Saving Grace

Chapter 6

Joe slowly released a deep breath before he struggled to his feet. A soft whimper caught his attention. His head whipped around as he settled back onto the boulder, his legs refusing to support him. Again, the whimper of pain sounded behind him. Joe turned slowly and caught a glimpse of the pale blue shirt the woman had been wearing. The flash of blue disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. Joe narrowed his eyes and moved in for a closer look.

He moved carefully between the mass of boulders and rubble. The ground sloped sharply into a small cave. The soft whimper sounded again from within the fissure. Joe moved slowly. The torn ground gave way as he tumbled head over heels into the small cavity. His head cracked against the rocks at the back of the cavern.

Lights exploded in his mind as multicolored stars blurred his vision creating a rainbow effect as they spun, mingling their brilliance with the black contours of the cave.

Joe sat still as the spinning ceased and his eyes adjusted to the darkness. Frustrated and confused at the total emptiness that surrounded him, he backed out of the cave and picked his way through the boulders.

Maybe Smith's right. I need my head examined. I could have sworn I heard her. Shaking his head, he turned to retrieve his rifle. His eyes widened when he couldn't find it. I guess I need to visit with the Sheriff. I didn't think anyone was still out here. Joe sighed as he painfully got to his feet. He turned to where he had left his truck. It was gone too.

"I must have hit my head harder than I thought. I've gotta be dreaming," he muttered.

The flash of blue caught his eye again as he turned in a slow circle. Joe's eyes widened in disbelief. The woman lay amidst the sagebrush, struggling to inch her way toward the small stand of trees. Blood dripped from the ragged cuts on her arm. Her sleeve had been torn from her shirt. Her leg hadn't fared any better. The grizzly's searching claws and teeth had ripped and mangled the flesh.

Joe started toward her, intent on helping. As he drew closer, the woman shrieked in fear and agony. She curled into a tight ball, her arms encircling her head protectively.

Joe took a step back, his eyes wide. Her lips moved, whispering words he couldn't hear. He knelt next to her, leaning close to hear what she murmured.

"Deliver us from evil."

Joe grimaced at her words. God doesn't care. If he did, he wouldn't have let any of this happen. He sighed and shook his head. "All right, darlin'. Let's see if I can help you." Joe stroked her back while murmuring soft words of comfort. She glanced up at him with wide, pain-filled eyes.

Joe scooped her into his arms and carried her toward a stand of trees that hid a small spring. She cried out in pain. He set her gently on a moss-covered rock next to the pool.

Joe shrugged off his hunting pack. Opening a zippered pocket, he retrieved the emergency kit. He pulled off his jacket and removed his shirt which he quickly tore into strips. Knowing that the bear's claws were filthy, he dipped a cloth in the cold water and gently cleaned her wounds.