Dark Titan Journey: Wilderness Travel by Thomas A Watson Page A

voice.
    “Good man, that’s thinking. It would draw attention to us,” Nathan said. “There’s a food mart up ahead. We will take a break in the parking lot,” Nathan told them in a low voice.
    “Bullshit! We are leaving!” Amanda shot back in her regular voice.
    Nathan looked down at her in shock at her response.
    “I agree with Amanda. Let’s get the hell out of here,” John whispered loudly. Still looking at Amanda, Nathan could tell she was terrified.
    “Okay, we will continue, but let’s slow down a bit,” he said, easing the pace.
    Amanda nodded and tilted her head up at him. “Okay, but if you stop I’ll meet you at the rally point,” she said matter-of-factly. “Something’s wrong here,” she said, turning her head to look straight ahead.
    Nathan smiled, glad she could feel it. He had no idea what was going on here but he didn’t like it. “The person is getting closer, half the distance so forty yards … and it’s a girl,” John whispered.
    “What does she look like?” Nathan asked.
    “She’s a little taller than Amanda but filled out really well with pretty tanned skin. She has blue shorts, red tight shirt, hiking boots, long black hair, no jewelry, and a large black backpack like mine,” John whispered back, making Nathan chuckle.
    “She’s a hottie, huh?” Nathan asked.
    “How do you know? You haven’t even seen her,” John said, amazed that Nathan could tell just from his description.
    “John, you told me everything but her eye color,” Nathan said, trying not to laugh.
    “She has on sunglasses so I couldn’t see,” John admitted. “I snuck a quick peek with my binoculars.”
    Unable to control himself, Nathan stared to laugh. “Just watch her and make sure no one is following her,” he said.
    “Haven’t spotted anyone yet,” John reported.
    They’d walked another half hour when Nathan spoke. “We are stopping ahead for ten minutes. Don’t take your packs off and stay close,” he told them.
    “Hello, we’re still here,” Amanda said in a low voice, looking at a crowd of people at a small store.
    “Amanda, we have to stop and give Ares water. He doesn’t have a drinking tube,” Nathan said.
    “Oh Ares, I’m sorry,” Amanda said, reaching down and rubbing his neck. Ares looked up at her, panting hard with his tongue hanging out. Amanda felt bad just looking at him. “I’ll get you some water in a minute, Ares, don’t worry,” she promised and he rubbed up against her, knocking her into Nathan. “I know Ares, I love you too,” she said, running her hand down his back.
    Nathan stepped off the road and onto a lawn in front of an abandoned business. He stopped under a tree and Amanda dug into Ares’ pack, pulling out his bowl. Nathan handed her a bottle and Ares was lapping it out of the air as she poured.
    As he looked around, Nathan could still see a lot of people in front yards, and some were looking back at them. He turned to look at the building behind them and saw it was a computer repair store. “That’s why it’s empty,” he mumbled.
    “She’s heading to us,” John said in a low voice. Nathan turned around to look.
    “If anyone tries anything, just kill everybody. Ares is still thirsty,” Amanda commanded. Nathan smiled as he gazed at their follower.
    He had to agree with John. She was a hottie. Young, but a hottie. She peeled off the road and crossed the lawn towards them. She slowed her step as she neared. “Can I come closer please?” she asked. Nathan nodded and she walked over. He looked down at Ares, still lapping, and Amanda, who had taken off his pack and was rubbing his fur.
    When their follower got closer, Nathan could see she was in her late teens or early twenties. She stopped in front of them and held out her hand. “I’m Jasmine,” she told them, taking off her sunglasses.
    Pausing for a second, he reached out and shook her hand. “Nathan,” he said.
    “You guys were moving along,” she said, smiling. “You must