MYSTERY CHAPTER TWO


As I traveled south I thought back to when I met Aaron. Dusk had been settling into the redwoods as I approached my campsite on the river that summer day. I was hurrying because of the impending dark, my heavy backpack slowing me down. Suddenly, a figure appeared on the narrow game trail about fifteen feet in front of me. I began backing up ready to run. The man put a finger to his lips then lowered his hands to his side and opened them as if to show he was no threat.

In a low voice he said, “A couple of guys have your place staked out. I thought you’d want to know.”

I wondered if Vern or his cohorts had finally found me. “How do you know where my place is?” I asked.

“I live around here,” he said. “I notice who’s coming and going.”

“I’ve been here for months. How come I haven’t seen you before? I haven’t seen any houses either.”

“I don’t live in a house,” he said. “I think they’re just locals looking for trouble, but best to avoid them if possible. I can help you.”

“Why should I trust you or anything you say?” He looked to be okay, but I was on the run because of trusting someone that I shouldn’t have. He was slight in build, was wearing dark green jeans and a plaid shirt under a dark windbreaker.

“You shouldn’t,” he said. “I’d expect you to continue to do whatever you need to do to take good care of yourself. I still can help.”

“Why would you?”

“Why not?” he asked, and gave me a shy smile. “Good neighbor policy maybe?”

“So what do you suggest? What can you do to help me?”

“It’s not safe for you to continue to camp where you are anymore. I can strike your camp and bring your things to wherever you want. I can give you a safe place to stay for now, either here or in town.”

“Here? What do you mean here?”

“My place is a short distance away, and safe. I can give you the key.”

“Show me,” I said chastising myself for risking being foolish. “But, keep your distance.”

“Not a problem,” he reassured me, turning his back and moving deeper into the woods. He made no noise as he moved away.

I followed cautiously behind him as he disappeared into the forest moving off the game trail. What the hell was I doing? I stopped and almost turned around to flee when his voice came filtering through the heavy air. “It’s right here,” he said.

I came up behind him. “Right where?” All I saw were trees and the one he stood in front of was massive, one of the old redwood giants.

“Stay there,” he said, and disappeared. It was so dark I couldn’t see anything anymore. I heard some soft sounds nearby. I inched forward. He suddenly popped out of a hidden cleft in the tree. “Here’s the key;” he extended his hand and backed away flicking on a small flashlight. He put a large brass key on the ground in front of me and shone the light on it. “You can climb a ladder, right?”

“Rr-right,” I said. “But where am I going?”

“Into the tree here. Turn right, and you’ll find a rope ladder. Climb up twenty-five feet. There you’ll find a small platform and a door. You have a flashlight with you?” I indicated I did and fumbled it out of my pocket. “Inside the door is my place. You can take off your backpack, then pull the ladder up so no one, including me, can surprise you.”

“Then what?”

“Do you want me to collect your tent and things?”

“I don’t know…,” I began.

“It’s your call,” he said. “I can walk you back to town and you can stay in my shop until you find someplace else. I’ll come back here for the night. Or, you can stay here. There’s a hammock aloft. I’ll get your things, stow them here below, and I’ll return around ten tomorrow morning. You could be gone by then if you want.”

I was tired. I needed a chance to think. Besides I was curious. “Okay,” I said. “That’s a plan I can live with. I’ll see you tomorrow at ten.” I stooped down and picked up the key.

He flashed me a grin and disappeared silently. I turned and felt my way to the ladder and started climbing.