Harry jumped up. “Shit, there goes the plane’s emergency beacon.”
In the next instant, everything was still, though Zoe’s ears continued to ring from the explosion. The whole snow shelf then simply gave way, careening over the edge. A long silence was followed by a faint thud as the snow, debris - and Scott - came to rest somewhere below.
Harry said nothing, just stared into the distance. Finally, he took a deep breath. ”Rest in peace Scott.”
#
Harry looked at the stars. “Just a second.”
Zoe waited until he glanced to her. “You knew him for a long time?”
“Yeah. I’ve been looking after him since grade school. Kept the bullies away.” Rekindling this brought a slight smile to Harry. He brushed his fingers through his graying hair. “Yup. Knew him a long time.”
He eventually looked at Zoe, still sitting on the log. “It’s going to be hard getting down.”
“Would you really abandon me?” She gave a huff. “Don’t leave me out here. That’s insane.”
Her question reminded him who he was. “You’re right, of course. Just seemed like a solution.”
She turned from him and gestured to their surroundings. “What I would give to be off this mountain.”
Harry cleared his throat. “There’s something else.” He sat, thinking about how to broach what was on his mind.
“Something else?”
“Yeah. I'm more comfortable getting out later than sooner.”
The white of Zoe’s eyes show in her surprise and…anger. “How could getting out soon be an issue?”
“It's about your plans to end your pregnancy.”
“What?” She waved him off. “Don't worry about it. I am only a couple months… Wait, this is none of your damn business—it’s my body and my life. Hasn’t enough already happened today? Why are we talking about this?”
He shrugged. “Why risk my life for you? Ten to one you’ll get me killed trying get off this mountain. Do you think taking you won’t affect me?” It had boiled through. His personal convictions were guiding his thinking.
He drew back, taking a minute to let the fire inside die down. He’d rattled her. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water…which, come to think of it, was an apt description.
He slumped over, spent. “It's not actually about taking you. It's me.” They looked at each other. “Do you think my children were all planned and came at a convenient time? Yet they’re beautiful. I welcomed them. I can’t see struggling down the mountain with you, only to help you end your child's life. I don't care if you think the child isn't a child yet, it is for me.”
Her mouth dropped. “I can’t believe we are discussing this. Look, this is a decision I’ve already made. Can we just focus on getting the hell out of here?” She paused, as if struck by a thought. She narrowed her eyes at him. “My parents have money. I could pay you.”
“Don’t even try. This isn’t about money.”
She had begun to lose her temper. “I don't want this child. You can’t force me to have it.”
He spoke back to her patiently, but with steel underlying every word. “Nor can you force me to take you. I won’t be pressured to be part of this. I have a choice too.”
She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe this is happening. You’re too damn preachy.”
They sat for some time while the snow continued to fall.
“You hate me.”
“There’re things I can’t live with. Are you willing to do that to me?”
Her tears weren’t wholly unexpected. Harry turned to her and closed his eyes to stem the tide of emotion behind them. He pushed out each word. “I don't hate you. I just don't know what to do. It’s not that I don’t want to help. I'd climb ten mountains to help you, especially knowing you’re pregnant. That’s who I am. But what you’re planning, I can’t be part of. I just can’t.”
She raised a hand in supplication. “Why do you care so much?”
“Why?” He scratched his head, the question catching him off guard. “Because I do, and I won’t be untrue to myself. Scott wanted me to make sure you and your baby were okay, to help you. He had but a few moments left, and that was what mattered.” He sighed. “And now I sit here struggling with what to do.”
Zoe blinked at him, and he could almost see the wheels turning behind her hazel eyes.
“I'll give you the baby. I'll have it and I'll give it to you. If you think your wife will just stop everything she’s doing and take this child, I will give it to you.” Her voice hitched on a sob. “I just want to get out of here. I'm cold.”
“Will you really do this?”
“Yes.” Her voice was small.
Harry reflected on this new possibility. ”Are you sure?”
“Yes. Yes!”
She looked sincere, but she was also emotional. “You promise?”
She took a deep breath.
Like I have a choice, she thought. Another deep breath, but this time she was quite clear, “yes.”
Harry sighed.
#
Zoe collected herself. She sat on the log looking at him. She wondered if he understood that she really had no intention of changing her plans. Bizarre. If he were a cab driver, does he think he has the right not to drive me to a clinic for an abortion. I just need the guy to get me out of here. What’s he waiting for?
Chapter 3
Harry stood and his breathing became strong. He picked up his gun case, dusted off the snow and looked around. An unbearable weight has been lifted from his shoulders and his do-anything spirit was back.
He picked up the first aid kit. “I don’t think we want to carry this around.” Opening it, he removed various items placing them in his coat pockets. He then shrugged and tossed the kit into the woods. “I’ve always made it a point to put things back where they belong, but I guess that can go anywhere now.”
Harry motioned for Zoe to get up. They followed the right side of the pass looking for a way down. They marched through the pines, staying close to the edge. With each step the cut on his leg ached, causing Harry to limp.
“Looks like the snow is tapering off.” Harry stopped and looked up. Part of the moon was visible as clouds passed.
He spied a fallen branch, picking it up for a walking stick. A few steps further, he nodded to Zoe. “Better.”
He could tell this isn’t an easy walk for her. As tree branches rubbed against her bruised arm, there was a moan or at least a cringe. Their sounds were the drumbeats to which they pressed forward. An hour or so went by and the plateau narrowed.
Harry squinted, looking ahead. “This isn't going to work. It drops off on both sides. Let's double back. Try the other direction.” He hesitated to add the rest, but speed was of the essence. “Also, try to pick up the pace.”
“But I'm cold. Can we stop and rest? I'm tired and hungry.”
He surveyed the sky. The clouds had cleared. Dusk had arrived and the stars appeared one by one. “See the moon up there? All the stars? We’re lucky. On a cloudy night without the moon, you wouldn't even see your own hand. We need to find some shelter—so please, try to keep going.”
Her sigh was deep.
#
Zoe noticed their footsteps disappearing. Was this place trying to erase them?
Harry tended to walk faster and get ahead, after which he would stand and wait for her. This happened a few times as they made their way back to the pass.
“I really need to rest. I’m exhausted. Besides, I should check your leg. Just stop for a second.” Without permission, she bent down and peeked under Harry’s bandage. The bleeding has stopped. They continued after this too-brief pause.
She thought they might as well talk. “Are we far from a city?”
Harry didn’t respond. He must have been lost in thought. She wondered if he believed her promise and what, if not, he might be thinking.
“I will have the baby for you. I promise.” She breathed deep, trying n
ot to show weakness or appear a burden in front of this—this mountain man. “I'm sorry I can’t walk faster. I'm trying.”
“It's okay.”
He sounded distracted, like he wasn’t even listening.
She tried again. “Don't leave me out here. Please.” She wasn’t accustomed to begging, but she wasn’t above it.
Harry slogged forward. “That's not what I am thinking about. But it’s like what you said…we can't call out for pizza.”
They arrived back at the pass and made their way across to the other side. Harry paused, and Zoe focused in the direction he looked.
To the left of the pass rose a high mountain with what seemed a sheer rock face. Beyond as well as below were trees, which felt safe to Zoe—they could hike through them. Cut across the middle of the sheer face was a thin line. It looked like a path. Its white snow stood out in contrast to the bare rock face. However, high above near the mountain’s crest, even her untrained eye could make out a massive deposit of snow; it lingered ominously.
Harry, too, followed the path with his eyes. It seemed to come to a dead end in the middle of the sheer face, way short of reaching across. “Let's head this way. I want to get a closer look. At least it seems to be in the right direction.”
After another hour, the moon passed behind the mountain and it got very dark but for the starlight. They walked along, and Zoe was grateful Harry slowed his pace so she could keep up.
Whereas previously they had been in a woods on a plateau, ahead was only a wide path with sporadic trees. To their left the mountain rose, to their right an abrupt edge, so forward they marched through the snow.
Eventually the path ended, narrowing into nothing and leaving them with nowhere to go.
Harry had seen this coming, of course, so he quietly studied the situation. He stepped close to the edge and looked down. It was steep, leveling out far below into a forest. He decided to backtrack again.
Zoe shivered, so he momentarily pressed his cheek against hers to give her some warmth. His skin was rough and cold, but she warmed quickly and he repeated the process for her other cheek.
She sniffled. “Are we going back again?”
“No. Over here.” He returned to a small indentation he had previously noted in the mountain's side. “Scoot in here. Let's get some sleep and see what tomorrow's light brings.”
She felt truly tired, bending down and slipping into the space without comment. He then slid in his gun case and followed, squeezing between the ceiling and floor of what only a child would call a cave. His body helped keep her warm and she drifted.
#
In the morning, he was the first to wake. A couple of feet of light snow had fallen. They were almost sealed in, except for a few inches through which the morning's light shone. He pushed aside the fluffy snow and climbed out. Zoe woke, but seemed content to lay and watch.
Harry looked over the edge, its features now clearly visible. “Darn, darn, darn.”
Zoe shifted in the small opening. “My toes are tingling. Can I get out?”
Poking his head back in, he opened the three latches on his gun case. He took out the gun along with a few rounds, as well as a flashlight, which he handed to Zoe.
“You probably have the beginnings of frostbite. Wiggle your toes and move your legs—try to warm up. You’ll be fine. It hasn’t been that cold. But don’t get out. Just hold the flashlight and stay put.”
It was clear from Zoe’s expression that she had not actually seen such a weapon before, and she stared. The gun made her uneasy.
“The scope makes it deadly accurate.” Harry winked.
Carefully, he aimed and then repositioned the gun several times.
“What the heck are you doing? Are you going to shoot the mountain?” The sounds of panic were coming on. “Let me out of—”
He interrupted her when he started firing, getting off the rounds before ducking back into the cave.
She had begun to struggle to get out, but he lay against her. He closed his eyes and the quiet rumble got louder and louder. Moments later the roar was deafening. He squeezed in tight and covered his ears.
Suddenly, it was much quieter, but the cave was black. Snow had sealed them in. Harry’s arm was against Zoe and he felt her heart pounding, even as the distant rumbling faded.
“Time to dig out—again.” He turned to Zoe. “Can you click on the flashlight?”
She did, and he put the gun back in the case. With a bit of maneuvering, he twisted himself so that he was facing the snow and started pushing the case into it like a giant toothpick.
His shoulders screamed at the strenuous, tiring effort. He slowed but kept going. Perspiration soon filled the air and it smelled like a locker room after desperate overtime.
After a while, he paused. ”I've broken through. It's not too deep.” Truly a relief, because it was a crapshoot he’d taken. He started pushing and pulling on the case, gradually enlarging the hole.
Zoe spoke. “We could have been buried alive.” He glanced at her and could see she’d pieced it together. “What were you thinking? Why cause an avalanche?”
He ignored her question and kept working.
“I said,” her voice was louder, “what are you doing?”
“I had an idea.”
He pulled the case back into the cave. Light streamed in through and fresh air flowed. Zoe sipped it, no doubt grateful not to be inhaling the damp and unpleasant stench. He leaned back against the cave, resting and enjoying seeing the daylight at the end of the hole.
“So you were just hoping—“
“Listen.” He shut his eyes and concentrated, turning his head slightly. “Hear that?”
“What?”
A beat was getting louder, it was clear and distinct.
“It’s a helicopter.”
Zoe shifted, trying to see outside. “Do something.”
“Like what? It’ll be ten minutes before we’re out.” No sooner had he uttered the words then the sound of the helicopter faded. “They are at least looking for us.”
“Will they be back?”
He grimaced. “I don’t know. It depends if they spot the wreckage.” He didn’t want to be defeatist, but realism was in his blood. “I doubt it. It’s just too buried. Besides, we’re off course. To be honest, I didn’t expect them to search this far out.”
They sat and listened, hoping to hear the helicopter again. However, it remained quiet. He moved back into position and resumed digging.
She huffed. “You could be more encouraging.”
“We’re alive. That’s encouraging. Now let’s get out.” He shoved at the case then paused. “By the way, how are your toes?”
In her silence, Harry imagined her taking stock, wiggling her toes in her shoes. “We missed our ride home, but my toes have warmed up. That’s just great.”
Ignoring her attitude, he extended his arms and squeezed his way into the passageway. In time, the opening began to widen.
“Harry, you’re plugging the hole. It’s dark again.”
He yelled down for her to use the flashlight.
“I’m not getting enough air. I’m feeling claustrophobic.”
He slid down, letting in some fresh air while he rested, reassuring her. “Zoe, I know it’s a tight space but please, fight the urge to panic. I just need a few more minutes.”
She reluctantly nodded and he got back to work. It took a lot longer than a few minutes and all the while he braced for more complaints. But Zoe hung in. Eventually, he passed back down the gun case and carefully lifted himself out.
He peered back down and Zoe was welcoming the blast of light and fresh air that filled the cave.
“Slide up the case. And remember to put the flashlight back.”
She tossed the flashlight inside. “Do you have a plan? I hope you’re happier now. Did you shoot the mountain enough? Did you get the avalanche you wanted?”
He heard the cover slam shut. She pushed the case out into his reac
hing arms. Then she crawled up.
“I had an idea, but I didn’t know if it would work. But I think there’s enough snow now to slide down.”
Zoe peeked out of the hole, looked down and blinked a few times. Still steep, the slope was now covered with snow. The avalanche’s massive weight had left behind a white tail before crashing into the forest. Zoe was silent.
Harry grinned. “I noticed this affect clearing out avalanches for ski resorts. Only we used explosives.”
“Holy crap. It’s a long way down. The trees look like ants.”
He lay belly down on the steep slope with the gun case strapped to his back, anchoring himself by digging his feet and arms into the snow.
“I'll go first. Just don't go too fast.” He cast a brief smile.
He moved down the slope. At first he slid a few inches and then forced his boots into the snow to stop. He kept doing this, each time allowing himself to slide a little faster. Pretty soon he discovered that he had just enough friction to descend without stopping.
“Look,” he called to Zoe from twenty feet below. “It’s easy. Just don't look down.”
Zoe crawled out head first. However, before she was able to flip around she started sliding, upside down. Unlike Harry, her coat and lighter weight caused her to slide rapidly. She screamed.
Harry had almost no time to prepare. Zooming by, he grabbed her, spinning her around. Her impact sent them sliding. With both arms, he held on.
To his alarm they weren’t, as he had hoped, slowing, but in fact picking up speed. Harry’s heart pounded. His hands occupied, he thought about pressing his toes into the snow. His gut told him no—that this would send them tumbling, like falling backwards off a ladder. They slid. He felt the gun, bouncing on his back. The strap tugged at his shoulder.
Something had to go. They were too heavy. In a few seconds, he sensed he would lose all control.
His only one real choice was clear. For an instant he let go of Zoe, switching to hold her with his left arm. With his right arm now free, he pulled the strap off over his head, and let go of the gun. Still sliding, he struggled to hold on, praying on each bump that she wouldn’t break free.