THE BLAME

Something likely

The three emergency teams, one team of three covering the grounds of the night-walk trail from start to finish, another team of two went in search on the private property outside the trail. Their parents hadn't yet been informed of the situation as they have been missing for less than 48 hours. Indeed, if a worse case scenario were to be plausible, they'd be notified that moment. They were confident they'd find them as they knew their last whereabouts. 

Not before long, did the intercom message come through, explaining that the team who crept along with the private property, were caught and being questioned. Jamie, apart from the team on the trail, guided them smoothly over their communication means as to what to say and how to handle the situation. When the owners of the land didn't want to let the two camp leaders off the hook, they handed them the intercom through which Jamie introduced himself and the matter at stake.

At this, the owners quickly understood the seriousness of the case, most probably induced by Jamie's tone of voice, and explained how they spotted a bright light the previous night.

"The person appeared to be in a hurry, if you ask me," a light countryside accent coming through one of the owner's deep voice, "they definitely moved fast. Almost certain as to where they're supposed to go."

"Did you hear or see anything else, perhaps early morning or late night?" Cassidy asked.

"Nah, I couldn't tell 'ya; my wife is up before me in the morning. As for the late-night," he thought for a moment, "the light beam was the only thing I spotted."

They got a hold of the owner's wife, still inside their house. Their son, the shareholder of the property went to fetch her while his father, Pete, stayed outside keeping Cassidy and her partner company. They tried their best to seem interested in the stories he told, explaining the origin of his accent and when and how they traveled and moved about. It was about ten minutes later, when his wife arrived, apologizing for the delay as there were pots on the stove she couldn't leave unattended.

"No need to worry, Ma'am. If you won't mind, though, did you see or hear anything suspicious this morning perhaps? We have two missing campers who we assume traveled into this trail," Cassidy was abruptly cut off by a surprised and slightly disappointed wife.

"How could you not track your own campers? They are your responsibility," she looked to her husband for any support whatsoever, "Pete, didn't I tell you that one day this campsite would turn out to be problematic? In retrospect..." her tone had just risen, beginning to argue and voice her thoughts when Cassidy had had enough, forgetting about the intercom that had been on the entire time.

"Ma'am, I am sorry if our campsite causes you any problems, however, our camp provides children with an extended education. As I take it, you value education just as important if not more than any other person. Our head camp leader is a responsible man, taking action and precautions where needed and furthermore. This case of two missing campers is a first. Now, would you please assist us to make such a case the last occurrence and inform us of any activity you may know of in this part of the land?" 

Cassidy inhaled subtly, maintaining her cool after her sudden outburst. The wife, Cary, seemed just as surprised by the exchange of words, nevertheless, she explained how she heard clear voices yelling names.

"At first I heard a very loud bellow, almost one that a lion would make. Filled with remorse and agony. Not long after that, did I hear two names being called to the other, I presume."

After thanking the small family, they set out in the direction where Cary had said she heard the sounds originate from. About two minutes' walk later, Jamie's voice let out a "Well done, Cassidy," through the intercom. He sounded proud, not to mention it was the first time he had used her full name. She did her best to hide her smile, unable to cover her profound flush across her rounded face.

Nearing the rim of the trail, close to the thornbush, they spotted footprints and broken branches not caused by animals or wind.

"Jamie, I think we found a lead," Cassidy glanced to her partner as a hopeful smile spread. Jamie instantly informed the reassurance team back at camp, news traveling like wildfire.

Jamie and his two partners changed direction on the trail, moving towards the forestation area. Surprisingly enough to them, they found Cassidy slowly lurking between the bushes, finding more leads. She noticed the way Jamie looked at her when she met his gaze as he stood still, his team scouting for more clues.

She couldn't help but blush deeply, unable to hide her feelings any longer. Jamie crept closer, careful as to not disrupt any possible tracks, meeting her near the trunk of a very stable tree.

"Cassidy... I uh, thank you for what you said to Cary," he murmured only for her to hear.

"Of course," she replied softly, tugging at a hair that escaped from behind her glass frame. Jamie had to resist the urge to touch her face. The same urge he had the first time he met her.

"You know that you inspire me, right?" he said instead, hoping his deep care for her could be noted. However, this seemed to catch her off guard instead and she fumbled with her thumbnail and her eyes darted anywhere but his face whereas his eyes never left her.

"Jamie," she insisted.

"Cassidy," he whispered back, intrigued by her beauty and leaning a bit closer. She drew her eyebrows together, bringing her attention to the bark she was so close to. "Look here."

It was Jamie's turn to be caught off guard. Nevertheless, he quickly retained his posture, trying to think what she is getting at. With closer inspection, he could see the two strands of hair tangled onto the bark. It was barely visible, but very clear that it wasn't Cassidy's as it was in complete contrast to her dark, coily hair. They looked at each other.

"Cas, we found the pointer behind a rock at the crossroad and footsteps along the trail on the right," Jamie started to conclude, " if Mirah was left there, and Cary and Pete said they saw someone with a flashlight entering the forest from the end," Cassidy nodded at his statements, drawing conclusions herself.

She then continued for him, "They weren't allowed flashlights on their walk. What if Asher came to find Mirah from the camp's way?"

"That sounds very likely," he said confidently.

"Now, we just have to find them."