go flying through the air. Sploosh!

"Linda!"

"Damnit!" Mike shifts back towards Linda after watching the keys fall into the river and raises his own hand.