Free 6 Maple Leaf Hunter by Maddie Cochere Page A

one in modern times has ever been hurt by a Bigfoot or a Sasquatch,” Alex went on to say. “Some people think they’re supernatural beings, and they can disappear at will. That’s why there are reports of them being seen, but there are very few reports of them being tracked or followed.” He paused for a moment before saying, “I’m not afraid.”
    Dan looked sober as he said, “If you heard one, you might change your mind.”
    Alex shrugged his shoulders and said, “I also read a bright spotlight will cause one to leave you alone at night more than loud noises or even warning shots from a gun.” He looked at Nate and said, “You need to carry one of those bright LED flashlights with you.”
    Nate nodded his head vigorously.
    Mick looked affectionately at his friends and said, “I’m really sorry to hear this. I don’t know how I can help you, but I’ll do anything. Just tell me what to do.”
    “Thank you,” Emily said, “but we’re baffled. How do you tell people there’s no Sasquatch when they’ve heard it?”
    We all sat quiet for a few minutes. The crackling fire was comforting, and the room had such a serene feel, it seemed impossible there could be anything wrong here.
    “I’ll tell you one thing I’m doing,” Mick said. “I’m paying for everything while we’re here. No free rooms, campsites, food – nothing free.” He looked over at Darby and Nate. “I’ll take care of your bill, too.”
    Everyone protested, but Mick refused to listen. He turned the conversation to sleeping arrangements. “Where’s everyone staying?” he asked.
    “Nate and I can stay in the RV,” Darby said. “We’ll hook up at one of the campsites.”
    Nate appeared alarmed at the idea of staying in the RV. I’m sure he was worried about staying in the campground with a Sasquatch on the loose.
    Alex saw Nate’s reaction and said, “Don’t worry about it, Nate. I didn’t read anything about a Bigfoot knowing how to open a door.”
    “Do you want to stay with us?” Darby asked Alex. “You might get to hear one in the night.”
    Alex looked at his dad and said, “I’d like to stay in one of the cabins.”
    Mick thought about it for a few moments before saying, “I think that would be all right. Just be sure to keep your door locked.”
    “What about us?” I asked Mick.
    He smiled and said, “We’re staying here in the lodge, and I suggest we all get some sleep if we’re going to get up early and get out on the river.”
    “Would you mind if I slept in tomorrow?” Alex asked. “I’ll go out on Wednesday, but I think I’d like to hang around here for a day. I’ll swim, maybe fish from the dock, and I can give Dan a hand if he needs help with anything.”
    “It’s ok with me if it’s ok with him,” Mick said.
    “Fine by me,” Dan said. “I can use a hand with the fire pit out back.”
    Emily led me up to our room while Mick walked out with Darby and Nate to grab our suitcases from the RV. Dan took Alex over to the cabin nearest the lodge to show him around and make sure he was comfortable.
    When Mick entered the room, I asked, “What do you think about all of this? Do you believe there’s really a Sasquatch out there?”
    He opened our suitcases on the bed and began putting his clothes away in the dresser. “I don’t know,” he said. “There’s obviously something going on to affect their business like this.”
    I didn’t say anything. I took his lead and began unpacking.
    “Are you sure you want to get up early and go tomorrow?” he asked. “You can stay here with Alex if you’d like a day to relax.”
    “I wouldn’t miss it,” I said. “Unless you want me to stay here to keep an eye on him, I’m looking forward to going.”
    “No,” he said, gathering me into his arms for a kiss. “I want you to go. I want to see you put a worm on a hook.”
    I pushed him away with a light tap on his chest and said, “I can hold my own in a boat. You’ll see.”
    He laughed and