Wildfire Read Free

having to hike up to the lookout tower.
    Best of all, the overlook provided an unobstructed view of the eastern ridge and the basin below. She stepped out onto the deck and took in the Chinook River reflecting the sunlight into the clear blue sky. She took a deep breath and was thankful to have the clean fresh air fill her lungs. There was no cigarette smoke, no perfume, no stares or whispers…nothing to remind her of Grace.
    She made multiple trips up and down the wooden steps between the cabin and her truck. She hadn’t thought she had brought that much stuff. She planned only to be at the cabin for a little over a month, but after unloading the four ice chests, the canned goods and fresh vegetables she had bought en route, along with her clothing, toiletries, bedding and rifle, she felt as if she were moving in.
    Elaine looked around outside before pulling the truck under the deck. The building had been built into the side of the mountain with tall beams that supported the deck and formed a carport. The last ranger had provided a dry stack of wood before departing his post. She noted that she would need to remember to return the favor before she left the cabin. The propane that was remaining combined with the emergency supply she had brought would be more than enough to run the generator until she met up with Donovan to replenish her supplies. Donovan had been part of her crew the longest and he would be her direct correspondent should she need any unexpected supplies. He would also be working the area north of her cabin searching for the poachers by day, while returning home at night. His wife and five kids wanted him home at night and Elaine completely understood and issued him evening or overnight duties only when necessary.
    She pulled one of the fuel tanks out of the back of the truck and toted it into the adjacent storage area housing the generator. Once she’d checked the gauges to be sure there had been no tampering and leaks, she started the generator with little effort. She knew she could count on her crew to follow not only her orders, but the directives set by the U.S. Forest Service when it came to maintaining their equipment. All her crew members balked at the task, but it was better than answering to the captain if it wasn’t done. Elaine found it amusing that the men on her crew complained more about it than any of the women. But they all knew that in an emergency situation, it was essential that all cabins be ready.
    After carrying the rest of the propane tanks into the storage area, she replaced the padlock on the door, gathered an armful of wood and returned to the cabin. There was still a small pile of wood inside and with the armload she had carried in, she was confident she would have plenty to keep the cabin warm all night and well into the next day.
    Once settled in, she turned on the radio. She checked in with the ranger station letting them know that she had arrived. She left the radio on and gave it a cursory glance before moving back out onto the deck. Walking to the edge she rubbed her hands along the railing enjoying the rough wood beneath her hands.
    After another deep breath, she felt the pressures of her everyday life fade. A narrow trail led down to the river below and about a quarter of a mile from where the trail ended was Big Rock Natural Spring. She thought that if the weather held she would hike down and take a swim tomorrow. She knew that the water would be cold, if not freezing, but it would be refreshing and she looked forward to it. She looked out over the rolling greens darkening as the sun began its descent and accepted the reality of how their relationship had evolved and realized that they were simply not meant to be together.
    One of the hardest parts for Elaine would be to forgive herself for not ending the relationship the moment she recognized she wasn’t happy and wasn’t in love with Grace. She would spend this time of isolation trying to forgive and move on.
    The