Cassidy thought that was a great idea. “The only problem is that they’d have to wait to shift until after they open the door.”
“I’m betting we could keep the door propped open or set up some kind of system where they could press a string with their paw to open the latch.”
"That could work."
It didn’t take long before they reached the park. They piled out of their cars and put on their packs.
“How long is the hike?” Ian asked.
“In this weather, it would take me at about ninety minutes. With this many people, however, I'd say close to two hours,” Zach said.
“Let’s get going then.”
For the most part, they walked single-file in silence. She suspected the three newcomers were studying the area to make sure they could come and go without getting lost. They had discussed the possibility of one or more wolves hiding near the parking lot when Doug and his group arrived. Once the Kitcheners entered the woods, the reinforcements would follow far behind. It would defeat the purpose if the Kitcheners sensed their presence.
Since Zach said he could get a hold of several satellite phones, he suggested whoever was watching the parking lot could call him on the phone as soon as the Kitchener Clan arrived.
"Sounds good, but let's scope out the place before we decide," Ian said.
"I'm good with that," Zach said.
Ian was trained in military tactics. Zach was not.
When they reached the area where Zach had been attacked, Mike pointed it out.
“Thanks for the reminder, buddy,” Zach said.
“Hey, the more places that have stories associated with them, the easier it will be for everyone to keep their bearings.”
That made sense.
“How about we take a five-minute break for a drink and a snack?" Zach suggested. "It’s not too much farther from here." They took off their packs and grabbed some snacks. When break time was up, they continued onto the cabin.
“How will they find the cabin?” Mick asked.
“If you look hard, you can see something in the distance. That’s how I found it,” Cassidy said.
“Can we do something that’s not obvious to indicate your cabin is back there?” Mick asked.
“Mason suggested we light a fire in the fireplace,” Cassidy said. “I had one going when I was staying here.”
“Zach and I knew where the cabin was so we didn’t question the smoke smell. I assumed it was from someone camping nearby.”
“True, though we saw the smoke even before we crossed the metal bar that has ano trespassingsign on it. That’s when we realized someone was in the cabin,” Zach told them.
“That has potential,” Ian said.
“We’ll also block the path that the hikers use." Zach pointed to it. "When the Kitchener Clan arrives, they’ll think this is the normal way,” Mike said.
“Good thinking,” Ian shot back.
When they reached the bar that indicated they were entering private property, they stepped over it and hiked up to the cabin.
When Charley saw it, her eyes lit up. “It’s cute.”
“It’s cold,” Cassidy told her.
“You said there is a fireplace.”