The Inheritance Book 1

Ch 45 Wait Here: Mr. Alden Carter [Monday Night, Week Three]

There wasn't another car in sight on the lonely highway as Alden made a left onto the Forest Service dirt road. Back in his younger days when he was in shape and a little more adventurous, he had hiked the road a couple of times. But he had never attempted driving on it--too rugged.

He wiped his clammy palms on his denim overalls and took a deep breath. With his brights on, Alden began slowly winding his way up the path into the mountains. The further they drove, the steeper and more treacherous the path became.

The Jeep heaved and whined, jerking Allora and Alden in all directions as the tires fell into deep ruts and bounced over knotty bumps.

While wrestling with the steering wheel, Alden accidentally beeped the horn. Two startled foxes dropped into a crouch. Their eyes gleamed in the inky darkness, then they scampered off into the forest.

"You're doing fine, Alden. It's not as bad as it seems. Just one last tricky bit to get us through," Allora encouraged.

The headlights revealed a narrow, lumpy ledge that wasn't wide enough for all four tires to sit on. He would have to drive at a sideways slant. Alden mashed his foot on the gas pedal. The wheels squealed and the Jeep lurched violently forward over the first bump. The headlights bounced dizzyingly from tree to ground to bush.

Alden couldn't even glance over to make sure Allora was surviving the jolts because he was afraid he would lose hold and the Jeep would roll over on its side or tumble backward. Finally, the road ended in a flat spot of packed earth set in among the trees.

Alden shifted into park and exhaled in relief. "What are we doing next, ma'am?"

Allora put on her coat and opened the door. "I will fetch the girls while you work on getting the Jeep turned around for the trip back down."

Alden yanked the hand-brake. "Let me get that door for you ma'am, and then I will go with you."

"Neither will be necessary, Alden. Wait here and I'll be back shortly." Allora turned up her collar.

"Ma'am?" Alden had never dared question her before, but she was apparently intent on climbing a mountain in the dark, alone. This was beyond the pale.

He had been raised on the estate and had known Allora all his life. He thought of her as a wise, benevolent queen, and himself as a devoted servant. And while he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, neither was he the dullest. He had always recognized there was something strange about her--and the whole Eversleigh family, and the castle itself, for that matter. All the oddities had been endearing and had provided interesting conversation for him and Fern for many years.

But lately, he had wondered about some of her decisions. Bringing all these kids to the estate for the summer and devising the "Trecorin Trials" was certainly among the top eyebrow raisers. And now this!

"Alden, have you ever known me to act impulsively or unwisely?" she asked, as though she could read his mind.

"Uh, no ma'am." Not until recently, anyway.

With remarkable pep, Allora hopped out of the Jeep. "There you have it, then."

"Let me at least go with you." Alden had to try.

"Thank you. But again, that won't be necessary." Allora's voice was firm. "I must insist that you stay here. I'll be back with the girls before you know it."

The door banged shut and Alden watched helplessly as the forest swallowed her up.