Having watched Sadie disappear into the forest, I thought the Fringers had mastered the art of being hidden. That wasn’t the case at all. I began noticing things here and there that confirmed the co-op was close by. It seemed Fringers were less careful about leaving a trail the closer we were to their camp. Maybe it was their way of warning outsiders they were getting too close to Fringer territory. Seeing evidence of others who lived in the woods made me feel a sense of safety. I became more relaxed when I saw footprints going down a muddy path. The woods didn’t feel as creepy to me when I knew others lived there.

Until a bear-like man, covered from head to toe in camouflage, stepped out of the shadows, giving me a mini-heart attack.

James didn’t see the man on the path, and he bumped right into him. Lifting his head, he laughed as he took the man in. “A bit much, isn’t it, Knox?”

“I’d say it’s about perfect since you didn’t notice me,” Knox said. “Don’t think I didn’t see you jump like a little girl. No offense, young lady.”

“None taken,” I said, giving him a smile.

“What’s wrong with you, not even watching where you’re going?” He punched James lightly on the arm. James returned the gesture, barely missing Knox when he jumped out of reach. “Face it. I’m too fast for you, old man.”

“You’ve got at least a year on me, Knox,” James said, clapping him on his back.

“Not when it comes to maturity,” Knox said. He gave me a wink, and I saw a wide grin underneath his camo-painted face. “You’ve got to be Lilly.”

“I couldn’t be even if I wanted to,” I said. “I’m Leath.”

Knox laughed a deep, roaring snort. “Having met you, I see why Sadie conveniently forgot your name. She’s a little attached to the old man.” Giving me a conspiratorial look, he lowered his voice. “But me, I’m as unattached as a fish is to land.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I said.

“What do you know about that? You got the password right.” Knox stepped aside, waving us through.

James shook his head. “There is no password,” he said to me.

“And don’t worry about Sadie,” Knox said as he passed us going in the opposite direction. “She’ll come around.”

I raised an eyebrow at James. “Sadie, huh?” I teased.

“Schoolgirl crush,” he said. “She’ll get over it when she gets a little older and realizes I’m no prize. But, you… you’ve got trouble on your hands with Knox.”

“He seems harmless enough,” I said, laughing. “Why does he call you old man?”