Life Support by Robert Whitlow

and acknowledged its new master. She opened the door and got inside. The feel of the cool leather was soothing to her aching legs. She turned on Baxter’s cell phone. It was still reading out of service. Starting the engine, she pulled out of the parking lot in a cloud of dust. Baxter had used the GPS system as a navigational aid to find the trailhead. Rena didn’t need it and flipped it off.
    Four miles down the gravel road, she glanced at the phone and saw that she could make a call. Pulling over to the side, she shut off the engine. It was a big moment—her first contact with the outside world. Once more, she practiced her lines and then punched 911. She knew the call would be recorded. An older woman’s voice answered after one ring.
    â€œMitchell County 911.”
    â€œThis is Rena Richardson,” she said rapidly. “My husband and I were hiking at Double-Barrel Falls. He slipped and fell into the gorge. I’m afraid he’s dead.”
    Her voice was much more shaky than when she practiced. Rena wasn’t sure if it made her sound sincere or unequivocally established her guilt.
    â€œSlow down, dear. Where are you now?”
    â€œI’m on the forest road 49. I ran back to the car and drove until I could get a signal to make a call.”
    There were a few seconds of silence. Rena twirled a strand of her hair.
    â€œI’ve located the road in the state recreational area,” the woman said. “Where is your husband now?”
    â€œHis body is on the rocks at the base of the waterfall. I tried to revive him, but I’m—” Rena hesitated. Then in a voice that cracked with a sudden rush of emotion she said, “afraid that he’s dead.”
    â€œAre you injured?”
    â€œNothing except for cuts and bruises.”
    There was another moment of silence. Then Rena could hear the woman talking on a radio, dispatching police and emergency crews to the area.
    â€œI’ve called for help. Do you need medical care?”
    Before she could say no, Rena felt nauseated and slightly dizzy.
    â€œI’m sick to my stomach.”
    â€œYou may be in shock. Don’t try to drive any farther. Wait for the medical personnel to come to you. You think you’re four miles from the parking area for the trail?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œLet me read back the phone number that is appearing on my screen.”
    Rena listened with her hand over her mouth.
    â€œYeah, that’s it.”
    â€œWe’ll call you if we have trouble locating you. Do you need to stay on the line with me?” the woman asked.
    Rena was getting sicker by the minute. She didn’t want to hear another human voice. She wanted to be left alone.
    â€œUh, no.”
    Rena clicked off the phone and leaned her head against the seat. She cracked open the window. By sitting completely still and taking deep breaths, she could take the edge off the nausea. She closed her eyes and saw an ambulance scream around the curve and stop. Two workers jumped out the back and rushed over to her.
    â€œAre you okay?” one asked anxiously.
    Rena raised her head feebly. “Don’t stay here. Go find my husband.”
    â€œWhere is he?”
    It took all her strength to sit up enough to gesture with her hand. “He slipped and fell at Double-Barrel Falls. I’m afraid he’s dead.”
    â€œBut what about you?”
    Rena’s head fell back against the seat.
    â€œNever mind me. Help him.”
    Rena was impressed by her unselfishness. It would be a good idea to send the first ambulance that arrived on up to the trailhead—a sacrificial gesture that would look good in the report filed by the EMT personnel. Something hit the roof of her vehicle with a loud thud and jarred her. She opened her eyes and saw a green walnut the size of a tennis ball rolling down the front windshield. She was still alone in the woods. It would be at least fifteen to twenty minutes before