Happy Campers

By Rich Cole

An average couple take a vacation into the wilderness, finding a beautiful spot in the mountains of Appalachia. Here, they hope to reconnect with nature and one another but Gavin, a survivalist and hunting enthusiast, is quickly left with no choice but to rely on his smart but city-dwelling fiancé to navigate through unexpected twists and turns. When their relationship, and Abbey's survival instincts, are tested, tensions will run high. The true test of character is revealed as they are stalked through the Blue Ridge by killers, both beast and human, after discovering a cache of millions. Their love isn't the only thing keeping them together in this harrowing tale of survivalist excitement and drama.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seagull Editions
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223895145

Book preview

Happy Campers

© 2021 Seagull Editions s.r.l.

www.seagulleditions.com

Chapter One

So, where exactly are we staying? Abbey asked, zipping shut her large blue backpack. You said it was a place your parents used to take you, but you haven’t told me where it is.

It’s right off of highway 75, north about two hours, Gavin explained. He was rummaging through his duffle bag and his cooler to make sure he had everything he needed. We’ll be near a river, some natural hot springs, and near the tallest mountain this side of the Mississippi. It will be quiet few days of hiking, nature, and good fishing.

I haven’t fished since I was a child, Abbey laughed, grabbing her purse, and checking it over one final time.   Will we be at a national park or is this a private campground?

It’s not a campground, he chuckled, closing the cooler with a soft snap. Gavin then crossed the room confidently, wrapping an arm around her. It’s private hunting land owned by a friend of the family and it’s like a second home. I used to go out there during high school and college; I’d take my buddies fishing, hunting, hiking, or just spend a crazy weekend on the river. You’ll love it.

It has been years since I’ve left the city, she sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder gently. He smiled, kissing her auburn hair. I really haven’t left the city since I started college over 8 years ago.

Then you’re long overdue, he nodded, kissing her forehead. She just chuckled, pushing back his dark unruly hair from his forehead.

Have I mentioned that I love you, lately? she whispered, kissing his jawline.

You haven’t but it is nice to hear, he smirked, wrapping both arms around her and bringing her closer. And you know that I love you, right?

You do? Abbey giggled, shrugging her shoulders. I had no idea.

Very funny, he sighed, resting his chin on the top of her head now as they embraced. I’d do anything for you...

Even something dangerous? she asked, her eyes wide with admiration. They stared at one another for a moment before they both laughed heartily, hugging one another tightly.

Even something dangerous, Gavin confirmed, wiping his eyes before stroking her lower back. If we run into a wolverine, or a wild cat, or a bear... I’ll protect you.

That’s good to hear, she whispered, her lips dangerously close to his ear.

We have to get going if we’re going to beat the traffic, he insisted, the warmth of her breath making him shiver.

Are you sure? Abbey exhaled in his ear, goosebumps forming on his neck.

You’re insatiable, Gavin growled, capturing her lips hungrily.

Their heated encounter on their small couch was passionate, and soon both were rebuttoning pants and shirts. Abbey lay sprawled on the beige sofa, pulling her cardigan back on over her shoulders. Gavin simply chuckled as she started pulling on her boots, a satisfied smirk on her face. Their apartment, which was all they could afford, was small but cozy. They had decided that instead of having a giant living room, they’d rather have a large dining room table. This table took up most of the large open space that doubled as living room, foyer, and dining room.

They would make good use of the table though, both enjoying cooking and having dinner parties with friends. Usually, Gavin hosted his Saturday night poker games and on Fridays, Abbey would host book club, which included copious amounts of wine. She also enjoyed hosting her parents for holidays, as she was an only child and close with them.

The small apartment was perfect for their lives of entertaining but lately, Gavin had been considering the next step of their relationship. He had hoped that on this trip in the beauty of the mountains, he’d propose to his college sweetheart. Their lives had been simple and quiet up to that point, both working their average jobs with average social lives, but Gavin wanted to make things official. He was a simple guy who liked to just get things done and he knew that Abbey, his Abbey, was the only one for him.

The couple left the apartment, bags and boots rumbling as they descended the single flight of stairs to the parking lot where Gavin’s truck sat. It was a decent little truck, able to take him on his other fishing and hunting adventures in the area. However, it had been a while since Abbey had enjoyed anything like that. Gavin had offered several times to take her fishing, hunting, or hiking but she never seemed to have the time. After finishing her bachelor’s degree, she wanted her masters and for three long years, she worked at it. Finishing it last fall, she worked for weeks to find a good teaching job at the elementary school just up the street from their apartment complex.

It wasn’t long until they were on the road, leaving the small rural city for the long stretch of highway north. The ride was more than enjoyable, Abbey controlling the radio as the two of them sat side by side in the cab of the old Ford. They spoke about what they had packed for the weekend, what they planned on doing, and they also talked about a nice romantic night in the hot spring. Gavin swerved when Abbey distracted him, making sure to keep his eyes firmly on the road as she teased.

After an hour north, and another half hour on some winding back country highway, they stopped at a wide dirt and gravel drive, pulling into the wooded lane slowly. It was surrounded by all sorts of elms, oaks, and evergreens that encased the entire lane in a tunnel of trunks and overhanging branches. There was a large metal cattle gate across the drive, about twenty yards from the road, and Gavin stopped to get out and unlock it.

He explained, after he got back in the car from closing the gate behind them and locking it, how he had a key. He bragged that he was the only one, outside the owner’s family, to have a key to their expansive hunting and fishing grounds. The only rule, he explained as the wound up the drive alongside a flowing river, was that they weren’t allowed to go into the main cabin without permission.

I really don’t mind that rule, Gavin explained, glancing over at Abbey. "Their cabin is