An Ounce of Prevention

"Are there more?" Carmen asked hopefully.

He shook his head. "I think we should go."

Carmen frowned up at him and then followed his troubled gaze to a couple of vans parked in the distance. "Why?"

"I think that's a drug deal going down."

Carmen started to laugh but thought better. "Oh Alex, you've been watching too many movies."

His gaze rested on her and his mouth formed a sour smile. "At least I see something besides roses all the time."

She sighed. "Alex, if you're always looking for trouble, you'll never enjoy yourself. Lighten up."

His attention shifted back to the vans and he watched the two men walk to the back of one van.

"Maybe you're right, but I think we need to get out of here."

"Alright. Let me get at least one picture of the horses."

She snapped several pictures before he interrupted her again.

"Come on. Let's get back to camp."

She turned and started down the mountain without responding. This trip was being ruined by his constant worrying. Still, if it was bothering him that much, maybe they should stick to normal tourist sites.

She was watching the ground for snakes when she rounded a large bolder beside the trail. A hand shot out and grabbed her, nearly knocking her off her feet. The man jerked her forward and put a muscular arm around her neck. She grabbed his arm to keep him from choking her and saw his rifle come up to bear on Alex. Alex stopped, his face losing color.

In an instant she knew he had been right. They had observed a drug deal and now they were going to die, right here in front of each other. Specs of light flickered in her eyes and her mouth felt dry. What about the children?

"You're choking her," Alex said.

The man loosened his grip, allowing her to step away from him. She took a step and her knees buckled, sending her to the ground. She threw out her hands to keep from falling completely, and ended up on her hands and knees.

Alex stepped forward, reaching for her and the man poked the rifle at him.

"Stay where you are," he barked.

Alex stopped and watched anxiously as Carmen staggered to her feet.

"I'm alright," she said in a voice that didn't sound like hers.

She leaned against the bolder and the man reached out, snatching her phone from it's holder at her belt. "You won't need this."

He tossed the phone and it bounced down the rock strewn slope. He jerked the camera on the cord hanging from her neck. She cried out in pain as she tried to retain her footing.