Chapter 1 Arriving To The Destination

• Chapter 1
• The location was isolated, with few buildings, except for one where all of the structures had been built on the left side of the road. Many of them appeared to be cabins owned by the property owner. The majority of them were located in the further reaches of the property. Only distinguishable by the path that leads to the dwellings. Trees divided the property, including white pine, spruce and cider. The aspen, white birch, red and sugar maple trees. They were not popular in this location but still should be mentioned. They had been scattered around the whole area, lining the road on both sides.
• The only building that broke the pattern was a gas station that also functioned as a convenience store and post office. This business was located near the area sign "Upper Paudash."
• Remains of how the road was created could be seen from the rock formation. When this location was settled, and communities were being developed, roads were designed for convenience. So men would drill down into the bedrock blasting chunks to make way for the road that's travelled on today.
• Those who know the location will tell you to walk the land and enjoy its beauty but not wander the ground once the moon is out, and if you do, stay close to your home or near the road. If you wander off, you will find yourself prey for the things unseen.
• …
• Two trucks turned off Highway 28 to Upper Paudash Lake Road. When the location appeared favourable, the vehicles came to a stop.
• Markous is the first to pull over. Stepping out of his 2022 silver Hyundai Santa Fe. Emma's on-again-off-again girlfriend opened the passenger door and exited the SUV. Markous's younger brother Steve got out of the backseat. Close behind, Markous, Pierre parked his black 2016 Ram 1500. Both the driver and passenger doors opened. At the same time, Pierre and Merna exited the truck and looked around their surroundings. Merna had been Pierre's childhood friend, and Pierre had been hired by Markous as the group's survivalist. Bronks, Pierre's German Shepard, jumped out of the truck and ran to Merna's side.
• Several times Markous would pull out his phone, look at the time and curse. After doing this several times, he finally placed a call, "where are you?"
• Emma glared at Markous with her sunglasses on, "Markous relax … Camile isn't that late and besides she isn't going to answer her phone while driving!"
• Markous huffed in response to Emma's words, "if I wanted your opinion I would ask your father!"
• Steve was playing with his phone when he overheard Markous comment to Emma; without lifting his head, he yelled, "Eh bro … there is no need to be a dick."
• Markous placed his hands on his hip, "make yourself useful and get the gear out of the back." He ordered his brother. "Emma you as well! I am the one who is paying for everything, the least you could do is make yourselves useful!"
• Pierre raised one of his eyebrows, not impressed with the conversation that was going on. Merna whispered only so loud that Pierre could hear her, "this is going to be a long weekend."
• Not even five minutes later, Merna told Pierre she had everything she needed ready for the hike. This wasn't the first time Merna had been invited to join Pierre for a journey into unknown terrain. They had been working off and on for close to a decade. The majority of the time, Merna was asked to join when wealthy city dwellers asked Pierre to take them out into the woods. Pierre was great at surviving off the land but not so good at controlling his temper. The more the client was belligerent and ignorant, even after a full explanation, his nature would start to build up. Merna could see things from a different perspective and get the client to understand what needed to be done. Nine out of ten times, the client was receptive and complied.
• A shiny black 2022 Nissan Sentra SR Midnight Edition pulled up behind Pierre's truck.
• Camile lowers her car window as she watches Markous stroll over to her, "you are late!" He wrinkles his nose, "I said to be here at noon; it is 12:33. We have been waiting 33 minutes."
• Camile smiles sweetly, "the only one that is allowed to berate me like a child is my father, he is the one that gives me my paycheck not you. Is this where we are parking?"
• Markous took a couple of deep breaths before speaking, "yes!" He briefly glanced at the remaining group. "Did you get the memo, your dad was supposed to inform you of what is happening?"
• Camile matched Markous temperament that he was giving her. "Yes! Daddy told me this was a business trip over the weekend. A possible investment into your endeavour." Camile moved her head back and forth, "so where is the road that heads to the cabins?"
• Markous pinches the bridge of his nose, "there are no cabins yet, the memo stated that part of the plan was to build cabins. Tell me you brought more than high heels and business clothing?"
• Camile's jaw dropped open, "your not joking!"
• Markous pinches the bridge of his nose again and takes a few deep breaths, "you have known me since highschool when do I ever joke around?"
• Camile puts on a pouty face, "daddy told me this was a business trip and to dress accordingly!" She whines.
• Markous stomps back to his SUV as Camile steps out of her car.
• Merna glanced at Camile, glanced back down to Bronks and continued to rub his head, "this is going to be a long weekend Pierre!"
• Pierre looked at Camile and shook his head, "there is always one in the group."
• Markous stopped in front of Emma, "tell me you over packed clothing and brought an extra pair of shoes?"
• Emma only shook her head no, "you told me to only pack what was on the list and nothing more."
• Markous smiled and kissed Emma on the forehead, "of all the times you listen to me, this had to be the time!" he chuckled with annoyance. "un.fucken.believable!"
• Once Pierre realized the situation, he started rummaging around in the back of his truck while Merna was standing close to the back of the truck. "First impression?" He asked
• Merna leaned into the truck and whispered so that only Pierre could hear her. "This location is off. If I had it my way, we would leave now! I don't like it here. And no … it has nothing to do with the clients. It is the land!"
• Bronks ran over to the tree line and started to bark at what appeared to be only a tree.
• Markous yelled with annoyance, "what is that damn dog barking at? It better not do this all weekend long!"
• Pierre stands up, "Bronks get over here now and stop your barking!" He bellows.
• Markous's attention was taken from the dog to Merna, "who are you?" he asked with distaste, "I am not feeding you!"
• Merna raised one of her eyebrows as she turned her head to look at Pierre. Both of them nodded their heads once; it was a silent conversation letting the other know they were thinking the same thing.
• Bronks barks a little longer but obeys Pierre's orders in the end.
• Markous yells once again, "you didn't answer my question!" He said as he started to motion towards Merna.
• Steve starts to follow Markous, knowing his temperament, "eh bro, I told you that Pierre was bringing his dog and plus one. I was already told that she could take care of herself. So back off!"
• Markous stops and pivots to see his brother, "you should have reminded me."
• Steve smiled and shook his head back and forth, "I did! On the ride here, remember?"
• Pierre continues to search through different bags. Once he found the bag he was looking for, Pierre grabbed it and walked closer to Merna, whispering, "This is why I bring you along to unknown locations. First sign of danger, we are out of here." He had not forgotten what Merna had said earlier before Bronks started barking.
• Merna smiled, understanding what Pierre meant, "got it boss!" They had never had to leave a job prematurely, though there were a few times she felt uncomfortable in the presence of their clients. "I am going to get my gear on and ready to go." Merna went to the front of the truck to get her camping gear.