Target on the Mountain by Elizabeth Goddard (the chimp paradox .txt) 📕

they believe Liam may have told you something critical that they don’t want made public.”

The implication was frightening. These men were willing to kill to keep their secret.

Exhausted and barely hanging on, she and Alex didn’t have the luxury of taking a break.

“It’s still a little ways from here.” She hated telling him the next part, but he needed to know. “Alex, there’s some pretty rough terrain standing between us and the camp. The loggers used to reach the camp by coming up from the opposite side of the mountain where it’s more accessible.”

“What’s standing between us and the camp?” he asked, as if dreading her answer.

It had been a while since Rachel visited the area, but if she remembered correctly, there was a creek that ran through here. It fed off the spring thaws and it would be raging at this time of the year.

“Water,” she answered. “There’s a creek a couple of miles before we reach the camp. We had a lot of snow this year. It’s going to be running pretty swiftly.”

She could see this wasn’t exactly the best news. “Let’s hope it’s still pretty frozen up here. Otherwise, we’re going to get wet, and with the temperature close to freezing, we could be in serious danger of hypothermia.”

Alex felt the exhaustion of the day seep into his limbs. He was working on next to no sleep. He couldn’t imagine what Rachel was going through.

“The creek is just past this next ridge.” He glanced at her. She was shivering from the cold.

They wouldn’t be any good to Liam or anyone else if they died up here from the elements.

Rachel stopped suddenly and listened. “I hear it.” She turned to him. “We’re almost there, Alex. It sounds like it’s running pretty strong.”

Crossing a fast-moving creek would be next to impossible under the best of conditions. In the dark and ill prepared for the crossing, it might cost them both their lives.

They reached the top of the summit. Alex could see the white water rushing below them. It appeared as if the creek had overflown its banks. The worst possible scenario. His heart sank. “Maybe there’s an easier way to cross. We have to try.”

He and Rachel made their way slowly to the edge. At one time the water had been much higher. There was evidence of flooding all around them. Alex’s feet slogged through thick mud as they neared the edge of the water.

He stopped once they got as close as the rushing water would allow. There were charred trees all around. Not too long ago, there had been a fire up here, no doubt from a lightning strike. It happened frequently in the mountains. The fire had taken out most of the trees in a wide swatch on either side of the creek bank. Only a couple of trees still stood and they were as charred ghosts tottering on the edge of the bank.

As he surveyed the opposite bank, Alex had an idea. “There’s still some rope in one of the backpacks. If we can lasso that tree across the creek then tie onto this one here, I think we can make it across the water.”

It was a long shot, but it was their only option. They couldn’t stay here until morning, and to try to find another way around the creek would cost them precious time.

“How are your lassoing skills?” Rachel asked with a weary smile. Even though she was exhausted and travel worn, looking at her still had the power to make his pulse race. He’d do just about anything in his power, lay down his life if need be, to protect her.

“Rusty, but I think I can manage. I’ll need some light, though.”

She shone the flashlight his way in response.

“Thanks. I know it’s risky, but otherwise we could be here for a while.”

She followed him over to the edge of the creek. Rachel shone the light across the creek to where a single tree had survived the fire.

It was a long shot at best. Lord, I need Your help, Alex prayed.

“I think I can hook it around that branch up there. It’s tall enough to keep us out of the water, at least.”

Rachel took out the rope and handed it to Alex.

As a kid, Alex had loved to rope just about anything in sight. He’d given up on becoming a professional bull roper when his interests turned to other things as a teen...mostly Rachel.

Holding the greater portion of the rope in his left hand, Alex swung the lariat above his head. It took five tries, three more than it should have in the old days, to lasso the branch in question.

“You haven’t lost your touch.” Rachel smiled brightly. “And I’m sure glad you haven’t.”

He jerked the rope tight and tested the branch for stability. Having survived the fire, it could be compromised, but they were all out of choices. It was this or turn around and head back the way they’d come and risk running into those men.

“It looks like it should hold our weight. We just need to tie it off on this end.” The remaining tree on their side of the bank wasn’t nearly as sturdy looking.

“Let’s hope it holds up,” she said and shone the light on the charred tree. She was right. If the tree fell, they could be in serious trouble. If they landed in that water, they’d be swept downstream before they had a chance to save themselves.

Alex looped the rope around the tree and started tying it off. Before he’d finished, he heard voices coming from just over the ridge.

Rachel glanced behind them. “Alex, they’re almost here. We have to hurry.” He took her hand and they headed to the edge of the creek.

“You should go ahead of me. I’m positive it will hold your weight. I’m not sure about mine. If they reach me before I can cross, cut the rope and get out of here. Find Liam.”

He didn’t get to finish before she shook