Parahuman (Parahuman Series) Page 7

  Devan pulled in and parked on the far left of the parking lot next to the same older red Chevy pick-up that had been there yesterday and a blue Ford pick-up that hadn’t been there. A sharp sense of anticipation thrummed through Devan’s body and he didn’t understand why the feeling was so prevalent now when he had been only slight nervous yesterday. The probability of employment was the same today as it had been yesterday; yet, the agitation of his nerves was heightened exponentially.

  Stepping out of the jeep Devan inhaled deeply and caught the scent of three individuals; Nick’s, an unidentified males, and Laney’s. Laney’s was actually the first scent he perceived. It was stronger than any smell he’d ever scented before; seizing hold of his innards, squeezing, and playing havoc with his already jumpy nerves.

  What was going on with his senses lately!

  A voice carried from the building catching Devan’s attention. The words were clear as day but they faded into the background when his eyes connected with a set of eyes through the window. There were in fact three sets of eyes looking at him through the window but Devan’s attention was for the one pair only. His already jumpy nerves increased to an alarming level!

  CHAPTER SIX

  Laney sat on the stool behind the counter in a state of extreme agitation…which she thought she was doing a pretty good job of concealing. Her foot may have been bobbing a mile a minute, but she wasn’t staring out the window like a ninny waiting for her prom date. She had a saduko puzzle in front of her and was giving the impression of deep concentration. All in all, she would say she looking pretty darn cool and collected.

  “So who is this guy coming in?”

  Laney’s foot stalled in its bobbing at Jarrod’s questions. Jarrod was a senior and at six foot with sandy blond hair was considered ‘hot’ by many of Laney’s friends. Laney would admit that he was handsome, but she had known him too long to employ the description ‘hot’. Their parents and grandparents had grown up together and they’d known each other since they were in their diapers. He was like a brother to her and one did not use the adjective ‘hot’ to describe a brother…Euww!

  Nick glanced up from some paper work he was looking through. “The applicant is actually new in town. He came on our hike yesterday, and from what I was told from Laney and a very excitable ten year old, he ran interference between them and a mountain lion. He also found all my trail ribbons, even the one I had set off the path, and he brought the group back all on his own; with absolutely no difficulty…or hesitation.” Nick lightly snorted this last part.

  Laney’s lip quirked at her father’s impressed tone of voice. Nick wasn’t easily impressed, but because Laney had been there, and Devan had in effect shielded her as well as Johnny, he had earned her father’s eternal gratitude.

  “So, he’s been a trail guide before. Is he an old guy?” Jarrod asked.

  “Old like me, or do you just mean older than you?” Nick inquired in humorous sarcasm.

  “Auhh Nick, I don’t think of you as old… more like ancient with the way you dress.” Jarrod joked. He then ducked to dodge the cuff Nick aimed at his head.

  Laney smiled automatically at Jarrod’s joke…repetitive that it was. Her father’s wardrobe, and appearance, was a continual joke for Jarrod… and everyone else. Today her dad was dressed in jeans and another plaid flannel shirt, blue this time. Laney’s father had a closet full of flannel shirts. For fun, every Christmas and birthday Laney would gift her father with other things in flannel; underwear, pajamas, ties, steering wheel covers, or anything else she could find.

  “Actually…the applicant is only sixteen years old…almost seventeen. He looks older than that though.” Nick snorted again. “He and his uncle live up at the old Moss place.”

  “You saw one of them?” Jarrod asked, looking avidly back a forth between Nick and Laney. “LaCosta said a guy came into the store and loaded up on groceries two weeks ago; said it was an entire trucks worth, and Jeff said he saw a delivery truck coming from the Moss place last Tuesday, but no one else has seen hide or hair of him or anyone else since then. They’ve been there for at least two weeks. Do you think they’re hiding out or something?”

  “Since Devan’s starting at the school on Monday I think that rules out a fugitive theory.” Laney remarked.

  Jarrod’s eyebrows shot together. “Devan?”

  “That’s his name,” Laney stated. Her foot began its bobbing again.

  Jarrod stared at her his brows still in a frown. “Devan, huh.”

  “Yep.” She did her best to sound nonchalant when actually just the sound of his name sent a warm flush over her body.

  Jarrod’s gaze went back to Nick. “Well, he’s too young for a lead trial guide, and that’s what you wanted, right?”

  Nick’s head remained bent toward his paperwork. “Normally I would say ‘yes’, he’s too young, but having gone through his paper work last night I’m not sure any more. His responses to the survival test were…remarkable. He didn’t just answer questions, he explained and even corrected. I even had to reconsider some things I thought I knew.” Nick grunted good-naturedly. “Not something someone my age likes to admit I have to say.”

  Laney had heard all this from her dad last night when he went over Devan’s paperwork. Every two minutes her father had made some remark on something Devan had written down, making Laney go crazy with curiosity. After he had finished Laney had snagged it and had been pretty amazed herself at the survival techniques Devan had summarized. It had seemed almost military in style, something her dad had agreed with. Everything he had written down had seemed scary smart, which had just racked up her interest in him even more.

  “So, you’re actually thinking about giving him the job?”

  There was definite disgruntlement in Jarrod’s question. Laney knew Jarrod; he would have a hard time accepting direction from someone younger, or even someone of the same age. His arrogance in his own abilities sometimes exceeded what he could actually do. Laney found this was a common characteristic most guys had, and because of this it caused cooperation issues.

  “I don’t know yet. I want to see him climb.” Nick responded evasively.

  “If you’re thinking about letting this guy be a lead guide why can’t Laney or I be a lead? I don’t know how he can know more than either of us, especially since we know this area better than he does.”

  “No matter how good he is he’s too young for the position of lead guide, just as both you are, but I haven’t had any takers for the position for months now, so I’m thinking of hiring him as additional help. With spring on the way the extra help is needed.”

  “What about Lee? He was hoping you would hire him again this year the same as last. It’s seems like he should be your first choice.”

  Laney did a silent eye roll at Jarrod’s declaration. Lee was one of Jarrod’s good friends, one of Laney’s too, but he wasn’t an experienced trail guide or climber.

  “Jarrod, Lee’s okay as an extra body, but he’s not really qualified like Devan is.” Laney spoke up.

  “Lee’s a year older and has lived in this area his whole life. How much more experience can this Devan kid have?”

  “Trust me, I know Lee and his experience and I’ve seen Devan in action. Devan’s a way better choice.” Laney replied. She tried to imagine Lee putting himself in front of Johnny yesterday and couldn’t.

  Nick glanced up from his paperwork with raised eyebrows, and Jarrod expression became even more disgruntled. Laney realized her tone may have sounded a little too fervent. She really didn’t want her dad getting the wrong impression; or rather she should say the correct one.

  “What…” Laney shrugged her shoulders in what she hoped was a casual manner. “It’s true.” Unfortunately, Laney felt her face getting warm under their scrutiny.

  Thankfully, both their attention was pulled from her by the appearance of a green jeep arriving in the parking lot. Laney’s foot bobbed a little faster.

  They all watched as Devan
stepped out of his jeep. He was wearing khaki cargo shorts with a dark blue t-shirt. He had sunglasses on again, but these had straps attached to them. Probably so they wouldn’t fall off when he climbed.

  Laney’s heart skipped.

  “Holy jolly green giant; that guy is huge.” Jarrod exclaimed.

  Devan’s head swung their way as if he heard Jarrod’s outburst.

  “Jarrod, don’t be rude.” Laney immediately hushed. It was highly unlikely that Devan heard Jarrod as they were inside with the doors and windows closed. In all probability he had just turned to look at the building…abruptly…at the precise time of Jarrod’s outburst.

  Although, Devan had heard that mountain lion yesterday when Laney hadn’t heard anything at all. And there had been that head tilt when the cars had pulled in yesterday. There was also his peculiar conduct when they had searched for Johnny; his constant staring off into the distance as if he was seeing something no one else could see. And let’s not forget about the whole ‘fast as superman thing’.

  There were just too many peculiar things to catalogue.

  “Look at him. He’s like seven feet tall. Are you sure he’s only sixteen? Heck, who cares, we’ll ace the basketball championship next year for sure.” Jarrod said with a short, hard laugh. Laney gave an inaudible sigh at Jarrod’s tone; it reeked of jealousy and insecurity. Ever since his mother divorced his father two years ago and disappeared Jarrod’s attitude ranged from one spectrum to another; one minute nice and helpful, the next minute bad-tempered and mocking. Or maybe it was just a teenage boy thing. Or it could be a combination of both. Only the good Lord knew. Unfortunately, he could be a real tool when he was sporting his Hyde character, or was it his Jekyll; she never knew which was which.

  “Told you he looked older.” Nick stated with a chuckle.

  Laney watched as Devan’s long strides ate up the distance between his jeep and the building. For such a big guy he moved gracefully, sort of effortlessly. He filled out that tall frame perfectly, at least in her opinion. And he had great legs, that didn’t seem to feel the chill in air. He’d been wearing shorts and a t-shirt yesterday too, while the three of them were in comfortable pants and longs sleeves. Laney planned to throw on a coat when they left. How Devan wasn’t bothered by the forty-nine degree whether boggled her mind?

  As Devan walked through the door his gaze swept the three of them, starting with Jarrod and ending with her, where it paused. Laney smiled in greeting. His gaze remained fixed on her and her body began to heat up, her senses became ultra aware. Feeling like she was going to start hyperventilating from just his scrutiny Laney bowed her head and resumed a deep fascination with her saduko puzzle.

  “Devan, ten minutes early; excellent start.” Nick greeted enthusiastically. “I want to introduce you to Jarrod, he’s works here as a secondary guide, he’s also a senior at the high school.”

  “Hello.”

  Laney controlled the shiver that threatened at the sound of Devan’s voice. Man, what the heck was wrong with her. Looking up through her lashes Laney could see Jarrod just standing there, staring at Devan. She could understand his astonishment at the sight Devan—though he could have been a little less rude about it. Devan was a foot or more taller than all of them, his head almost touching the ceiling, and his presence was…commanding to say the least. Her dad had been right when he had said that Devan seemed older than his age.

  Devan’s head turned her way again and Laney could feel his gaze even behind the glasses, burning into her. Her head dropped reflexively. Why was she behaving like such a ninny? Laney forced herself to look back up. He was still looking at her so she smiled again and hoped it didn’t look too maniacal. Devan’s head tilted slightly and there might have been a small twitched to his lips.

  “Did you get your uncle to sign permission for this climb today?” Nick asked.

  Devan broke contact, allowing Laney’s breathing to regulate. He reached into his shorts side pocket and handed over a folded sheet of paper.

  Nick gave it a fleeting glance before setting it on the counter. “Looks good. We’re going to be driving out to Red Rock Ridge, which isn’t too far from here. Devan, you’ll show me what you can do, and then I’ll decide whether to hire you.” Nick bent down to pick up the backpack at his feet. “Let’s get going people. There’s a hike scheduled for two o’clock we need to be back for.” Nick headed for the door and Jarrod fell in behind him.

  Laney hopped off the stool, grabbed her coat, and headed around the counter. She could feel Devan’s eyes following her as she walked to the door and as he fell into step behind her the heat of his gaze burned her entire backside. Her breathing began to speed up, her palms dampened, and she felt like hunching her shoulders from the sensory overload. She was able to stop herself, but she did stuff her hands into the pockets of her jacket to cover up their trembling.

  The van they were taking was parked in front of the building, loaded with all the gear they would need for the climb. Nick climbed into the driver side and Laney claimed the front passenger seat. The rear of the van consisted of bench seats. Jarrod took the first bench and Devan folded himself into the second; fold being the opportune description. Once he was seated he had to lean back against the side of the van with his legs stretched out toward the far isle or his head would have been smashed against the roof.

  Laney watched him in sympathy. Poor guy probably had a hard time fitting into a lot of vehicles.

  “Devan; I can sit in the back if the front would be more comfortable for you.” Laney smiled and hoped that her offer wouldn’t embarrass him.

  He looked at her with his head tilted again, as if he were contemplating her words…or studying her. “I’m fine, but thank you.”

  “Everyone buckle up.” Nick announced, starting the van.

  Laney turned away to buckle up her seat belt; as she did she observed Jarrod frowning heavily between her and Devan.

  “So, Nick says that you’re sixteen.”

  Laney leaned back against the door at Jarrod’s comment so she could observe both Devan and Jarrod. Jarrod had pulled himself closer to her side of the vehicle and had turned to face Devan. She couldn’t see Jarrod face, but Devan was positioned in a way that he facing both Laney and Jarrod. With his glasses on there was no way to know who he was looking at.

  “Is that a question or an affirmation?” Devan asked.

  Laney raised her hand to hide a grin. Her dad also grinned. They could both tell from Devan’s tone that he wasn’t being snide; both of them had already determined that Devan was really serious… and literal. Laney had come to the conclusion that Devan lacked certain social etiquette abilities. For some reason this just added to his appeal.

  Jarrod twisted around to give Laney a look of confusion. She just raised her eyebrow at him.

  He twisted back around. "It’s just hard to believe that you’re only sixteen. Are you sure you weren’t kept back a few grades?” Jarrod chuckled at his own joke. Devan remained silent with a bland expression.

  Laney frowned; Mr. Hyde/Jekyll was making a subtle appearance. Jarrod continued talking before Laney could blast him for his rudeness.

  “I hear you did pretty well yesterday, scared away a mountain lion and everything. Some people might not come back after a scare like that.”

  Devan’s head tilt again. Laney was beginning to recognize it as a sign of contemplation.

  “Laney was there and she came back.” Devan commented.

  “Yeah, but these are our woods, we’ve been raised to handle what’s out there.” Jarrod proclaimed.

  Laney’s gaze switched to the back of Jarrod’s head. There seemed to be a surplus of possessiveness to that statement. Laney glanced at her father to see his reaction. Nick was looking up at the review mirror…observing. Her dad was a bit of watcher, something they had in common, and he was waiting to see how things would play out. She knew what he was thinking; that if he did indeed hire Devan then he would want to know how Devan and Jarrod inter
acted together.

  “I’ve had a certain amount of familiarity with undomesticated animals.” Devan declared.

  Laney grinned, could he be any more vague and specific at the same time.

  “What’s with the sunglasses, it’s not even sunny out today?”

  Jarrod had been able to keep most of the nastiness out of his tone, but Laney knew he was in full blown ‘tool’ mode now; trying to intimidate Devan. Laney had also recognized that Devan was sensitive about his eyes, she didn’t know why because they were completely awesome, so she wasn’t going to let Jarrod haranguer him about it.

  “Jarrod, is it really any of your business why. Why do you wear your pants a size too big? I’ve been telling you for ages it doesn’t do anything for your butt.”

  Jarrod’s head jerked her way sporting a huge scowl. Laney just grinned at him. They were always needling each other so she knew he would take it as another zinger.

  “Laney, that better be coming from a fashion standpoint and not from a personal perspective.” Nick interjected in mildly, causing Laney to just grin bigger. “And Jarrod, what Devan wears on his face is his business…just as your pants are yours.” Nick smirked.

  Jarrod wiped the scowl off his face at her dad’s interjection. Laney was aware he liked to display a good front toward adults. Jarrod might be her friend, but she was conscious of his faults. All she could do was correct him when she caught him acting like a complete butt head.

  “My glasses are prescription.”

  Devan’s comment had everyone looking his way, her dad through the review mirror.

  “I have photosensitivity, and any kind of light is damaging to my iris.” Devan’s continued with and unreadable expression—drat those glasses. Laney realized that his eye color must be connected to the eye sensitivity, and she also realized she wouldn’t be seeing those eyes again anytime soon—drat that eye sensitivity.