The day had started out cool enough, but now that the sun had risen it was becoming unbearably hot. Nigel had unbuttoned his shirt, and was now glad Syd had bought him the hat, even though he did feel a little funny wearing it. He was English after all, not some American cowboy.
Sydney couldn’t help grinning at Nigel and his horse. Lucy had been stubborn, like Zach said she would be at the beginning of the ride, but Nigel and the horse soon came to an understanding. Nigel never lost his patience with Lucy, and soon learned that as long as he periodically gave her a scratch behind the ears she behaved.
Sydney on the other hand had a very gentle, and well behaved horse named Casey. Syd suspected Nigel had made the arrangements. She had only been on a horse a couple of times in her life, and was not a very experience rider. It was just like Nigel. Sydney decided not to say anything about it since Nigel tended to get embarrassed when she caught him being chivalrous.
Syd had fallen back, and was now at the rear of the group watching the others.
Nigel was towards the front speaking to Amy, who had stayed close to him since they had started out.
Sydney was not usually the jealous type, she knew she could trust Nigel completely, but there was still a part of her that didn’t like the interest Amy had taken in him. Sydney knew Nigel was hers, but there were times that she wished they didn’t have to hide it, to just be like any other couple would be nice.
Lee and Andy were in the lead laughing and talking.
Andy rode in front of Syd, as it turned out he was an avid photographer, and was taking pictures of the group as well as the surrounding terrain.
The area was beautiful. Cacti, wildflowers, mesquite, rock spires and cliffs could be seen in almost every direction . Jackrabbits were seen occasionally along the trail as well as some birds.
Making their way through one of the many meandering canyons the area was known for, Sydney had the distinct feeling they were being watched. As inconspicuously as she could, Sydney scanned the area, but she did not see anyone else. Her guard up even more now, Syd kept a close eye on Nigel. As soon as she could get a few minutes alone with Nigel, she would tell him her suspicions.
Nigel also felt they were being observed. He kept up appearances with Amy and didn’t let his concern show on his face. The first moment he could talk to Syd he planned to tell her his belief they were being followed.
After they made their way out of the canyon it was decided that they would stop for lunch, giving them all time to rest and stretch their legs.
Nigel and Sydney got the couple minutes they needed together and neither was surprised that they had felt the same thing while in the canyon.
Nigel now remembered the momentary shiver he had felt when they had started out that morning. Why did he have the feeling things were going to heat up in more ways than one. This time he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease, as he’d done earlier.
Go to Part Nine.