Ends of the Earth

She darted back every few minutes with questions for Ben, and the time passed quickly. Before Jason knew it, they’d reached the lookout, and he had to admit it was another stunning view, even with mist hanging over the trees. Snow-capped peaks met the clouds, and it was like they were the only people left in the world.

Maggie clasped her hands joyfully, staring in awe. “It’s so quiet. I love it.”

Jason pressed a kiss to her damp hair. “Me too, baby.” It had been worth every penny he’d saved to give her this gift.

“Can we go farther? Is there another lookout?”

Ben said, “There is. Another hour or so.”

Before Jason could open his mouth, Maggie jumped in. “Yes. I’ll totally be able to walk back, and no, it won’t be too late for dinner. We have lots of snacks.”

Ben chuckled with a flash of white teeth. “She’s got your number, huh?”

Jason had to laugh. “She sure does. Okay, we’ll go to the next lookout, but then we’re turning back.” He’d probably have to piggyback her later, but he couldn’t say no.

Maggie bounced. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She darted off, full of energy as always.

“Not too fast,” Jason called after her. “Stay in sight!”

As they walked on, it was peaceful under the shelter of the trees, the sodden, earthy-smelling leaves on the ground muffling their footsteps. Drizzle pattered on the glossy leaves and dripped onto Jason’s head, but he didn’t mind that he’d forgotten his cap in the car. He kept his hood down, watching Ben from the corner of his eye.

Ben moved through the woods with smooth grace, clearly at home among the oaks and pines, his steps even and sure, long legs striding confidently. Beneath the brim of his hat, faint stubble shadowed his strong jaw, and—

Jason’s breath caught, body seizing as he tripped over a root, barely getting his palms out in time to break his fall as he thudded onto the wet earth.

Oh my God, I am such a loser!

He popped back up as Ben took hold of his arm, helping him to his feet, face creased in concern. “You okay?”

Laughing awkwardly, cheeks on fire, he brushed leaves and twigs and dirt from his jacket and pants. “I’m fine!” The sympathy in Ben’s expression made the sticky flood of embarrassment worse, and Jason turned away. Maggie had rounded the corner and he could only see flashes of her red poncho through the trees, her latest song fading on the breeze. He called, “Maggie, wait up!”

Ben was still holding Jason’s upper arm with a steady grip that sent Jason’s pulse skittering. “Are you sure you’re okay? You didn’t twist an ankle?”

He circled the right and then his left ankle. “I think I’m fine. Just incredibly clumsy.” He met Ben’s warm gaze again. “Lame city slicker.”

With a low laugh, Ben said, “I’ll tell you a little secret.”

“Uh-huh?” Jason swayed closer, sparks igniting on his damp skin, throat gone dry.

“One time I took a header right in front—”

A ragged scream tore through the air. Maggie.

Adrenaline ricocheting, Jason raced around the bend, expecting to see a grizzly, his worst nightmare come true. His heart pounded, sick fear strangling his spine as he blinked at the scene in front of him.

No bear. A man.

About twenty feet away down the trail, Maggie stood frozen, a big, scraggly man behind clutching her shoulder. He held a pistol in his other hand, pressed against Maggie’s temple.

“Get away from my daughter.” Jason barely recognized his own hoarse voice.

The man smiled. Smiled. “Now, now. Let’s all relax. I was just minding my own business, and your little gal here came across my path.”

Jason’s ears buzzed with rushing blood. “Then let go of her, and we’ll get out of your way.”

The man smiled crookedly as if he didn’t have a care in the world. As if he wasn’t holding a gun to Jason’s little girl. Why did he have a gun? “Now I want to make sure you and Ranger Bob coming up behind won’t do anything stupid.”

“Let her go,” Ben commanded, appearing in Jason’s peripheral vision to the left.

Jason pleaded. “We won’t tell anyone, I swear. Just let her go.” Cold sweat sprang out on his skin, prickling the back of his neck.

“Daddy.” Maggie whimpered. The barrel of the pistol dug into her pale skin.

Jason held out his hands. “Please. Please don’t hurt her.”

“Brown, let her go.” Ben’s voice was steely. “You know she’ll only slow you down.”

This Brown person Ben somehow seemed to know cocked his weapon. The click of the metal was much louder than it sounded on TV. “Thing is, I heard her coming—what a sweet little voice she has. And I realized she’s just the guardian angel I need.”

“What?” Jason sputtered, his lungs struggling. Wake up! This can’t be real!

“Well, those so-called lawmen after me aren’t too interested in taking me into custody. I heard it with my own ears—shoot to kill. Had to hole up in a cave while those fuckers looked for me over to the east.” He cackled. “Assholes went right by me, but it cost me a lot of time. I think it’s best I take the girl with me now that the good Lord’s put her in my path. Could use some insurance, and I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.”