Chapter 10: A Safe Haven?
Alex's heart was racing as Ethan pushed her towards the cabin. She stumbled forward, her eyes fixed on the door as Ethan slammed it shut behind them.
"Lock it," Ethan said, his voice low and urgent.
Alex fumbled for the lock, her hands shaking as she turned the key. She leaned against the door, her heart pounding in her chest.
Ethan turned to her, his eyes scanning her face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft.
Alex nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Ethan's eyes lingered on hers for a moment before he turned away, scanning the cabin. It was small, with a fireplace at one end and a kitchenette at the other.
"Who does this cabin belong to?" Alex asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Ethan hesitated before answering. "It belongs to a friend," he said finally. "Someone I trust."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "A friend?" she repeated. "Who?"
Ethan sighed. "Just someone I've known for a long time," he said. "Someone who can help us."
Alex's eyes narrowed. She didn't like the sound of this. Who was this mysterious friend, and why was Ethan being so secretive?
But before she could ask any more questions, Ethan's phone rang. He hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Yes?" he said, his voice cautious.
Alex watched as Ethan's expression changed from cautious to relieved.
"Thanks, man," Ethan said, his voice filled with gratitude. "We owe you one."
As Ethan ended the call, Alex raised an eyebrow. "Who was that?" she asked.
Ethan smiled. "That was our host," he said. "He's going to bring us some supplies."
Alex's eyes widened. "Supplies?" she repeated. "What kind of supplies?"
Ethan's smile grew wider. "Food, water, that kind of thing," he said. "We're going to be here for a while."
Alex's heart sank. A while? How long was a while?
But before she could ask any more questions, there was a knock at the door.
Ethan's eyes locked on hers. "That's our host," he said, his voice low. "Let's go."
As Ethan opened the door, Alex saw a tall, imposing figure standing in the doorway. He was dressed in camouflage gear, and his face was obscured by a baseball cap.
"Hey, man," the figure said, his voice deep and gravelly. "Glad you made it."
Ethan nodded, his eyes locked on the figure. "Thanks, man," he said. "We appreciate it."
As the figure handed Ethan a bag of supplies, Alex felt a sense of unease wash over her. Who was this mysterious figure, and what did he want from them?
But before she could ask any more questions, the figure turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Alex and Ethan alone in the cabin.
As the door closed behind him, Alex turned to Ethan, her eyes wide with fear.
"Who was that?" she whispered.
Ethan's eyes locked on hers. "Like I said, just a friend," he said, his voice soft.
But Alex wasn't convinced. There was something about the figure that didn't add up.
And as she looked into Ethan's eyes, Alex saw something there that made her heart skip a beat.
A glimmer of deceit.
Alex's eyes narrowed. What was Ethan hiding from her?
And why?