Halfway Dead by Terry Maggert Read Free Book Online Page B

verged into an open laugh.
    “Two questions come to mind, may I ask them before this craziness goes any further?” I needed a bit more information before I could tell him he was nuts.
    “Go ahead, please.”
    He seemed to earnestly listen. And another point for the handsome feller.
    “Why me? There are about a billion guides in the park, many of whom have legs that can cover more than my own limited natural range.” I wiggled my feet to draw attention to my lack of height. I’m comfortable admitting that I’ll never be able to reach things in upper cabinets.
    “Fair enough,” he agreed. “I don’t want a guide. I want a local. I saw you at the diner and talked to a few people in town. Your reputation as a naturalist is excellent. What was your second question?”
    “Hmph. Okay, you are aware that I work, so you must have a plan for this search to be a rather precise journey, I take it?” I asked. This was the kicker; I wasn’t going anywhere for a week that didn’t have room service and a beach.
    Major raised a finger as if I’d scored a point. “Excellent question. The answer is, I’ve gotten some expert advice based on the series of pictures. I have a pretty good idea where to go, but I need some assistance. To be clear, this is strictly a confirmation trip, nothing more. I want to take pictures, nip a leaf or two, and ping the location with my GPS. That’s it. You have my solemn word, for whatever it’s worth, that I will not harm any tree in any way. Period.”
    He seemed truthful, but I have a lively sense of distrust. “And what about the people who come after us? Will they be doing any harm to the woods?”
    “Absolutely not. Anyone who follows us will value those trees like they’re made of platinum. I wasn’t kidding around when I said they’re valuable. The effects of restoring the American forests to a former state of glory present an almost incalculable opportunity for wealth. That’s on top of the serious appeal that doing something so noble might have with the general public, let alone our customers. I don’t think I’m even capable of understanding all of the repercussions that might result. The death of these forest giants wasn’t a natural event, it was brought about by man. This is a chance to undo a great wrong.” He folded his arms in conclusion, and I noticed his muscles ripple under the skin. He was no cubicle wonk. That much was certain.
    “Okay.”
    He relaxed into a broad smile.
    “I’ll do it, but I need to do some research first. Do you have any information about this supposed secret grove? I’ll need it before this goes any further.”
    He nodded once, an affable grin still on his face. “Thanks—just, well. This makes things easier.”
    “Don’t thank me yet. I said I would, but it doesn’t mean I will. If you have some idea where we’re going, I’ll need to confirm it first. Then, if it seems like I’m not being dragged to a pit filled with vampire badgers or something like that— ”
    “Good gravy. Vampire badgers? Is that a thing? Even a local legend?” He looked around in mock alarm, but there was a hint of actual wariness when his eyes swept over the expanse of the forest.
    “Well, no. Not that I’m aware of, and if there was a local legend like that, I’d never leave my house, thank you very much.” I shuddered. Some things should never be contemplated. The marriage of an undead and a badger being one such thing. Eww.
    “Sorry, you were saying? You’re going to research whether I’m a stealthy, heinous murderer who wants to eat your toes or something, and then what?” he asked in the voice of a judge. At least he had a sense of humor.
    I sniffed. “Exactly. I’ll need to see your photo ID, and then I’ll need until tomorrow afternoon to get ready.”
    “One day? That’s fast. Okay, so let’s say I pass muster with your—who will be doing this deep research on my darkest secrets?”
    “That would be the crack staff at our local