In the Wilderness: Mysterious Journeys, #3

By Jo Carey

Ally and her brothers are in the Canadian wilderness shooting a pilot for a reality TV survival show. Unfortunately, the reality is that mysterious things happen in the Nahanni River Gorge. Can Ally get them all out alive?

Even the experts can be bested by Mother Nature.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jo Carey
• Release date: Aug 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393123231

Jo Carey

Jo Carey grew up in the Midwest but her curiosity and gypsy-spirit has kept her on the move. She's lived in eight US states and spent three years living in Ireland. She has always loved creature movies, so creatures and bugs often show up in her books. Jo, a former information security compliance guru, writes fast-paced, character-driven stories in a variety of genres from medical thrillers to space operas and cozy mysteries. Her novels are filled with humor, romance, and sometimes creatures or aliens, or maybe even all of the above. She often builds her stories around a strong female lead character surrounded by plenty of hunky male heroes. Jo's been under fire on a golf course and climbed out the roof of an elevator in the Netherlands. Life hasn't been boring. Now residing in Texas, setting often plays a huge role in her stories. Jo was intrigued by the League of Planetary Systems, a world her husband, Frank, created for his science fiction books, and she now writes mysteries and other types of tales sets in that world. Jo was bitten by a cat, a fire ant, and a snake, before succumbing to the bite of the writing bug.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

That was great. Thanks, the reporter said, as she packed up her notes and camera. The trip was fabulous. I'm sure you'll get some business from my followers once I post the footage.

Ally, could I have a word with you, Mark, another of the clients who'd just completed the Bigfoot on Zeb's Crest trip with Mysterious Journeys asked. He handed her a business card. I'd like to talk with you and your brothers about a business opportunity. It would be great if we could meet before I leave Misty Valley.

I'm sorry, Mark, we're really busy. Can you tell me what this is all about? she asked, glancing at his card.

I produce shows for the ExploreOutdoors network. I want to talk to you about being part of my newest reality show.

I'm sorry, Mark. Mysterious Journeys is still new, and it takes up most of our time and energy.

If you let me buy you dinner while I explain, I can at least write it off as a business expense. Come on. Help a guy out.

I'll discuss it with Bo and Sven, but no promises, she said.

If you want to hear more, be at the diner at seven, Mark said as he headed for the parking lot.

Ally avoided thinking about her conversation with Mark as she said goodbye to their clients and helped Sven organize the gear in the barn. She knew if she told her brothers what Mark said they'd be all gung-ho about it. They'd been talking about having their own reality show since before they started Mysterious Journeys. With her work for Miles and her MJ work, Ally didn't have time for anything else. And even if she did, a reality show wasn't something she was interested in. She just hoped she was up to the task of convincing her brothers not to pursue whatever Mark was offering.

Do you guys have plans for dinner? Ally asked as she helped her mom clean up the lunch dishes.

Nothing special, Sven said. Is there something we need to discuss?

Remember Mark from the tour, Ally said. He's a producer for ExploreOutdoors. He invited us to dinner at the Blue Plate to discuss a business opportunity. Just as she feared, Sven walked over and high-fived Bo. Yes. A reality show. You called it, man.

Ally rolled her eyes. Their reaction was just what she expected. She filled a mug of coffee before heading to her office in the barn to spend some time on her other job—doing research for best-selling author Miles Stone. She needed the distraction.

XXX

I think we should hear what Mark has in mind, Ally said as they walked down the sidewalk toward the Blue Plate Diner, Misty Valley's only restaurant. No matter what he has to say, we aren't agreeing to anything tonight. She looked each of them directly in the eyes. We'll meet tomorrow to discuss it.

Ally looked around the diner, but Mark wasn't there, so the three Jorgensens took a table in the back and ordered drinks. I hope to get at least two new trips added to the website this weekend, Ally said. Probably the San Luis Valley and the Zone of Silence.

You feeling OK about going back to the Zone, AllyOop? Sven asked.

I think so. Miles is right. People were behind what happened to us there. I just thought we'd have some proof by now. They all looked toward the door when the bell sounded. Mark walked in with his phone to his ear. He waved and made his way to their table.

I'll let you know, he said, as he ended the call. Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting.

No problem, Sven said. This is our oldest brother Bo.

Once the waitress headed back to the kitchen to put in their orders, Mark got right to the point. As I told Ally, I'm a producer for ExploreOutdoors, he said as he handed each of the boys a business card. Are you familiar with any of our shows?

The boys mentioned some of the shows they had seen on the ExploreOutdoors channel. "As you know, there are several other channels that produce similar shows. To set us apart, we want to showcase more remote locations.

I love the sibling vibe you three have and the twist that Ally's the one with the superior outdoor skills is a great bonus.

While they ate dinner, pie, and coffee, Mark continued to talk about his concept for the show and answer the questions Bo and Sven asked. You haven't said much, Ally. Is this something you might be interested in?

We're just getting Mysterious Journeys going, and we don't want to abandon that, she said.

I think we can work out a schedule that will work for you, Mark said. The show would be great publicity for Mysterious Journeys.

Bo and Sven both jumped on that bandwagon with Mark. We'd have more clients than we can handle, Sven said.

The guys weren't ready to let go of the possibility, so they moved the discussion to the local logger bar down the street—The Saw.

With beer added to the equation, Mark talked more freely about some of the locations they were considering for the show. I wouldn't be comfortable leading an expedition of strangers into some of those locations, Ally said. We scout each of the itineraries for Mysterious Journeys before making the final decision about whether or not to offer the trip. Some locations are just too dangerous.

Before the boys ordered their second round, Ally said, I need to call it a night. She stood and shook hands with Mark. We'll discuss what we've heard tonight and be in touch if it's something we want to pursue. Bo, can you walk me out?

Bo wondered why Ally wanted him to walk her to her car. Once they were outside, she stopped and turned to face him. I just wanted to remind you of our agreement. We'll discuss Mark's proposal tomorrow. Don't agree to anything.

CHAPTER TWO

So they want you to do a reality show? Miles said.

"Yeah. Of course, the guys think it's a great idea, but thinking back over what Mark told us, he didn't really