Secrets of the Dark Forest

By Jeanine Fricke

Secrets of the Dark Forest continues to follow the lives of Alyssa Walton, a Montana forest ranger, and Olivia Clayton, a book editor. The two women are best friends who live in Missoula, Montana. Meanwhile, mountain man, Ethan Fuller, moves into the area.  

Over a period of years, several women have mysterio

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: May 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781648959066

Jeanine Fricke

Jeanine Fricke was born and spent most of her childhood in Montana. Writing and music, along with her love of the mountains of Montana, have been major parts of her life. She has a BA in journalism from South Dakota State University and is a former cultural affairs reporter for SDSU. She also taught piano and voice lessons for more than forty years. She and her husband, Dan, currently live in southwestern Minnesota with plans to move to the Pacific Northwest soon.

Book preview

Prologue

Monday, September 5

The forest murmured a low, haunting melody, and the branches of ponderosa and lodgepole pines, larch, aspen, and fir trees danced a secret dance in the cool breeze. As the man in deerskin clothing emerged from the trees, the glint of the early September sunlight bounced off the water of the Blackfoot River and temporarily blinded him. He shielded his eyes with his left hand. His right hand kept a firm grip on the rifle he carried wherever he went, and he made his way to the water’s edge. Kneeling on the sandy bank, he laid down the rifle, cupped his hands, and drank from the crystal clear, glacier-cold water.

He knew his gruff appearance, height, and build made him seem much more foreboding than he was. At six feet, seven inches, he towered over most people, and though he was well-muscled, there wasn’t an ounce of fat on him anywhere. He tugged at his long, bushy beard—dark blond streaked with gray. He kept it and the thick shoulder-length hair, which was usually tied back with a leather cord, to provide some protection against the elements.

He wasn’t sure of the exact date, but he knew his birthday was coming up sometime in the next few weeks. Whenever he caught his reflection in the water, his appearance surprised him. At first glance, he could have been anywhere from thirty-six to sixty years old. Truth be told, he was approaching forty-seven, and though he knew a lot of people didn’t handle middle age and beyond very well, it didn’t bother him. One day, one year, was much like the last, and he figured the next would be much the same again.

When he’d had enough water to satisfy his thirst, he stood and stretched his arms toward the sky, then dropped them to his sides, and twisted his neck from side to side and front to back. He’d trekked a long distance with a heavy load since early this morning. The area where he’d made his home for the past six years was getting a bit crowded. New camping grounds had been established for those whose idea of living close to nature meant dragging a huge camper behind a fancy, extended-cab, four-wheel drive pickup to a spot in Montana’s lush green forests where electric and water hookups were available. He shrugged. To each his own, I guess.

Now the man was on the move, seeking a new, as-of-yet unadulterated area, where he could settle in and make a life for himself, living on what nature provided. He’d moved before, several times, having existed as what most people referred to as a mountain man for more than two decades.

A short distance behind him in the forest, he’d stashed all his possessions in the hollow of a fallen tree stump that offered protection from the elements, as well as from animals, including those of the human species. Those possessions—some wrapped in a large deer skin tied with leather straps, others stuffed into an old burlap bag—included all he needed to be comfortable with his unconventional lifestyle.

The list of tools was relatively short. In addition to the rifle, he had a forty-five-caliber pistol, a hunting knife, and a Swiss Army knife he’d had since he was wet behind the ears. These he used for protection, skinning, and gutting animals, and several other uses for which a good sharp knife came in handy. He also had a hatchet and an ax, which he always kept sharpened. Traps of different sizes and styles were the tools of his trade. He caught beavers, minks, squirrels, rabbits, and other small creatures from which he could take furs for trading and have the meat to feed himself, as well.

He kept some fishing line and a few carefully wrapped hooks in his shirt pocket and a slingshot tucked into his waistband. He never knew when he’d have the opportunity to catch a fish or get a bird or small animal to put in his stewpot. An awl was a necessary tool when it came to fashioning clothing for himself from hides he acquired. A few shorter lengths of rope and one long, hefty rope came in handy for, among other things, rappelling steep cliffs and mountainsides. A good pair of binoculars finished off the list.

In addition to the tools of his lifestyle, he carried other items essential for his comfort and survival. A fire steel and flint, or wooden matches when he had them, made starting fires easier than using a bow drill, which he preferred not to do, but could if he had to. Several candles, some store-bought and some scavenged, not only provided him with light but the melted wax was useful in several applications. For cooking, he had an old heavy cast-iron skillet and bean pot and a gray-and-blue-speckled enamel coffeepot. He’d carved a couple wooden plates and bowls and a few wooden eating utensils and supplemented those with some stainless steel ones he’d scavenged along the way. Of course, there was his old canteen for carrying water and a large tarp, which kept him and his belongings dry.

A few extra articles of clothing comprised his wardrobe, including a pair of mittens made from rabbit fur, a poncho he’d fashioned by cutting a hole in a large piece of canvas, one extra shirt and pair of pants, and a raccoon skin hat.

He also had a few staple groceries, including flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, dried beans, coffee, and lard. These items he bought with money he earned from the sale of furs he trapped. He used them sparingly because he never knew when his next trip into civilization would be. Other items he needed he made from the resources available to him in the forest.

The only things he had that didn’t qualify as tools or survival necessities were a few intricate figures he’d carved over the years and a tarnished silver-framed picture of a young, smiling, hopeful couple on their wedding day. He didn’t much resemble the young man in the photo anymore, but it was who he’d been twenty-five years ago. The young woman, Phoebe, his bride, was long dead. He would give up everything else, if he had to, but never the picture.

Pushing the memory to the back of his mind, he took stock of his current situation. He reckoned he was somewhere between fifteen and twenty miles from Missoula. He was somewhat familiar with the area, though it had grown and changed dramatically since he’d been a young boy growing up on a ranch in the area. Sadly, some of the mountainsides were now bald, having been stripped of their beautiful trees by folks who thought the huge log mansions they built would satisfy their comfort needs.

Fortunately, there were still millions of acres of protected forests. Here the forests were thick, and the towering mountains protected their inhabitants from the harsh elements. Here, in such an area, was where he planned to make his new camp.

He looked around, taking in a few landmarks. They would be etched onto his mind so he would always know his directions from their locations. Now he turned back toward the forest and headed for the hollow log. He would retrieve his belongings and follow the river upstream until he found a place shallow and slow enough where he could cross. Once on the other side, he would retreat into the trees again and search for a place to set up a temporary camp. Tomorrow he’d be on the move again.

Chapter 1

Thursday, September 15

Afternoon

Ranger Alyssa Walton climbed out of the Jeep and went around to the back to get the motion-sensitive camera. This area was far off the beaten track, but some campers preferred a site like this over the more developed ones, which tended to be much more crowded than they liked. This campsite was little more than a small, flat clearing in the forest, its only amenities a firepit and a trash can. Only die-hard nature lovers preferred to set up their tents here. For them, the peace and beauty of these surroundings more than made up for the lack of modern conveniences.

The danger here was that because it was farther from civilization, it was more likely that an occasional bear, mountain lion, or wolf would wander in looking for an easy meal. The purpose of the camera was so rangers could keep track of these wild visitors. If it looked like they would pose a problem, the rangers would either close off the site for a while or discourage the larger wildlife from hanging around. In recent years, they’d relocated a few bears and lions to areas that were even more remote than this. It wasn’t necessarily something they enjoyed doing, but it did save lives—those of both campers and wildlife.

Alyssa surveyed the area, looking for fresh tracks and scat, signs of recent animal activity. She patted the gun holstered at her side. She wasn’t worried, just cautious. She’d been a ranger long enough to know what to look for and how to take care of herself.

She saw nothing to concern her, so she picked up her equipment and looked around for a likely tree to place the camera. She spotted a tall lodgepole pine that should do nicely. No branches on the lower seven or eight feet of the tree offered an unobstructed view. She moved to the tree and reached up as high as she could. She worked quickly and efficiently. She backed away from the camera and gave two thumbs-up when she was satisfied that it was placed where she wanted it. Then she turned to check out the rest of the campsite. The lid on the trash can was still secure, and the grate on the firepit was in good shape. A couple limbs had fallen from an old tree that looked like it may need to be cut down. She dragged the broken limbs back into the trees a short distance and took a yellow ribbon from her pocket to tie around the trunk of the old tree. She hated to see the trees cut, but when they started to rot, like this one, there was the danger of their falling on someone in a high wind.

Reasonably sure the rest of the site was in good shape, Alyssa stood with her hands on her hips and breathed in the fresh, pine-scented air. As she did, she noticed another faint scent in the air. The scent of wood smoke. Was someone camping up here somewhere? If she had time, she’d check it out, but she didn’t. I’m sure it’s fine.

Looking around, she thought she saw a flicker of movement off to her left and up the slope about fifty yards. Probably a deer, or possibly a bear. She watched for a few more minutes and then decided whatever it was had gone on its way.

Alyssa turned and started back down the footpath toward where she’d parked her Jeep. She stopped once and glanced back over her shoulder, unable to rid herself of the scalp-prickling feeling of being watched. She saw nothing out of the ordinary, though, so she resumed her downhill hike.

As she walked, she checked the watch on her wrist. Almost three o’clock already. By the time she got back to the ranger station, checked back in, and filled out her reports, she’d have just enough time to get home and get ready before her closest friend, Olivia, and her husband, Detective Shel Sheldon, picked her up for their evening out together.

It had surprised her somewhat when Shel had asked her to join Olivia and him for dinner tonight, although she didn’t know why she should be surprised. Shel had become a special friend the day he married her best friend. He’d never complained, as far as she knew, when she and Olivia planned an outing that didn’t include him. He was always outgoing and entertaining when she was invited to join them for a meal at their house. She would have thought the newlyweds would want to spend most of their time together alone, but she continued to be included in their activities at least a couple of times a month.

At first Alyssa had worried that Olivia, her closest friend for all their lives, would be too caught up in her own new life to want to spend her time with her. Now, as she remembered the slight tinge of jealousy she’d briefly experienced at Olivia’s wedding, she realized how ridiculous she’d been to have worried. She and Olivia were as close as they’d ever been. They talked on the phone almost every day, often more than once. They had lunch at least once a week, and they shared their secrets, their concerns, and their joys with each other. Nothing had changed, except that Olivia was happier than Alyssa had seen her in a long time.

She reached the Jeep and climbed inside. She turned the key in the ignition and smiled, looking forward to the coming dinner with her friends. She turned around on the bumpy trail and started toward the ranger station, a good hour away from where she was. She focused on the trail ahead, which was little more than two ruts in the dirt, trying to avoid any obstacles in her path.

*****

The man in deerskin clothing watched from behind a large boulder as the forest ranger mounted a motion-sensitive camera on a tree. She moved with a certain, natural grace, and yet he sensed confidence and determination in her manner, as well.

Ethan Lane Fuller had been alone for so long now that he rarely ever heard his name spoken aloud, which suited him fine. He’d taken a lot of ribbing about his initials as a kid and as a teen. Even though his height and build hardly qualified him as one, he’d reluctantly taken on the nickname Elf.

Ethan had few friends, most of them the traders with whom he dealt and a few other men who lived the same lifestyle as he. The only times he had human contact were the few times a year when he came down out of the mountains to trade his furs, antlers, and other items given up by nature that someone might find of some value.

When he moved to a new location, he was forced to connect with new people, something he wished he could avoid altogether. But he had to earn enough money somehow to buy the minimal items he couldn’t find in his wooded surroundings.

Now as the woman worked downslope from him about fifty yards, something stirred deep within him that he hadn’t felt for a long time—the need for the warmth and company of another human being. What if…No, he wouldn’t go there. The world had been too cruel to him twenty-five years ago. He wouldn’t let himself be drawn in, only to suffer the same fate again.

He kept his eyes on her. She looked up once, almost directly at him. He knew he was well camouflaged, and she couldn’t see him, but he would have sworn she knew he was there. She turned her head slowly as she surveyed the small clearing in the forest before going back to her task. He shook off the odd sense of unease that suddenly overtook him. Then he turned and moved away from his hiding place.

Years of hunting and tracking had taught him to move stealthily, almost silently, through the forest. He used the thick forest growth as cover and moved about seventy-five yards to his right before going farther up the mountainside. He was confident the woman hadn’t seen him.

He was a little surprised to realize he also was slightly disappointed.

As he continued to observe her from his new position, he caught a flash of light from the corner of his eye. Was someone up there watching the scene below with binoculars? He turned to look for a source and wondered if she’d noticed it. Probably not. She was focused on the trail.

He was concerned there might be someone else in the area. He made a mental note to be extra vigilant as he turned toward his camp.

Chapter 2

Thursday, September 15

Evening

When Olivia and Shel arrived at Alyssa’s house to pick her up, she smiled and invited them in. Hope you didn’t have any trouble finding my new place, she said with a wink.

They all laughed. Alyssa had purchased Shel’s house just a few months ago. It was a good size for her. Her previous home had seemed too big and empty the last several months she’d lived there.

Since she’d lost her husband and both sons in a terrible car accident, there were just too many memories in the big house for her. For a long time after their deaths, she wandered from room to room, touching the things that had been important to each of them. The trophies Jeremy won in cross country and the collection of short stories Oliver wrote brought a sad smile to her face. The award Rob received from the forestry department for rescuing a little girl who’d fallen over a cliff renewed the pride she’d felt for her husband. Alyssa knew she would never give up some of their things. Others, like most of their clothing, she eventually packed in boxes and donated to Goodwill.

When Olivia suggested Alyssa buy Shel’s house, both Shel and Alyssa thought it was a great idea. Shel had lived in the craftsman-style house with his wife, who died of cancer several years ago. He was ready to move on with his new life with Olivia, and since she’d just bought a beautiful house outside of Missoula, with an amazing view of the valley, the two of them decided to stay there.

Alyssa loved Shel’s house—with its original woodwork, beautiful fireplace, and built-in bookcases—the instant she stepped inside. She also loved the yard and was anxious to start restoring the flower beds and vegetable garden Shel’s wife had once tended. Only a week after she was settled into her new home, she adopted a puppy from the animal shelter, and one week after that, she adopted a kitten. They were good company, and it was great fun to watch the two of them cavorting about the house. Finally, Alyssa was beginning to feel more like her old self again.

Now she offered a seat to Olivia and Shel and told them she’d be ready in a minute. She needed to put up the baby gate to keep the two mischievous animals in the kitchen while she was gone. Both of their beds were in there, though they usually enjoyed snuggling together in one or the other. Their basket of toys was there, too, so they had plenty to occupy themselves while she was away. She made sure they had water, cuddled them both briefly as they wriggled in her arms, and told them to be good while she was gone.

I know I spoil them, she said, but I just can’t help it.

You can’t spoil them with love, Shel said. As long as they learn discipline and aren’t spoiled with too many treats, they’ll grow up to be good pets for you.

Maybe I should get a few pointers from you, Alyssa said. You did such a good job with Columbo.

Shel grinned. I can show you a few things to help you get started.

That would be great. Okay, I think I’m ready. Shall we go? Alyssa grabbed her jacket from the back of a chair and moved toward the front door. Olivia and Shel followed and waited on the porch while Alyssa locked the door behind her.

On the way to Danny’s, their favorite eatery, they engaged in small talk about the weather, the upcoming football season, and the university’s team. By the time they exhausted those topics, Shel was pulling into the parking lot, which was nearly full, even though it was a Thursday evening.

He opened the back door for Alyssa before going around to open his wife’s. Then he offered an arm to each of them, and they crossed the parking lot to the restaurant’s entrance.

Danny was behind the receptionist’s podium when they got inside. Welcome! He stepped out to give Olivia and Alyssa each a warm hug and to shake Shel’s hand. Just one moment while I find someone else to take over here, and then I’ll show you to our table.

No problem. Shel ushered the two women to a leather-cushioned bench against the wall.

"Our table?" Alyssa said, after Danny walked away. She didn’t remember Shel’s mentioning that Danny would be joining them.

Oh, did I forget to tell you Danny is having dinner with us? Shel feigned innocence.

You know you…

Just then, Danny walked over to where they sat. His replacement was ready to take over, so he led them to a table near the fireplace. Is this okay?

Certainly, Olivia said. It’s wonderful. I love the fireplace, and there’s just a bit of a nip in the air this evening.

Shel held Olivia’s chair for her while Danny seated Alyssa. As soon as the men were seated, a waitress arrived to take drink orders and deliver menus. Danny asked her to bring a carafe of the house wine and some appetizers while they waited for their meals.

Shel looked over the menu. What do you suggest?

The trout is good, Danny said, and either rice pilaf or a pasta side dish, along with the house salad and freshly baked dinner rolls. I also would recommend the seafood fettuccini with a side of ginger-and-garlic green beans and dinner rolls.

After some thought and a brief discussion, both women decided on the fettuccini, and the men chose the trout. While their meals were being prepared, they enjoyed a platter of breaded mushrooms, fried green beans, mozzarella cheeseballs, and fried dill pickles. Danny kept their wineglasses filled, and the four of them kept up an easy conversation. In about fifteen minutes their meals were served, and they stopped talking to enjoy the food for a few minutes.

The university’s homecoming is in a few weeks. The game is on October first, Shel said. Are you going, Alyssa? The Grizzlies have a pretty good chance of winning this year, from what I’ve seen.

Oh, I don’t know, Alyssa said. I used to go with Rob and the boys, but I’ve kind of lost interest since they’ve been gone. Her voice softened. It’s no fun going alone. She gazed over Shel’s right shoulder, lost for a moment in memories of games she and her family had attended.

Well, I bet you wouldn’t have to go alone, would she, Danny? He tossed a grin toward his friend. Danny goes to the homecoming game every year. I’m sure he’d love the company of an attractive woman. Wouldn’t you, buddy?

What? Oh, uh, sure. Danny appeared to choke a little on a sip of wine. A pretty woman is always welcome to join me. He recovered quickly from his surprise at Shel’s unexpected suggestion and looked at Alyssa. That is, if you want the company of an avid football fan who’ll probably embarrass you with his—um—let’s call it enthusiasm.

Oh, I’m not sure, Alyssa said. I…

You don’t have other plans, do you? Olivia leaned forward. Why not go with Danny? It’d be good for you to get out and have some fun. All you ever do lately is work.

But I love my work. To me, that is fun, Alyssa said.

Okay, I know that, but you know what I mean. You need to see other people. Have a little excitement in your life once in a while. Come on, Lissy. Just do it.

Alyssa and Danny looked at each other.

Do you get the feeling we’ve been set up? Danny chuckled.

What gave you that idea? Alyssa shot what she hoped was a stern look at Olivia. Then she smiled at Danny. Okay, I’ll go, but only if you let me pack a lunch to take along.

It’s a deal. Danny blushed. I mean, a date. I’ll pick you up on Saturday, homecoming day, at nine. We’ll take in the parade, have lunch, and go to the game. Sound okay?

Alyssa nodded. Sure. I’ll be ready.

Great! That’s settled then. Olivia beamed. See? I told you it was a good idea, she said to Shel who shrugged and raised an eyebrow.

Alyssa gave Olivia a we’ll-talk-about-this-later look and returned to her meal. This fettuccini is delicious, by the way, Danny. There’s something different in it that I can’t quite put my finger on. What is it?

Secret ingredient, Danny said. I could tell you, but then…

You’d have to shoot me, I know. Alyssa laughed.

That’s right. It’s a recipe passed down from my great-grandmother, and anyone considered worthy of getting it has to swear to keep it in the family. Glad you like it, though.

I do. Very much. Alyssa turned her attention back to her meal while Olivia turned to Shel with a wink and a grin.

The four of them enjoyed their meals in silence again until Alyssa caught Olivia’s eye. I have an idea. Livvy, why don’t you and Shel join us at the game, and afterward we can all go back to my place for a wienie roast? I’ve been waiting for an excuse to try out that beautiful firepit you put in the backyard, Shel.

That’s a great idea, Danny said. I’ll bring a side dish and a salad. You bring the wine, Shel.

And s’mores for dessert. Alyssa was pleased that she seemed to have turned the date for two into a gathering of friends.

Well, I don’t know. Olivia shook her head. We kind of had plans already.

Nothing that can’t be changed, though. Shel ignored the nudge Alyssa saw Olivia give him under the table. How ’bout if we pick up both of you a little before nine and we can see the parade together?

They discussed plans for the day for a few more minutes, and then Danny suggested they all try one of the desserts for which his restaurant was so well-known.

Oh, I couldn’t eat another bite, Alyssa said, but the rest of you go ahead.

Not me, Olivia said. I’m so full I could burst.

Shel looked slightly disappointed. Well, I guess I’ll pass, too. I could stand to lose a couple of inches around the waist.

Your waist is just fine, Olivia said. If you want dessert, go ahead. We don’t mind, do we, Lissy?

Not at all. In fact, if you want to get two forks, I might have just a taste or two of yours, Danny, if that’s okay.

Sure thing. I’ll be right back. He rose to tend to their desserts himself.

When he returned with four plates heaped with decadent-looking blueberry pie, topped with freshly whipped cream, the two women groaned.

I’ll never make it through all that, Alyssa said.

Not a problem. Danny motioned to the waitress who’d followed him to their table. I brought doggie bags—er—boxes. You can have your dessert and eat it, too. With a flourish, he took the Styrofoam containers from the waitress and set them down in front of Alyssa and Olivia. Now you can have them whenever you want, as long as it’s within the next day or two. After that, I won’t guarantee how they’ll taste.

Okay. Alyssa gave in. One bite now, just so I can look you in the face and honestly tell you how good it is. The rest I’ll save for tomorrow. She took a bite of the pie and then another.

Olivia laughed. I thought you said one bite, Lissy.

Oh, but this is too good to stop at one bite. Just one more. I really am full. Alyssa put a third forkful into her mouth. Then she reluctantly put the rest of her pie in the container and closed the lid. That really is heavenly, Danny. I wish I could bake like this.

Well, this time I can’t take the credit for it. My pastry chef, Jake, made this one. I’ll pass the compliment along to him.

The four of them talked amiably for another five minutes or so, and then Shel declared it was time to go. I have to get up early in the morning. I’m taking Columbo out with me tomorrow for a little training in the forest.

Oh? Where will you be? Alyssa asked. I think I’ll be up north, near Lone Man’s Road. I want to check out Ginny’s new resort to see how it’s doing and make sure the roads are in decent condition. She had a lot of heavy traffic up there this summer, and that can take a toll on those dirt roads.

I’ll be near there, but not quite that close, Shel said. If I have time, though, I might swing over that direction and say hi.

Good. Maybe I’ll see you, then, Alyssa said.

Shel and Danny rose to pull the women’s chairs back for them. Danny walked them to the door, thanked them for letting him join them for dinner, and told Alyssa he looked forward to seeing her in a couple of weeks.

When Alyssa, Olivia, and Shel reached his car in the parking lot, Alyssa turned to Oliva and pointed an accusing finger at her, but before she could get a word out, Olivia said, Now, Lissy, don’t be mad. You know I’m right. You’ve been stagnating, sitting there by yourself night after night. I know it’ll be hard at first, but it’ll get easier. And you know Rob wouldn’t want you to be alone for the rest of your life. No one is saying one day with Danny has to lead to anything, but it’ll do you good to get out of the house and have some fun for a change.

Alyssa opened her mouth to reply, but then thought better of it. Instead, she slid into the back seat while Shel held the door for her.

Olivia got in front and gave her friend a smile in the rearview mirror. You aren’t really mad at me, are you?

No, I guess not. You’re right. Robby wouldn’t want me to sit and mope forever. I guess seeing the parade and going to the game will be kind of fun. And Danny is good company. I’m just not sure he’s my type.

Don’t forget the wienie roast afterward, Shel