* * *
Finally reaching the top of the mesa, Evan pulls himself up and over, sitting down to rest for a moment before he makes his way to the portal.
“Look, there he is,” Spencer quietly states as he points in Evan’s direction.
Slowly getting out of the jeep, Spencer’s group silently inches their way to Evan’s resting place. Unaware of their presence because of the strong wind at the top, making it hard to hear their footsteps, Spencer states as he looks down at Evan, “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Evan looks up, quickly turning his head around. He is surprised, but not shocked to see them.
Gloating, Spencer says, “A road was put in last year on the back side. Too bad you didn’t know anything about it.” Evan is still sitting down, but confidently looking up at Spencer.
Without warning, Spencer kicks Evan in the face with his hard boots. The impact throws Evan onto his back, making his body roll a few feet toward the center of the mesa. Others of the group now run over and kick him on both sides several times.
Trevor is shocked at the beating that Evan is getting. With both hands in the air to his side while he begins to back away, Trevor states, “Say, man. I didn’t sign up for something like this. I’m leaving.” After the guide starts the jeep, Spencer and his group run back to stop him from leaving them on the top of the mesa.
“Look, you were paid to help us and this is part of your assignment,” Spencer, growls as he holds onto the jeep and the arm of the guide.
“I don’t get involved in things like this. I don’t care who you are, or who he is. I just don’t do this type of thing,” Trevor states adamantly.
“Wait for us or you’re going to be there with him,” Spencer threatens as he pulls out his gun.
“Ok, I’ll wait,” the guide reluctantly states.
And with that confirmation, Spencer and his thugs turn around to walk back to the unconscious, badly beaten up, Evan.
“Let’s finish this job, boys.”
When they are about six feet from Evan, Daniel and his staff suddenly appear out of nowhere.
“Oh, man, who is that?” Out of fear, Spencer drops his gun. “Grab him men. The boss is going to be really mad if we don’t finish this job,” and they begin to run toward Evan. Just as suddenly as Daniel had appeared, he and his staff, along with Evan, disappear.
“Where did they go?” Spencer asks “Evan, was here, wasn’t he guys? I’m not dreaming, he was here wasn’t he?”
“Yea, boss we were kicking him a minute ago. Now where is he?” Looking around the Mesa he continues, “This place is spooky. Let’s get out of here!”
Everyone scrambles to be the first one in the jeep. Trevor drives a lot faster going down the mesa road than he had driven going up.
Speaking loudly, Trevor says, “I used to laugh at everyone who would come into the store and tell their stories. But, I’m moving away from this place after I saw what they were talking about with my own eyes. Man, I have never seen anything like that!”
Arriving at the convenience store, Spencer and his four thugs are still spooked. Talking on his cell phone he states, “I’m telling you boss, this guy appears on the top of the mesa, takes, Evan, and disappears.”
“Ahhh, that was, Daniel,” his boss replies.
“Who is, Daniel?” questions Spencer.
“Someone that I have known for a long time,” his boss replies with a great deal of contemplation.