Pipeline

Pipeline Deception

Terry Compton

Published by Terry Compton at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Terry Compton

Cover images courtesy of Hansenn | Dreamstime.com

Cover by Terry Compton

Trust. Joyce McCloud has reason not to trust her own judgment or men. Look at the losers she's hooked up with in the past. She has the bruises and broken bones to prove it. The last loser, who was so polished in public, politically and powerfully connected, seemed so wonderful – until he tried to rape Katie her fifteen year old daughter. Now her daughter doesn't trust her Mom's judgment either.

Trust. Misplaced again as the two women watch a conniving truck driver murdered in cold blood. His only crime they could see was that he'd helped them escape from the pedophile.

Trust. Katie's sure her Mom has misplaced it again but what choice do they have with the killers bullets hitting the pickup? Joyce's begging and the killers' bullets convince Jeff Parker to drive away.

Trust. Jeff Parker doesn't feel it for the two women who have come into his life in a hail of bullets. He can't feel it for any stranger because he's still mourning the loss of his wife at the hands of a drug addled driver.

Trust. More deaths put the three on a race for their life. Evidence points the police and a drug lord in their direction. Escape lies on horseback across a Montana wilderness with the killers and police a step behind. On the other side of the mountains, fate tosses Jeff into the clutches of the hated drug lord. Now Jeff faces a deadline to deliver the killers to him.

Trust. Three people who have had trust kicked out of them must now learn to trust themselves and each other while the pipeline beckons in the background with its answers and possible salvation.

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This is a work of fiction. All characters or incidents are a figment of the author's imagination and any resemblance to any incident or any person living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Even in the middle of July, I was glad to have my jacket on. The stars I glimpsed through breaks in the trees looked like you could reach out and touch them. The gentle rocking of the horse made my eyelids feel heavy. Then I thought of what lay to my right – a steep drop-off below the trail.

I couldn't see it in the blackness, but I knew it was there. I'd ridden this trail in the daylight. My horse kicked a rock and I could hear it roll and tumble down the mountainside. The sound faded until I couldn't hear it anymore but I knew the rock still had a ways to go to reach the bottom.

Jeff Parker, you're completely crazy to be riding a horse over the Holland Lake trail in the middle of the night. You're playing Russian roulette with three cylinders loaded. Trouble is, what's behind us is certain death unless we can solve the riddle of why those guys killed the truck driver and those other five. It's not if they catch us – but when. How did they find me so quick back in town?

The horse stumbled, bringing my heart to my throat. How much farther? It's impossible to tell in the dark. My knees are starting to burn. I need to walk, but I don't want to get the women off the horses and it won't be fair if I do it. I don't think they can get back on by themselves and I don't want to work back there in the dark on this narrow trail. I wonder how badly the women are suffering. Neither one has been on a horse before.

As we reached the top of the pass, my knees felt like they were on fire. My horse let out a big puff of breath and I felt his sides heave as the trail flattened. Finding a tree near the trail, I struggled to get off my horse. Moving around a little loosened me up. I tied the lead rope to a tree limb.

Walking back down the trail, I quietly said, I'm going to get you off here. I don't know about you, but my knees are killing me and my butt doesn't feel so good either.

Joyce McCloud said, I don't know if I can stand. Do we have far to go?

We've got to go down the other side. It'll be daylight in another hour and a half so that'll make it a little more pleasant. You're getting a chance to ride into some of the most beautiful country in the world. I wish it was for a different reason. Katie, how are you doing?

Sore, but I'll make it. I noticed rocks rattled down the hillside for a long time. How far is it to the bottom?

A ways. We've got some good horses, so we'll be alright.

Once Joyce and her fifteen year old daughter Katie got on the ground, they groaned as they moved. The horses just stood with their heads down, resting after the climb. I said, Walk along here a little. Don't get off the trail.

Katie said, How do you even tell there's a trail? It's so dark here in the trees.

Look up for the lighter part of the trees. I have a flashlight, but I don't want to ruin our night vision. Just move a few steps, then walk back. It'll help your knees.

Joyce asked, Why didn't we wait until daylight to ride up here? Wouldn't it have been easier?

Yes, but we might have been seen. I don't know how those killers are tracking us. I hope to get back in the Bob Marshall Wilderness to give us even footing with them. They won't have technology. Just two eyes and two ears like we have.

And guns.

Yeah, and guns.

After ten minutes, I helped both of the women back into the saddle. Suppressing a groan, I mounted up. I urged my horse forward.

Three hours after sunrise, I led the two packhorses off the trail. The women's horses followed. After more riding through thick trees, I found the clearing I was looking for. Glancing around, I saw no sign that anyone had been here since my last trip a year ago.

Crossing the meadow, I stopped at the opposite tree line. Dismounting, I helped the two women down. While they stiffly tried to move around, I moved to strip saddles and packsaddles off the horses. Joyce hobbled over to me. Are we stopping here? Will this be where we stay?

Yes, we're stopping for now and no, this isn't our destination. You and the horses need a rest. When we get closer to the Danaher, we'll run into more people. I want to avoid as many as we can. If no one sees us, they can't tell the killers where we are or which direction we're traveling.

Do you really think they'll follow us in here?

I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances. There's about a million acres they have to search around here, so that gives us some advantage.

Katie came over with a scowl on her face, Where's the bathroom? I've really got to go.

I fought a grin. Go over there. Find a nice thick bush.

What! You can't be serious. What if someone comes up the trail?

We're a long ways off the trail. The only one that will see your bare behind out here is the mosquitoes.

Hmmph Katie stormed off. Her painful bladder stopped any farther argument.

Joyce said, Jeff, she's a good kid, just never had to deal with wilderness before.

I don't doubt it. She just needs to listen. We have a chance in here, but I can't explain every little detail of what we'll have to do.

She turned slightly and a soft sob broke out. She said, We should have run on past you and tried to get to the police. I'm sorry we got you involved.

I lifted my hand to touch her, but stopped just short of her shoulder. My hand trembled. You wouldn't have made it. At least we got away.

But if we'd have run, you wouldn't have to be here. Those men are chasing you more than us. They saw your car.

If you'd have run past me, they would have shot at me. I might not have been as lucky. I could be dead. Look at those other bodies – never mind. It's done. I need to build a fire and get us something to eat.

A snuffle greeted my logic. Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, she asked, Is there anything I can do?

Break off some of those dead branches. I don't want much of a fire. We'll rest here and spend the night, then we'll get out of here early in the morning.

An hour later we sat around a very small campfire eating lunch. Katie's lower lip stuck out in a pout. She had hardly said three words since coming back from using the bathroom. I studied the two. This was the first time I'd really had a chance to look them over in the daylight. Between the running and hiding, all I'd been thinking was survival.

Joyce, a petite brunette, stood about five-foot two-inches high. She looked like she might be in her late twenties or early thirties. The tension of their situation, lack of sleep and worry twisted her face. She's pretty but would be beautiful if she smiled.

I knew that Katie was fifteen, but she looked older. A younger copy of her mother without the worry. The two of them could have been sisters. Her sarcastic mouth and attitude differed from her mother though.

Katie held the plate with her lunch on her knees, picking at it. Looking up, she saw him studying her. A frown crossed her face. She asked, What are you – what are we going to do now? How long can we stay back here in the wilderness? Where will we go when we leave?

I took a breath, We're going to hide out for a week or so. Maybe those guys will get tired and give up. I don't really want to go back out to the same place we came in. Those guys had some way of finding out about who I am and where I lived. I don't know if they can find out about Art, but I suspect they will. Do you have any idea who they are?

Joyce and Katie both shook their head no. Katie snidely said, We certainly won't find out here in the woods. If we had the internet, maybe I could find something. Mom, I can't stay in here for weeks. I need some…

What do you need, honey?

You know – things. Her face turned red.

Oh, feminine products?

Yeah. I'll bet they don't grow on trees out here.

I looked from one to the other in confusion, then understanding hit me. My face felt like I was standing too close to a raging fire. I'll bet I'm as red as the girl. I said, We'll find more for you before you need them. Right now, I think we all need some sleep. It's been a long two days. Early in the morning, I want to move our camp to a little more secure area.

That afternoon, the mosquitoes kept us from getting good sleep. After dark we did better, but the aches and pains of a long horseback ride made all of us toss and turn. I arose before daylight to start a fire and fix breakfast. Katie sat up with a scowl on her face. Her long brown hair stuck out all over her head.

I saw her from the corner of my eye. Hiding a grin, I started to joke about a wild woman, but the angry look on her face stopped me. She kicked her way out of the sleeping bag, then stormed off into the bushes.

Joyce's eyes popped open at the sound. I saw her confused look. Soon she sat up. She said, Morning. Is it time to get up already?

I had to. My knees and butt are still smarting from yesterday. Besides, my stomach is growling. Are you hungry?

Mmmm, a little. Was that Katie stomping over there?

Yep, she must have slept on a pinecone. She didn't look happy this morning.

She's not much of a morning person. I better go join her, then I can help you.

As the rays of sunshine peeked over the mountain tops, they finished their breakfast and cleaned up. Jeff tried to show the two women how to roll up the sleeping bags, but neither caught the hang of it. He had to do it to make sure the bags were tight enough to pack.

Catching up the horses, he soon had them saddled and packed. The two women helped hold the horses as he worked. Groans escaped from both women as he helped them into the saddle. He gritted his teeth to keep his groan from escaping when he mounted.

Leading the way toward the trail, he stopped well back in the trees. Giving the lead rope of the packhorses to Joyce, he quietly said, Wait here a minute. I want to go check the trail.

Moving to the trail, he checked for fresh tracks. After listening carefully, he went back to grab the lead rope and then headed back to the trail. As the sun rose higher, the fresh smell of warming pine brightened their spirits. Jeff stopped often to let them walk and lead their horses.

Shortly after eleven o'clock, they rode into Big Prairie. Jeff kept away from the Forest Service cabin and moved on through the flat land. He headed east up the South Fork of the Flathead toward the Danaher Basin country.

The hard pace he set stopped most conversation. They stopped for a late lunch to let the horses rest. I feel like I have a bull's eye painted on my back. I know those killers aren't that close behind, but I need to put more country between them and us. I want to get to Cabin Creek and hide our camp.

Everyone was so tired that Jeff didn't bother to set up the tents. They made beds on the ground. All of them quickly dropped off to sleep. A shrill shriek jerked Jeff's eyes open. He scrambled around, trying to find his gun and get out of his sleeping bag.

Mom, there's something chewing on my hair. I felt it run across my sleeping bag, too.

Honey, are you sure? Maybe you were dreaming?

Another scream answered her. Jeff flipped on his flashlight in time to see a mouse fly thought the air. Katie angrily said, Get that light out of my eyes. Why don't you shoot those things?

Jeff said, I don't think using a .357 magnum on a mouse is a good idea.

A MOUSE! How did a mouse find us in the middle of nowhere? Are there more? We need to move right now.

Joyce tried to calm her down. Jeff looked around, but didn't see any more mice moving. He saw Katie moving her sleeping bag next to a tree. She sat down in it and zipped it up. I'm not sleeping here. They'll attack again.

Jeff snorted, They didn't attack. They were just looking for food. I don't want to move in the dark, so we'll have to stay here until daylight. Try to get a little sleep.

HA!

Shortly after daylight, Katie started stirring in the fire. Snapping branches to feed the hot coals, she muttered to herself. Jeff and Joyce decided to get up to start breakfast. Two hours later, they were on the trail. Jeff glanced over his shoulder to see Joyce watching the scenery. Her eyes kept moving, taking in the beauty.

Katie on the other hand had ear buds in and was lost in her own little world. On one glance, Jeff saw her eyes close and her head nod.

They made good time until they had to cross the creek.

Jeff's horse only paused as he came to the snow-melt swollen creek. The packhorses dutifully followed his horse. Once he reached the other side, he moved out of the way and turned to watch the other two.

Joyce had been watching as he crossed and copied his actions. She made it over with no problems. Katie snapped out of her reverie as her horse balked at entering the water. The horse pranced from side to side. Katie yelled at him and kicked to make him go.

He stood on the edge of the water lifting his right front leg. Pawing at the water, he made great splashes, throwing water back on Katie. She squealed and kicked some more. Her eyes widened in surprise when the horse reared.

Jeff jerked the packhorses forward to open the trail to the water. Joyce, move forward. I need to get back there.

The packhorses moved forward in front of Joyce's horse. Jeff looked back to see Katie's horse neigh. The horse's reins jerked out of Katie's hands then drooped across his neck. Her horse saw the others leaving.

With a quick jump, he landed in the middle of the raging creek. One more jump brought him to the shallow water on the opposite bank. When he made that jump, Katie flipped backwards out of the saddle. Joyce screamed.

Katie's horse crashed into Joyce's horse and they stumbled forward blocking Jeff for a few seconds. The swift moving creek swept Katie downstream. Jeff fought free of the tangle of horseflesh, then kicked his horse into a trot through the trees. He raced for a point ahead of the girl bobbing in the water.

Jeff could see her bounce off rocks, then struggle to keep her head above water. Watching her took his eyes off where he was headed. A tree branch slapped him in the face, almost unseating him from the saddle.

I've got to get to her. What if she breaks something? We'll have to go back to Big Prairie to get her airlifted out. That will take her right back into the arms of those killers. Come on, Jeff, get ahead of her and get her out of the water.

With a final burst of speed, he raced ahead and urged his horse into the water. Katie swept into reach. Grabbing her with his left hand, he turned back to the bank. As he reached the bank, he lost his grip on her. She thudded to the ground.

The sound of horse hooves thundering toward him registered in his mind as he leaped out of the saddle to check on the drenched girl. He had just reached her when Joyce slid to a stop and fell out of the saddle. She rushed to Katie. Jeff looked to see the two packhorses standing behind her horse. The packs had been ripped open and supplies were dropping out. He looked behind them to see other things scattered across the ground.

His head snapped back to the two women as Katie moaned.

Chapter 2

Three days earlier

Come on, Jeff. You can't be a hermit all of your life. You need to get out. I promise, you won't have to do anything but watch.

Jeff could picture his friend's face as she talked to him on the cell phone. She would scrunch her face up to show her earnestness, then give a little pout with her lips to try to get her way. What time is it?

Our game is slated to start at seven o'clock. Be there a little early and we can watch the end of the game before. Oh, Rog says you can watch him hit the winning homer.

Jeff smiled, Right. He'll be lucky to hit it far enough to get on first base. I guess I'll have to come just to see if he can run his OLD fat body that far without a heart attack.

Carol chuckled, Oh, he can't have a heart attack. I'm there to prevent that…

Her voice trailed off. Jeff felt the pang in his heart. Carol said, I'm sorry, Jeff. I'm trying to help you forget, not make you relive –

It's alright, Carol. I'll make it. Even nine months later, it still hurts. I'll come tonight.

Oh, good. I promise I'll try to keep from sticking my foot in my mouth.

Jeff pulled into the softball complex at 6:30. He found a parking spot where long balls wouldn't smash his pickup's windshield. As he shut the motor off, he sat staring straight ahead. Memories flooded through his mind.

I don't know if I can do this. Sandy loved this game and we had such happy times here. Why did I agree to come? Carol would have understood – no she wouldn't. She'd have been after me even more. I have to go over there and watch at least one game. One game and then I can go.

Stepping slowly from his truck, Jeff turned to walk to the bleachers. Objects along his path brought visions of past happy memories: Sandy racing out a wild throw at first base, the trees where they had sat in the shade on the hot afternoons yelling at umps and other players.

His stride faltered as he saw the bleachers. He thought he could see Sandy sitting there.

Then Carol spotted him and came trotting up. She gave him a big hug before standing him at arm's length to look him over. Roger and a couple other friends came up behind her.

Carol said, You're thinner. You haven't been eating right.

I haven't been hungry.

Ha. I'll get some of the wives to start dropping food off. You never could cook. I remember you having trouble cooking hot dogs on the grill.

I can, too. Roger distracted me that day. I tell you, I just haven't been hungry.

Carol looked over her shoulder, Roger, remind me to go over to his house to check on him. If he doesn't eat, I'll let you tie him up and we'll force it down.

Jeff chuckled, Is that what happened to Roger? You tied him up and forced him to eat.

Roger grinned, Hey, I represent that remark. How did you know she mistreats me so badly?

Carol whacked him on the arm. The others behind Carol crowded in to shake his hand and give him a hug. Despite himself, his burdens felt lighter. The group pulled him to the bleachers. They pulled him into conversation and cheering. Before long, the ghosts of the past faded – except for the unexpected painful twinges that pushed forward at some sight or smell.

The umpire called the last out and the softball games were over. Carol said, You want to go to Moose's with us?

Naw. I'd like to but I have to work tomorrow. I've missed too much work already to chance not making it in.

I understand. Just remember, we're here for you.

Thanks, Carol. Tonight helped me forget for awhile. You too, Roger. I hope one of you is going to be the designated driver.

He didn't have to say anymore. They all nodded and said that Jean had to be at work early so she would be their driver. The group split up and went to their cars. Jeff climbed in his pickup and pulled out of the parking lot.

Turning on his headlights in the falling darkness, he headed for home. Less than a block later, he remembered he needed to go to the store. He turned on the road leading to the shortcut Sandy always hated. She said it had too many potholes.

As he drew even with the old pumping station, he saw trash and tumbleweeds piled against the fence. A pile of debris had been left out in the street when someone had opened the gate. Even the pipes and equipment inside had trash and weeds piled around them. He felt his pickup's backend wobble. Oh, great. A flat! In just a few feet it grew worse. He pulled over into the steel store's parking lot. Its small security light would help as he changed the flat.

Climbing out, he noticed a tanker truck at the pump station. That's strange. I thought they were closed down. I wonder if some big company has bought them out. I seem to remember the paper saying something about oil not coming through here anymore.

Changing the flat didn't take long. Just when I thought I might be out from under that black cloud.