Rogue Angel - Footprints Part 82

"Sorry, okay? I was so upset when Cheehawk died, it was all I could do not to freak out."

"I'd have to say that trying to blow up someone's truck comes pretty d.a.m.n close to freaking out."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Why didn't you confront him on it?"

"What, and risk him shooting me?"

"He almost did, anyway."

"Good point."

Annja nodded. "When you're an adult you'll learn all about foresight."

"But apparently not the dangers of hitchhiking."

"Wisea.s.s. So where are we going?"

"I know a place, and I want to show you something before you leave town for good." Joey gave her directions and Annja drove for about two miles outside of town. Joey motioned to a spot near a sharp rock face. "Park there."

Annja slid the car into park and they both got out.

"I think you need this. From up here, we can see for quite a distance. It's one of my favorite places to come. Whenever I need to be with my friends."

Annja smiled. "I think we all need a place like that." She walked to the edge of the precipice. Far below, she could see the swirling waters of the river that had nearly claimed their lives. She could see the mountains and the forests that had both ravaged and sheltered them. And overhead, clouds and sun mingled in the pale blue sky.

"It's time to say goodbye, Annja."

Annja nodded. "I wish things could have been different at the end with Jenny." Annja wiped her eyes. "See you on the other side," she said quietly.

Joey stood out on the edge and whispered a chant of some sort before turning back to Annja. "If it's all the same to you, I think I'll stay here for a while."

"Really?"

Joey nodded. "I'll find my own way back home."

"I know you will."

"It's been an adventure, Annja Creed." He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tight.

Annja smiled, fresh tears flowing out of her eyes. "It sure has, Creeping Wolf. You take care of yourself," she said.

He looked at her. "Don't forget the journey you took when you were here. We're connected now, you and me. We'll keep each other's secrets. Don't ever forget."

"I won't," she said.

He nodded. "In that case, it's time to say farewell. For now."

Annja kissed his cheek and turned back toward her car. "Be well, Joey."

"You, too."

She walked to the car and slid into the seat behind the steering wheel. A thought occurred to her and she got back out of the car. "What's your secret, Joey?" she called out.

She looked around.

Joey was gone.

But something nearby drew Annja's eye. She walked to the edge of the path where the gra.s.s met it and crouched down. In the dirt, she could see the marked impressions of a track.

A big track.

Five splayed toes topped a footprint that must have been at least fifteen inches long. And some distance farther on, Annja found another one, leading off toward the same rock face that she and Joey had just climbed.

Whenever I need to be with my friends.

Joey's words came back to Annja. She smiled. He knew all along, she thought. Creeping Wolf wasn't just some crazy kid who liked to run around in the woods. As he'd said himself, he was the caretaker of this place, this little piece of Eden on earth.

No wonder he'd been so quick to dismiss the reports and the sightings and everything else that went with the legends. To say otherwise would have meant a rush of thrill seekers. And that would have meant the forest and the creatures-all the creatures-that inhabited it would be at risk.

Annja walked back to the car and got in. She put her hands on the steering wheel and stared off into the world around her for a moment. Then she started the engine, slid the car into Reverse and backed up, swinging it around until it was aimed back toward the main road.

And the world beyond it.

She took one final glance over her shoulder. "Your secret's safe with me," she said.