Chapter 21

• It was then that he caught a brief glimpse of a light flashing off in the distance. He watched, it flashed again, on and off, on and off. He stood there watching it, understanding coming to him as he realized that it was someone approaching, carrying a flashlight. He considered briefly disappearing back into the forest of trees. From that vantage point, he could then secretly, perhaps safely ascertain who it was that was camping here before announcing himself. Discarding that idea just as quickly, he decided to remain, standing next to the fire and allowing whoever was coming to see him. In that way at least, they would be well aware of his presence, perhaps giving him some hint as to their intentions and reasons for being there. Standing his ground, Kevin waited and watched as the flashlight continued to sway back and forth as whoever was carrying it came closer and closer. Suddenly he saw it switched off, knowing that whoever was out there had to see him standing there by the fire. Once again he called out.
• "Hello? My name is Kevin James, I'm a forest ranger, " he announced into the darkness. Seconds later, the sound of someone cautiously approaching reached his ears. A moment after that, he saw her as she entered the ring of light being thrown out by the small burning fire.
• "Hi." She said simply. "My name's Stephanie. But my friends call me Stevi." Kevin was surprised enough that it was a woman alone. But he was even more surprised and embarrassed when she stepped into the clearing revealing herself. She was naked except for a towel wrapped around her head and the boots she was wearing.