Carmen and Jonathan kept the horses at a brisk walk where the trail permitted, but sometimes they were forced to dismount and walk around outcroppings. Alex might be able to visualize a mountain shape from a topographical map, but he couldn't see trails or details in the terrain. The trail was probably made by deer, which were much smaller and more agile than a horse. At times she was certain it would be faster to go around the mountain on the desert floor.
Something else troubled her. The two men Alex had released would probably have reached help by now. They weren't burdened with hiding. They had tracked her family to the place where Alex stopped them and they knew she and Alex were not alone. It wouldn't take them long to find the trail and follow it. She was tempted to push faster, but the risk to the children would be increased.
Occasionally they stopped to rest the horses and drink water, but they continued on foot, Jonathan carrying Matthew and Carmen carrying Natalie. The day got hotter and their progress was further slowed. They would be lucky to reach the pass by dark.
It was well past mid day when they descended the last ridge into the desert valley. A stretch of desert lay before them and then the ascent to the pass. They would get there by dark. Meanwhile, Alex was out there in the desert somewhere with people chasing him. The desert shimmered in heat waves, making distance impossible to judge. At one point a whirlwind rose from the desert floor. If only a genie would emerge from it and give them three wishes. Her first would be the safety of the children and the second would be for Alex to be safe. The third would probably be food. Everyone was hungry. The twins had been whining all morning. Destiny and Jonathan were taking it all surprisingly well. They were getting low on water, though.
Carmen stopped with the children at the edge of the valley. They would be vulnerable crossing because there was little opportunity to hide. There were a few ocotillo and some greasewood bushes, but otherwise the country was open. They drank from the near empty canteens before starting across the valley. For a while they walked, leading the horses. About half way across, they mounted again.
Something orange and black slithered under a bush. Carmen guided her horse away from the bush and shuddered. She could hardly wait to get back to Arkansas.
"It's a Gila Monster!" Jonathan exclaimed as he urged his horse closer to investigate.
"Jonathan!" Carmen called in a sharp tone. "Get away from it. We're not on a field trip."