“This will have to do.” She said standing up. “Ready?”
“No, but let’s try it anyway.” Patrick winked. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
“Worst case, for you anyway, I get rich off the crazy huge life insurance policy I just took out on you last week.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “My plan is all coming together.”
“You ain’t right.” Patrick furrowed his brow. “That’s just wrong.”
“Alright, Hopalong Cassidy, let’s boogey.” She said as she gently slapped his butt.
• • •
It took nearly an hour to travel about a quarter mile, with Patrick having to plan each and every step in advance. He was poking his make-shift crutch into the sloping ground ahead of him, testing for holes, rocks, sticks or slippery leaves. There were a few times that the stick caught just the edge of a large rock, or large patch of moss-covered log, and Patrick thought he was going to go down. He managed to adjust his balance and stay vertical, much to their surprise and relief.
It was full dark, with no moon, when they reached the first signpost for Dunn’s Falls to signal that they were about halfway down the mountain. Both breathed a sigh of relief. The steepest part of the mountain was behind them, and in about one third of a mile the trail would be much wider and have far fewer obstacles in their path. These were the trails that were mostly used by recreational hikers, mountain bikers and even a few joggers looking to up their cardio game. Once they got onto them it would be far smoother sailing. Patrick leaned against the wooden sign post, stretching his back as best as he could. Leaning on the make-shift crutch was not doing any favors for his spine.
“Babe, I need to take a minute here.” he said.
“Yeah, I could use a rest too.” she agreed. “Are you thirsty?”
Patrick slid himself down the side of the signpost, careful to keep his bad knee straight on the way down. He took his phone out of his pocket, flicking on the flashlight and shining it on his legs. He could see that his left knee was swollen at least three times its normal size, even under all the bandaging.
He imagined Dr. Sessler in the ER, his frizzy grey hair jutting out every which way as he stroked his beard as he examined Patrick’s knee. I suspect you have injured yourself, he would say. Doctor Obvious–that’s what most of the staff called him when he wasn’t around. He had a slightly annoying, yet somehow charming, idiosyncrasy of always overstating the obvious in any situation.
Patrick was pulled out of his thoughts by Samantha handing him a bottle of water. She also handed him a couple of pills from the first aid pack.
“Aspirin.” she said.
“Thank you.” He said taking the pills and holding onto one of her hands. He pulled her close and kissed her lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She smiled.
They sat for a moment and looked at a small cluster of stars that shone through an opening in the canopy of leaves overhead. Patrick glanced down at his phone to check the time.
“We should get moving again.” he said. “It’s about a quarter of eleven.”
With a small sigh she stood up and dusted her bottom off, then extended a hand to help him get to his feet. Once he was up, and had his crutch in position, he leaned against the sign for a moment as she put the water bottles back into the pack. Just as she was zipping the side compartment an unearthly sound echoed through the trees.
“Jesus! What the Hell was that?” Samantha jumped.
“Pretty sure that was a fisher cat.” Patrick said, “It’s okay babe. They rarely attack people, unless provoked.”
“That was not a fisher cat, Patrick.” She said. “I know what they sound like, and that was definitely not it.”
“Well, there’s only one other thing that I can think of that it could be then.” he said.
“What?” her voice cracked and she hated herself for it.
“Sasquatch.” Patrick said matter of factly. “Looking to make you his forest bride.”
“You suck.” She said wryly.
“I’m sure if it’s not a fisher cat then it’s some other small little critter that makes a lot of noise.” Patrick started to take a step forward “As a matter of fact, I’m sure–”
A loud crack silenced Patrick for just a beat before he screamed, falling to the ground. His phone flew out of his hand and landed several yards downhill, casting long shadows among the trees. He writhed on the ground like a serpent, unable to speak, only uttering guttural growls of agony.
“Patrick! What? What happened!?” Samantha was at his side instantly.
She frantically shone her flashlight on him, trying to figure out what was happening. The light caught a glint of metal, and as she looked towards his legs ice filled her spine. The culprit came into focus: Patrick’s right ankle was caught in a bear trap, the rusted, metal teeth pierced deep into his flesh.
“What….” Patrick’s eyes fluttered as he fought the waves of pain, feeling himself blacking out.
“Stay with me baby, I need you to stay awake for me.” Samantha tried to steady her voice. “Your ankle is in a bear trap. I’m going to try to open it, and I need you to pull your leg out when it’s open, okay?”
Patrick nodded, still fighting the urge to pass out.
“Okay,” she said. “On the count of three, yeah? One–two–three!”
She pushed down with all her might on the trap, trying to loosen the main spring, but it wouldn’t budge. Patrick howled in pain and fell back, losing consciousness.
“Shit!” Samantha took in a deep breath and tried again.
At least with Patrick unconscious she didn’t have to worry about causing him more pain. She again pushed down with all of her strength, but the jaws
