Tumble In the Jungle

Tumble In the Jungle Ch. 1

Maureen McCarron drove up to the security building situated at the top of the several kilometer long road that would take her to the IAC set. Opening her window, she smiled at the security guards who were working the entrance and exit.

"Hallo! Haven't seen you in a month of Sundays, Mrs. McCarron! How have you been doing, ma'am?"

Maureen smiled widely at Thomas Billings and his work partner Willow Hanson, who was looking over her co-worker's shoulder.

"Doing very well. Getting used to being semi-retired."

"Are you now...that's great news, ma'am," Willow said over Thomas's shoulder. "Me dadda is retiring this year, as well. Can't wait to see him enjoying his gardening and going bird watching with him!"

For a moment the trio visited until another vehicle came up behind Maureen. Looking up, Thomas frowned then turned to Willow.
"He's not familiar. I've got him. Let me out and I'll stand between the two vehicles," he commented before waving his goodbyes to the older woman. Moments later, Willow allowed Maureen to pass under the raised barrier while Thomas visited with the driver behind her.

Driving down the dirt road, Maureen enjoyed the change of scenery as she drove into the jungle. Soon, she rounded a curve and slowed down as she approached the cluster of buildings that made up the main area of IAC.

Pulling up just outside the clinic, she parked then turned off her vehicle before opening its door to climb out.

"How are you enjoying your semi-retirement, Maureen?" Bob McCarron's wife turned to see one of her husband's colleagues, Jarod Kingsley walking up a jungle trail toward her, smiling broadly.

"Well...hello, you," she replied, closing her door before giving the young man a hug. "I'm enjoying it completely."

"What brings you here today," Jared asked, stepping out of the hug. "Bob didn't mention you coming out."

"I thought I'd bring him a picnic lunch since I have nothing better to do," she answered with a laugh. "I know he gets to eat soon so..." She opened the door behind the driver's seat and started to pull out a large bag only to stop when the younger man placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Here, let me help with that," Jared reached into the back seat of Maureen's car and took out the thermal bag. "I can carry it for you up to the clinic. I think that's where he is."

Maureen shut the car door then followed the medic toward the low building not too far away that served as the medical clinic for the set.

A few moments later, Jared showed her into her husband's small office. "Well, what a pleasant surprise!" Bob exclaimed, standing up from his paper laden desk. Jared placed the thermal bag on the floor and backed out of the door while Bob kissed his wife soundly on the cheek.

"Thought you might want some company for lunch," she said, pointing at the bag on the floor. "I brought your favorite sandwich, crisps, pie and drink."

"Well...let's not wait. I'm starving!" Bob picked up the bag with one hand and grasped his wife's hand in the other, leading her to the back door that would take them out to the covered porch where there were tables and chairs set out for the medics and any other member of the crew who were more than welcome to relax and eat.

Bypassing the tables and chairs, Bob lead his wife down the steps and toward a golf cart. "You haven't seen the new campsite. Let's eat down there."

Pleased with the suggestion, Maureen got into the cart with her husband and the pair took off down the path that would take them near the campsite. They'd have to park and walk a bit but that would only make it more of a fun adventure, as far as Maureen was concerned.