WHO Erik Saeli OT Devon Reid WHAT Planning an unexpected leavetaking. WHERE campsite, Crater Lake, OR WHEN Wednesday, 3/23, close to midnight (Backdated) WARNINGS Possible language, Erik being a crusty bastard?
Erik kept calm for the entire drive back to the campsite he and Devon had occupied since they'd been in Crater Lake, but his mind roiled with worries and a type of fear that he would never express. He was never afraid for himself anymore, he'd realized some time ago. It wouldn't have bothered him that much to die. What troubled him now was that anything he did risked danger to Devon also. Being completely alone was much safer.
After Sadie had died, he'd thrown himself completely into hunting, knowing that a hunter who did not fear for his own life was both effective and dangerous most of the time. Mostly he'd been alone with the exception of some time spent working with a hunter he'd met on the road, one with whom he'd spent enough time to exchange contact information. Now there was Devon, who was a fine hunter but was also something he hadn't necessarily wanted: someone he would not want to see harmed. Someone he'd miss if she were gone. It was a dilemma, since very few people were able to live permanently without any kind of entanglements.
Erik made the turn into the campground, seeing that everything seemed normal. Quiet, dark, very few campfires at this late hour. Three fourths of a mile in was their site, and he parked in his usual spot. Once he'd gotten out of the truck, he straightened himself up and did his best to stifle the inner tension that made him feel short of breath. Closing the door almost soundlessly, he listened for a moment for any noise that didn't fit-- although he thought it would be too soon for anyone to be after them-- and then strode toward the two small tents that were set up beneath the trees.