This Is How It Happened by Paula Stokes

Author:Paula Stokes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-04-27T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

The next day, Rachael and I arrive at Zion Lodge a few minutes before seven a.m.

“Elliott is going to take care of you today. Just keep working on clearing the area for the trail,” she tells me. “How are you doing after yesterday? Feeling sore?”

“You could say that.” I woke up with a stiffness across my shoulders and entire back. Even my hands ache a little from gripping the Pulaski so tightly. “But it’s okay. I kind of like it. Working hard clears my mind.” Right now I want it to be as empty as possible. The hashtags are still tormenting me, burning themselves into my brain like digital scarlet letters. #TerriblePerson, I add to the pile. #Criminal. Maybe falling asleep driving isn’t a crime, but staying quiet about my part in Dallas’s death surely is. Every moment I don’t tell the truth makes me more #Guilty.

“Well, according to Elliott, you excel at it, so I’m delighted to have you help out, but just don’t overdo it, okay? Take breaks and stay hydrated. Your dad would never forgive me if anything happened to you.”

“I’ll be fine, I promise.” #Liar, I balance on the top. I will never be fine again.

Elliott hops out of his truck when he sees me arrive, but Halley is nowhere to be found. Rachael drives off in a cloud of red dust.

I look around. “Where’s Halley?”

“She doesn’t work on Sundays.”

“Ah,” I say. “Church thing?”

“Yep.”

“So I guess you’re not a Mormon?”

Elliott snorts. “No. Most definitely not.”

I sense there’s a story there, but I’m not one to push people, especially not today. I take the Pulaski from Elliott’s outstretched hand and get to work. The dirt is soft from last night’s rainstorm and I make quick and steady progress. There’s just something about repeatedly punching the crap out of the world with a badass tool. After about thirty strikes I almost feel like someone else—someone who is strong and capable. Someone who is not a #TerriblePerson.

Elliott’s walkie-talkie crackles with static and I pause, mid-swing, to watch him answer it.

“What are they doing up there this early?” he asks to the person on the other end. I can’t make out the response. “They must have started before sunrise. Fine, I’ll check it out.” He slips the walkie into the side pocket of his pants and turns to me. “Have you been up Angels Landing yet?”

I shake my head. “I haven’t done much hiking here,” I hedge. Or anywhere.

“It’s the best trail in the park. You want to see it?”

“Uh . . . sure, I guess.”

“Are you afraid of heights?”

“No.” I don’t think so, anyway. St. Louis is pretty flat. I haven’t exactly tested this fear.

“And you’ve got water?”

I hold up a blue water bottle that Rachael gave me.

“All right. Come on.”

I follow Elliott across the grassy area in front of Zion Lodge and over to the parking lot. I set my Pulaski in the back of his truck and hop into the passenger seat. Elliott turns out of the lodge parking lot and onto Zion Park Boulevard.

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