Member-only story
Canyonlands
The trip of a lifetime! Tom and Catherine had saved and were here, at last, touring National Parks in the U.S. of A.! First stop? Canyonlands.
“Why is this unpopular?” Catherine said in wonder as Tom drove their hire car into the valley. A patch of green denoted a ranch spread out under the towering red mesas.
“This is proper Western country,” Tom commented and Catherine nodded, captivated at the scene.
The roads were empty. Even the visitor centre was an outpost. Catherine felt like she was entering forbidden territory and enjoyed the excitement it gave her.
Watered up, they pulled in at a canyon trail. The sun assaulted them as they exited their vehicle and Catherine could feel sweat forming under her hat.
In the pull-in was a white truck, door open, country music playing. No other vehicles were around. Catherine caught a glimpse of the driver’s hand, out of the door, a ringed hand tapping something like a pen on his knee. Tattoos too? Too far away to see distinctly.
“Ready?” Tom said and Catherine smiled, her gaze leaving the truck driver and focusing on the trail.
As they walked, they heard a blast of loud music. Death metal, Catherine thought. It echoed off the rocks and despite the sun, Catherine couldn’t help but feel chilled.
