Chapter One: Run

Jo's Point of View... I ran as fast as I could, forcing my feet to move. There was no trail; this was the forest, and I was creating a path for myself as I sprinted through the dense area. I pushed myself forward with all my might, even as the branches of the towering trees reached out to graze my arms and legs. I weaved through the forest, each step demanding agility and quick reflexes I did not have as I stumbled continuously. The ancient forest was breathtaking, and after hiking it with some friends from college, I was horrified to find that my Dad had plans to develop the land. The crystal blue waters, magnificent red pines, and panoramic cliffs captivated me. Not only was this land beautiful, but it was ecologically critical as one of the last old-growth red pine forests. But my Dad didn’t see that. He only saw money to be made. The importance of this land was not of concern to him. Building his fortune and creating a legacy for himself was his sole focus. He was a billionaire, after all. When my friends decided to join the protest of the development of this land, I came with them. This protest had been peaceful, so I didn't expect the company's security to be sent to remove us. Time is money, though, and our presence hindered the work the company wanted to do. Hence, reinforcements were sent here to make us leave so work could resume. My heart broke as I thought about the devastation that would occur with cutting down the ancient forests. How the majestic trees I had grown to love would be reduced to stumps. Tears ran down my frozen cheeks as I continued to run. The situation was unfortunate and infuriating. But, at the same time, what was I thinking? I silently fumed at my ill-thought-out political exuberance. Dad would be beyond furious if he found out I was here. He’d been clear the last time I was arrested for protesting the development of an area he'd been instrumental in. I’d been warned that his PR team had worked miracles to keep my name out of the media, and they would not do it again. Stay out of the way, find a new cause to champion, or face the consequences. As the adopted daughter of a ruthless billionaire, I was not spared his wrath or punishment. It wouldn't be as simple as cutting me off with any financial support. No, it would be much worse. When I’d seen the company's security enter the encampment, I fled. My friends didn’t know my real name, and I was careful to keep my identity hidden. They would have thought I was a spy for my father. I would never do that, but they did not know it. Hell, I’d think the same if the positions were reversed. They didn't know me. Not the real me. They only knew the carefully crafted persona I chose to share with others, which wasn't much. It was better that way for them and me. I couldn't risk my Dad's punishment. He wouldn't just harm me. Dad would go after my friends, too. So, I turned and did the only thing I could, I ran. The cold wind whipped my long chestnut hair around my face. I gripped my backpack tightly as I continued to run through the forest. The ground was uneven, with exposed roots and scattered rocks creating a dangerous unpredictability to my flight as I raced away from the danger behind me. I was grateful I’d dressed for the late autumn weather; the temperature had plummeted today, and I could see my breath in the air as I raced. I needed to get further into the forest and out of sight. I couldn’t be seen. I didn't know where I was going but needed to ensure I wasn't seen or caught. I spotted a small clearing in the distance and moved quickly to it. I removed my bag and sat on one of the larger rocks on the ground, finding respite from the dense thicket of trees that enveloped it. I ached for a hot cup of tea, a good book, and a warm blanket to snuggle in to enjoy this hidden gem. Had I only been hiking, this would have been the perfect spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. The forest was hushed in late autumn as the animals and insects prepared for winter slumber. I sighed and stretched out my athletic, petite frame. Yes, I was not the most coordinated soul, but I'd been graced with an athletic build and considerable stamina. My Dad had always been frustrated that I was not interested in sports but instead curled up with a good book or waged a battle on one of the many online video games I played. I rifled through my bag to find a protein bar and a water bottle. It was starting to get dark, and I needed to figure out what I would do next—enough time had passed that the security personnel would have cleared out, along with the protestors. If I moved quickly, I could return to where we had gathered before it became too dark to see. There was a strong enough signal from the nearby cell phone tower to call a ride and get back home before anyone realized I was gone. I’d have to come up with a reasonable explanation for why I had fled, or I could ghost the friends I’d made. I’d done that before. It was easier to drift away than establish relationships I could not keep. I’d never had a best friend, let alone a boyfriend. My Dad had my whole life planned out for me, my story already written, whether or not I wanted it to be. My hazel eyes narrowed at the movement I saw in the distance. Someone or something was watching me. I shivered at the intensity of the gaze. I couldn't determine who or what it was, but I felt it. I shoved my water bottle and protein bar wrapper in my bag, quickly put it on, and ran as fast as my little legs could carry me back to the encampment I'd recently fled.