“No, and even if they did, I wouldn’t. No matter what they want, I get to choose my own friends. Only I have to warn you, there may be some security lurking around.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’m used to that sort.”

“And I’m planning to tell my parents about the Coast Guard when I get home. You’ll be my backup.”

Marty got that feeling again, like on the William Henry, of knowing that this moment mattered. “Totally done deal.”

* * *

Chase didn’t come to breakfast, and Lily had no chance to speak with her once they started loading the vans for the trip to the raptor observatory. The campers lined up for the three vans by cabin number while Lily and the counselors checked them off their lists as they entered. Once they were ready to go, Lily climbed aboard the van Chase was driving and settled into the front seat opposite her. The campers’ chatter made conversation on the thirty-minute ride impossible, and she might have been imagining it, but Chase seemed…distant. Usually whenever they were anywhere within sight of each other, she could feel Chase’s gaze upon her. A brief smile, a wink, a raised brow—all carried a special message that spelled interest. And desire. The absence of those subtle connections left her vaguely uneasy, as if she’d lost something but couldn’t see clearly what it was.

“We’ll take a ten-minute break at the information center for everyone to fill their water bottles and use the accommodations,” Chase announced as she turned into the lot. “Make sure you do—there’s no public water available within the borders of the sanctuary. Do not carry any food in your packs. Do not collect any souvenirs—not even stones. This is protected land, so stay on the trails at all times—do not overtake the group ahead of you and stay behind your guide.”

The instant the van stopped, the teens tumbled into the aisles in a chaotic shuffle to gather packs and belongings.

Chase stepped over to Lily. “You all set?”

Lily nodded. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Good. It’s a special place.” Chase smiled, a smile that carried a hint of sadness Lily was certain she was not imagining.

The six groups started off at three- or four-minute intervals with Chase and Lily’s group going last. As they walked, Chase elaborated on the nature of the bird sanctuary that encompassed an area of cliffs and undeveloped mountain ranges bordering 12th Lake and the raptor tower—a platform atop a hundred-foot steel base. The crags and crevices were favorite spots for raptor nests, and from the tower, they’d be able to observe the flights and feeding without disturbing the nesting grounds or the young families.