Scorching Ground, page 4
CHAPTER 4
Snow was falling lightly, and the slight breeze made everything colder. Shelby shivered even though she was bundled up in her warm winter coat. She wrapped her gloved hands around her middle and danced in place like a prairie grouse during its mating ritual, trying to warm her lower limbs before getting into the vehicle. The breath she expelled swirled in ghostly ribbons in front of her face.
The short walk from the stone house to her parked truck seemed longer in the frigid cold. It shouldn’t be this cold in April, but this was Yellowstone, and the weather did its own thing. Two more days until opening season for spring and summer, but the park seemed determined to keep its hold on winter.
Tourists that came to the park this early in the year were often disappointed that most of the services provided would not be fully operational, yet. It was simply too cold to get all the buildings at Old Faithful up and running. Many folks weren’t prepared for the temperatures or driving conditions.
Shelby reached her truck when a voice called from the house she’d just left. “Don’t be a stranger. Come by for Sunday dinner next week.”
Shelby glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “I’ll try to make it, Mom.” She fumbled for her keys that were stuck deep inside the pocket of her coat. Her gloves weren’t making it easier, forcing her to remove one of them to grasp the keys. Once she slid into the truck and started the ignition, she waved once more to her parents standing on the porch of their
government-issued house at Yellowstone’s headquarters at Mammoth Hot Springs. Mom waved back, while dad simply held up his hand in farewell.
Things had seemed a little tense during this visit with her parents. The closer she was to graduating with her masters in microbiology, the more pressure her dad seemed to put on her to apply for full-time work in the park rather than just being a seasonal interp ranger.
“I really haven’t made up my mind what I want to do once I’m done with school. I’m enjoying research, so maybe I’ll stick with that for a while.”
“You can always be a biologist and still work for the park service,” Dad had argued while she’d sat with them for a quick lunch before heading to West Yellowstone. Thankfully, she’d had a good excuse to cut her visit short.
“I need to be in West by three o’clock. I’m meeting my research partner.” Shelby had maneuvered around her father’s suggestions.
Yes, she’d grown up in Yellowstone while her parents worked in the park. Dad’s side of the family had a long history in the park. Yet, while she loved it here, there were other things she’d like to explore outside of the park service. Dad didn’t seem to understand that. Her brother, Michael, hadn’t looked back when he’d gone to medical school and was now a surgical resident in Billings. He clearly wasn’t going to follow in dad’s footsteps, so it seemed like more pressure had been placed on Shelby.
“Make sure your research partner finally comes to the park himself to help you collect samples.” Mom had smiled as she’d teased with the statement. Shelby hadn’t held back her annoyance with Austin. She’d shared with them that she’d done all the legwork on their research while he’d sat in the lab.
“Yes, I made it clear to him that he had to do some of the field work, too, and that I would like to take part in the lab.”
“I think you secretly like him.” The laughter in Mom’s voice had been obvious.
Shelby had nearly spit out her drink. “What? No way. He’s nothing but a self-absorbed jerk.” She may have had a distant crush on him before getting to know him, but that had definitely fizzled the more time she’d spent with Austin.
“Then why are you always talking about him and helping him when he needs something?” Mom had challenged.
It had taken a few seconds for Shelby to form a reply. “Because he’s my research partner, and it’s my project, too,” she’d stammered through the answer.
Thankfully, Mom had let it go at that, but she hadn’t hidden her smug smile. Dad had asked about the research, but Shelby hadn’t mentioned Austin’s discovery they’d been studying. There had to be a way to get the bacteria to replicate outside their natural environment. She’d suggested to Austin that they study the water in Grand Prismatic Spring more closely to see if they could replicate its chemical composition more closely so they might have a better chance at growing the bacteria.
When he’d insisted on obtaining another sample collection, she’d told him he had to come along. He’d reluctantly agreed. Being outside the artificial environment of the lab was clearly outside Austin’s comfort zone. Why else would he not be eager to get out and do some sample collecting, too?
A smile passed over her lips as she headed past the Mammoth Terraces and drove up the winding road leading south. Shelby had derived a small amount of pleasure in making Austin squirm. He was such a know-it-all, and always competed with everyone. It would be good for him to feel uncomfortable for a change.
Mom’s idea that Shelby was attracted to Austin and just didn’t want to admit it played in her mind. Mom was completely wrong. There was no absolutely no chance Shelby was even remotely interested in Austin.
Shelby kept to the slow speed limit since the road was snow-covered and icy in some spots. Only a few other park service vehicles passed her on the drive through the park’s interior. In two days, the quiet and solitude would be no more. Today was her last chance to enjoy the drive by herself.
The closer she came to the Madison Junction where she’d have to turn to head out of the park, the more bicyclists she encountered on the road. They were allowed on certain stretches of the road before the park opened to vehicles. She passed several at the four-way stop, then turned right to head toward the west entrance.
On her left, she passed Madison Campground, then the road followed the Madison River through the valley. Countless bison and elk trails wound through the snow-covered meadows along the river. Shelby smiled as she observed dozens of trumpeter swans on the water. Soon, most of the birds would migrate out of the area.
She directed her attention back to the road not a second too soon. Her foot slammed on the brake of the old truck, making it swerve and fishtail slightly. Her hands gripped the wheel and she cursed.
A man stood in the middle of the road. Had she been watching the swans for a split-second longer, she would have hit him. He hadn’t moved, and now stood squarely in front of her vehicle.
“What on earth . . . ?”
Shelby stared at the man. He clearly wasn’t a hiker who’d walked all the way from the west entrance - or was he? Where else would he have come from? He was Native American, that much was certain. The long, black hair, bronze skin, and facial features gave away his ethnicity, but his appearance went far beyond skin and hair color. He was dressed in buckskins, wearing a fur robe that looked like it could have been made from bighorn sheep. In his left hand he carried a bow.
Shelby’s heart raced in her chest. Was this the same guy she’d seen a week ago when she’d been collecting samples at Grand Prismatic Spring? She rolled down her window and leaned her head out into the cold.
“You nearly got yourself killed,” she called. “You shouldn’t be walking in the middle of the road.”
Should she get out and confront the guy? Not when he carried a weapon in his hand. Even rolling down the window was risky. Where were all the bicyclists when she needed them? A slight shiver of unease slithered down her spine. Before meeting Austin, she’d have to make a stop at the ranger station in town to report this guy. Weapons were definitely not allowed in the park, and now that he was clearly in front of her, she knew she hadn’t been mistaken a week ago when she’d seen him off the boardwalk at the geyser basin.
The man smiled at her and raised his hand in greeting. He certainly didn’t look dangerous, but there was something uncivilized . . . primative about him, as if he’d just stepped out of the pages of a history book.
He finally moved to the side of the truck and approached the driver’s side door. He was still smiling, but Shelby’s eyes were on the bow in his hand. Somehow it wouldn’t be surprising if he suddenly produced an arrow and pointed the projectile at her, despite his friendly demeanor. With the fur coat he wore, it was difficult to see if he had a quiver on is back.
“I know you,” he said, coming to stand just outside the truck’s door. His face was less than a few feet from hers. “I have seen you before.” His voice was deep and rich, an held a hint of an accent, as if English wasn’t his first language.
Shelby’s eyes narrowed. It was the guy she’d seen on the geyser basin! Her mind hadn’t been playing tricks on her after all.
“If you’re referring to last week when I told you that it was unlawful to walk off the boardwalk by Grand Prismatic Spring, then yes, you’ve seen me before.” Shelby raised her chin while her heart pounded up into her throat. She shouldn’t feel intimidated by this guy. As an interp ranger, she dealt with tourists all the time, even some that were less than friendly or cooperative. Something about this guy, though, gave her strange vibes. He wasn’t some ordinary tourist.
“I also know your father,” the man continued.
Shelby gasped. When he’d said he knew her, she hadn’t taken it to mean he knew who she was. Then again, many people knew her father.
“I’m sure he didn’t give you permission to be in the park when it’s closed to tourists, and he would never want you wandering around the geyser basins.”
The smile was back on his face. Shelby clenched her jaw. He didn’t seem the least bit concerned that he’d broken any rules.
“It is good to see you are following in the footsteps of your father by looking out for the well-being of the sacred mountains.”
“Huh?” The sound came from her throat before she could stop it. What was he babbling on about? “Sacred mountains?” Her father had told her stories of the ancient inhabitants of Yellowstone who had considered the mountains sacred. This guy not only looked like a relic from the past, but talked like one, too.
“Did my father or someone in the park service hire you to entertain the tourists?” That seemed possible. Maybe he was practicing for his role. The park service was always looking for ways to make the visitor experience as interesting as possible. Infusing the native history of the park and hiring some good actors was plausible.
“I know not what you mean,” he said. “And I am not familiar with the customs of this day, but I have seen you. You seem to love this land and are willing to protect it. I only wanted to speak to you and tell you that it is good to see you follow in the ways of your father.”
Shelby squeezed her eyes shut. The more this character opened his mouth, the less he made sense.
“You’ve been watching me?” Another trickle of apprehension creeped through her limbs. Had this man been stalking her? How long had he been watching her without her knowledge? How could he have known she’d be on this road today, at this time? Unless Dad had put him up to it. No. Dad wouldn’t play this kind of silly joke on her to talk her into working for the park service.
“Look, I don’t know who you are, or what you’re doing here, but I need to report you to the park service for trespassing, and with a weapon, no less.” She eased her foot off the brake. If he made a sudden move, she’d be ready to step on the accelerator and get away from him. At least he didn’t have a gun, not that she’d seen, anyway. An arrow couldn’t penetrate the glass of her vehicle if he tried to shoot at her.
The Native smiled again. “I will bother you no more.” He stepped away from the truck. “I have seen what I needed to see, and know that this land and mountains will be protected from harm because of you.”
Shelby’s lips parted slightly. What was he going on about? Did he know something about the research she was doing, and Austin’s discovery? None of this was making any sense.
“I have to report you to law enforcement,” she said lamely, then stepped on the accelerator.
The back of the truck swerved left and right slightly as the tires sought traction on the patch of ice on the road. The cold wind coming through the window sent a chill through her, and she pressed a trembling finger on the button that brought the window up.
She shivered, but it had more to do with the strange encounter than with the cold. The man hadn’t been threatening. In fact, he’d seemed rather happy and full of strange praise for her. He seemed to be under the false impression that she had something to do with overseeing the park. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Austin revealed his discovery to anyone, she may have inadvertently aided in the potential destruction of park resources.
Shelby inhaled a calming breath. After she reported this encounter to them, the law enforcement rangers would take care of him. Shelby glanced at the rearview mirror to get another glimpse of the man. She craned her neck. He was no longer standing in the middle of the road. Shelby slowed the truck and looked over her shoulder. A group of cyclists that she’d seen at the Madison Junction had nearly caught up to her, but there was no sign of the man dressed in Native American attire.
“What is going on here?”
Shelby stepped on the accelerator again, easing the truck forward without making the tires spin this time. She had to get to town as quickly as possible. It would be an hour before law enforcement would be back to find and apprehend the Native. He wouldn’t be able to get far. Even if he moved off the road — which she’d suspected he would do —he’d leave clear footprints in the snow.
She called the ranger station at West Yellowstone and explained the situation. She was supposed to meet Austin there so they could head back into the park together and collect some more water samples from Grand Prismatic Spring. With a rebellious tourist wandering around, maybe it wasn’t the best time to introduce Austin to the great outdoors and the beauty of the park. Then again, it had taken a small miracle to get him to come today. He might not ever agree to another outing like this again.
Thirty minutes later, Shelby parked in front of the ranger station in the town of West Yellowstone. The snow was piled high everywhere along the sides of the streets, completely obscuring some of the businesses. Winter still had a firm hold here.
“Hey, Shelby.” Anne, one of the rangers at the desk, glanced up and smiled when Shelby walked into the building. She’d also been the one who’d answered the phone when Shelby had called earlier.
Shelby nodded a greeting. She glanced around the room. Austin clearly wasn’t here yet. She turned back to Anne.
“Is someone going to investigate the man I reported? I didn’t meet a patrol car heading into the park.”
Anne nodded. “I called it into the rangers at Madison. I figured they were closer. Elliott said he’d check it out. Chris and Simon said they’d head into the park when they get back from another call they’re on.” She giggled and shook her head. “They’ve been on turkey duty twice now in the last week.”
Shelby frowned. “Turkey duty?”
Anne stood and walked around the desk to get closer to Shelby, as if she didn’t want to talk too loud. “Yeah, that’s what we’ve been calling it. Strangely, it might even have something to do with your Native American incident.”
“Oh?” Shelby shook her head, needing better clarification.
“Last week, Ted Brower, one of the locals, called and demanded an investigation about one of his turkeys disappearing. He swore he’d seen a man on his property, dressed like a Native American on the warpath with a bow and arrow. Next thing he knew, one of his prize toms was missing.”
“So naturally he assumed a bow hunter dressed like an Indian shot it and took it?” Shelby didn’t disguise the sarcasm in her voice. (Does Shelby think it’s a fox or other predator?)
“That’s what he claims. Right after you called, Ted called again, yelling at me to get a ranger out to his place immediately, because it had happened again. Same bow hunter, dressed like an Indian, on his property, and another turkey missing. Ted threatened that he was going to shoot the man if he saw him again, so Chris thought it would be best to head out there before following up on your call.”
Shelby nodded. There was no way the bow hunter stealing turkeys was the same guy as the man she’d encountered in the park, at least not today. He certainly couldn’t be in two places at almost the same time. Before she had the chance to ponder it any further, the door to the building opened behind her, sending in a blast of cold air. She glanced over her shoulder. Austin had arrived.
CHAPTER 5
Austin stared out the window of the truck at the landscape passing by. He and Shelby hadn’t spoken in nearly twenty minutes since leaving the ranger station in town. Outside, it looked like it might snow soon. While the sun shone through the clouds and made the snow on the ground almost unbearably bright, there were also darker clouds hovering over the sheer mountain walls that made up the rim of the Yellowstone Caldera.
Despite what Shelby might think of him, he’d done his research on the park. Studying the thermophiles that lived in the hot springs of Yellowstone also required some knowledge of the geology of the area. He’d read extensively about the caldera that sat just beneath the surface of this landscape and gave rise to the geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. He’d even gone down a rabbit hole and learned about the history of the park and how it came into existence.
He’d pored over the countless photographs he’d seen in books rather than experiencing Yellowstone in person. The pictures had satisfied his curiosity, leaving little desire to be out in nature. Shelby had challenged his integrity after he’d shown her his incredible discovery. He wouldn’t let her demean him in that way, so here he was, collecting his own samples instead of advancing his research in the familiar safety of his lab.
Austin glanced through the passenger window at the rocky wall of the caldera rim. To those that didn’t know better, it looked like nothing more than a mountain range lifting up from the valley floor. The peaceful Madison River wound its way through this valley, and the road had been built to follow the river. The dark clouds hovering overhead resembled his dark mood for needing to travel all this way, having to get cold and probably wet, just for a few samples of water that Shelby could have collected herself.
