Prologue
Two weeks ago
The weather had been dreary for weeks. What was supposed to have been a lovely, warm spring was muddy, wet and miserable. Being a ranger had it perks, but James sometimes missed his city life. It was often times lonely being out in the forests and when the weather was crummy, it made for a fairly unpleasant experience.
The door to his station burst open with the wind and his partner Houston quickly shuffled in carrying a thermos and a small box. He shook the water from his rain coat and slammed the door shut with a soft grunt. “Sucky day to have a birthday huh?” Houston said.
James scoffed but bid his friend good morning. “It’s just another day anyway man, nothing special for me.” He said sullenly. “What’s in the box?” He questioned curiously.
“Helen sent over a nice little cake for you. She’s making dinner for the three of us tonight so don’t be late.” He grumbled to him. Houston never understood why James hadn’t tried dating. There were a fair bit of nice women in town who were more than happy to take care of the young man. “You know if you’d just go on a date with someone you wouldn’t be so grumpy.”
James couldn’t help but snort. The only thing those women wanted from him was his money. Houston had gotten lucky finding Helen when he did. “Easy for you to say,” he retorted. “Your wife is a saint and an angel all wrapped in one.” his voice grew more sarcastic with each word. “Besides, Most women only want me for this brown skin I have. ‘I’ve never been with a Native American before.’ If only you knew how often i heard that one.”
Houston regarded his best friend with a frown. He understood his life hadn’t always been easy. Having grown up together, he understood how women treated him. More like a prize and less like a person. “Why don’t you go back to the city for your vacation man? You could use a break.” He sat down at his desk and handed over the box of cake.
James offered him a small smile and took the box from him. “I’ve been considering it honestly.” He heaved a heavy sigh and got up. “I’m gonna go on up and keep watch for a while. Radio me if you need me.”
The young ranger watched his friend don his rain gear for his climb up the tower. “Be careful on your way up. Those steps are due for maintenance soon.” was all he replied.
James stepped into his small two bedroom cabin with a heavy sigh. He was glad for his friends but they were often a reminder of his nearly crippling loneliness. Helen was such a kind woman, he often envied Houston for finding her first. Though she was much more like a sister to him than anything.
He’d enjoyed the wonderful dinner she’d made for him and offered to host a dinner get together at his place soon. Helen waved him off as she usually did and told him to come by anytime he wanted.
He flicked the lights on in the living room and surveyed the quiet empty space. It was simply decorated and felt as lonely as he did on the inside. “Jesus get it together Conrad.” He grumbled to himself, irritated with the constant nagging to find a partner.
The day had actually turned for the better when the weather broke. The rain drops sparkled on the leaves as the sun began to shine across the treetops. The tower was his favorite place and moments like that made taking the isolating job that much more worth it. Oddly enough though he’d had to give a citation to a hunter illegally hunting the wildlife. He’d rambled about a black puma but from what James understood, there was no such thing so he sent the man on his way.
A loud rustling from the tree line caused him to look out the front living room window. He scanned the trees carefully, nearly missing the glint of silver eyes in the moonlight. He rushed to the front door quickly and yanked it open, hastily stepping out to catch a glimpse of the creature with such striking orbs.
With a curse, a shook his head at himself and shuffled back indoors, having scared the creature off. “Must have been a trick of the light.” he reasoned as he got himself ready for bed. A muffled purring sound lulled him to sleep that night and he dreamt of silver eyes watching him in his tower.
