Till Dark - Page 43/113

The waves crashed loudly against the jagged rocks as Jordan slowly made her way to the rocky peak above. She could see a lighthouse in the near distance and had decided to find it and explore its rich insides. She had heard that it was one of the last few still operating in the area. The air was filled with excitement and lavished her nostrils with a salty mist. She felt alive and at peace with the world around her and for the first time over the past year and was starting to relax in the serenity of the rocky cliffs. The sun joined the water giving life to rich vegetation and trees lining the cliffs. A low mist hung over the rocks as she ascended with a spring in her step. She sat down for a quick rest once she reached the top, and peered out over the crystal water. In the distance a family of whales splashed about in the cool morning sun. This is definitely heaven she decided as she sat watching the whales. The tension of the past two days melted away with every wave that crashed over the rocks below.

A sound close to her brought her out of her reprieve with a start. She quickly scanned the rocky cliffs trying to figure out where the sound had come from. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and she continued to search but saw nothing and was about to dismiss the sick feeling she had, till she saw him. A man making his way toward her with his head bent, concentrating on the task of climbing the steep jagged cliff. To her surprise she recognized this intruder into her private haven as none other than Clark. Silently she waited for him to reach his destination before speaking. "Those rocks are murderous aren't they?" She sat where she was and looked at him with little interest. "Good morning Jordan. How are you? It's a wonderful day for a walk isn't it?" Still seated she looked from Clark back out over the water "Yes." She replied not sure whether to trust her instincts and bolt down the edge of the rocky cliff or stay and chat. "How are you feeling this morning?" Probing eyes took in her cut-off jean shorts and sweat clung T-shirt. His voice oozed with charm but Jordan felt as if she were on display. Silently she waited for him to finish his once over and with a fake smile she replied "I'm fine. I thought that a long walk might do me some good this morning, get these old achy muscles going." With little enthusiasm Jordan invited Clark to sit down on the rocks and join her. He obliged without hesitation.