Chapter 13

Chapter

Thirteen

Morgan"s jeeprumbles to a stop on a nondescript gravel shoulder, the crunch of stones under tires marking our arrival. I peer out, scanning the surroundings for any sign of where we might be. The landscape offers no clues, just a stretch of wild Florida wilderness, untamed and indifferent to my confusion.

"Where are we?" My voice betrays a hint of unease.

Morgan, ever the gentleman—or perhaps just amused by my apparent concern—comes around to my side, offering a hand to help me navigate the jeep"s height and the uneven ground. "You"ll see," he says, a hint of mystery in his tone that does little to settle my nerves.

Before us, a path, more suggestion than certainty, winds its way into the trees. It"s the kind of trail one might miss if not looking for it, seemingly forged by the passage of animals rather than human feet.

As we venture into the woods, the canopy above filters the sunlight into a dappled tapestry, casting the world in a hue of greens and golds. Wildflowers, vibrant against the backdrop of verdant foliage, nod gently in the breeze, their colors contrasting the earthy tones of the forest floor. Birds, unseen but ever-present, fill the air with their calls, a reminder that we are not alone in this secluded slice of nature.

"I don"t have to look out for alligators, do I?" I attempt a joke, hoping to lighten the mood and distract myself from the unease in my stomach.

Morgan"s smile widens, amusement lighting his eyes. "I"d be more worried about the snakes," he says, and the ambiguity of his tone leaves me momentarily unsure whether to laugh or quicken my pace.