Shadowed Treasures

CHAPTER ONE

Shadow followed Greg, back and forth, wearing a path between the house and the RV. She knew something was up. The energy was frenetic, but it was a happy sort of vibe. One thing was for certain … as happy as her people were, she was bound to get treats. That had to be the reason she kept following at our heels—like a shadow. The morning mountain air in Heber, Arizona, had a crispness that hadn’t been felt yet all summer. It was evident that the seasons were changing, even though the days were still plenty warm. It wasn’t unusual for September to have quite hot days, but I loved that the evenings and morning were nice and cool.

Where did I leave those blankets? I hollered to Greg from the steps of the RV.

Turning around before heading into the house, he shrugged. No idea.

I’m beginning to learn that my old ways of throwing a few things in my trusted 4Runner and heading off at a moment’s notice were getting a tad more complicated. Two people, twice the planning effort. But, on this trip, Alexis and JJ were joining us, too, so there was even more to consider. Thankfully, we decided not to cram all of us into Greg’s RV. JJ and Alexis were renting one of their own.

Greg’s arms were loaded as he came up the steps into the RV—a duffle bag of clothes, a tote with Shadow’s belongings, another with some of our food items, and the blankets I apparently had left behind in the house. Out of breath, he asked, What time were they planning to arrive?

I believe they’ll be here any second. She texted nearly two hours ago, but I’m sure they’re being cautious with the mountain roads, as it’s their first time.

Cool, I think these items are the last things from the house. My handsome boyfriend set the bags down on the dining table and headed back outside, Shadow still diligently following her buddy. My heart swelled.

As I stored away the last of our stuff, I heard a vehicle approach and looked outside to see JJ maneuvering their light silver, twenty-foot Class-C motorhome around Greg’s circle drive. It was the type with a compartment that hung over the cab of the vehicle—Alexis said there was a bed up there. I couldn’t wait to see! I headed over to where they parked about the same time that Shadow came running and barking at our friends. They both hopped out.

Hey, Shadow, buddy … it’s us! JJ was saying as Shadow seemed unsure about this large thing they had just stepped out of. She had to sniff all around the vehicle before soaking up their love. Even for our tall and muscular friend, this tough detective was a huge softie around children and pets.

That was so much fun! Alexis exclaimed as she embraced me. I can’t believe we hadn’t tried this before. But, let me tell you, I’m so excited we’re getting away now! She squealed in delight and then turned to Greg and gave him a hug, too.

Yes, thanks for letting us tag along on this adventure! JJ reached out to shake Greg’s hand. Good to see you again, man. I think this is just what all of us needed—a break from city life.

No truer words were ever spoken. Since March, our lives have been chaotic—all of ours. First, the pandemic, then assisting with finding a missing girl, and finally, figuring out who was behind several crimes where we live in Mesa, including one where Alexis and her neighbor were attacked. I, for one, am elated to have those days behind us and the bad men safely in jail.

There was good that came from our collective chaos though. First, Isobel (Bella) Crenshaw came into our lives and has become a valued friend and co-worker. Then, JJ solved a decades-old murder investigation and was promoted to detective. Of course, the most important aspect from the last six months for me has been meeting the handsome forest service ranger, Greg Lawson. It feels as though he’s always been a part of my life and I count my blessings every day. Still, there are moments that I have a hard time thinking in the terms of ‘couple’ and struggle occasionally trying to hold onto my independence. Regardless, he has definitely wormed his way into my heart and apparently into my friends’ lives as well.

The guys were busy discussing the route we’re taking—Heber to Holbrook, then farther north to Page for the first couple of nights. Then we’d set up a base camp just outside Kanab, Utah, for several days while we rented a Jeep to venture into the national parks—Zion and Bryce—and also, we’d like to check out some of the famed slot canyons. Beyond that, we’d play it by ear for the second week, but we were considering some of the northern communities too, before our time was up. It was an aggressive itinerary considering the fact that this was vacation; however, the four of us are very active hikers so adventures are precisely how we choose to spend our time off.

Are you guys ready? I asked, pointing to my watch. We’re burning daylight!

Aye, aye! JJ saluted me. Let’s get on the road!

Shadow seemed to know this meant the fun was about to start. She spun around, jumped up to high five JJ, and then ran straight toward me as I walked up the steps into Greg’s RV. While Greg was doing his final walk around the vehicle, I picked up the hand-held two-way radio and squeezed the button.

You got a copy, Johnsons?

Alexis’ voice crackled coming through the radio. 10-4! JJ is mimicking Greg outside, it looks like. I’ve seen them both kicking the tires…

I laughed. So happy it worked out to leave Bella in charge of the new therapists for a couple weeks.

Indeed. Ok, here come the guys … guess we’re off!

The door opened and Greg climbed in, double checking the locks. I added by saying to Alexis, Safety first—the entire way. Just let us know if we need to slow down a bit … or if you guys need to find a place to pull over. We’re in no hurry, just important to get there safely!

Roger that! Here’s to getting there safely.

I laughed as Greg was buckling his seatbelt. Alexis is really getting into this, isn’t she?

My smile radiated at Greg. I’m just so thankful they decided to do this with us. She needed this break more than any one of us. I’m still shocked she left the business!

"I’m surprised you left the spa, honestly."

Yeah. But the newest therapists from the school have been doing a fantastic job. And, Bella … talk about a quick learner! She’s really got a handle on the business. So, no, I’m fine and promise to relax, let go, and take two weeks off. I gave him a huge smile.

Now, will Alexis and I actually be able to let go and leave work behind? We’ll see.

CHAPTER TWO

Our first day traveling was not a long one at all—a mere four-hour drive through the Arizona reservation lands and wide-open vistas. We had called ahead and the Jeep rental company was going to meet us at our campground at the Bullfrog Marina, which is at the north end of Lake Powell. As we pulled into the campground, shortly after two, we found ourselves in awe of the scenic lake view that we’d call home for the first two nights. The lake was shockingly low, but still beautiful. The contrast of the blue water and the surrounding sandstone desert was breathtaking.

Once we were parked, Shadow jumped up to the window and let out a bark. JJ and Alexis were in the site right next to us.

You probably need a walk, don’t you? I scuffed up my pup’s fur, making her even more excitable. I grabbed her leash, hooked it to her halter—the bra—and off we went. She immediately had her sniffer to the ground, pulling me left, then right. Back and forth, we traversed the short road that led to desert where she was able to finally relieve herself. Once that job was done, she yanked me back toward the road and we walked the long way around while Greg was getting the RV all hooked up to electric, water, and sewer.

Walking around campgrounds was always interesting. I enjoyed seeing different people’s setups and the gadgets they have. We passed several people sitting with their dogs in the shade, enjoying a peaceful afternoon at the lake. I forgotten just how much I love being around the water. The sound of motors and children laughing and hollering on the lake echoed far and wide. As we turned with the bend in the road, I noticed an elderly couple ahead who had just finished parking their boat and were unloading. The lady noticed Shadow and immediately came up to us.

Oh, aren’t you the sweetest pup! she exclaimed as she knelt down to address Shadow. We lost ours some years ago; I just miss having a dog around. Shadow licked, but managed to control herself and avoided knocking the nice lady over.

How’s the fishing? I looked over to where the woman’s husband was still unloading his tackle.

Oh. Some days are good—today we didn’t catch a thing! Her energy was warm, but frenetic. She sure was spunky as she told me all about their day out on the lake. Then, very abruptly, Better get this man his happy hour drink before he gets cranky! she said with a gravelly texture to her voice. And off she went.

As we walked back to our camp, my thoughts kept drifting back to the lively lady. They had quite the setup: a Class-C RV which was a little bigger than what the Johnsons had rented, a white Ford pickup truck, and a gray-silver boat which had to be eighteen feet long. That’s quite a bit to manage for elderly folks. Well, they appeared to be handling a day out on the lake just fine. I mean, look at them—prioritizing happy hour!

Alexis and JJ already had their camp chairs out, sitting in them with an ice-cold beer, as we walked up to them.

Well, look at you two … enjoying vacation life, I see! I turned to my right and saw that Greg was bringing over a couple of chairs and a small ice chest.

My Lady, he bowed, setting up a chair for me. And, take your pick… he opened the ice chest which had an assortment of beer and wine coolers.

Oooh, look at me getting spoiled! I reached into the frigid ice and pulled out a refreshing looking peach wine cooler, then gave him a quick kiss. Thank you!

Before Greg grabbed his Blue Moon, he put down a small bowl and filled it with water for Shadow. As she drank, we all toasted to our safe arrival at the lake.

***

The sun was low on the western horizon when we pulled away from the marina in a rented pontoon. We had decided to put together an assortment of cheese, crackers, fruit, and wine and head out for a private cove to enjoy sunset. It was perfect—the temperature was in the eighties and falling as the sun lowered.

So, tomorrow we get to play on the lake for the whole day. Then we head to the national parks? Do I have that right? Alexis smeared more cheese spread onto a cracker as she looked to Greg and JJ for the plan.

Greg glanced at JJ, nodded and then answered, Yep. We’ll go into Page at some point tomorrow also. They have some great restaurants.

Sounds fantastic. I love that we’re spending a quiet evening tonight after all that driving. She took a sip of her wine, then relaxed back in her seat.

Once we had settled in the cove for a while, JJ kept staring at something just up a small ridge from where we were floating.

What do you see? I asked.

I’m not sure, but I’d love to go check it out.

I’ll go with…

We hopped over the side of the boat, sloshed through the knee-high water trying to keep our sandals from sinking further in the mud. On the shore, we carefully climbed the small hill looking for desert critters with every step we took. It was then that I saw the shiny object he must be after. We climbed the last few feet, then JJ knelt down.

Someone recently dug here. Look, he said, pointing out the displaced dirt. He picked up an old copper coin his fingers found as he combed through the sand. Hey, I found a penny!

I squatted down next to him chanting the old ‘find a penny, pick it up…’ saying. There was a small rusted metal box that had obviously been pulled out of a hole. It had been cast aside, with its small lid wide open.

Alexis yelled from the boat, What is it?

JJ picked up the empty box and held it up. Just a box. Nothing in it. But, I found a penny! He held it up.

Oooh, big find, sweetie!

We left the box there, in case someone came back for it, and climbed down the hill and back into the boat.

So, no hidden treasure, Greg said laughing as he helped each of us on board.

Dangit, I said. That could have been the treasure that the man from Washington purported to have buried out west somewhere. Remember seeing that online?

Oh, yeah, I’ve read about that. Wasn’t it found though? Alexis asked.

I think so. But, then again, I haven’t kept up on news lately—too much going on. Then I turned to JJ, Make sure you put that penny in your shoe for good luck…

Gonna be hard in flip-flops, but I’ll put it in my shorts pocket. He laughed and then looked to the west. Maybe we should get back? Not sure we should be out in this thing after dark.

Greg nodded his head in agreement. Yep, let’s batten everything down and get going.

As we pulled out of our cove and motored into the larger lake area, another boat was rapidly approaching us. We passed them and waved and that’s when I noticed it was the elderly couple I had seen earlier. An eerie feeling came over me.

Strange, I commented, but not loudly.

What’s that? my friend asked; she was always so in tune with me.

Well, when I walked Shadow earlier, I met an elderly couple. I pointed to the boat we had passed. I think that was them. But, what’s strange is how they had just got back from fishing when we stopped to chat. Now they are back in the boat.

And, that’s strange? Her eyebrows reached upward, questioning.

I shook my head. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something didn’t sit well with me.

They seem pretty old. Are they okay being out at night?

Alexis laughed. "You seriously worry about everyone, don’t you? I’m sure they’re fine."

She was probably right.

CHAPTER THREE

The next day the four of us spent the entire day out on Lake Powell. We had turned in our pontoon the night before and rented a ski boat, a wake board, and slalom water skis for the day. Greg and JJ had the most fun on the wake board and we pulled them all over the lake. Alexis tried getting up on the skis, but ultimately, she opted to stay onboard being the flag girl while the rest of us played with the toys in the water. It had been years since I had water skied, but once I got up a time or two, it was just like the proverbial ‘riding a bike’.

There were several times we took breaks by anchoring in a quiet channel or cove. We’d all dive in the water and Shadow couldn’t contain herself any longer. With her life jacket on also, she’d jump in and swim right over to me. She was having the time of her life.

Later that night, we decided to go into Page for dinner. Our hosts at the campground suggested we try the Country BBQ in the center of town; pets welcome. After the long day on the lake, my mouth drooled at the thought of barbeque. During the drive, I just prayed it would be open—it was always a crapshoot with the pandemic closures. We were in luck though, we pulled up and saw their large outdoor seating area.

The waiter who seated us was friendly; he had long brown dreadlocks and an equally long and shaggy beard on his face. My first thought when I saw him was how hot that must be during the summer—all that facial hair. We ordered food and drinks and kicked back, enjoying the cool evening.

Sitting out on the patio under the night sky at a BBQ joint and listening to live country music, I couldn’t have been happier. The place was not super crowded, and the tables were set a good distance apart. I suppose this was why the place was allowed to have the ‘dine-in’ option. The best part was that it was a dog-friendly patio so Shadow rested right at my feet. She was completely tuckered out after the day on the lake.

As I was listening to the cover band play a Johnny Cash song, Shadow got up and I saw what she was interested in. She eyed an elderly couple who